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Yamaha Motorbike Finance Mis-Selling — FCA Investigation

Last updated: 26 February 2026

Yamaha motorbikes, known for their performance and reliability, were commonly sold on Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Hire Purchase (HP) finance agreements during the period from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024. During this time, many consumers acquired these popular Japanese motorcycles through various finance providers, such as Black Horse, Close Brothers Motor Finance, MotoNovo Finance, and Moneybarn. ## How Yamaha Motorbikes Were Financed Yamaha motorbikes were often financed using PCP or HP agreements from a range of lenders. These agreements typically allowed consumers to make initial payments, followed by regular monthly installments over the agreed term, with options like returning the bike at the end of the agreement (for PCP) or owning it outright after the final payment (for HP). Lenders such as Black Horse and Close Brothers Motor Finance offered competitive rates and flexible terms that made purchasing a Yamaha motorbike more accessible for many consumers. ## The FCA Motor Finance Investigation The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched an investigation into discretionary commission arrangements used by lenders in the motor finance market. This inquiry uncovered widespread issues affecting 12.1 million eligible agreements (FCA, March 2026), with an estimated total of £7.5 billion in potential compensation and an average claim amount of £829 per agreement (FCA estimate). The FCA found that some dealers were paid extra commissions for steering customers towards higher-cost finance deals rather than offering the best available options. ## How to Check Your Agreement If your finance agreement was arranged between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024 and was handled by one of the common lenders for Yamaha bikes such as Black Horse or Close Brothers Motor Finance, it may be eligible for a review. You can check your contract details to see if there were any incentives offered that might indicate unusual sales practices. ## How to Complain Directly to Your Lender for Free If you suspect that your finance agreement was affected by the FCA investigation, you do not need to use a [claims management company](https://mlj.org.uk/guides/complaints-about-claims-management-companies) to seek compensation. Instead, you can complain directly to your lender at no cost. Common lenders like Black Horse and Close Brothers Motor Finance have dedicated teams to handle such complaints and will review your case based on the evidence provided. You should provide them with relevant documentation, such as your finance agreement and any correspondence related to your loan. ## Sources and References - Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). "Motor Finance Market Study" (2024) - Office for National Statistics Census 2021 - Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)

FCA Compensation: FCA Scheme Figures

The FCA confirmed on 30 March 2026 that 12.1 million motor finance agreements are covered by the FCA redress scheme. The FCA-estimated scheme average of £829 per eligible agreement per agreement, with a total of £7.5 billion set aside for consumers. The scheme covers PCP and HP agreements entered into between 6 April 2007 and 1 November 2024.

Two separate schemes apply: post-2014 agreements (implement by 30 June 2026) and pre-2014 agreements (implement by 31 August 2026). The final deadline to complain is 31 August 2027. You can complain to your lender directly for free. You do not need a claims management company.

Yamaha MOT Pass Rate — 2024 Data

Across 128,270 MOT tests in 2024, Yamaha vehicles have an overall pass rate of 90.4%. This is above the national average of 79.6%. DVSA data covers 244 Yamaha models with sufficient test volume.

Overall pass rate: 90.4%
Total MOT tests (2024): 128,270
Models with data: 244
National average: 79.6%

Best Yamaha models for MOT pass rate

Yamaha Tracer 900 Gt: 97.6% pass rate (1,440 tests)
Yamaha Mt-10 Sp Mtn1000D: 96.7% pass rate (661 tests)
Yamaha Xt: 96.6% pass rate (558 tests)
Yamaha Mt-09 Tracer Abs: 96.3% pass rate (564 tests)
Yamaha Rd350: 96.1% pass rate (558 tests)

Yamaha models with lowest MOT pass rate

Yamaha Yzf R125 Abs: 82.5% pass rate (715 tests)
Yamaha Ybr125: 82.3% pass rate (1,518 tests)
Yamaha Yzf R125: 80.1% pass rate (1,183 tests)
Yamaha Ybr 125: 79.5% pass rate (1,781 tests)
Yamaha Yzf: 79.2% pass rate (3,383 tests)

Yamaha MOT Reliability Trend (2022-2024)

Yamaha pass rates have remained stable: 90.1% in 2022, 90.4% in 2023, and 90.4% in 2024.

2022: 90.1% pass rate (147,325 tests)
2023: 90.4% pass rate (145,040 tests)
2024: 90.4% pass rate (128,270 tests)

Based on 420,635 MOT tests across three years (DVSA open data).

Data source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results 2024, Open Government Licence v3.0.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some signs that my Yamaha motorbike finance agreement may have been mis-sold?

Signs include being pressured into a high-interest loan when you could afford to pay cash or get a better deal elsewhere, not understanding the terms and conditions of the finance agreement, being misled about your credit score's impact on the interest rate or repayment period, and signing documents without fully understanding them. (FCA estimate)

How can I check if my Yamaha motorbike finance was mis-sold?

You can review any documentation you signed with your lender to see if there are discrepancies in the terms or conditions provided by the salesperson and what is actually written. Additionally, it’s important to look at whether the product suited your needs based on your financial situation and future plans for your Yamaha motorbike.

What should I do if I suspect my Yamaha motorbike finance agreement was mis-sold?

Firstly, you can complain directly to your lender for free. They will review your case according to their complaints procedure. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may escalate the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Is it necessary to use a claims management company if I believe my Yamaha motorbike finance was mis-sold?

No, you do not need a claims management company. You can handle your complaints directly with your lender and seek further assistance from the Financial Ombudsman Service if needed.

Important: MLJ.org.uk is an independent information resource. We are not a claims management company, solicitor, law firm, or financial adviser. We do not process claims, take fees, or provide advice. Where the law gives you a right to complain or claim directly (to a lender, council, FOS, court, or regulator), you can do so without paying a third party. MLJ.org.uk is operated by Copious Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number 11437826.