Honda NSS 125cc MOT pass rate and common failures
Honda NSS 125cc motorcycles pass the MOT 85.13% of the time, measured across 2,092 tests in the DVSA record. A further 4.06% passed only after a defect was put right at the test station.
Calculated from DVSA records for Honda NSS, 124-125cc.
What to check before the MOT
Built from this model's own failure record, not general advice.
- Start with tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm - it accounts for 33.6% of failed tests on this model.
- Then check less than 1.0 mm thick and excessively stiff or notchy, the next two most common reasons.
- The most common advisory is less than 1.0 mm thick (8.8% of all tests) - not a failure, but money you will spend sooner or later.
- Average recorded mileage at test is 37,619 miles, which is the number to compare any advert against.
Pass rate by age
A single pass rate hides the most useful thing in this data: how the same model behaves at three years old and at fifteen.
| Age at test | Pass rate | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-5 years | 87.72% | 619 | |
| 6-10 years | 84.05% | 1,473 |
Why the Honda NSS 125cc fails
Share of failed tests on this model where the item was recorded. One test can fail on several items, so the column does not add up to 100%.
| # | Item | Of failures | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm | 33.6% | 76 | |
| 2 | Less than 1.0 mm thick | 27.9% | 63 | |
| 3 | Excessively stiff or notchy | 15.9% | 36 | |
| 4 | Not working | 14.2% | 32 | |
| 5 | Remains on when the brakes are released | 11.1% | 25 | |
| 6 | Has a serious fluid leak | 10.2% | 23 | |
| 7 | Does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls | 9.7% | 22 | |
| 8 | Grip insecure to handlebar | 8.4% | 19 | |
| 9 | Insecure | 7.5% | 17 | |
| 10 | Flashing more than 120 times a minute | 6.2% | 14 |
Most common advisories
Not a failure and not a legal requirement to fix - but an advisory that repeats year after year is money the next owner spends.
| # | Item | Of all tests | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Less than 1.0 mm thick | 8.8% | 185 | |
| 2 | Tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm | 7.6% | 160 | |
| 3 | Excessively stiff or notchy | 6.8% | 143 | |
| 4 | In such a condition that it is seriously weakened | 3.9% | 81 | |
| 5 | Significantly and obviously worn | 3.4% | 72 | |
| 6 | Indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort | 2.5% | 53 | |
| 7 | Has a serious fluid leak | 2.3% | 48 | |
| 8 | Tread not clearly visible | 2.1% | 44 | |
| 9 | Has negligible damping effect | 1.8% | 37 | |
| 10 | Has excessive wear or free play | 1.4% | 30 |
Honda NSS 125cc for sale
No Honda NSS 125cc in stock at the moment - 74 other Honda bikes are advertised.
Similar bikes compared
Models of comparable capacity, so the comparison means something.
| Model | Tests | Pass rate | Avg mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha GPD125-A NMAX 125 · 125cc | 8,762 | 80.8% | 45,039 | |
| Piaggio VESPA 79-210cc · 79-210cc | 8,363 | 85.42% | 11,710 | |
| Honda WW · 125cc | 7,252 | 80.32% | 40,134 | |
| Honda WW 125 A-M · 125cc | 5,011 | 84.06% | 29,846 | |
| Honda GLR · 125cc | 4,737 | 79.99% | 14,642 | |
| Yamaha YBR 125 · 124cc | 3,496 | 69.54% | 18,629 |
Source: DVSA MOT testing data, 2025 · updated Aug 2026 · licence and method