1997 Yamaha XJR 1200 1.2L Petrol · UIW 4011

A consistently clean MOT record across all six recorded tests defines this 1997 Yamaha XJR 1200, with the most recent assessment on 2 May 2026 producing a pass and no advisories or defects of any kind. The earlier tests from 2024, 2022, 2021, 2018 and 2017 follow exactly the same pattern, each returning a straightforward pass with the examiner finding nothing worthy of comment. Over a near decade of testing, not a single advisory has been raised against braking components, suspension, lighting, exhaust emissions, tyres, structure or any other inspected area. The absence of any recorded failures or even minor advisories is notable for a motorcycle approaching thirty years of age, suggesting that the specific components the MOT scheme scrutinises have remained within serviceable limits at each test point. The recorded odometer reading of 38,662 miles against an age of roughly 29 years equates to an annual accumulation of around 1,333 miles, which is low for a motorcycle of this vintage. There are also visible gaps in the testing history, with no MOTs recorded between 2017 and 2021, and again between 2021 and 2022, indicating periods when the machine may have been off the road, in storage, or exempt from testing. Low annual mileage of this order means that wear-related components such as brake pads, tyres, chain and sprockets, and fork oil are likely to have aged as much from standing as from active use. Standing periods can encourage corrosion on brake discs, drying and cracking of rubber components including fork seals, brake hoses, drive chain links, and electrical connectors, and moisture ingress in the fuel system. Equally, light mechanical use means the engine internals have accumulated relatively few thermal cycles, which can preserve bore, piston and bearing condition but also means cold-start behaviour is the more relevant indicator of health rather than high-mileage fatigue. For a prospective buyer, the clean advisory record narrows the inspection to the items that MOT does not cover and to age-related deterioration that accumulates regardless of mileage. On a test ride, listen for any irregular noises from the front forks over bumps, which would suggest worn fork seals or fatigued damping, and check the fork stanchions visually for oil misting or pitting. The brakes should feel firm and progressive without any sponginess indicating perished brake hoses, and the discs should run true without judder through the lever or pedal. Inspect the chain and sprockets for tight links, uneven sprocket tooth profiles, and adequate adjustment, and verify that tyres are within date and have even wear across the tread. Given the documented gaps in use, also check that the electrics function cleanly, the carburettors (or fuel injection system if converted) respond crisply from cold, and that there is no staining around the engine cases or final drive suggesting oil seepage that has developed during storage. Because the MOT history reveals no specific component failures to target, the buyer should pay particular attention to corrosion-prone areas typical of a 1990s Japanese naked sports motorcycle. Examine the frame downtubes, swingarm pivot region, sidestand mounting, and any exposed aluminium castings for oxidation. Lift the tank and inspect the rubber fuel hoses and vacuum lines for hardening or cracking, and confirm that the coolant hoses remain supple rather than perished. Look at the exhaust system for internal corrosion that could lead to blowing joints, and check the condition of the electrical loom for brittle insulation, particularly near the headstock where movement concentrates stress. A compression test, an oil pressure check at warm idle, and a close inspection of the rear shock linkage and monoshock for weeping or worn bushes would also provide reassurance given the limited mileage accumulation and the long intervals between recorded tests.