Yamaha Yzf 600 R (1998)
1998 Yamaha Yzf 600 R
CarHunch analysed 547 real MOT records for the 1998 Yamaha Yzf 600 R. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1998 YAMAHA YZF 600 R has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 29.8%, nearly half the UK average of 80%, suggesting these nearly three-decade-old bikes are typically in poor condition when tested. Only 4.6% have ever recorded a dangerous defect, so while they fail frequently, the failures aren't usually safety-critical.
At an average mileage of 25,115 miles, these machines are running relatively low for their age, yet they're still racking up an average of 0.35 failures and 1.0 advisories per test—pointing to wear-related issues like brake condition, tyres, and lighting rather than major mechanical breakdown. If you're looking at one, budget for some immediate remedial work to pass the test, and have a pre-purchase inspection focus on fluid leaks, suspension, and electrical gremlins typical of 26-year-old motorcycles.
What to check before buying a 1998 Yamaha Yzf 600 R
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 Yzf 600 R
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (96%) | 523 | 27.1% | 0.36 |
| Other (4%) | 24 | 91% | 0.29 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1998 Yamaha Yzf 600 R 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 1998 Yamaha Yzf 600 R vehicles fall between 17,353 and 32,854 miles.
1998 Yamaha Yzf 600 R — Still on the Road
19 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 58% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Yamaha Yzf 600 R?
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