Yamaha Yzf (2010)

903 real MOT outcomes analysed • 77.1% first-time pass rate

2010 Yamaha Yzf

CarHunch analysed 903 real MOT records for the 2010 Yamaha Yzf. 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 Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2010 YAMAHA YZF passes its MOT at 77.1%, slightly below the UK average of 80%, which is a modest reliability concern—but the real warning sign is that one in three of these bikes (33.1%) have had a dangerous defect recorded, suggesting safety-critical issues crop up more often than typical. This is a motorcycle that demands closer scrutiny at purchase.

These YZFs average just over 14,000 miles, which is relatively low mileage for a 14-year-old bike and suggests many have been cherished or lightly used. The average of 2.08 failures per MOT, combined with 8.6 advisories, points to wear accumulating across multiple systems rather than one dominant problem—so budget for varied maintenance and always inspect brake condition, suspension, and lighting carefully before buying.

The 2010 Yamaha Yzf has a decent first-time pass rate (77.1%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ 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
77.1%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
33.1%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.08
Over 8 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
13k
Middle half: 9k–19k
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 8.6 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 903 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.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 903 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Exhaust & emissions 91.9%
Exhaust noisy
Lighting 44.6%
Drive chain slightly loose · Rear reflector on motorcycle missing · Rear reflector missing
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Tyre wear 39.7%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 25%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Rear 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.
Other issues 20.9%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive · Drive chain excessively loose
Suspension & steering 12.6%
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil · Offside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil · Steering headbearing has slight free play
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2010.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 903 Yamaha Yzf cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2010 Yamaha Yzf

Based on MOT data from 903 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 33.1% 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%) 902 77.1% 2.08

Colour Breakdown

Based on 11,019 Yamaha Yzf vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 32.9%
3,622
Black 16.3%
1,799
Red 15.6%
1,722
White 15.2%
1,673
Grey 14.1%
1,549
Silver 2.8%
304
Yellow 1.7%
182
Multi-colour 0.5%
50
Green 0.3%
37
Orange 0.3%
36
Purple 0.3%
35
Pink 0.1%
10

Mileage Distribution

Most 2010 Yamaha Yzf 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.

13,407
typical
8,774
low mileage
18,772
high mileage

Half of all 2010 Yamaha Yzf vehicles fall between 8,774 and 18,772 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 8,774 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.
8,774–18,772 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2010 Yamaha Yzfs sit.
Over 25,342 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2010 Yamaha Yzf — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 32% of 2010 Yamaha Yzfs are still active.

Numbers are declining — 220 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (32% of peak).

689 220 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

8
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.08
Avg failures per vehicle
8.6
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Yamaha Yzf: All Yzf years → Which year to buy? →
1998 1999 2000 2001 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Or browse all models: Yamaha →

Compare with another model

See how the 2010 Yamaha Yzf stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing