2009 Yamaha FZ1S 1.0L Petrol · AM58 MKP

A dangerous rear tyre failure in May 2026 is the defining entry in this Yamaha's record: the tread had worn below the 1.0mm legal minimum, a defect classed as dangerous, before the machine was presented again ten days later on 8 June 2026 and passed with no defects recorded, indicating the tyre was replaced promptly. Beyond that episode the recent history is largely clean, with passes in 2023, 2024 and 2025, though the 2023 test carried three advisories that a buyer should treat as live concerns rather than resolved items: an excessively noisy exhaust, a slightly distorted rear wheel bead rim, and wear in the rear lower suspension linkage pin, bush or joint that had not yet progressed to excessive movement. The overall trend is stable rather than worsening, but the 2023 advisories have not been explicitly cleared in subsequent tests, which simply means they were not re-flagged rather than confirmed repaired. At 41,865 miles over roughly seventeen years, the machine has averaged only about 2,463 miles annually, which is low for an FZ1S, a litre-class sports-naked typically used for longer distances. This pattern suggests either gentle seasonal use or extended periods standing, and the annual June test dates are consistent with a fair-weather machine laid up over winter. Low annual mileage reduces wear on the engine, gearbox and chain drive, but machines that stand for months at a time commonly suffer degraded fork seals, corroded brake caliper pistons, perished rubber components and stale fuel residue in the injection system, none of which an MOT will necessarily detect. The recorded history shows no gaps in annual testing, so there is no evidence of long-term abandonment, but the modest mileage should not be read as proof of light wear across all components. The 2023 advisory concerning the rear suspension linkage deserves particular attention on inspection. On a test ride, listen and feel for knocking or clunking from the rear shock linkage over bumps and uneven surfaces, and with the machine on its centre stand or paddock stand, check for play by rocking the rear wheel laterally and lifting the swingarm through its travel. Any notchiness, grinding or free play in the linkage bearings would indicate the wear noted three years ago has progressed and a linkage bearing replacement is due, a known service item on this model. The distorted rear wheel bead rim should be checked by spinning the wheel and watching for lateral run-out at the rim edge, and the tyre should be inspected for any seating irregularity or slow pressure loss, since a distorted bead seat can cause gradual deflation. Given the dangerous tyre failure in May 2026, confirm the replacement tyre is a matched, correctly rated fitment and check the front tyre's condition and age as well. The noisy exhaust advisory warrants a cold start to listen for blowing at the header joints, collector and silencer seals, and to establish whether an aftermarket can is fitted, which would also be worth verifying for legality and fuelling behaviour. Finally, given the low annual use, check the brake discs for corrosion pitting, ensure the calipers release cleanly without binding, and confirm the chain and sprockets show even wear rather than the hooked teeth and tight spots typical of machines that sit unused.