Kawasaki ZX MOT pass rate & common failures

At a glance

Pass rate, adjusted for age and mileage

3.1 points above the fleet average of 86.5%.

DVSA recorded wording

Most common failure items

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

1. 1.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements17.7%

   148 occurrences

2. 2.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely14.4%

   120 occurrences

3. 3.Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements9.6%

   80 occurrences

4. 4.Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear9.0%

   75 occurrences

5. 5.Audible warning not working7.1%

   59 occurrences

6. 6.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm7.1%

   59 occurrences

7. 7.Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning7.1%

   59 occurrences

8. 8.A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps6.7%

   56 occurrences

9. 9.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution6.5%

   54 occurrences

10. 10.A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning5.3%

    44 occurrences

11. 11.A stop lamp(s) does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls or remains on when the brakes are released5.0%

    42 occurrences

12. 12.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn5.0%

    42 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all Kawasaki ZX tests carrying each advisory.

1. 1.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements7.3%

   1,166 tests

2. 2.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted6.9%

   1,097 tests

3. 3.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm3.5%

   557 tests

4. 4.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn2.6%

   422 tests

5. 5.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution2.4%

   376 tests

6. 6.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements1.6%

   248 tests

7. 7.Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play1.4%

   230 tests

8. 8.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely1.4%

   226 tests

How wear changes the picture

ZX pass rate by age and registration year

What gets tested

The ZX fleet

Average mileage recorded at test

17,005

Test classes

class 2: 15,966 · class 1: 15

Compare within the range

Other Kawasaki motorcycles

• Kawasaki ZR88.3%
• Kawasaki EX84.4%
• Kawasaki ER87.2%
• Kawasaki ZX-6R81.4% raw
• Kawasaki KLE87.5%
• Kawasaki KLZ90.6% raw
• All Kawasaki motorcycles

Common questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a Kawasaki ZX?

89.7% once adjusted for the age and mileage of the motorcycles tested, ranking 14 of 36 motorcycle models, from 15,981 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.

What does a Kawasaki ZX fail its MOT on?

"Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements" is recorded in 17.7% of failed Kawasaki ZX tests, followed by "A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely" (14.4%). One failed test often lists several items.

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

17,005 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.