1998 Yamaha VMX1200 1.2L Petrol · S253 CAA
1998 Yamaha VMX1200 (1.2L, petrol). First registered 28/10/1998. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- YAMAHA VMX1200
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 02/09/2022
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01/09/2021)
- Recorded Mileage
- —
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 1198cc
S253 CAA Key Findings
- No MOT test records found for this registration
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 1998 Yamaha VMX1200 presents a strong value proposition for enthusiasts, with a clean MOT history and low mileage for its age.
Prioritize checking the engine's internal components (camshaft, valves) for wear, as 28-year-old motorcycles can develop hidden issues. Verify if the vehicle has a full service history, as Yamaha's reliability often depends on consistent maintenance. Negotiate based on its age and the need for potential restoration work, but the clean MOT history justifies a premium over similar models with defect records. Inspect the frame for rust or damage, particularly around the swingarm pivot.
As a 1998 petrol motorcycle, it would incur £0 road tax (zero-emission vehicle) but higher fuel costs compared to modern models. Insurance groups for classic bikes vary widely, but this model's popularity may offer competitive rates. Maintenance costs could be elevated due to vintage parts, with annual servicing likely exceeding £200-£300. Estimated annual running costs: £1,200-£1,800 including fuel and insurance.
Focus on the engine's valve train and camshaft for wear, common issues in high-mileage Japanese motorcycles. Check the carburetor and fuel system for corrosion, and inspect the rear wheel bearings (frequent failure point on this model). Examine the frame for cracks near the engine mounting points, a known weakness in older Yamaha cruisers. Verify that all MOT-passed components (brakes, lights, exhaust) remain intact and undamaged.
The VMX1200 has maintained consistent low mileage (14,189 miles as of 2021) and a flawless MOT record across five consecutive annual tests. While no model-specific reliability data exists, the absence of defects in all recorded inspections suggests reliable mechanical condition. Its black colour and 1198cc engine make it a classic cruiser candidate, though buyers should consider its 28-year age and potential parts availability challenges.
No aggregate MOT data exists for the YAMAHA VMX1200 model, making it difficult to assess broader reliability trends.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
MOT Status
No MOT history available
No MOT test records were found for this registration. DVSA’s digital archive only covers tests from 2005, so a vehicle that has not been tested since then may legitimately have no visible history.
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