Yamaha Trx850 (1997)
1997 Yamaha Trx850
CarHunch analysed 373 real MOT records for the 1997 Yamaha Trx850. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1997 Yamaha TRX850 passes its MOT at 84.8%, comfortably above the UK average of 80%, which suggests these bikes have held up reasonably well over the decades. Only 12.3% have ever recorded a dangerous defect, so safety issues are not a widespread concern for the model.
At nearly 27,400 miles on average, these machines show typical mileage for a motorcycle of this age, and the 5.2 advisories per vehicle indicate gradual wear rather than structural problems. If you're considering one, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the routine failures that typically appear—an average of 1.55 per bike—and you'll have a clear sense of what work lies ahead.
What to check before buying a 1997 Yamaha Trx850
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 Trx850
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1997 Yamaha Trx850 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 Trx850 vehicles fall between 17,352 and 34,332 miles.
1997 Yamaha Trx850 — Still on the Road
100 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 66% of the peak remain.
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 — 1997 Yamaha Trx850
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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52.7%
Exhaust noisy
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38.1%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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36.4%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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24.4%
Exhaust noisy
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19.6%
Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
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15.8%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
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14.9%
Drive chain slightly loose
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11.5%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1997. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Yamaha Trx850?
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