Yamaha Tdm850 (1991)
1991 Yamaha Tdm850
CarHunch analysed 179 real MOT records for the 1991 Yamaha Tdm850. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1991 Yamaha TDM850 passes its MOT slightly above the UK average at 81.8%, which is reassuring, though 16.8% of vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—primarily a safety concern around brake and suspension components typical of 30-year-old bikes. Petrol versus diesel breakdowns don't apply to motorcycles, but the consistency of the pass rate across this cohort suggests owners who maintain these bikes tend to keep them roadworthy.
At 35,600 miles median, these machines are running low for their age, indicating either careful use or full restoration by enthusiasts—which explains the relatively high 6.1 advisories per vehicle (worn switchgear, cosmetic corrosion, aged wiring). Before buying, ask for full service history and have an independent mechanic inspect the fuel system, carburettor seals, and brake lines, as age-related fuel and hydraulic failures are the real weak points on machines this old.
What to check before buying a 1991 Yamaha Tdm850
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 Tdm850
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1991 Yamaha Tdm850 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 1991 Yamaha Tdm850 vehicles fall between 25,281 and 45,127 miles.
1991 Yamaha Tdm850 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 16 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (26% 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 — 1991 Yamaha Tdm850
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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37.2%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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26.2%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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23.8%
Rear Brake disc(s) slightly worn
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21.3%
Drive chain slightly loose
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21.3%
Exhaust noisy
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18.3%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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15.2%
Front Brake disc(s) slightly worn
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14.6%
Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1991. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Yamaha Tdm850?
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