2011 Honda CBR 125 RW-B 0.1L Petrol · RF60 CGG

The most recent MOT test outcome for this 2011 Honda CBR125RW-B is a pass, achieved on 4 June 2026, but it is accompanied by three advisories that warrant close attention from a prospective buyer. The current advisories include a noisy exhaust, slight play in the rear wheel bearing, and a deteriorated registration plate. The same test date also records a prior failed attempt where a dangerous defect was identified for an inoperative rear stop lamp operating from one of the brake controls, alongside a non-functioning horn and a failed dipped beam headlamp. When evaluating the maintenance trend holistically, the picture is one of inconsistent upkeep rather than steady deterioration or improvement. A pass with no advisories was recorded as recently as October 2020, but the 2025 and 2026 tests have both presented multiple defects, including a failed attempt in 2025 due to an excessively loose drive chain, a rear shock absorber with negligible damping effect, a missing nearside rear footrest, indicator colour issues, and horn irregularities. This pattern suggests the machine may have been subject to neglect or extended standing periods followed by attempts at short-notice rectification, which is concerning for a used purchase and warrants careful physical inspection. The recorded mileage of 58,848 miles over approximately fifteen years equates to an average annual usage of around 3,923 miles, which is notably low for a motorcycle. Low recorded mileage of this nature can indicate either genuinely light running or significant periods of standing or intermittent use. The DVSA record reveals gaps of nearly three years between the October 2020 pass and the May 2025 failed test, and a further year before the 2026 entries, which strongly suggests the motorcycle has spent prolonged periods off the road. While low mileage reduces wear on drivetrain components such as the engine internals and clutch, extended standing periods introduce their own distinct wear concerns, particularly corrosion on braking surfaces, degradation of rubber components, and fluid deterioration through age rather than use. Given the recurring defects centred on lighting and brake system functionality, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough functional check of all electrical components prior to purchase. The repeated stop lamp and indicator failures across the 2019, 2025, and 2026 entries suggest underlying wiring or switchgear issues that may not have been fully resolved, and the brake efficiency failure recorded in March 2019 indicates historical concern regarding the rear braking system. On a test ride, attention should be paid to the feel and effectiveness of both brake levers, ensuring firm lever resistance and prompt illumination of both stop lamps, with particular care to confirm the rear brake lamp activates under both hand and foot control as required. Listen for any grinding, binding, or pulling sensations during braking, which could indicate caliper seizure or contaminated friction material, and observe whether the motorcycle pulls to one side under braking. Beyond the documented history, the combination of low annual mileage and considerable calendar age demands a careful inspection of age-related deterioration throughout the machine. The tyres should be checked closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as motorcycle tyres degrade significantly with age regardless of tread depth, and the manufacturing date should ideally be within the last few years. Brake discs should be examined for severe corrosion pitting, particularly around the edges, while the caliper pistons should be checked for smooth operation and free movement after being released, as seized calipers are common on motorcycles left standing. The 12V battery should be load-tested if possible, as batteries that have sat discharged lose capacity permanently, and all fluid systems including brake fluid, which is hygroscopic and degrades with age, should be verified for recent renewal. The exhaust system should be inspected for corrosion at mounting points and joints given the noisy exhaust advisory, the rear wheel bearing play noted should be confirmed as not having progressed to a dangerous level, and the suspension should be checked for leaking fork seals and the effectiveness of the rear shock absorber given the 2025 advisory. Finally, the drive chain and sprockets, absent any recorded maintenance, should be examined for tight spots, stiff links, and worn sprocket teeth, as a chain left without regular lubrication and adjustment can corrode rapidly and present a safety hazard.