CarVerify

Free Car Check

R798 VDV

1997 Triumph Thunderbird

Maroon Petrol 885cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires7 Aug 2026
Tests28 (20 pass, 8 fail)
Pass rate71.4%

Mileage

39,278 mi
Last recorded39,278 miles
Recorded on8 Aug 2025
Typical for 1997 Triumph Thunderbird15,292 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Triumph
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationR798 VDV
MakeTriumph
ModelThunderbird
Year1997
ColourMaroon
Fuel typePetrol
Engine885cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

20 pass 8 fail
Pass 8 Aug 2025 39,278 miles

Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit (1.1.13 (a))

Fail 8 Aug 2025 39,278 miles

Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit (1.1.13 (a))

Nearside Front Handlebar grip insecure to handlebar (2.2.1 (d) (ii))

Pass 17 Jul 2024 36,122 miles

All direction indicators flashing more than 120 times a minute All indicators (4.4.4 (a))

Drive chain slightly tight (6.1.7 (k) (i))

Pass 24 Jul 2023 35,398 miles

Rear tyre perished

Pass 2 Jul 2022 35,079 miles
Pass 21 Sep 2021 34,854 miles
Pass 14 Sep 2020 34,810 miles

Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort (1.2.1 (e))

Offside Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Pass 9 Apr 2019 34,593 miles

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Pass 21 Apr 2018 34,451 miles

Rear Brake disc(s) slightly worn (3.2.A1l)

Fail 21 Apr 2018 34,451 miles

Drive chain excessively loose (6.2.1d)

Rear Brake disc(s) slightly worn (3.2.A1l)

Pass 22 Apr 2017 34,343 miles
Fail 12 Apr 2017 34,335 miles

Horn not loud enough to be heard by another road user (1.7.3a)

Pass 8 Jan 2016 31,394 miles
Fail 23 Jan 2015 30,641 miles

Nearside Indicator tell tale not operating correctly (1.5.2)

Rear Brake pipe inadequately supported (3.2.B2b)

Rear Rear reflector on motorcycle missing (1.4.1)

Rear Stop lamp damaged and function impaired (1.3.3a)

Pass 23 Jan 2015 30,641 miles
Pass 6 Jan 2014 30,252 miles
Pass 7 Jan 2013 29,932 miles
Pass 5 Jan 2012 29,740 miles
Fail 19 Jan 2011 27,803 miles

Rear Brake pad(s) (sintered type) less than 1.0mm thick (3.2A1f(ii))

Pass 19 Jan 2011 27,803 miles
Pass 11 Jun 2010 26,476 miles
Fail 8 Jun 2010 26,476 miles

Horn not working (1.7.3a)

Pass 20 May 2009 23,620 miles
Pass 30 May 2008 17,986 miles

Front Brake disc(s) slightly worn (3.2.A1l)

Rear Brake disc(s) slightly worn (3.2.A1l)

Pass 1 Jun 2007 14,156 miles
Fail 1 Jun 2007 14,156 miles

Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.2.A1f(i))

Front position lamp does not illuminate immediately when switched on (1.1.3a)

Pass 23 May 2006 10,877 miles
Fail 23 May 2006 10,877 miles

Headlamp aim too low when the centre of the headlamp is above 850mm from the ground (1.6.3)

Wheel alignment incorrect which adversely affects the handling (2.5.1)

How Reliable is the Triumph Thunderbird?

Based on 66,789 MOT tests across 6,108 vehicles.

89.1%
Pass Rate
540
Miles/Year
31
Year Lifespan
6,108
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm 473
shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil 371
Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies 285
Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick 249
Roller brake test indicates a binding brake 173
Full Triumph Thunderbird reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

R798 VDV is a 1997 Triumph Thunderbird in Maroon with a 885cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 28 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 71.4%.

Across all 1997 Triumph Thunderbird models, the average MOT pass rate is 86.7% with a typical mileage of 15,292 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Triumph Thunderbird fails its MOT is tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm, accounting for 473 recorded failures. If you're considering buying R798 VDV, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Triumph Thunderbird typically stays on UK roads for around 31 years. At 29 years old, this Triumph Thunderbird is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of R798 VDV?

You can check the full history of R798 VDV by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R798 VDV registered?

R798 VDV is a 1997 Triumph Thunderbird, first registered on 1 September 1997.

Is R798 VDV safe to buy?

The MOT history for R798 VDV shows 28 tests with a 71.4% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R798 VDV have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on R798 VDV. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.