Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.
“vs expected” adjusts for age, mileage and test class, so a cherished classic and a hard-used commuter are compared fairly. How this works.
Pass rate over time
The YZF's first-time pass rate has fallen 2.9 points since 2006, 79.1% to 76.2%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage YZF passes first time 80.4% of the time; by 40k that's 70.8%.
First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.
What fails on a YZF
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
88 | 24.6 | 1.2× |
| brakes |
|
75 | 21 | 1.0× |
| steering and suspension |
|
56 | 15.7 | 1.1× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
33 | 9.2 | 1.1× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
25 | 7 | 0.9× |
| suspension |
|
22 | 6.2 | 1.7× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
17 | 4.8 | 1.9× |
| drive system |
|
16 | 4.5 | 1.3× |
| tyres |
|
13 | 3.6 | 1.1× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
12 | 3.4 | 5.5× |
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 YZF beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (HONDA CBR600F, HONDA CBR900RR, YAMAHA YZF-R6).
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 YZF.
Compare with any bike
More YAMAHA models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1996 (86.2%). Lowest: 1994 (70.2%). Every YZF year compared →
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 YZF FAQ
Is the YAMAHA YZF reliable?
The YAMAHA YZF is less reliable than average for its class: 79.7% of its 1,202 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #3649 of 5428 models.
What does a YZF fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 25% of all defects recorded against failed YZF tests.
What is the best year of YZF to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1996-registered examples do best (86.2%) and 1994 worst (70.2%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a YZF last?
The median YZF shows 19,736 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 70.8% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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