Yamaha Ys 125 (2018)

833 real MOT outcomes analysed • 83.7% first-time pass rate

2018 Yamaha Ys 125

CarHunch analysed 833 real MOT records for the 2018 Yamaha Ys 125. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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The 2018 Yamaha YS 125 passes its MOT first time in just 70.7% of cases, notably below the UK average of 80%, and one in five owners will encounter a dangerous defect at some point—a genuine safety concern that shouldn't be ignored. This suggests the model has inherent reliability weaknesses rather than isolated issues.

At under 10,000 miles on average, these bikes are relatively low-mileage for their age, yet still averaging 0.75 failures and 2.3 advisories per test. Before buying one, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the common failure patterns, and budget for regular maintenance to address the advisories early.

The 2018 Yamaha Ys 125 passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (83.7%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ 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
83.7%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
22.1%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.75
Over 4 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
7k
Middle half: 4k–12k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 2.3 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 833 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?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 833 Yamaha Ys 125 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2018 Yamaha Ys 125

Based on MOT data from 833 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 22.1% 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

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (100%) 830 83.7% 0.75

Colour Breakdown

Based on 2,627 Yamaha Ys 125 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 36.8%
967
Red 35.4%
931
White 27.4%
719
Blue 0.4%
10

Mileage Distribution

Most 2018 Yamaha Ys 125 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.

7,336
typical
4,028
low mileage
12,068
high mileage

Half of all 2018 Yamaha Ys 125 vehicles fall between 4,028 and 12,068 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 4,028 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.
4,028–12,068 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2018 Yamaha Ys 125s sit.
Over 16,291 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2018 Yamaha Ys 125 — Still on the Road

Most 2018 Yamaha Ys 125s are still being driven.

412 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 73% of the peak remain.

562 412 2021 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.

MOT History Averages

4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.75
Avg failures per vehicle
2.3
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Yamaha Ys 125: All Ys 125 years → Which year to buy? →
2017 2019 2020

Or browse all models: Yamaha →

Compare with another model

See how the 2018 Yamaha Ys 125 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?