Yamaha Xt 1200 Z Super Tenere (2012)

129 real MOT outcomes analysed • 95.1% first-time pass rate

2012 Yamaha Xt 1200 Z Super Tenere

CarHunch analysed 129 real MOT records for the 2012 Yamaha Xt 1200 Z Super Tenere. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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The 2012 Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere passes its MOT first time in 86.2% of cases, which is a solid 6.2 percentage points above the UK average—this bike is genuinely more reliable than most. Dangerous defects turn up in only 8.5% of examples, so structural safety isn't a significant concern for the model.

At an average mileage of 21,835 miles for a 12-year-old adventure bike, these machines are holding up well and haven't been thrashed. The low failure rate of 0.37 per vehicle combined with modest advisories (1.7 per bike) means that when problems do arise, they're usually minor—but check the chain, sprockets, and brake condition yourself before buying, as these are the likeliest wear items on a bike used for proper touring.

We have limited data for the 2012 Yamaha Xt 1200 Z Super Tenere — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ About 1 in 12 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
95.1%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
8.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.37
Over 7.1 tests on record
Low
Typical mileage
20k
Middle half: 14k–28k
For context

These stats describe 129 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.

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See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 129 Yamaha Xt 1200 Z Super Tenere cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2012 Yamaha Xt 1200 Z Super Tenere

Based on MOT data from 129 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 8.5% 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 ClickMechanic
  • 📄 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 carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (95%) 123 95.1% 0.38

Mileage Distribution

Most 2012 Yamaha Xt 1200 Z Super Tenere 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.

19,658
typical
13,621
low mileage
27,744
high mileage

Half of all 2012 Yamaha Xt 1200 Z Super Tenere vehicles fall between 13,621 and 27,744 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 13,621 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.
13,621–27,744 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2012 Yamaha Xt 1200 Z Super Teneres sit.
Over 37,454 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2012 Yamaha Xt 1200 Z Super Tenere — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 54% of 2012 Yamaha Xt 1200 Z Super Teneres are still active.

53 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 54% of the peak remain.

99 53 2015 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2015–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

7.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.37
Avg failures per vehicle
1.7
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Yamaha Xt 1200 Z Super Tenere: All Xt 1200 Z Super Tenere years → Which year to buy? →
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