2020 Yamaha Tracer 900 0.8L Petrol · PE70 AAV

A consistent pattern of tyre wear and minor suspension and drivetrain advisories defines the mechanical profile of this 2020 Yamaha Tracer 900. Across its four recorded MOT tests, the most recent on 20 August 2025 was a pass but included three advisory items, which suggests a machine that is roadworthy yet showing early signs of component wear. The 2024-07-09 and 2023-05-15 tests passed with no recorded defects, but the test on 13 May 2024 already flagged both front and rear tyres as being close to the legal limit, indicating a recurring tread-wear pattern rather than a one-off replacement interval. The 2025 advisory notice additionally recorded drive chain slack and slight lateral play in the rear suspension linkage, which together with the repeated tyre advisories points to wear items that warrant close physical inspection rather than immediate concern but should not be overlooked in a purchase evaluation. With 18,261 miles accumulated over roughly six years, annual mileage works out to around 3,044 miles per year, which is notably low for a motorcycle of this type and age. The MOT record reflects this modest usage, with annual tests clustered between May and August and no evidence of rapid mileage accumulation between tests. Mechanically, low annual mileage on a sport-touring machine can mean the engine, brakes, and drivetrain have experienced limited thermal cycling and load, but it also raises the possibility of prolonged standing periods, which commonly affect chain and sprocket condition, tyre integrity, battery state of charge, and the drying out of suspension seals. The fact that the rear drive chain was flagged as loose on the 2025 test is consistent with a machine that may not have been ridden frequently enough to keep the chain properly tensioned through regular adjustment checks. A prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on the items the advisories have actually flagged. The front tyre should be examined closely on the outer and centre edges, as the advisory specifically references wear in those zones, which on a Tracer 900 typically indicates either aggressive cornering or slightly low tyre pressure over time; check that any replacement tyre is of matching specification and that both wheels sit true without obvious cupping. On the rear, measure tread depth across the full width and inspect for uneven wear or cracking in the sidewalls, particularly given that the 2024 test also noted the rear tyre approaching the legal limit, suggesting the bike may be running through rear rubber at a steady cadence. The rear suspension linkage and shock mount bush should be checked by hand for lateral movement while the bike is on a paddock stand, and the rear shock should be cycled to feel for any knocking or binding, as the recorded slight play could develop into a more pronounced issue if left unchecked. For the drive chain, verify current tension against the manufacturer specification rather than simply accepting the advisory as historical, and look for stiff links, uneven slack from top to bottom, and sprocket tooth profile, particularly hooked or shark-fin shaped rear sprocket teeth which would indicate replacement is due. During a test ride, listen for any clonking from the rear end over bumps, monitor for any vagueness or wandering from the rear suspension under braking, and pay attention to throttle response at low rpm where a tight or neglected chain can cause surging. With these targeted checks and an awareness that the recorded usage has been light, the Tracer 900 presents as a fundamentally sound machine whose remaining concerns are the routine consumable and maintenance items typical of a sport-tourer of this age and mileage.