Yamaha Rd350 (1982)
1982 Yamaha Rd350
CarHunch analysed 495 real MOT records for the 1982 Yamaha Rd350. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1982 Yamaha RD350 is a genuinely reliable performer, with a 90.6% first-time MOT pass rate that significantly outpaces the UK average of 80%—and dangerous defects are rare at just 4%. This suggests owners have kept these bikes in solid working order over the decades.
These RD350s are running relatively low mileage for their age at a median of 22,278 miles, which likely reflects how many have been cherished rather than thrashed. The modest failure rate of 0.63 per vehicle and 1.5 advisories per vehicle indicate straightforward maintenance rather than systemic weak points, so if you're considering one, a full pre-purchase inspection by a motorcycle specialist will quickly tell you whether the example you're looking at has been properly maintained.
What to check before buying a 1982 Yamaha Rd350
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 Rd350
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 (100%) | 494 | 90.6% | 0.63 |
| Electric (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1982 Yamaha Rd350 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 1982 Yamaha Rd350 vehicles fall between 12,707 and 31,478 miles.
1982 Yamaha Rd350 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 15 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (7% of peak).
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 — 1982 Yamaha Rd350
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
11.2%
Rear Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
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10.2%
Exhaust noisy
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10.2%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
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9.3%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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8.1%
Steering headbearing has slight free play
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7.8%
Headlamp aim too high
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6.5%
Drive chain slightly loose
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6.2%
Exhaust noisy
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1982. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Yamaha Rd350?
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