2016 Yamaha MT 0.1L Petrol · PN66 FVT

A single MOT failure sits within an otherwise unblemished DVSA record for this 2016 Yamaha MT, with seven tests recorded since 2020 and only the 2025 examination producing a refusal. That 2025 test cited brake fluid contamination at both front and rear circuits, a defect categorised under the dangerous failure group, although the same visit also issued a pass after rectification and recorded an advisory regarding a worn but not excessively seized rear drive chain. The most recent examination on 11 June 2026 returned a clean pass with no advisories, suggesting that whatever corrective work was carried out following the brake fluid failure has held through to the latest test. The overall trajectory is one of stable roadworthiness, with the brake fluid episode being an isolated event rather than part of a recurring pattern of mechanical deterioration. With 4,639 miles recorded across approximately ten years, this machine has averaged only around 464 miles annually, a figure that places it firmly in low-use territory for a motorcycle. There are no significant gaps in the testing history, with annual examinations recorded consistently from 2020 onwards, which indicates the vehicle has remained on the road throughout this period rather than being laid up. Low annual mileage of this nature can mean that components sensitive to prolonged standing, such as the brake hydraulic system, battery, internal chain links, and rubber-mounted parts, may have experienced age-related degradation rather than wear from regular use. The flagged brake fluid contamination in 2025 is consistent with moisture ingress over time in a system that sees limited cycling, as the fluid is hygroscopic and will absorb atmospheric moisture during periods of inactivity regardless of mileage. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a careful assessment of the brake hydraulic system. Although the 2026 test returned no advisories, the prior contamination failure at both ends warrants verification that a full fluid flush was performed using fresh DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 fluid as specified by Yamaha, and confirmation of the date this work was carried out. On a test ride, the front brake lever should feel firm with no sponginess or excessive travel, and the rear pedal should provide a solid, progressive response without dragging or pulling unevenly. Listen for any binding from the calipers when the brakes are released, and check that the discs run clean without noticeable scoring or lipping, as seized calipers on a low-mileage machine often stem from corrosion rather than pad wear. The advisory regarding the rear drive chain, although not considered excessive at the 2025 test, is a component that warrants close inspection given the low overall mileage. Chain wear on a motorcycle can accelerate rapidly when the bike is used only intermittently, as internal lubrication is not regularly distributed and corrosion can take hold between infrequent rides. On inspection, check for tight spots by rotating the chain slowly and feeling for any links that resist movement, look for rust on the inner run where it contacts the sprocket teeth, and verify that chain slack remains within the manufacturer tolerance, typically around 20 to 30 millimetres of vertical movement at the midpoint between sprockets. Also examine both front and rear sprockets for hooked or pointed teeth, as a worn chain will damage sprocket geometry. Finally, confirm that the tyres, which are not subject to MOT advisory recording on motorcycles, retain adequate tread depth and show no signs of sidewall cracking from age, and verify that the battery holds charge under load, as low annual mileage frequently leads to premature 12V battery failure on machines of this vintage.