Yamaha reliability and common MOT problems by model
Yamaha shows a 9.4% combined MOT failure rate across 93,804 tests in MOTIntel data. Yzf R1 has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 6.3%. Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs deserves extra checking at 11.3%.
Statistics are built from DVSA MOT tests carried out in calendar year 2023, plus official recall records and MOT fault wording data. Report index generated 2026-05-09.
Yamaha combined failure rate: 9.4% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #5 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest). Raw rates reflect each make's fleet age mix — newer fleets naturally fail less.
Yzf R1 (6.3%), Mt (7.0%), Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs (11.3%)
Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs (11.3%), Mt (7.0%), Yzf R1 (6.3%)
Most reliable Yamaha models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yamaha Yzf R1 | 6.3% | 7,086 tests | 6,557 vehicles |
| 2 | Yamaha Mt | 7.0% | 11,046 tests | 10,153 vehicles |
| 3 | Yamaha Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs | 11.3% | 5,689 tests | 4,971 vehicles |
Yamaha models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yamaha Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs | 11.3% | 5,689 tests | 4,971 vehicles |
| 2 | Yamaha Mt | 7.0% | 11,046 tests | 10,153 vehicles |
| 3 | Yamaha Yzf R1 | 6.3% | 7,086 tests | 6,557 vehicles |
Common Yamaha MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 1,278 MOT notes | 3 models | Check for recent discs, pads, pipes, handbrake work, and any repeated brake imbalance advisories. | Yamaha Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs, Yamaha Mt, Yamaha Yzf R1 |
| 2 | Lights and electrical | 635 MOT notes | 3 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | Yamaha Yzf R1, Yamaha Mt, Yamaha Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs |
| 3 | Corrosion and structure | 135 MOT notes | 3 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | Yamaha Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs, Yamaha Mt, Yamaha Yzf R1 |
| 4 | Suspension and steering | 119 MOT notes | 3 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | Yamaha Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs, Yamaha Mt, Yamaha Yzf R1 |
| 5 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 87 MOT notes | 3 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | Yamaha Mt, Yamaha Yzf R1, Yamaha Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 85 MOT notes | 3 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | Yamaha Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs, Yamaha Mt, Yamaha Yzf R1 |
All Yamaha model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mt | 11,046 | 10,153 | 7.0% |
| Yzf R1 | 7,086 | 6,557 | 6.3% |
| Gpd125 A Nmax 125 Abs | 5,689 | 4,971 | 11.3% |
| Unclassified limited data | 5,229 | 4,708 | 9.0% |
| Yzf limited data | 4,756 | 3,821 | 18.5% |
| Fzs600 limited data | 4,468 | 4,034 | 9.1% |
| Xjr1300 limited data | 4,221 | 4,006 | 4.6% |
| Fz6 limited data | 3,114 | 2,826 | 8.8% |
| Yzf R6 limited data | 3,113 | 2,830 | 8.5% |
| Ybr limited data | 2,874 | 2,450 | 14.8% |
| Ybr 125 limited data | 2,757 | 2,320 | 15.2% |
| Fzs1000 limited data | 2,721 | 2,542 | 5.3% |
| Mt 07 Abs limited data | 2,511 | 2,326 | 5.4% |
| Xsr limited data | 2,473 | 2,288 | 5.3% |
| Ybr125 limited data | 2,241 | 1,849 | 16.6% |
| Xvs650 limited data | 1,867 | 1,707 | 8.3% |
| Ys 125 limited data | 1,786 | 1,530 | 11.2% |
| Tracer 900 Gt limited data | 1,768 | 1,679 | 1.9% |
| Wr limited data | 1,749 | 1,502 | 13.0% |
| Mt 125 Abs limited data | 1,729 | 1,426 | 15.2% |
| Tracer 700 Mt 07 Tracer limited data | 1,724 | 1,633 | 3.1% |
| Xj600 limited data | 1,658 | 1,483 | 11.6% |
| Mt 09 Abs limited data | 1,621 | 1,529 | 4.3% |
| Xv535 limited data | 1,611 | 1,478 | 8.6% |
| Yzf600 limited data | 1,597 | 1,408 | 12.0% |
| Fjr1300a limited data | 1,566 | 1,427 | 7.3% |
| R6 limited data | 1,424 | 1,271 | 11.4% |
| Yzf R125 limited data | 1,383 | 1,136 | 16.9% |
| Dt125 limited data | 1,267 | 1,112 | 12.1% |
| Xc limited data | 1,247 | 1,076 | 12.2% |
| Gpd limited data | 1,194 | 1,030 | 11.4% |
| Xj900 limited data | 1,170 | 1,054 | 10.0% |
| Fjr1300 limited data | 1,084 | 1,007 | 6.6% |
| Xvs1100 limited data | 1,043 | 964 | 6.7% |
| Tdm900 limited data | 1,017 | 962 | 6.0% |
Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.