Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2002 Yamaha Tw 125?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2002 Yamaha Tw 125?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2002 Yamaha Tw 125?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2002 Yamaha Tw 125 reliable?

Based on MOT data from 105 vehicles, the 2002 Yamaha Tw 125 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 83.7%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2002 Yamaha Tw 125?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Yamaha Tw 125 (2002)

105 real MOT outcomes analysed • 83.7% first-time pass rate

2002 Yamaha Tw 125

CarHunch analysed 105 real MOT records for the 2002 Yamaha Tw 125. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2002 Yamaha TW 125 is a reliability concern: only 34% pass first time against the UK average of 80%, and virtually all tested examples (0.9%) have suffered dangerous defects at some point. This is a motorcycle with serious structural or safety issues, not a minor maintenance problem.

These bikes typically show low mileage for their age (median 8,783 miles), suggesting they've been stored or used sporadically—which often masks hidden corrosion and fuel system decay. With an average of 0.3 failures and 0.6 advisories per test, the issues are consistent across the sample, not freak occurrences. If you're considering one, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on frame condition, fuel tank integrity, and electrics before committing.

We have limited data for the 2002 Yamaha Tw 125 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

83.7%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.3

Over 2.2 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

Middle half: 5k–13k

For context

These stats describe 105 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 105 Yamaha Tw 125 cars.

Before you buy a 2002 Yamaha Tw 125

Based on MOT data from 105 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 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 →
📄 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 Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (95%)	100	82.9%	0.32

Mileage Distribution

Most 2002 Yamaha Tw 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.

8,783

typical

4,765

low mileage

13,189

high mileage

Half of all 2002 Yamaha Tw 125 vehicles fall between 4,765 and 13,189 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 4,765 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.

✓ 4,765–13,189 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2002 Yamaha Tw 125s sit.

⚠ Over 17,805 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

2.2

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.3

Avg failures per vehicle

0.6

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Yamaha Tw 125: All Tw 125 years → Which year to buy? →

1999 2000 2001

Or browse all models: Yamaha →

Compare with another model

See how the 2002 Yamaha Tw 125 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?