2018 Yamaha Tracer 700 MT-07 Tracer 0.7L Petrol · TB66 JSB

A pattern of tyre-related risk sits at the centre of this Yamaha Tracer 700's MOT record. Across the five tests spanning 2022 to 2026, the motorcycle achieved four clean passes with no recorded defects, including the most recent assessment on 12 May 2026. The single failure, recorded on 23 February 2024, was a particularly serious one: both the front and rear tyres were classified as Dangerous, with tread depth found below the statutory 1.0mm minimum on the same day. This is the highest severity category under the MOT testing regime, indicating a component state considered unsafe for the road. A retest on 26 February 2024 then produced a clean pass, confirming that the tyres were replaced and the motorcycle subsequently returned to the road in a compliant condition. The four-year span between the 2022 and 2026 tests shows a generally stable roadworthiness trend, though the 2024 failure is a significant event that should inform any inspection. The recorded mileage of 13,179 miles over an eight-year period equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 1,647 miles, which is notably low for a motorcycle of this type and age. The MOT testing pattern shows tests in 2022, three tests in 2024 (including the failure and retest), 2025, and 2026, but there is a gap of approximately 18 months between the October 2022 test and the February 2024 failure, with no intermediate recorded tests. Such low annual mileage and extended gaps between assessments can mean the motorcycle has experienced periods of standing, which mechanically raises the likelihood of stale brake fluid, degraded rubber components including tyres and fork seals, oxidised electrical contacts, and potential flat spots on tyres that have sat loaded for prolonged periods. Equally, low annual mileage reduces wear on consumable items such as brake pads, chain and sprockets, and engine internals. The absence of recorded advisories means there are no specific wear items flagged by the testing station, but the low usage profile itself is the primary mechanical characteristic to weigh against the machine's age. For a prospective buyer, the primary area of focus should be the tyres and the braking system. Given the dangerous failure for tread depth on both ends in 2024, it is essential to confirm the age, manufacturer, and condition of the currently fitted tyres, looking for any signs of cracking in the sidewall rubber, uneven wear patterns that might indicate suspension or geometry issues, and confirming the DOT date codes are within an acceptable service life bracket for a road motorcycle. The brakes should be inspected closely for pad remaining thickness, disc wear and corrosion, and any binding in the calipers, particularly as low-mileage machines are prone to corrosion forming on the disc surface even where pad wear remains minimal. Flexible brake lines and any visible hydraulic joints should be checked for perishing or weeping, as these rubber components degrade with age regardless of mileage. On a test ride, particular attention should be paid to the feel of the front end through the brakes and over uneven surfaces, as fork seals on a low-mileage machine can weep oil unnoticed and produce a gradual loss of damping. The chain and sprockets should be examined for tight spots, rust pitting on the links, and adequate adjustment range remaining within the rear wheel slack. Electrical systems including the indicators, headlamp, and horn should all be verified, along with a cold-start check to assess battery health after periods of standing. Listen for any irregular idle, misfire, or clutch drag, and check that the throttle returns smoothly without sticking. Finally, a thorough check of the frame, swingarm, and any aluminium components for corrosion or stress marks is advisable, particularly given the low usage and any evidence of long-term outdoor storage.