Kawasaki ZX-12R MOT pass rate & common failures

At a glance

Recorded pass rate

0.6 points above 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 ZX-12R tests in which each item was recorded. One failed test often lists several, so these do not sum to 100%.

1. 1.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely30.3%

   23 occurrences

2. 2.Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake13.2%

   10 occurrences

3. 3.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements11.8%

   9 occurrences

4. 4.Brake control has insufficient reserve travel9.2%

   7 occurrences

5. 5.Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements9.2%

   7 occurrences

6. 6.A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning9.2%

   7 occurrences

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

   6 occurrences

8. 8.Projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.6%

   5 occurrences

9. 9.A wheel bearing with excessive play3.9%

   3 occurrences

10. 10.Rear registration plate lamp does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps3.9%

    3 occurrences

11. 11.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm3.9%

    3 occurrences

12. 12.Lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements3.9%

    3 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all Kawasaki ZX-12R tests carrying each advisory.

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

   68 tests

2. 2.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted5.9%

   56 tests

3. 3.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely4.5%

   43 tests

4. 4.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution4.0%

   38 tests

5. 5.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm3.7%

   35 tests

6. 6.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn1.9%

   18 tests

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

   17 tests

8. 8.Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured1.6%

   15 tests

What gets tested

The ZX-12R fleet

Average mileage recorded at test

29,452

Test classes

class 2: 954

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 ZX-12R?

87.1% unadjusted, from 954 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.

What does a Kawasaki ZX-12R fail its MOT on?

"A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely" is recorded in 30.3% of failed Kawasaki ZX-12R tests, followed by "Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake" (13.2%). One failed test often lists several items.

What mileage does a Kawasaki ZX-12R usually have at its MOT?

29,452 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.