Kawasaki ZX-9R MOT pass rate & common failures

At a glance

Recorded pass rate

4.2 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 ZX-9R 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 severely21.0%

   49 occurrences

2. 2.Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake13.7%

   32 occurrences

3. 3.A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning9.9%

   23 occurrences

4. 4.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements8.6%

   20 occurrences

5. 5.Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning6.9%

   16 occurrences

6. 6.Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements6.0%

   14 occurrences

7. 7.Audible warning not working5.6%

   13 occurrences

8. 8.Projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.6%

   13 occurrences

9. 9.A stop lamp(s) does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls or remains on when the brakes are released4.7%

   11 occurrences

10. 10.Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear4.7%

    11 occurrences

11. 11.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm4.3%

    10 occurrences

12. 12.The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements4.3%

    10 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all Kawasaki ZX-9R tests carrying each advisory.

1. 1.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted11.0%

   234 tests

2. 2.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements7.4%

   157 tests

3. 3.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely6.2%

   132 tests

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

   94 tests

5. 5.Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake3.7%

   79 tests

6. 6.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm3.4%

   73 tests

7. 7.Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play2.4%

   50 tests

8. 8.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn2.3%

   48 tests

What gets tested

The ZX-9R fleet

Average mileage recorded at test

30,431

Test classes

class 2: 2,124

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-9R?

82.3% unadjusted, from 2,124 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.

What does a Kawasaki ZX-9R fail its MOT on?

"A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely" is recorded in 21.0% of failed Kawasaki ZX-9R tests, followed by "Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake" (13.7%). One failed test often lists several items.

What mileage does a Kawasaki ZX-9R usually have at its MOT?

30,431 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.