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Yamaha Xt250 (1981)

139 real MOT outcomes analysed • 86.6% first-time pass rate

1981 Yamaha Xt250

CarHunch analysed 139 real MOT records for the 1981 Yamaha Xt250. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Generally reliable 6.6% above UK average
86.6%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
17,879
typical mileage
11,907–25,215 middle half
5%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.77
avg MOT failures per car
over 4.8 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1981 Yamaha Xt250

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 Xt250

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Mileage Distribution

Most 1981 Yamaha Xt250 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.

11,907
low mileage
17,879
typical
25,215
high mileage

Half of all 1981 Yamaha Xt250 vehicles fall between 11,907 and 25,215 miles.

1981 Yamaha Xt250 — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2022 (29% of peak).

30 10 2014 2022

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2022.

MOT History Averages

4.8
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.77
Avg failures per vehicle
2
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1981 Yamaha Xt250

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 13.4%
    Front Wheel has a slightly distorted bead rim.
  • 11.8%
    Rear wheel bearings have slight free play
  • 11.3%
    Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies
  • 10.9%
    Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
  • 8.8%
    Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
  • 8.4%
    Steering headbearing has slight free play
  • 8%
    Horn not working
  • 8%
    Rear Drive chain sprocket slightly worn

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1981. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Yamaha Xt250?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Yamaha Xt250:

1980