2015 Yamaha MT 0.1L Petrol · FM65 AAK

A 124cc motorcycle generally sits in a low insurance bracket and benefits from cheap road tax due to the small engine capacity. Fuel economy for small-capacity Yamaha singles is typically strong, often returning well in excess of 70 mpg under normal riding, making day-to-day running inexpensive. Replacement parts for a popular learner-legal Yamaha are widely available and relatively affordable compared to larger or more niche machinery.

The shock absorber repair that caused the 2024 MOT failure will be the main near-term cost if it has not already been addressed, with parts and labour likely to run into three figures. Tyres, brake pads, chain and sprocket sets should also be budgeted for on a machine of this age even with low mileage, as rubber and drive components degrade with time as well as use. MOT and routine servicing for a small single-cylinder machine are modest in cost at any reputable dealer.

Estimated annual running costs including fuel, tax, insurance and routine maintenance are likely to fall in the region of £700-£900, though this will rise if the shock absorber or other deferred maintenance is still outstanding.

The priority inspection point is the nearside front shock absorber, where a serious fluid leak was recorded at the 2024-08-30 MOT. Look for oil residue on the stanchion or damping unit, corrosion around the mounting points, and any unevenness in fork or shock operation during a test ride. Confirm the work has been done since the 2024-09-13 pass, and ask to see the receipt.

Beyond the suspension, inspect the chain and sprockets for age-related corrosion given the low mileage, as bikes that sit unused often suffer from seized links and rusty sprocket teeth. Check tyre condition carefully — rubber older than five years should be replaced regardless of tread depth, and look for cracking or hardening of the sidewalls. Examine the brake calipers, discs and lines for corrosion from storage, and verify that the front and rear brakes operate smoothly without binding.

Finally, run through a standard mechanical inspection: check for fluid leaks from the engine and final drive, listen for irregular noises from the small single-cylinder engine on a cold start, and inspect the electrical system including indicators, horn and instrument cluster. With only two MOT tests on file across ten years, the gaps in testing history are notable — a thorough independent inspection is well worth the modest cost.