2009 Suzuki AN650 0.6L Petrol · FP09 VWM

The most recent MOT, carried out on 4 November 2025, resulted in a pass with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle was in an acceptable state at that time. However, the MOT record shows a pattern of intermittent failures: a major front‑brake binding fault in October 2025, and a similar brake binding together with an insecure front‑handlebar grip in July 2022. The fact that the vehicle passed the test a month after the 2025 failure suggests that the brake issue was addressed, but the recurrence of the same fault a few years earlier points to a potentially persistent problem in the front‑brake assembly that may re‑appear if not fully resolved. Overall the maintenance trend appears to be stabilising after recent corrective work, yet the history flags a need for close scrutiny of the front‑brake system. With only 3 724 miles recorded on a 2009 model, the annual average mileage works out at roughly 220 miles per year, which is exceptionally low for a scooter of this age. Such limited use often means that many wear items – tyres, brake pads, clutch plates – have experienced little mechanical wear, but the vehicle has been exposed to calendar ageing. Prolonged periods of inactivity can lead to rubber hardening, fuel degradation, and corrosion of metal components, especially in the brake system and suspension where moisture can settle. The low mileage therefore reduces the likelihood of mileage‑related fatigue but raises concerns about age‑related deterioration. A prospective buyer should give the front‑brake assembly the most thorough examination. Check that the brake lever operates smoothly without a gritty or dragging sensation and that the brake pads engage evenly on both sides of the disc. Listen for any grinding or squealing when the lever is applied, and feel for any pull to one side that could indicate a sticking caliper piston or seized brake hose. Verify that the front‑handlebar grip is firmly attached and does not wobble, as an insecure grip can be a safety hazard. It would be prudent to inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring, or uneven wear, and to consider a fresh brake fluid flush, as fluid can absorb moisture over time and compromise braking performance. Beyond the brakes, the buyer should assess age‑related items. Examine the tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot, or any loss of pliability, and confirm that the tread depth is still within legal limits, remembering that tyre rubber can deteriorate even with minimal mileage. Test the 12‑volt battery’s voltage and, if possible, its cranking performance, since batteries left idle for years often lose capacity. Inspect the suspension bushings, swing‑arm pivots and rear shock for signs of corrosion, cracking or excessive play, and look for any rust on the frame, exhaust and under‑carriage that could indicate water ingress during storage. Finally, verify that the coolant, engine oil and fuel have been changed at appropriate intervals – typically every two years for coolant and brake fluid, and annually for oil – and that the service book reflects these interventions, as fluid degradation can cause internal wear even when the scooter has been driven only sparingly.