2020 Yamaha MT 125 (mtn 125-A) 0.1L Petrol · LF70 XSW

The defining mechanical story of this 2020 YAMAHA MT 125 is one of progressive deterioration in its rear braking system and front suspension, evidenced by a fail on 2025-10-01 with dangerous defects that included an offside rear brake pad thickness below 1.0 mm and a binding offside rear brake caliper, alongside a serious fluid leak from the nearside front shock absorber. This fail sits within a broader pattern: a September 2024 test also failed (initially, before passing the same day) due to an incorrectly fitted drive chain horseshoe locking device, and the 2024 pass carried advisories for light oil misting from the front shock and rear brake pads sitting close to the minimum limit. The most recent test on 2026-02-18 returned a clean pass with no defects recorded, which interrupts but does not erase the recent sequence of mechanical issues affecting braking performance and front suspension sealing. Against a six-year vehicle age, the recorded 6,147 miles equates to roughly 1,024 miles per year, which is notably low for a motorcycle and points either to light seasonal use or to extended periods off the road. Testing has occurred annually from 2023 through 2026 without multi-year gaps, so there is no evidence of a long-term lay-up that would typically raise concerns about stale fuel, dried brake fluid, or seized caliper pistons. However, the low annual mileage combined with a clear advisory history on brake pads approaching minimum thickness in 2024 and a dangerous brake pad failure in 2025 suggests the rear braking components were either left to wear down during periods of inactivity or have been subject to uneven use patterns. Front shock misting flagged in 2024 progressing to a serious fluid leak by late 2025 is also consistent with a seal that has degraded through age rather than through high-mileage work. For a prospective buyer, the rear braking system is the priority inspection area. On a test ride, listen for any continuous dragging or grinding from the rear wheel area which could indicate the caliper is still binding after the 2025 repair, and feel for a rear brake lever that feels wooden, does not release cleanly, or produces judder under application. Check the offside rear brake pad thickness directly via the caliper inspection window or by removing the caliper, and inspect the rear brake disc for lipping, scoring, or blueing that would confirm the binding caliper caused uneven wear or overheating. The rear reflector absence flagged in October 2025 should also be verified as present and correctly mounted, as this is a straightforward roadworthiness item but was missing at the last failed test. The front shock absorber requires close physical inspection, as oil misting in 2024 progressing to a confirmed fluid leak by 2025 indicates the seal has failed and the unit may have been replaced or repaired since. On a test ride, pay particular attention to damping behaviour over uneven road surfaces: the front end should not bottom out under braking or bounce excessively after compression, and any knocking, creaking, or wallowing through corners could suggest the replacement unit is also degrading or was not correctly fitted. The drive chain and sprockets warrant a separate check, given the 2024 horseshoe locking device failure and the nearside rear sprocket advisory from October 2025; verify even tension across the run, correct clip orientation on the joining link, and that sprocket teeth are not hooked or pointed. Finally, confirm that the rear reflector, front and rear lighting, and number plate are all present and undamaged, and ensure all previously advised and failed items have documented rectification before purchase.