Kawasaki VN800 MOT pass rate & common failures

At a glance

Recorded pass rate

2.1 points below the fleet average of 86.5%. The examples tested do not cover a wide enough spread of ages and mileages to compare fairly against the rest of the fleet, so no rank is claimed; the failure record below stands on its own.

DVSA recorded wording

Most common failure items

Share of failed Kawasaki VN800 tests in which each item was recorded. One failed test often lists several, so these do not sum to 100%.

1. 1.Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements19.3%

   11 occurrences

2. 2.A lamp missing or inoperative17.5%

   10 occurrences

3. 3.A stop lamp(s) does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls or remains on when the brakes are released14.0%

   8 occurrences

4. 4.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements12.3%

   7 occurrences

5. 5.Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning10.5%

   6 occurrences

6. 6.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted8.8%

   5 occurrences

7. 7.Audible warning not working8.8%

   5 occurrences

8. 8.Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake7.0%

   4 occurrences

9. 9.A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning7.0%

   4 occurrences

10. 10.The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements7.0%

    4 occurrences

11. 11.Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear5.3%

    3 occurrences

12. 12.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn5.3%

    3 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all Kawasaki VN800 tests carrying each advisory.

1. 1.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted20.5%

   173 tests

2. 2.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements4.9%

   41 tests

3. 3.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn3.7%

   31 tests

4. 4.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm2.8%

   24 tests

5. 5.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn2.5%

   21 tests

6. 6.Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake1.8%

   15 tests

7. 7.A main load-bearing structural member corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced1.8%

   15 tests

8. 8.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements1.4%

   12 tests

What gets tested

The VN800 fleet

Average mileage recorded at test

22,950

Test classes

class 2: 844

Compare within the range

Other Kawasaki motorcycles

• Kawasaki ZX89.7%
• Kawasaki ZR88.3%
• Kawasaki EX84.4%
• Kawasaki ER87.2%
• Kawasaki ZX-6R81.4% raw
• Kawasaki KLE87.5%
• All Kawasaki motorcycles

Common questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a Kawasaki VN800?

84.5% unadjusted, from 844 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.

What does a Kawasaki VN800 fail its MOT on?

"Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements" is recorded in 19.3% of failed Kawasaki VN800 tests, followed by "A lamp missing or inoperative" (17.5%). One failed test often lists several items.

What mileage does a Kawasaki VN800 usually have at its MOT?

22,950 miles on average across every age tested, so a description of the fleet rather than an annual figure. Motorcycle mileages are low and vary enormously with use; a commuter bike and a weekend bike of the same age can differ by a factor of ten.