2009 Yamaha TDM900 0.9L Petrol · HV09 NEY

A clear pattern of escalating mechanical wear emerges from the recent MOT history of this Yamaha, transitioning from clean annual passes in earlier years to multiple failures and recurring suspension and steering advisories by 2025 and 2026. The machine successfully secured a pass on 22nd May 2026 at 46,592 miles, yet this latest test recorded ongoing concerns regarding a tyre worn close to the legal limit and slight corrosion on the front forks. This indicates a worsening trend of consumable and structural fatigue that requires careful scrutiny, contrasting sharply with the fault-free test sheets logged between 2021 and 2023. Accumulating 46,592 miles across roughly seventeen years yields an average of about 2,741 miles annually, representing a relatively low usage profile for a motorcycle of this age. While this limited mileage does not point to extended multi-year storage gaps, intermittent low-usage cycles can still accelerate specific types of mechanical degradation, particularly where seals, steering components, and drive chains are exposed to moisture and lack continuous operational movement. The physical inspection of this motorcycle must focus heavily on the front end, given the history of fork seal failures, dampness, and steering head bearing issues. The 2025 test records highlighted a severe nearside fork seal leak alongside a weeping offside seal and a notchy steering head bearing that required immediate rectification. During a static inspection and test ride, check the fork stanchions for any remaining pitting or fresh oil residue, and ensure the front end drops and rebounds smoothly without binding or excessive free play when loading the handlebars. Further mechanical checks should address the remaining consumables flagged on recent certificates, including the drive chain noted as going rusty in 2024 and the tyres that have repeatedly approached or exceeded legal limits. Listen closely for any stiffness or resistance in the steering during tight low-speed turns, verify that the front brake lever operates cleanly without any lingering effects from its previously bent state, and inspect the final drive and tyre tread depths to establish whether immediate replacements are necessary post-purchase.