1985 Yamaha RD500 0.5L Petrol · B983 PDD

The April 2026 MOT at 32,175 miles passed, confirming roadworthiness, though the tester flagged a slightly loose offside rear drive chain and a missing nearside rear chain guard as minor advisories. Since the 2023 failure involving the stop lamp and clutch lever play, subsequent tests in 2024, 2025 and 2026 recorded no major defects, indicating a stable or improving maintenance record. Mileage has risen modestly since the 2006 baseline of 31,065 miles, reaching 32,175 by 2026, an increase of 1,110 miles over twenty years, or roughly 55 miles per year, which aligns with the low annual average for a 41‑year‑old machine. The interval from the 2022 test at 31,306 miles to the 2026 test shows a steady gain of 869 miles in four years, about 217 miles annually, with no evidence of rapid mileage accumulation. A buyer should therefore inspect the rear drive chain tension and condition of the chain guard, verify that the rear brake calipers move freely and that pads are within limits, examine the clutch lever pivot bush for excessive play, and look for any structural rust on the chassis, especially around the rear wheel arches where the missing guard may indicate corrosion. Checking suspension bushes, coil springs and the condition of the rear tyre seating will also reveal whether the vehicle has been subject to neglect beyond the recorded advisories.