2013 Lexmoto Gladiator 125 0.1L Petrol · LR63 UBT

A recurring theme of steering and brake-related advisories defines the MOT history of this 2013 LEXMOTO GLADIATOR 125, with the steering headbearing flagged for slight free play at the most recent test on 2023-10-21, which passed but warrants close attention. Earlier in 2020, the front brake hose was recorded as slightly deteriorated, and front brake pads were noted as approaching minimum thickness in 2018. The only outright failures were minor in nature and unrelated to the braking or steering concerns: in 2018 the registration plate lamp failed to illuminate with the position lamps and the headlamp was insecure, and in 2019 the headlamp aim was too high. Both were rectified, as evidenced by the subsequent pass at the same visit in 2019 and the clean 2021 test. The overall trend is therefore one of broadly stable roadworthiness with a cluster of wear advisories pointing specifically to the steering headstock and front brake components, which a buyer should treat as the priority mechanical risk areas. With 18,077 miles recorded over roughly 13 years, this machine has averaged approximately 1,391 miles annually, a notably low figure that reflects either limited regular use or extended periods of standing. The MOT record reinforces this picture, with tests recorded in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2023, but a notable gap between late 2021 and late 2023 where no test was conducted, which is consistent with either a period off the road or a motorcycle exempt from testing during that interval. Low annual mileage of this nature tends to reduce wear on high-mileage consumables such as chain, sprockets and brake pads, but it can simultaneously bring forward issues with rubber components perishing, bearings drying out, and brake hoses hardening from disuse rather than wearing through friction. The deterioration noted on the front brake hose in 2020, despite the low mileage, is a typical example of this ageing phenomenon and should be considered alongside the steering headbearing advisory. A prospective buyer should focus the inspection on the steering headstock, the front braking system, and tyre condition, as these are the areas the MOT history has repeatedly touched upon. For the steering headbearing, which was recorded with slight free play in 2023, place the bike on the centre stand, grip the fork bottoms, and attempt to rock them front to back to detect any notchiness or clunking; on a test ride, listen for knocking over uneven surfaces and feel for any vague or wandering front-end response. Given the front brake hose deterioration advisory from 2020, the flexible hoses should be visually inspected for cracking, bulging under lever pressure, or perished rubber, and the front brake caliper and master cylinder checked for binding or slow release, since calipers that seize from infrequent use are a common consequence of low annual mileage. The 2018 advisory on front brake pads nearing minimum thickness means pad material should be physically inspected through the caliper window rather than relied upon, and the lever feel checked for a firm, progressive bite without sponginess. Tyre condition is the final area worth scrutinising closely, as a rear tyre was flagged as worn close to the legal limit in 2020, and given the bike's age and low usage the tyres themselves may be old even if the tread depth appears adequate. Inspect the sidewalls for cracking, check the DOT date codes for manufacture, and confirm there is no uneven wear pattern that might indicate misalignment or suspension issues relating to the headbearing concern. On a test ride, pay particular attention to high-speed stability, as a worn headbearing combined with aged tyres can produce weave or handlebar shake that would not be apparent at low speed. Finally, because the 2018 and 2019 failures involved headlamp security and aim, verify that the headlamp mounting is solid and that the beam pattern is correctly set, as insecure lamp fixings are often a symptom of deteriorated rubber mounting bushes that may recur.