2016 Keeway RKS 125 Sport 0.1L Petrol · KM66 TYD

The Keeway RKS 125 Sport presents a mixed but ultimately concerning maintenance history, with the most recent MOT on 12 July 2025 at just 5,757 miles showing no defects—a clean pass that suggests recent attention to basic roadworthiness. However, the preceding test on 18 May 2024 at 5,340 miles was a failure, revealing multiple serious issues: a leaking front shock absorber with negligible damping, a contaminated brake disc, and an excessively loose drive chain. These were not isolated problems but part of a broader pattern of neglect, with the same front suspension and drivetrain components failing repeatedly. The fact that the shock absorber was still flagged for oil misting in the May 2024 pass (at 5,346 miles) just six days later—despite the failure—implies either a half-measure repair or a deliberate attempt to pass without full rectification. The clutch lever modification also raises questions about whether previous owners addressed mechanical wear properly or simply adapted to avoid more costly fixes. The vehicle’s exceptionally low mileage—averaging around 576 miles per year over a decade—is unusual for a scooter of this age, particularly given the severe wear identified in 2024. The 411-mile jump between the May 2024 failure (5,340 miles) and the July 2025 pass (5,757 miles) suggests the scooter may have sat unused for nearly a year, which could explain why the most recent test found no defects: corrosion, fluid leaks, and mechanical wear may have stabilised temporarily due to inactivity. However, this also means critical components like the front suspension and drive chain were left unaddressed for an extended period, increasing the risk of sudden failure if the scooter is returned to regular use. The lack of intermediate MOTs between May 2024 and July 2025 further indicates the vehicle may have been exempt from testing, either through private sales or non-compliance, rather than through consistent maintenance. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension demands immediate scrutiny. The repeated failures of the shock absorber—both for fluid leaks and damping loss—point to either a substandard unit or chronic misuse. A thorough inspection should verify whether the current absorber is functioning correctly or if it remains compromised. The drive chain, which was noted as both excessively loose and worn in May 2024, should be checked for elongation, proper tensioning, and signs of stretch or damage, as these issues can lead to premature sprocket wear or even chain failure. The contaminated front brake disc, while not repeated in later tests, suggests potential neglect of brake maintenance; inspect the disc for uneven wear, corrosion, or grooving, and ensure the caliper isn’t binding. Finally, the shortened clutch lever may indicate prior abuse or an improper adjustment, which could affect clutch engagement and longevity. Given the scooter’s age and the history of unresolved faults, any purchase should factor in the likelihood of additional hidden wear—particularly in components that were flagged but not clearly rectified.