Yamaha Xvs125 (2001)

285 real MOT outcomes analysed • 80.7% first-time pass rate

2001 Yamaha Xvs125

CarHunch analysed 285 real MOT records for the 2001 Yamaha Xvs125. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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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 Colour Breakdown Compare Models

This 2001 Yamaha XVS125 is marginally more reliable than the UK average, with an 80.7% first-time pass rate against the 80% benchmark, but nearly a quarter of these bikes have recorded dangerous defects at some point—a red flag that suggests mechanical or safety issues warrant close inspection before purchase. The median mileage of just over 12,000 miles for a 23-year-old machine is remarkably low, indicating these are lightly used examples, yet they still rack up an average of 2.05 failures and 5.5 advisories per test, pointing to age-related wear rather than hard riding.

Check the service history carefully and expect to budget for routine repairs; the high advisory count signals that while catastrophic failures are uncommon, minor systems (electrics, corrosion, wear items) need regular attention. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers brakes, tyres, and fuel system integrity—the dangerous defect history means you should trust the MOT record over optimistic seller claims.

We have limited data for the 2001 Yamaha Xvs125 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 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
80.7%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
24.6%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.05
Over 9.5 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
12k
Middle half: 8k–17k
For context

These stats describe 285 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 285 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 47.6%
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.
Lighting 45.4%
Drive chain slightly loose · Rear Drive chain sprocket slightly worn · Headlamp aim too high
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Exhaust & emissions 35.3%
Exhaust noisy
Other issues 27%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive · Drive chain excessively loose · Drive chain worn to excess
Brake wear 18.2%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Brake disc(s) slightly worn · Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2001.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 285 Yamaha Xvs125 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2001 Yamaha Xvs125

Based on MOT data from 285 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 24.6% 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

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,308 Yamaha Xvs125 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 71.1%
930
Red 16.4%
214
Silver 10.2%
134
Blue 0.8%
11
Gold 0.5%
7
Maroon 0.5%
6
Green 0.5%
6

Mileage Distribution

Most 2001 Yamaha Xvs125 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.

12,064
typical
7,889
low mileage
17,164
high mileage

Half of all 2001 Yamaha Xvs125 vehicles fall between 7,889 and 17,164 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 7,889 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.
7,889–17,164 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2001 Yamaha Xvs125s sit.
Over 23,171 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2001 Yamaha Xvs125 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 25% of 2001 Yamaha Xvs125s are still active.

Numbers are declining — 31 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (25% of peak).

123 31 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* 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

9.5
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.05
Avg failures per vehicle
5.5
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Yamaha Xvs125: All Xvs125 years → Which year to buy? →
2000 2002 2003 2004

Or browse all models: Yamaha →

Compare with another model

See how the 2001 Yamaha Xvs125 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?