Yamaha Vmx1200 (1998)
1998 Yamaha Vmx1200
CarHunch analysed 306 real MOT records for the 1998 Yamaha Vmx1200. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1998 Yamaha VMX1200 is a genuinely reliable machine, passing its MOT first time 88.1% of the time—well above the UK average of 80%. Only 13.7% have ever suffered a dangerous defect, which is reassuring for a bike now 26 years old.
These are low-mileage machines; the median sits at just 19,140 miles, suggesting they're cherished rather than ridden hard. Expect around 1.4 failures and 4.8 advisories per test, pointing to minor wear items rather than structural problems—so budget for routine maintenance like tyres, brakes, and seals before buying, but don't expect surprises.
What to check before buying a 1998 Yamaha Vmx1200
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 Vmx1200
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 305 | 88% | 1.42 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1998 Yamaha Vmx1200 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 1998 Yamaha Vmx1200 vehicles fall between 12,235 and 27,451 miles.
1998 Yamaha Vmx1200 — Still on the Road
98 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 — 1998 Yamaha Vmx1200
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
46.6%
Exhaust noisy
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38.8%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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38.3%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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30.9%
Exhaust noisy
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19.4%
Rear Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
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15.8%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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15.3%
Rear Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
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13.3%
Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1998. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Yamaha Vmx1200?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.