2013 Triumph Thunderbird 1.6L Petrol · YR63 YMA

The Triumph Thunderbird presents a stable and reassuring maintenance trend. The most recent MOT, conducted on 13 November 2025 at 39,063 miles, passed with zero defects recorded. This is not a one-off clean sheet. The record shows five consecutive passes with no advisories or failures stretching back to December 2021. That is a solid five-year run of defect-free testing, indicating consistent mechanical care and no emerging faults. The mileage pattern tells a clear story of very light use. The bike has covered just 12,444 miles over the five-year period covered by these records, averaging roughly 2,488 miles per year. The most recent annual increment, from 36,752 miles in November 2024 to 39,063 miles by November 2025, is 2,311 miles. That is modest but consistent with the longer-term trend. There are no alarming gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer readings, and the overall average of approximately 3,005 miles per year across its thirteen-year life is well below typical motorcycle usage. Long periods of standing are a real possibility with a machine like this, which brings its own considerations. Despite the clean MOT history, a buyer should still carry out a thorough in-person inspection focused on components that do not always surface during a static or short-ride MOT check. Tyre age and condition deserve close attention. Rubber deteriorates with time regardless of tread depth, and tyres original to a 2013 machine or even several years old may look serviceable but could be dangerously past their useful life. Check the date codes on both tyres carefully. Brake fluid condition and corroded brake lines are another area worth inspecting, as fluid absorbs moisture over time and can degrade braking performance without triggering a test failure. The exhaust system, particularly around joints and mounting points, should be examined for corrosion, which can develop internally or in hidden areas. Suspension seals, swingarm bearings, and head race play should all be checked, as prolonged sitting can lead to dried grease and brinelling in bearings even when mileage is low. The battery and charging system health also warrant verification, given the likelihood of extended periods of inactivity. The MOT record is about as clean as it gets for a thirteen-year-old motorcycle. What it cannot reveal is how the bike was stored, whether it was ridden regularly enough to keep components exercised, or what consumable items are approaching replacement purely through age rather than wear. A pre-purchase inspection that goes beyond the MOT scope, focusing on rubber components, fluid age, and bearing condition, would be a sensible step before committing.