2011 Yamaha XT 660 X 0.7L Petrol · LR61 XSA

Against a backdrop of seven recorded MOT tests since late 2015, this XT 660 X presents a generally clean roadworthiness profile, with only one outright failure on file. That single failed test on 2018-02-13 concerned solely the headlamp aim and the registration plate presentation, including insufficient character margins, height, width and spacing, none of which are mechanical wear items, and the machine subsequently passed on 2018-02-16 with an advisory noting the chain guard was absent. The most recent test on 2024-08-17 was a clean pass with no advisories recorded, suggesting a stable and improving trend in terms of recorded defects at the time of that examination. The earlier advisory for a noisy exhaust in 2020 has not reappeared on subsequent records, which is a positive indicator for the exhaust system integrity at the point of the latest test. With 31,362 miles spread across roughly fifteen years, this motorcycle has averaged around 2,091 miles per year, which is notably low for its age class. Such limited annual usage often translates to prolonged periods of standing rather than consistent riding, and there is a visible gap in testing between 2021-05-21 and 2024-08-17 where no MOT was recorded, implying the bike was either off the road or exempt from testing for approximately three years. Mechanically, low accumulation rates reduce wear on consumables such as brake pads, chain and sprockets, and tyres, but extended standing periods can accelerate corrosion on ferrous components, degrade rubber bushes and seals, and promote moisture-related issues in fuel systems and braking hydraulics that would not necessarily be captured by the MOT cycle. For a prospective buyer, the specific items flagged in the advisory history warrant direct physical scrutiny. The front and rear brake pads were recorded as close to the minimum limit on 2017-02-18, so check the current pad material thickness through the caliper inspection window and inspect both brake discs for a pronounced lip at the outer edge, which would indicate they have worn close to their service limit. The noisy exhaust advisory from 2020 should prompt a cold-start listening check for any ticking or blowing from the header joints and silencer mounts, as well as a visual inspection of the system for blueing of metal, perished mounting rubbers or weeping gaskets. The missing chain guard advisory also remains relevant; verify that the lower chain run is fully enclosed or fitted with an intact guard, and assess chain and sprocket condition directly, looking for tight spots, stiff links, hooked sprocket teeth and inadequate slack adjustment. On a test ride, particular attention should be paid to the suspension, given the low-mileage standing periods, where stiction in the front forks or a sagging, hard-topped rear shock could indicate degraded damping fluid. Listen for clonks or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, which could point to worn headstock bearings or top yoke bushes that a standing motorcycle can develop without obvious MOT defects. Brake feel should be firm and progressive at both ends without excessive lever travel or pedal sponginess, and the engine should be checked for any misfire, irregular tick from the cam chain area, or rough idle that might suggest the single cylinder has been affected by infrequent use. Finally, confirm the headlamp beam pattern is correctly aligned and that the registration plate is fully compliant with current dimensional requirements, as both have previously featured as failure items on this motorcycle.