2002 Honda CG125 0.1L Petrol · PL02 BCY

A 2002 Honda CG125 with eight recorded MOT tests, all of which resulted in a pass, presents a roadworthiness profile that has remained largely consistent over the documented testing period. The most recent examination on 5 November 2022 returned a pass with no defects or advisories, continuing an unbroken run of clean results that stretches back to 2014. The single advisory item in the entire record appeared on 5 November 2019, where light oil misting was noted on both front shock absorbers. Because this was logged once and not repeated on any subsequent test, it points to a component that was either addressed or remained stable rather than a chronic leak. No brake, tyre, suspension arm, exhaust, structural, or lighting defects have been recorded at any point, giving the test history an absence of recurring problem areas. Against a 24-year vehicle age, the recorded mileage of 15,604 miles equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 650 miles, which is notably low for any motorcycle of this vintage. MOT testing on this vehicle only commenced from November 2014, leaving the period from 2002 to 2014 without recorded mileage data, and the first documented test in 2014 showed 7,499 miles against the current 15,604 miles. That equates to approximately 8,105 miles covered across the eight documented test cycles, or around 1,013 miles per year over the recorded period, which is still modest usage. Periods of low annual mileage, particularly on a single-cylinder commuter machine, raise the possibility of extended standing intervals between rides, which can affect carburettor internals, fuel system seals, battery condition, and the drying out of fork oil seals and other rubber components. The consistency of the recorded mileages between tests, without any sharp increases or unexplained jumps, suggests the bike has been used gently and regularly rather than subjected to heavy commuting or long-distance riding. For a prospective buyer, the front shock absorbers should be the principal mechanical focus, as they were the only components ever flagged in the MOT record. During a physical inspection, look closely at both fork legs for any signs of oil residue running down the stanchions, a greasy film around the fork seals, or contamination of the lower fork covers, as light misting noted in 2019 can progress to a more visible leak over several years of further use. On a test ride, pay attention to the front end over uneven surfaces, listening for any knocking, clonking, or topping-out through the suspension travel, and feel for excessive dive under sharp front braking. A spongy or inconsistent front brake feel, or any binding or grabbing when the bars are turned from side to side while stationary, would warrant closer inspection of the caliper and master cylinder, neither of which has been flagged previously but are worth checking on a low-mileage machine that may have stood for periods. Beyond the suspension, the low annual mileage warrants careful inspection of the items that deteriorate through standing rather than wear. Check that the engine starts cleanly from cold without excessive cranking, and listen for any sticking throttle or rough idle that could indicate carburettor varnish or a perished intake manifold. Examine the chain and sprockets for surface rust pitting or stiff links, as a neglected drivetrain on a low-mileage bike can be more worn than the odometer suggests. Inspect the fuel tank internally if possible for rust, and verify that the brake fluid has been recently changed, as fluid older than two years can introduce moisture into the system. Confirm that the tyres, which are not MOT-advisories but are critical on a 24-year-old machine, are not aged or perished, and confirm that the electrical system, indicators, headlamp, and horn all function correctly, as none of these have been recently tested under MOT conditions since November 2022.