2016 Lexmoto FMR 0.1L Petrol · FH66 OGT

A low-mileage motorcycle with a notably quiet MOT history carries its own mechanical narrative, and for this 2016 LEXMOTO FMR the recorded tests point to a broadly steady pattern of roadworthiness punctuated by a handful of advisories that have appeared across successive examinations. The most recent test on 2026-04-10 returned a pass, alongside two advisory items: a minor exhaust gas leak and a rear tyre worn close to the legal limit. Stepping back, the 2023 examination was entirely clean with no defects recorded, whereas the 2024-11-12 test introduced advisories relating to slight fluctuation in front and rear brake effort and an insecure front mudguard. The trajectory is therefore one of generally compliant roadworthiness but with brake-related observations appearing in the middle test and then exhaust and tyre wear surfacing in the latest examination, suggesting that consumable wear is beginning to register as the machine is used. Against a ten-year chassis age, the recorded 4,149 miles equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 415 miles, which is very low for any internal combustion machine and inevitably raises questions about how the bike has been used versus how it has stood. There are no extended testing gaps visible in the record, with examinations logged in 2023, 2024 and 2026, but the low mileage strongly suggests prolonged periods of storage between short runs. Mechanically, this usage profile tends to be hard on items that suffer from inactivity: brake discs can develop surface corrosion, hydraulic seals and flexible brake hoses can harden and weep, fuel systems can accumulate varnish, and suspension linkages can corrode internally even where external components remain tidy. The recorded brake fluctuations from the 2024 test are entirely consistent with light, intermittent use rather than pad wear from sustained riding. For a prospective buyer, the specific advisories flagged in the MOT record should guide a focused physical inspection rather than a generic appraisal. Begin with the braking system: both ends of the bike were flagged for slight fluctuation in brake effort, which on a test ride can present as uneven lever or pedal feel, a soft or inconsistent bite, or judder under light application. Check the front brake lever and rear brake pedal for a firm, progressive response without sponginess, listen for any scraping from corroded discs as the wheel turns, and inspect the calipers for binding pistons and the flexible hoses for cracking or weeping at the banjo fittings. Move to the exhaust system, where the recorded minor gas leak points to likely failure at a joint gasket or a corroded section near the downpipe or silencer; on the running engine, listen for ticking, popping, or a distinctive blowing sound that changes with throttle position, and feel for escaping gases with a gloved hand near the header joints. The insecure front mudguard advisory is a relatively simple fix but worth confirming that any replacement has been seated correctly and that fastenings are sound. Tyre condition also warrants close attention given the advisory for a rear tyre nearing the legal limit on the most recent test. Even at low mileage, tyres degrade through oxidation of the rubber compound, and a ten-year-old rear tyre may exhibit surface cracking in the sidewalls or tread grooves regardless of remaining tread depth. Inspect both tyres for cracking, uneven wear patterns, and check the date code on the sidewall, as rubber that is significantly older than its tread depth suggests can compromise grip particularly in wet conditions. Finally, given the storage-heavy usage profile, verify that the fuel system is free of varnish by ensuring the engine starts promptly from cold, idles smoothly, and responds cleanly to throttle inputs without hesitation or misfire, and inspect the chain and sprockets for rust pitting or stiff links, as these are common casualties of low-mileage, intermittently stored motorcycles.