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Yamaha Sr 125 (1997)

145 real MOT outcomes analysed • 79% first-time pass rate

1997 Yamaha Sr 125

CarHunch analysed 145 real MOT records for the 1997 Yamaha Sr 125. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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The 1997 Yamaha SR 125 is a reliability concern: only 18.5% pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and petrol models fare even worse at 15.2%. Fortunately, dangerous defects are rare at just 2.1% of vehicles, so while these bikes need work, they're unlikely to fail on safety grounds.

At around 15,000 miles average, these are well-used machines for their age, and they typically rack up 0.28 failures and 0.8 advisories per test, suggesting worn components rather than catastrophic problems. If you're considering one, budget for pre-purchase inspection and expect repair costs; this isn't a buy-and-forget bike.

We have limited data for the 1997 Yamaha Sr 125 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass
79%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
2.1%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.28
Over 1.9 tests on record
Low
Typical mileage
14k
Middle half: 11k–24k
For context

These stats describe 145 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 145 Yamaha Sr 125 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 1997 Yamaha Sr 125

Based on MOT data from 145 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 2.1% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic →
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (96%) 139 78.4% 0.29

Mileage Distribution

Most 1997 Yamaha Sr 125 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

14,054
typical
10,613
low mileage
23,595
high mileage

Half of all 1997 Yamaha Sr 125 vehicles fall between 10,613 and 23,595 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
✓ Under 10,613 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
✓ 10,613–23,595 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1997 Yamaha Sr 125s sit.
⚠ Over 31,853 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

1.9
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.28
Avg failures per vehicle
0.8
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Yamaha Sr 125: All Sr 125 years → Which year to buy? →
1998 1999 2000 2001

Or browse all models: Yamaha →

Compare with another model

See how the 1997 Yamaha Sr 125 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?