2022 Zontes ZT 125-G1 0.1L Petrol · AF22 GDO

The most recent MOT on 16 April 2026 was a pass, albeit with an advisory that the front steering head bearing exhibits slight free play. This follows a failed test just nine days earlier where rear lighting, a rear wheel bearing and the same steering advisory were recorded as defects. Looking back to the 2025 cycle, the vehicle failed in March with serious front‑shock fluid loss, contaminated front brake pads, an under‑tread front tyre and a slightly loose rear drive chain, yet passed a month later. Overall the pattern shows that major faults have been addressed after each failure, but the persistence of the steering head‑bearing advisory and the recurrence of rear‑wheel bearing play suggest that while the maintenance response has been reactive, some underlying wear items are not yet fully resolved. At 18 322 miles after four years the average annual mileage is roughly 4 600 mi, well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited driving or extended storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage in terms of rubber ageing, fluid breakdown and corrosion. The modest mileage reduces the immediate wear on consumables such as brake discs, tyres and suspension bushings, but it also means that age‑related degradation may be present despite the low count, especially in components that suffer from lack of movement, like the battery, brake calipers and tyre sidewalls. A prospective buyer should give the front steering head bearing a thorough check: with the wheels off, grasp the front wheel at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions and attempt to rock it; any perceptible movement indicates the advisory is more than cosmetic and could lead to steering wobble or uneven tyre wear. Inspect the rear wheel bearings for play by holding the tyre at the top and bottom and checking for excessive movement; listen for grinding noises during a short road test, particularly when cornering. Verify that both rear lamps illuminate correctly and that the wiring harnesses are intact, as the previous failure suggests a possible intermittent fault. Examine the off‑side front shock absorber for any oil seepage around the seals and test for rebound by pressing down on the wheel and releasing; a spongy feel or continued bounce signals a leak that may re‑appear. The front brake pads should be visually inspected for contamination – a greasy or discoloured surface – and the discs checked for glazing or uneven wear, as the earlier contamination could have caused premature pad wear. Finally, confirm that the rear drive chain is correctly tensioned; a chain that is too loose will produce a characteristic rattling on acceleration and can lead to accelerated wear of sprockets. Given the vehicle’s age of four years, even with low mileage, it is prudent to assess age‑related items that are not covered by mileage alone. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening, especially if the original tyres have not been replaced since the dangerous tread depth warning. Check the 12‑volt battery voltage and conduct a load test, as batteries left idle for long periods can lose capacity. Drain and replace the engine oil and coolant if service records are absent, because fluids degrade over time regardless of use. Inspect the brake calipers for signs of corrosion or seized pistons, which can cause uneven braking or a shudder under load. A full visual inspection of the chassis for rust, particularly around suspension mounting points and the under‑tray, will help confirm that the vehicle has not suffered hidden corrosion during any periods of inactivity. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the motorcycle’s current roadworthiness and any imminent maintenance that may be required.