2013 Yamaha XJ 0.6L Petrol · LB62 VHY

The vehicle’s most recent MOT tests, conducted on 22 February 2024 at 73,100 miles, reveal an unusual dual entry—one pass and one fail—yet neither recorded any defects or advisories. This suggests the testers did not identify any major mechanical or safety concerns at that stage, though the lack of a clear pass/fail distinction warrants scrutiny. The preceding tests in October 2022 (68,165 miles) and December 2020 (61,207 miles) also passed without failings, indicating a stable maintenance record over the past five years. However, the absence of advisories or minor faults in any test implies either meticulous upkeep or that the vehicle was driven lightly enough to avoid significant wear. The mileage progression of roughly 5,600 miles annually—from 55,518 miles in November 2019 to 73,100 miles today—is unusually low for a 13-year-old motorcycle. The longest gap between tests spans 14 months (October 2022 to February 2024), during which the vehicle accumulated only 4,935 miles. While this suggests limited use, it also raises questions about whether the bike was stored improperly, as prolonged inactivity can accelerate issues like battery corrosion, tyre degradation, or suspension stiffness. The consistent low mileage between tests implies the owner may have prioritised short-term use over regular servicing, potentially masking underlying wear. Given the lack of recorded faults, an in-person inspection should focus on high-wear components that aren’t routinely checked in MOTs. The suspension—particularly coil springs, bushes, and linkages—should be examined for excessive play or corrosion, as these are critical for handling and safety but often overlooked. Brake pads and discs, though not failed in tests, may show uneven wear if the bike was ridden sporadically; check for glazing or binding calipers, which can develop without obvious signs. Tyres, despite passing tread limits, should be inspected for uneven wear patterns or embedded debris, as low mileage doesn’t guarantee they’ve been rotated or aligned properly. Finally, the exhaust system and frame should be scrutinised for signs of stress corrosion, especially if the bike was stored in damp conditions during gaps in use.