Yamaha XT125 Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Yamaha XT125 car check
Is the Yamaha XT125 reliable? We analysed 8,623 real MOT tests across 1,209 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Yamaha XT125? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Yamaha XT125 is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies, brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick and shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Yamaha XT125.
Yamaha XT125 Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Yamaha XT125. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Yamaha XT125 MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Yamaha XT125 to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Yamaha XT125 Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Yamaha XT125 fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Yamaha XT125 Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Yamaha XT125 owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Yamaha XT125 MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Yamaha XT125 year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 587 | 69.3% | 3,194 | 5,730 | 9,948 |
| 2010 | 535 | 71.4% | 2,556 | 4,260 | 12,582 |
| 2009 | 867 | 74.0% | 2,007 | 4,000 | 9,865 |
| 2008 | 1,482 | 70.6% | 2,585 | 5,064 | 10,655 |
| 2007 | 1,858 | 71.7% | 3,013 | 5,296 | 11,628 |
| 2006 | 1,856 | 68.5% | 3,344 | 7,062 | 13,929 |
| 2005 | 1,045 | 69.0% | 2,845 | 4,782 | 10,465 |
| 1984 | 50 | 76.0% | 11,472 | 16,446 | 26,438 |
| 1983 | 88 | 75.0% | 8,546 | 12,549 | 18,818 |
| 1982 | 65 | 66.2% | 3,822 | 13,290 | 29,258 |
How Long Does a Yamaha XT125 Last?
Based on 1,209 Yamaha XT125 vehicles on UK roads.
Yamaha XT125 Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Yamaha XT125 MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Yamaha XT125
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
76.0% MOT pass rate from 50 tests
66.2% MOT pass rate from 65 tests
The best year to buy a used Yamaha XT125 is 1984, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 76.0% across 50 tests. The 1982 model year has the lowest pass rate at 66.2% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Yamaha XT125 Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha XT125 THIS CAR | 70.6% | 8,623 | 5,739 mi | 21 yrs |
| Yamaha Yzf R1 | 86.5% | 175,313 | 16,232 mi | 28 yrs |
| Yamaha FZS600 | 85% | 157,659 | 22,466 mi | 28 yrs |
| Yamaha XJR1300 | 88.8% | 107,128 | 16,836 mi | 27 yrs |
| Honda Fes 125-7 | 81.3% | 4,775 | 17,576 mi | 19 yrs |
Compared to the Yamaha Yzf R1 (86.5% pass rate) and the Yamaha FZS600 (85.0% pass rate), the Yamaha XT125 trails behind on MOT reliability.
Found a Yamaha XT125 you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Yamaha XT125Should you buy a used Yamaha XT125?
The Yamaha XT125 has an overall MOT pass rate of 70.6% across 8,623 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.
The most common problems on the Yamaha XT125 are stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies (336 recorded failures), brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (312), and shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil (279). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Yamaha XT125 owner drives around 1,266 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Yamaha XT125 models stay on UK roads for around 21 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.