Yamaha Xv750 (1981)
1981 Yamaha Xv750
CarHunch analysed 129 real MOT records for the 1981 Yamaha Xv750. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1981 Yamaha XV750 passes its MOT just above the UK average at 82%, with a reassuringly low dangerous defect rate of 10.1%—well below the threshold that would flag serious safety concerns. Petrol and diesel breakdowns aren't relevant here, as this is a motorcycle, so reliability hinges on the model's mechanical design rather than fuel type variation.
At nearly 24,000 miles on average, these bikes show modest usage for their 40+ years, which is typical for classic motorcycles that spend time in collections. The average of 2.8 advisories per vehicle suggests aging electrical and wear items rather than structural failures, while just under one failure per vehicle indicates that most examples need minor rather than major work—so budget for consumables like belts and seals, then get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the charging system and fuel delivery.
What to check before buying a 1981 Yamaha Xv750
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 Xv750
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1981 Yamaha Xv750 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 1981 Yamaha Xv750 vehicles fall between 10,951 and 34,361 miles.
1981 Yamaha Xv750 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 15 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2022 (48% of peak).
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
Most Common MOT Issues — 1981 Yamaha Xv750
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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48.2%
Exhaust noisy
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19.1%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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14.1%
Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey
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10.6%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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10.6%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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10.1%
Rear Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
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9%
Steering headbearing has slight free play
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9%
Exhaust noisy
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1981. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Yamaha Xv750?
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