2022 Yamaha MT 125 (mtn 125-A) 0.1L Petrol · PK71 CDV

The MOT history for this 2022 Yamaha MT-125 reveals a recurring pattern of minor advisories concentrated on consumable and chassis components, with one notable failure on the 2025 test. The most recent examination on 23 January 2026 returned a pass, but flagged that the rear tyre was worn close to the legal limit and that the drive chain was slightly tight. The earlier 2025 test had recorded similar concerns for the front tyre, alongside advisories for a slightly worn rear lower shock absorber bush and slight fluctuation in rear brake effort. That same date also produced a failure for headlamp aim being too high and a drive chain horseshoe locking device incorrectly fitted, both of which would need to be remedied before a pass was issued on the same day. Across the recorded tests, the issues are broadly consistent with normal wear for a motorcycle of this age and mileage, but the repeated advisories on tyres, the rear suspension bush, and the drive chain point to components that will require attention in the near term. With three MOT tests recorded and approximately 25,590 miles covered over four years, the annual mileage of roughly 6,400 miles sits close to typical usage for a learner or commuter machine. The mileage accumulation between tests appears steady rather than indicating long periods off the road, which is positive for avoiding corrosion on plated or chromed surfaces and for keeping the drivetrain and brake hydraulics in regular working order. For a motorcycle of this type, mid-range annual mileage generally results in predictable wear patterns on chain, sprockets, brake pads, and tyres, all of which are reflected in the advisories already recorded. Higher than average mileage on a liquid-cooled 125 would typically accelerate valve clearance inspection intervals and clutch wear, neither of which forms part of the MOT assessment, but both worth factoring when considering a purchase at this mileage point. A prospective buyer should prioritise a close inspection of the items the DVSA examiner has already flagged. The rear tyre being close to the legal limit on the 2026 test means it is almost certainly due for replacement immediately, and the front tyre advisory from 2025 suggests the front may have been changed since but should be checked for age-related cracking regardless of tread depth. On a test ride, listen for any knocking or clonking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, as the worn lower shock absorber bush may have progressed and can manifest as a vague or unsettled rear end under braking or over bumps. The slight fluctuation in rear brake effort noted in 2025 warrants particular attention: on a test ride, check for a spongy or inconsistent lever or pedal feel, any pulling to one side under braking, and excessive heat in the rear disc or caliper after use, as these can indicate a binding caliper or a warped disc. The drive chain advisories deserve specific mechanical scrutiny. The 2026 record noted the chain was slightly tight, which suggests insufficient slack and risks accelerated wear on the chain, sprockets, and rear wheel bearings. On inspection, the chain should have approximately 20 to 30 mm of total vertical play at the midpoint between the sprockets when the motorcycle is unladen, and the rear wheel should rotate freely without any tight spots. Examine the chain for stiff links, corrosion, and uneven wear on the sprocket teeth, and confirm that the horseshoe locking device referenced in the 2025 failure has been correctly re-fitted with the closed end facing the direction of travel. Finally, verify the headlamp aim has been correctly set since the 2025 failure; on a flat surface, the beam should sit slightly below horizontal and not dazzle oncoming traffic, as an incorrectly adjusted unit is a straightforward immediate failure item.