2010 Yamaha XT 660 X 0.7L Petrol · LB10 VXT

A pattern of tyre and drive chain wear dominates the MOT history of this Yamaha XT 660 X, with both items appearing as advisories on multiple occasions and culminating in a dangerous failure on 4 June 2024 for a front tyre whose tread pattern was both worn beyond clear visibility and cracked. Across the four recorded tests, the drive chain has been flagged as slightly loose or worn (though not considered excessive) in 2019, 2021 and 2024, and the front tyre has appeared at the legal limit or beyond in both 2021 and 2024, indicating a recurring consumption cycle typical of a chain-driven single that has seen regular road use. A second failure on 30 March 2021 cited inoperative stop and position lamps, and an earlier failure on 27 March 2020 recorded a dangerous rear tyre below the 1.0 mm minimum along with missing front brake pad pin locking devices, which were subsequently rectified as the same vehicle passed on the same day. The most recent test on 11 June 2024 returned a pass with no defects recorded, suggesting the immediate safety issues from June 2024 were addressed, although the underlying tyre and chain wear pattern remains a relevant background for any prospective inspection. The recorded mileage of 10,930 miles over a sixteen-year registration period equates to roughly 683 miles annually, which is well below average for a motorcycle of this vintage and indicates either light weekend use or extended periods of standing. The testing record itself shows an irregular cadence, with tests clustered in 2019, 2020 and 2021, a gap through 2022 and 2023, then two closely spaced tests in June 2024, suggesting the machine has not been presented annually throughout its life. Mechanically, low annual mileage on a single-cylinder thumper tends to manifest as dried and cracked fork oil seals, stiff or pitted fork stanchions from infrequent extension, surface corrosion on the chain and sprockets during longer standing periods, and potential flat-spotting or sidewall cracking in tyres that have sat inflated for long stretches, which is consistent with the cracking flagged on the front tyre in June 2024. Braking components, wheel bearings and brake fluid condition should also be treated with caution when annual use is this modest. For a prospective buyer, the inspection priorities follow directly from what the MOT record has actually flagged. The drive chain and rear sprocket cushion drive should be examined for tight spots, stiff links and uneven wear across the sprocket teeth, and the chain adjusters checked for remaining thread and correct tension, as the chain has been a recurring advisory over five years. The tyres, both front and rear, warrant close scrutiny for age-related sidewall cracking, DOT date stamps older than five years, and uneven tread wear that might indicate alignment or suspension issues, particularly given the dangerous tread condition recorded in June 2024. Brake components should be inspected thoroughly, with particular attention to the front brake pad pins and their retaining clips to confirm the locking device remains in place after the 2020 failure, and the front brake lever pivot checked for free travel and smooth operation, noting that a short aftermarket lever was recorded in 2020. On a test ride, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over uneven surfaces that could indicate worn fork seals or bushes, feel for any pulling or grabbing under braking which might suggest a binding caliper, and watch for any rear brake judder or ABS intervention irregularities as the rear tyre was previously below the legal minimum. Additional items worth a focused check include the stop lamp and position lamp circuits, both of which failed in 2021, so confirming reliable illumination from both switches and bulbs at the time of viewing is worthwhile, and the exhaust system, which was recorded as noisy in 2020 and should be checked for blowing joints, secure mounting and intact heat shields. Given the low annual mileage, the battery should be load-tested rather than trusted on voltage alone, and the fuel system inspected for stale fuel residue or varnish in the carburettor or throttle body, which is a common consequence of long standing periods on a low-use machine. With these specific points addressed and the recently replaced tyres and chain verified as in good condition, the 2024 pass suggests the immediate safety items are resolved, but the recurring tyre and chain wear pattern means these remain budget items that any new owner should expect to address within the next service interval.