Yamaha Xj 600 S Diversion (1997)
1997 Yamaha Xj 600 S Diversion
CarHunch analysed 141 real MOT records for the 1997 Yamaha Xj 600 S Diversion. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1997 Yamaha XJ 600 S Diversion has a 28.7% first-time MOT pass rate—dramatically below the UK average of 80%—which signals serious reliability concerns for a motorcycle now 27 years old. The good news is that dangerous defects are rare at 2.1%, so catastrophic safety failures aren't the primary issue; instead, expect persistent wear-related failures in brakes, lights, and exhaust systems typical of ageing bikes.
At a median mileage of 26,926 miles, these machines have been ridden relatively gently, yet they still rack up an average of 0.28 failures and 0.9 advisories per test, suggesting the Diversion's age is catching up with mechanicals faster than low mileage alone would explain. Before buying, budget for a full pre-purchase inspection by a motorcycle specialist—don't rely on MOT history—and factor in £500–£1,000 for essential remedial work.
What to check before buying a 1997 Yamaha Xj 600 S Diversion
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 Xj 600 S Diversion
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (96%) | 135 | 25.8% | 0.28 |
| Other (4%) | 6 | 95.8% | 0.33 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1997 Yamaha Xj 600 S Diversion 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 Xj 600 S Diversion vehicles fall between 19,387 and 40,302 miles.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Yamaha Xj 600 S Diversion?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.