Yamaha Rd125 (1986)
1986 Yamaha Rd125
CarHunch analysed 149 real MOT records for the 1986 Yamaha Rd125. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1986 Yamaha RD125 passes its MOT at 79.2%, just shy of the UK average of 80%, so reliability is broadly in line with what you'd expect from a bike this age. The good news is that dangerous defects are rare, affecting only 6% of the cohort, meaning safety issues are not a widespread concern with this model.
These bikes are running at a median of 24,536 miles, which is reasonable for a 38-year-old machine and suggests many have been sensibly maintained or stored. With an average of 0.89 failures and 1.7 advisories per test, typical issues are minor wear items rather than structural problems—so budget for regular maintenance but don't expect major surprises if you buy one that's already passing.
What to check before buying a 1986 Yamaha Rd125
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 Rd125
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1986 Yamaha Rd125 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 1986 Yamaha Rd125 vehicles fall between 17,534 and 33,253 miles.
1986 Yamaha Rd125 — Still on the Road
17 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 59% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1986 Yamaha Rd125
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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19.7%
Headlamp aim too high
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18.8%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
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15.9%
Rear wheel bearings have slight free play
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12%
Front Brake disc(s) slightly worn
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11.5%
Drive chain slightly loose
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10.6%
Nearside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
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10.1%
Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
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9.1%
Chain guard missing
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1986. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Yamaha Rd125?
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