Pass rate over time
The YZ's first-time pass rate has risen 10.3 points since 2017, 78.1% to 88.4%.
What fails on a YZ
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| suspension |
|
97 | 17.8 | 5.7× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
82 | 15 | 1.8× |
| brakes |
|
66 | 12.1 | 0.7× |
| tyres |
|
63 | 11.5 | 3.5× |
| structure and attachments |
|
56 | 10.3 | 3.5× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
48 | 8.8 | 15.9× |
| steering and suspension |
|
41 | 7.5 | 0.6× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
34 | 6.2 | 8.7× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
33 | 6 | 0.4× |
| steering |
|
26 | 4.8 | 3.5× |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects. "vs all bikes" is how often this model's tests record a defect in the group, as a multiple of the all-bike rate.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the YZ beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (YAMAHA YBR 125, HONDA CG125, HONDA CBF125).
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 YZ.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2016 (87.0% pass). Weakest: 2020 (69.8%).
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.
YAMAHA YZ FAQ
Is the YAMAHA YZ reliable?
The YAMAHA YZ is more reliable than average for its class: 81.4% of its 1,650 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #3291 of 5426 models.
What does a YZ fail its MOT on most?
suspension — 18% of all defects recorded against failed YZ tests.
What is the best year of YZ to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2016-registered examples do best (87.0%) and 2020 worst (69.8%). Condition and history still trump the year.