Model report · 2005–2025
YAMAHA 900
892cc
Petrol
Class 2
73.6%
first-time pass rate
17.2%
failed outright
37,023
median miles at test
174
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a 900
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
19 | 31.7 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
17 | 28.3 |
| steering and suspension |
|
9 | 15 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
5 | 8.3 |
| suspension |
|
3 | 5 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
3 | 5 |
| drive system |
|
1 | 1.7 |
| steering |
|
1 | 1.7 |
| body and structure |
|
1 | 1.7 |
| structure and attachments |
|
1 | 1.7 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
same type, similar capacity, high test volume
On first-time pass rate the 900 beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1150, TRIUMPH SPRINT, SUZUKI GSF1200).
BMW
R1150
88.5% pass · 171k tests
TRIUMPH
SPRINT
85.6% pass · 133k tests
SUZUKI
GSF1200
82.4% pass · 97.6k tests
HONDA
VFR800 FI
86.7% pass · 89.4k tests
Rivals share this bike's type and sit within ±30% of its engine capacity, ≥ 5,000 tests. Card colour = better/worse first-time pass rate than the 900.
Pass rate by registration year
how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date
Best year to buy used: 1995 (70.4% pass). Weakest: 1995 (70.4%).
First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.