Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2016 Yamaha Xt?

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 2016 Yamaha Xt?

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 2016 Yamaha Xt?

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 2016 Yamaha Xt reliable?

Based on MOT data from 123 vehicles, the 2016 Yamaha Xt has a first-time MOT pass rate of 92.7%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

What are common problems with the 2016 Yamaha Xt?

The most frequently recorded MOT issues on the 2016 Yamaha Xt are: Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (25.8% of vehicles), Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit (21.4% of vehicles), Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (20.8% of vehicles). These figures are based on actual MOT test records — search a specific registration on CarHunch to see its individual history.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2016 Yamaha Xt?

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 Xt (2016)

123 real MOT outcomes analysed • 92.7% first-time pass rate

2016 Yamaha Xt

CarHunch analysed 123 real MOT records for the 2016 Yamaha Xt. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2016 Yamaha XT is a genuinely reliable motorcycle, with a first-time MOT pass rate of 92.7%—well above the UK average of 80%. Dangerous defects are relatively uncommon at 15.4%, so this isn't a safety concern that should deter you.

These bikes are being ridden hard but not worn out; the median mileage sits at just over 14,000 miles, which is low for an eight-year-old machine, yet the average climbs to 17,236 miles, indicating some high-milers in the mix. When failures do occur, they're minor (averaging 0.5 per vehicle), and advisories average 1.8—mostly routine maintenance items rather than structural problems. Get a pre-purchase inspection focused on service history and whether the bike's been regularly maintained, as that will be the strongest predictor of long-term trouble-free ownership.

We have limited data for the 2016 Yamaha Xt — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 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

92.7%

UK average ~80%

Better than average

Dangerous (ever)

15.5%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.5

Over 6 tests on record

Moderate

Typical mileage

14k

Middle half: 8k–21k

For context

These stats describe 123 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?

What tends to go wrong

Across 123 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 25.8%

Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm

Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.

Brake wear 21.4%

Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · …

Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Other issues 15.7%

COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION

Exhaust & emissions 13.8%

Exhaust noisy

Suspension & steering 11.3%

Steering headbearing slightly stiff or notchy

Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Lighting 6.3%

Headlamp aim too high · Registration plate lamp does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamp(s)

Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 123 Yamaha Xt cars.

Before you buy a 2016 Yamaha Xt

Based on MOT data from 123 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 15.5% 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 →
📄 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

Mileage Distribution

Most 2016 Yamaha Xt 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.

14,152

typical

7,640

low mileage

20,909

high mileage

Half of all 2016 Yamaha Xt vehicles fall between 7,640 and 20,909 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 7,640 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.

✓ 7,640–20,909 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 Yamaha Xts sit.

⚠ Over 28,227 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2016 Yamaha Xt — Still on the Road

Most 2016 Yamaha Xts are still being driven.

83 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 79% of the peak remain.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
* 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

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.5

Avg failures per vehicle

1.8

Avg advisories per vehicle

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

2014 2015

Or browse all models: Yamaha →

Compare with another model

See how the 2016 Yamaha Xt stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?