1981 Yamaha Xj550 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Xj550 models manufactured in 1981, based on 453 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Xj550 cars tested in 1981. Want to see how cars built in 1981 hold up over time?
View 1981 Yamaha Xj550 vintage page → (87.5% current pass rate)1981 Yamaha Xj550 MOT Analysis
The 1981 Yamaha Xj550 has an MOT pass rate of 76.4% based on 453 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 34,229 miles on the odometer. With a 23.6% failure rate, the 1981 Xj550 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1981 Yamaha Xj550 is Motorcycle steering, responsible for 0.4% of failures. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs range from £150–600. Motorcycle lamps and reflectors is the second most common issue at 0.2%.
Top failures specific to 1981 models only. The overall Xj550 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motorcycle Steering | 0.4% | 2 |
| 2 | Motorcycle Lamps And Reflectors | 0.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 34,229 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle steering | 0.13 | 0.4% | 2 |
| Motorcycle lamps and reflectors | 0.06 | 0.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1981 Yamaha Xj550 has an MOT pass rate of 76.4% based on 453 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 34,229 miles on the odometer. With a 23.6% failure rate, the 1981 Xj550 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1981 Yamaha Xj550, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to motorcycle steering: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels. With relatively low average mileage of 34,229 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Motorcycle steering — 0.4% of failures
Motorcycle steering issues account for 0.4% of MOT failures on 1981 Yamaha Xj550 models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Motorcycle lamps and reflectors — 0.2% of failures
Motorcycle lamps and reflectors issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1981 Yamaha Xj550 models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.