Yamaha Dt 125 R (1998)
1998 Yamaha Dt 125 R
CarHunch analysed 302 real MOT records for the 1998 Yamaha Dt 125 R. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1998 Yamaha DT 125 R is a serious reliability concern: only 6.9% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, meaning nearly 93% of these bikes fail their MOT on the first attempt. The dangerous defect rate sits at a low 1.7%, but the sheer scale of initial failures signals fundamental issues with how these machines are being maintained or have deteriorated over a quarter-century.
At 17,255 miles median, these bikes have genuinely low mileage for their age, yet they're still racking up 0.15 failures and 0.5 advisories per vehicle on average—suggesting age-related decay rather than wear-and-tear is the culprit. If you're considering one, budget hard for pre-purchase inspection and immediate remedial work; these bikes need serious attention before they'll pass the test.
What to check before buying a 1998 Yamaha Dt 125 R
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Yamaha Dt 125 R
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (98%) | 297 | 5.9% | 0.14 |
| Other (1%) | 4 | 79.2% | 0.5 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1998 Yamaha Dt 125 R vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1998 Yamaha Dt 125 R vehicles fall between 11,475 and 22,893 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Yamaha Dt 125 R?
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