1986 Yamaha RD500 0.5L Petrol · C970 DHX
1986 Yamaha RD500 (0.5L, petrol). First registered 08 May 1986. Recorded mileage 30,861 miles. MOT valid until 08 Sept 2027. Taxed until 01 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- YAMAHA RD500
- Year / Origin
- 1986 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jan 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 30,861 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 0.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
C970 DHX Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/09/2026
- 30,861 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
C970 DHX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1986 Yamaha Rd500 (C970 DHX) between July 2023 and September 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 2 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
C970 DHX Mileage History
- 08/07/202329,003 mi
- 08/07/202429,383 mi+380 mi
- 07/07/202530,109 mi+726 mi
- 10/09/202630,861 mi+752 mi
Average of roughly 585 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A recommended purchase for a classic ent
Prioritise the resolution of the issues flagged in the July 2025 MOT. You should verify if the 'slight fluctuation of brake effort' in the front brake has been rectified and if the 'suspect fuel tap' has been replaced or repaired, as these are direct points of concern from the latest inspection.
Given the age of this 1986 model, request any available service documentation to understand the maintenance history, as MOT records alone do not confirm the overall mechanical health of the engine or chassis.
Running costs for this 492cc petrol motorcycle will include fuel, insurance, and classic vehicle tax. Maintenance costs for a 1986 two-stroke engine are typically higher than modern equivalents due to the need for specialised parts and more frequent tuning.
Annual expenditure is expected to be moderate, though this will fluctuate based on usage and the cost of addressing the current brake and fuel system advisories.
Carefully inspect the front braking system to ensure there is no fluctuation in effort, as noted in the 2025 MOT. Test the operation of the fuel tap to confirm it is functioning correctly and not leaking, addressing the 'suspect' status mentioned in the most recent test.
Additionally, perform a general visual inspection of the red paintwork and chassis for age-related corrosion, and check the condition of all rubber hoses and seals, which often perish on vehicles of this vintage.
This 1986 red Yamaha RD500 has recorded 30,109 miles and has passed its last three MOT tests. While the 2023 and 2024 tests were clean, the most recent pass in July 2025 included advisories regarding the front brake and fuel tap. It represents a classic 492cc petrol machine with a stable recent testing record.
No aggregate reliability data is available for the Yamaha RD500.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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