Yamaha Szr660 (1997)
1997 Yamaha Szr660
CarHunch analysed 124 real MOT records for the 1997 Yamaha Szr660. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1997 Yamaha SZR660 passes its MOT first time in 84.6% of cases, which is a solid 4.6 points ahead of the UK average—a sign that these bikes have held up reasonably well over a quarter-century. Only 10.5% have ever recorded a dangerous defect, so safety concerns are not a standout issue here.
These machines show modest mileage for their age at 14,708 miles median, suggesting many have been cherished rather than thrashed, yet they're still picking up 1.14 failures and 2.7 advisories per test on average. Check the exhaust, lights, and brake condition closely on any example you view, and budget for routine wear items before committing to ownership.
What to check before buying a 1997 Yamaha Szr660
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 Szr660
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1997 Yamaha Szr660 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 1997 Yamaha Szr660 vehicles fall between 9,029 and 20,217 miles.
1997 Yamaha Szr660 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2024 (32% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2024.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1997 Yamaha Szr660
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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30.2%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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21.6%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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20.1%
Drive chain slightly loose
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13.7%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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12.2%
Rear position lamp does not illuminate immediately when it is switched on
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12.2%
Exhaust noisy
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12.2%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
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10.8%
Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1997. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Yamaha Szr660?
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