2022 Lexmoto Tempest 125 0.1L Petrol · FG22 MFP

A pattern of brake, steering, and suspension concerns defines the mechanical history of this 2022 Lexmoto Tempest 125, with the most recent test on 26 August 2026 passing but carrying four advisories that closely mirror defects cited at the prior attempt. Two days earlier, on 24 August 2026, the motorcycle failed on two majors: an inoperative registration plate lamp and a serious fluid leak from the nearside front shock absorber, alongside advisories for a short front brake lever, stiff or notchy steering headbearing, and a slightly loose drive chain. The recurrence of the brake lever, steering headbearing, and brake effort fluctuation advisories across both the 2026 test and the earlier 2025 pass suggests these are persistent wear items rather than isolated observations, and the shock absorber fluid leak is a significant item that warrants close physical inspection to confirm whether a replacement has since been fitted or whether the original unit remains in service. Against a four-year registration age, the recorded mileage of 5,959 miles equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 1,490 miles, which is low for a motorcycle of this type and points to either limited regular use or extended periods of standing. Such low usage typically reduces wear on high-mileage consumables like tyres, brake pads, and drivetrain components, but it can also accelerate deterioration of items that suffer from inactivity, including brake calipers seizing, fork and shock seals drying out, bearings developing stiffness or pitting, and chains and sprockets corroding or developing tight spots from infrequent lubrication. The drive chain advisories recorded in both 2026 tests, fluctuating from slightly loose to worn with tight spots, are consistent with this pattern of intermittent use and uneven maintenance intervals. A prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the components specifically flagged in the MOT record. For the front brake, check that the lever has full travel and a firm bite rather than a spongy or short stroke, spin the wheel to confirm the disc runs true without run-out, and apply the brake at low speed to feel for any grabbing, judder, or uneven effort that would confirm the noted fluctuation. The steering headbearing should be evaluated by lifting the front end and checking for notchiness or resistance through the full lock-to-lock sweep, listening for any clicking or grinding, as even slight stiffness at this mileage typically indicates dried or insufficient grease and can progress to a rapid worsening of handling precision. The nearside front shock absorber must be examined for any residual oil staining on the stanchion or body, and the bike should be bounced firmly on the front end to confirm the damping returns the wheel quickly and smoothly without a second bounce. The drive chain condition should be assessed by pushing the run-up at the rear of the swinging arm to confirm slack sits within roughly 20 to 30 millimetres of vertical movement, and by feeling along the links for stiff joints or tight spots that would confirm the worn condition flagged in the recent advisories. Inspect the sprocket teeth for hooking or asymmetrical wear, as a worn chain typically accelerates sprocket deterioration. Finally, verify that the registration plate lamp now illuminates correctly and that no warning remains from the earlier major failure, and ensure all documentation for any shock absorber replacement carried out between the 24 and 26 August 2026 tests is available, as the presence of a new unit versus a repaired original will materially affect the motorcycle's remaining service life.