2021 Benelli Tornado Naked T 125 E5 0.1L Petrol · OW21 ENE

The most recent DVSA test on 26 August 2026 resulted in a pass; however, this outcome must be considered alongside the failure recorded on the same date for a steering headbearing with excessive wear or free play and a missing rear reflector. Both items were addressed between the failed and passed tests on the same day, which indicates that remedial work was carried out immediately prior to the pass being issued. The earlier 2025 test history shows a clean pass on 21 August 2025, but a failure on 14 August 2025 for a missing rear reflector, accompanied by advisories for a noisy rear exhaust, slight play in the front wheel bearing, and a missing L plate. Taken together, the pattern across 2024, 2025, and 2026 shows a generally stable maintenance trend, but with the emergence of steering, brake, and exhaust concerns in 2026 that warrant close scrutiny. The recurrence of exhaust noise across both 2025 and 2026 tests suggests a persistent issue that has not been fully resolved. With 18,817 miles recorded over approximately five years, the motorcycle has averaged around 3,763 miles per year, which is low for a commuter-class 125cc machine and is more consistent with occasional leisure or training use. This relatively low annual mileage means that mechanical wear from high mileage is unlikely to be a concern on major drivetrain components, but extended periods of standing or short trips can promote moisture accumulation, brake corrosion, and fluid degradation. The mileage recorded at each MOT test increases steadily and proportionally with the calendar intervals, indicating no significant gaps in use or registration irregularities. Given that this is a learner-legal motorcycle that has likely spent considerable time either stationary or used only in fair weather, calendar-based wear factors deserve as much attention as mileage-based wear. For a prospective buyer, the steering headbearing repair recorded at the 2026 test is a particularly important area to inspect, as a worn headbearing affects both handling precision and safety. On a test ride, the front end should feel solid and self-centring at low speed; any clicking, notchiness, or reluctance to fall into turns under steering input would suggest that the replacement bearing has not been correctly adjusted or that wear has progressed further. The 2026 advisories regarding a bent rear brake pedal, rear brake binding, and rear brake pads close to the minimum limit all point to the rear brake assembly requiring attention. On inspection, the caliper should retract cleanly without the pads dragging on the disc, the pedal should return fully under spring pressure, and any uneven pad wear or scoring on the brake disc surface should be noted. The bent pedal itself may indicate a minor impact or heavy use and should be checked for cracks around the bend. Beyond the recorded defects, several age and standing-related items merit a physical check before purchase. Tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking, which commonly affect low-mileage motorcycles of this age even when tread depth remains legal. The front wheel bearing flagged with slight play in 2025 should be rechecked for any progression, ideally by rocking the wheel side to side with the front lifted. Exhaust system components, particularly joints and mounting rubbers, should be inspected for blueing, corrosion, or loose fasteners given the recurring noisy exhaust advisories. Given that annual mileage is low, brake discs may have developed surface corrosion from standing, which typically clears with use but can cause initial juddering; conversely, seized or binding calipers would explain the rear brake binding advisory and warrant a strip and clean or replacement. Other time-sensitive items include the 12V battery, which on a low-use 125 is prone to sulphation and should be load-tested, along with brake fluid, coolant if fitted, and final drive oil, all of which degrade with calendar age irrespective of mileage. Verifying service book stamps and any supporting invoices for the recent steering and brake work would also provide confidence that the advisories have been properly addressed.