Kawasaki reliability and common MOT problems by model
Kawasaki shows a 9.1% combined MOT failure rate across 25,349 tests in MOTIntel data. Zx 6r has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 12.2%. Zx 6r deserves extra checking at 12.2%.
Statistics are built from DVSA MOT tests carried out in calendar year 2023, plus official recall records and MOT fault wording data. Report index generated 2026-05-09.
Kawasaki combined failure rate: 9.1% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #3 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest). Raw rates reflect each make's fleet age mix — newer fleets naturally fail less.
Which Kawasaki models look strongest?
Zx 6r (12.2%)
Which Kawasaki models need extra caution?
Zx 6r (12.2%)
Most reliable Kawasaki models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kawasaki Zx 6r | 12.2% | 5,210 tests | 4,605 vehicles |
Kawasaki models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kawasaki Zx 6r | 12.2% | 5,210 tests | 4,605 vehicles |
Common Kawasaki MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 391 MOT notes | 1 models | Check for recent discs, pads, pipes, handbrake work, and any repeated brake imbalance advisories. | Kawasaki Zx 6r |
| 2 | Lights and electrical | 255 MOT notes | 1 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | Kawasaki Zx 6r |
| 3 | Corrosion and structure | 104 MOT notes | 1 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | Kawasaki Zx 6r |
| 4 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 34 MOT notes | 1 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | Kawasaki Zx 6r |
| 5 | Suspension and steering | 28 MOT notes | 1 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | Kawasaki Zx 6r |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 19 MOT notes | 1 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | Kawasaki Zx 6r |
All Kawasaki model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zx 6r | 5,210 | 4,605 | 12.2% |
| Zx limited data | 4,702 | 4,350 | 5.1% |
| Zx 9r limited data | 2,733 | 2,436 | 11.0% |
| Unclassified limited data | 2,007 | 1,808 | 9.7% |
| Zr limited data | 1,701 | 1,555 | 6.5% |
| Ex limited data | 1,621 | 1,481 | 7.5% |
| Zzr600 limited data | 1,388 | 1,227 | 11.2% |
| Er6 limited data | 1,385 | 1,240 | 9.7% |
| Er5 limited data | 1,317 | 1,149 | 12.4% |
| Zx 12r limited data | 1,161 | 1,059 | 7.1% |
| Er limited data | 1,104 | 1,008 | 7.7% |
| Vn800 limited data | 1,020 | 921 | 9.0% |
Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.