Yamaha Ys 125 (2020)

412 real MOT outcomes analysed • 83.5% first-time pass rate

2020 Yamaha Ys 125

CarHunch analysed 412 real MOT records for the 2020 Yamaha Ys 125. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page
AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 412 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 2020 Yamaha YS 125 falls short of the UK average, with a 70.3% first-time pass rate compared to 80% nationally—a meaningful gap that suggests this model has more than its fair share of teething troubles. The 18% dangerous defect rate sits just below the concerning threshold, so check the full inspection history carefully when viewing an example.

At nearly 8,800 miles on average, these bikes are carrying typical mileage for their age, but the 0.52 average failures and 1.6 advisories per vehicle point to small recurring issues rather than major mechanical failures. If you're considering one, factor in a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified motorcycle technician—the middling MOT record means don't rely on the pass certificate alone.

The 2020 Yamaha Ys 125 passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (83.5%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 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
83.5%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
18%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.52
Over 2.7 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
6k
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 1.6 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 412 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 412 Yamaha Ys 125 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2020 Yamaha Ys 125

Based on MOT data from 412 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 18% 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 (99%) 407 83.4% 0.52

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 2020 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.

6,423
typical
3,571
low mileage
11,676
high mileage

Half of all 2020 Yamaha Ys 125 vehicles fall between 3,571 and 11,676 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 3,571 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.
3,571–11,676 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2020 Yamaha Ys 125s sit.
Over 15,762 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2020 Yamaha Ys 125 — Still on the Road

Most 2020 Yamaha Ys 125s are still being driven.

Strong survival — 248 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 86% of the peak.

264 248 2023 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2023–2025.

MOT History Averages

2.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.52
Avg failures per vehicle
1.6
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Yamaha Ys 125: All Ys 125 years → Which year to buy? →
2017 2018 2019

Or browse all models: Yamaha →

Compare with another model

See how the 2020 Yamaha Ys 125 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?