2016 Yamaha MT09 Tracer 0.8L Petrol · AP16 AAX

The most recent DVSA examination on 15 September 2025 returned a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, and the trend across the available MOT history is broadly stable. The motorcycle passed at its 2022 and 2024 tests without any recorded concerns, and the single failure noted on 26 September 2024 was a minor electrical issue concerning the registration plate lamp not illuminating in conjunction with the position lamps. This type of defect is a straightforward presentation issue rather than an indicator of any deeper mechanical or electrical fault, and it was evidently rectified before the same-day pass was issued. The only advisory on file, recorded on 14 September 2023, noted slight wheel alignment misalignment, which on a motorcycle can be symptomatic of worn steering head bearings, distorted or bent rims from kerb impact, worn suspension linkage bearings, or simply improperly adjusted chain tension. Overall, the maintenance trend does not suggest any recurring or systemic issues, though the alignment advisory warrants a physical check to confirm it has not deteriorated. With 35,773 miles recorded over approximately ten years, this MT09 Tracer has averaged just under 3,600 miles per annum, which is considerably below typical annual usage for a motorcycle of this class and indicates either a predominantly leisure or fair-weather use pattern, or extended periods of storage. Such low annual mileage is not inherently detrimental, but it does mean that calendar-based degradation of consumables and age-sensitive components is a more relevant concern than wear from high mileage accumulation. Components such as the 12V battery, brake fluid, coolant, fork oil, and tyre rubber will degrade with time regardless of distance covered, and the relatively modest odometer reading should not lull a prospective buyer into overlooking these areas. Given the low usage and the ten-year age of the machine, several physical checks are particularly worthwhile during inspection. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as the original or near-original fitments may be well past their effective service life even if tread depth remains adequate; check the date code on the sidewall and scrutinise for any signs of dry rot or crazing. The brake discs should be inspected for corrosion pitting and the calipers for any signs of binding from prolonged standing, as seized caliper pistons or slide pins are common on low-mileage machines and can manifest as uneven braking, pulling to one side, or a hand that does not release cleanly. The chain and sprockets deserve close attention, as corrosion and stiff links from infrequent lubrication and use are typical on bikes that have spent long periods garaged, and any tight spots, rust, or hooked sprocket teeth are signs of impending replacement. A test ride should focus on listening for any suspension clonks or knocking from the front end, which could indicate worn fork seals, degraded fork oil, or loose steering head bearings, particularly relevant given the earlier wheel alignment advisory. Listen for any irregular engine note, hesitation, or erratic idle, as low usage can sometimes lead to fuel system varnish, throttle body contamination, or stale fuel issues that warrant a thorough service. Verify the battery holds charge under load and check that all electrical functions operate correctly, including the position and number plate lamps that were flagged previously. Finally, confirm the service book stamps and request evidence of time-based maintenance such as brake fluid changes, coolant replacement, and valve clearance inspections, as these items are dictated by age rather than mileage and are essential on a ten-year-old motorcycle regardless of how few miles it has covered.