Yamaha Sr250 (1981)
1981 Yamaha Sr250
CarHunch analysed 110 real MOT records for the 1981 Yamaha Sr250. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1981 Yamaha SR250 passes its MOT at 83.4%, which sits comfortably above the UK average of 80%, suggesting these bikes are generally well-maintained by their custodians. The dangerous defect rate of 8.2% is reassuringly low, so serious safety issues are not a widespread concern.
These SR250s are averaging 25,231 miles—reasonable for a 40-plus-year-old machine—and each visit typically uncovers just over one failure and 3.5 advisories per vehicle, indicating age-related wear rather than systemic problems. If you're considering one, factor in that you'll likely face minor remedial work, but get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the frame, forks, and fuel system, as these tend to show their age first on bikes this old.
What to check before buying a 1981 Yamaha Sr250
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 Sr250
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Mileage Distribution
Most 1981 Yamaha Sr250 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 1981 Yamaha Sr250 vehicles fall between 13,406 and 31,430 miles.
1981 Yamaha Sr250 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2022 (28% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2022.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1981 Yamaha Sr250
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
25.2%
Drive chain slightly loose
-
20.3%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
19.6%
Exhaust noisy
-
15.4%
Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey
-
14%
Exhaust slightly deteriorated
-
14%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
13.3%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
-
9.8%
Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1981. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Yamaha Sr250?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.
Other model years — Yamaha Sr250: