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Yamaha Xt500 (1980)

145 real MOT outcomes analysed • 88.9% first-time pass rate

1980 Yamaha Xt500

CarHunch analysed 145 real MOT records for the 1980 Yamaha Xt500. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Generally reliable 8.9% above UK average
88.9%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
13,795
typical mileage
7,009–23,274 middle half
1.4%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.55
avg MOT failures per car
over 3.9 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1980 Yamaha Xt500

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 Xt500

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

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Mileage Distribution

Most 1980 Yamaha Xt500 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.

7,009
low mileage
13,795
typical
23,274
high mileage

Half of all 1980 Yamaha Xt500 vehicles fall between 7,009 and 23,274 miles.

1980 Yamaha Xt500 — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 13 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2021 (26% of peak).

26 13 2014 2021

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2021.

MOT History Averages

3.9
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.55
Avg failures per vehicle
1.5
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1980 Yamaha Xt500

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

  • 14.7%
    Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
  • 11.4%
    Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
  • 9.2%
    Horn not working
  • 9.2%
    Exhaust noisy
  • 6.5%
    Rear wheel bearings have slight free play
  • 6.5%
    Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies
  • 6.5%
    Rear position lamp does not illuminate immediately when it is switched on
  • 6%
    Headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1980. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Yamaha Xt500?

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

UK

Other model years — Yamaha Xt500:

1981