1998 Honda XLR 125 0.1L Petrol · S431 JNK
1998 Honda XLR 125 (0.1L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 10,714 miles. MOT expired on 23 Sept 2026. Taxed until 01 Sept 2026.
- Make & Model
- HONDA XLR 125
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 23 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Sept 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 10,714 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 0.1L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
S431 JNK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 25/09/2025
- 10,714 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S431 JNK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Honda Xlr 125 (S431 JNK) between February 2023 and September 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 25 September 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Drive chain so loose it is likely to fail (6.1.7 (c) (ii))”; “Rear Brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”.
S431 JNK Mileage History
- 14/02/202310,440 mi
- 25/09/202410,714 mi+274 mi
- 25/09/202410,714 mi
- 25/09/202510,714 mi
- 25/09/202510,714 mi
Average of roughly 105 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution; while the low mileage is attractive, the MOT history reveals a pattern of deferred maintenance on safety-critical components and suspension.
When inspecting this low-mileage bike, do not let the odometer fool you. Low-mileage vehicles often suffer from rubber components, seals, and bearings degrading from age rather than wearing out from use. Pay close attention to the drive chain and sprockets, as these have been flagged as 'dangerous' or 'excessively worn' in multiple past tests. Ask for a full service history to see if the oil changes have been kept up despite the low mileage.
Check the suspension thoroughly. The history shows a recurring issue with leaking shock absorbers and play in the wheel bearings. Ensure these have been replaced recently and are not merely 'advised' as needing attention. Test the entire electrical system, as indicators and headlamps have been frequent points of failure in the past, suggesting the wiring or switches may be corroded due to the bike's age.
The XLR 125 is exceptionally cost-effective, typically offering between 70-80 mpg depending on riding style and condition. As a 125cc machine, it falls into a low insurance group and tax band, making it an ideal choice for budget commuters.
Maintenance costs are generally low due to the simple mechanical design, though the age of this specific vehicle means you should budget for parts like tires, batteries, and rubber seals. Expect an annual running cost of approximately £400-£600 including fuel, tax, basic insurance, and routine servicing.
Focus heavily on the wheel bearings and suspension. The MOT history shows 'slight play' and 'excessive play' in both front and rear bearings across several years; lift the bike and check the wheels for any lateral movement. Also, inspect the shock absorbers for any signs of oil weeping, as the offside front shock previously failed for a serious leak.
Examine the drive system thoroughly. The chain has been described as 'dangerous' and 'excessively loose' on multiple occasions. Check for stretching in the chain and ensure the teeth on the sprocket are not sharp. Finally, verify all lights, including the headlamp aim and indicators, as these have failed multiple times in the past due to being non-functional or missing.
This 1998 Honda XLR 125 presents a remarkably low-mileage example, sitting at just 10,714 miles over 28 years. However, the MOT record shows inconsistent upkeep, with multiple major failures related to the drive chain, wheel bearings, and suspension. While it has recently passed its test, the historical data suggests the bike has often been ridden with components far to the point of failure rather than maintained on a regular preventative schedule.
The Honda XLR 125 is renowned for its bulletproof engine and longevity, though older examples often suffer from age-related degradation of perished rubber and seals.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (S431 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as S431JNK.
VAUXHALL
CORSA
TOYOTA
HI-ACE
VOLKSWAGEN
CADDY
BMW
Z3
SUZUKI
GSF600
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
MERCEDES-BENZ
E
EXCELSIOR HENDERSON
SUPER X
BMW
M3
FORD
TRANSIT
TRIUMPH
ADVENTURER
HONDA
CIVIC
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.