Yamaha MW MOT pass rate and common failures
Yamaha MW motorcycles pass the MOT 82.94% of the time, measured across 252 tests in the DVSA record. A further 2.38% passed only after a defect was put right at the test station.
What to check before the MOT
Built from this model's own failure record, not general advice.
- Start with tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm - it accounts for 35.1% of failed tests on this model.
- Then check less than 1.0 mm thick and has a serious fluid leak, the next two most common reasons.
- The most common advisory is tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm (10.3% of all tests) - not a failure, but money you will spend sooner or later.
- Average recorded mileage at test is 19,213 miles, which is the number to compare any advert against.
Pass rate by age
A single pass rate hides the most useful thing in this data: how the same model behaves at three years old and at fifteen.
| Age at test | Pass rate | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-10 years | 82.99% | 241 |
Why the Yamaha MW fails
Share of failed tests on this model where the item was recorded. One test can fail on several items, so the column does not add up to 100%.
| # | Item | Of failures | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm | 35.1% | 13 | |
| 2 | Less than 1.0 mm thick | 24.3% | 9 | |
| 3 | Has a serious fluid leak | 21.6% | 8 | |
| 4 | Has a major leak of exhaust gases | 10.8% | 4 | |
| 5 | Contaminated | 8.1% | 3 | |
| 6 | Does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls | 8.1% | 3 | |
| 7 | Excessively stiff or notchy | 8.1% | 3 | |
| 8 | Noise is clearly in excess of that emitted by a similar motorcycle fitted with a standard silencer in average condition | 8.1% | 3 | |
| 9 | Remains on when the brakes are released | 8.1% | 3 | |
| 10 | Control functioning such that safe operation of the motorcycle is adversely affected | 5.4% | 2 |
Most common advisories
Not a failure and not a legal requirement to fix - but an advisory that repeats year after year is money the next owner spends.
| # | Item | Of all tests | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm | 10.3% | 26 | |
| 2 | Is bent and the brake cannot be readily applied | 9.9% | 25 | |
| 3 | Less than 1.0 mm thick | 7.1% | 18 | |
| 4 | Excessively stiff or notchy | 5.6% | 14 | |
| 5 | Has a serious fluid leak | 5.6% | 14 | |
| 6 | Tread not clearly visible | 3.6% | 9 | |
| 7 | Has a major leak of exhaust gases | 3.2% | 8 | |
| 8 | Has excessive play | 3.2% | 8 | |
| 9 | In such a condition that it is seriously weakened | 3.2% | 8 | |
| 10 | Significantly and obviously worn | 2.8% | 7 |
Yamaha MW for sale
No Yamaha MW in stock at the moment - 82 other Yamaha bikes are advertised.
Similar bikes compared
Models of comparable capacity, so the comparison means something.
| Model | Tests | Pass rate | Avg mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha GPD125-A NMAX 125 · 125cc | 8,762 | 80.8% | 45,039 | |
| Piaggio VESPA 79-210cc · 79-210cc | 8,363 | 85.42% | 11,710 | |
| Honda WW · 125cc | 7,252 | 80.32% | 40,134 | |
| Honda WW 125 A-M · 125cc | 5,011 | 84.06% | 29,846 | |
| Honda GLR · 125cc | 4,737 | 79.99% | 14,642 | |
| Honda CBF 100-125cc · 100-125cc | 3,204 | 77% | 15,203 |
Source: DVSA MOT testing data, 2025 · updated Aug 2026 · licence and method