Yamaha Rd350 (1986)
1986 Yamaha Rd350
CarHunch analysed 246 real MOT records for the 1986 Yamaha Rd350. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1986 Yamaha RD350 passes its MOT first time 86.9% of the time, comfortably ahead of the UK average of 80%, and dangerous defects are rare at just 8.9% of vehicles ever having recorded one—a genuinely safe prospect. These are older machines with modest mileage (25,420 median), suggesting they're either cherished classics or low-use survivors, and the light failure rate of 0.8 per vehicle confirms they're fundamentally sound once they've cleared the test.
Most examples rack up about 2.2 advisories per MOT, typically minor wear items rather than serious structural issues. If you're looking at one, check the service history closely and factor in specialist mechanic costs, as finding a technician who knows two-stroke sports bikes from the '80s may require some legwork.
What to check before buying a 1986 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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Mileage Distribution
Most 1986 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 1986 Yamaha Rd350 vehicles fall between 16,136 and 34,001 miles.
1986 Yamaha Rd350 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 69 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 85% of the 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 — 1986 Yamaha Rd350
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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11.3%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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11.3%
Headlamp aim too low
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10.1%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
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9.6%
Drive chain slightly loose
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8.7%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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8.4%
Rear suspension bush has slight free play
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7.5%
Steering headbearing has slight free play
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6.5%
Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1986. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Yamaha Rd350?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.