Kawasaki W650
MotorcycleFrom 897 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are a lamp missing or inoperative, number plate does not conform to the specified requirements, a direction indicator lamp missing and inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning. The top issue, a lamp missing or inoperative, caused 11 failures in 2024. Checking tread depth (1.6mm legal minimum, 3mm recommended) before your test can save an unnecessary fail. You can check prices at Black Circles if you need replacements. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| a lamp missing or inoperative | 11 |
| number plate does not conform to the specified requirements | 9 |
| a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 5 |
| stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 5 |
| exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted | 4 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 3 |
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 3 |
| a wheel bearing with excessive play | 3 |
| projected beam image is obviously incorrect | 3 |
| significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake | 3 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. Only 6.1% of W650 failures are serious (safety or roadside), below the 44.4% average. When this car fails its MOT, it's more likely to be lights, wipers, or emissions than something dangerous. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £43.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 83.3% | a throttle control functioning such that safe operation of the motorcycle is affected, a headlamp missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of led |
| 2001 | 87.8% | a lamp missing or inoperative, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 1999 | 84.5% | a lamp missing or inoperative, number plate does not conform to the specified requirements |
Typical mileage
Half of all W650s tested had between 11,750 and 28,161 miles on the clock. Relatively low mileage overall. Many are still fairly young.
At 19,173 median miles, the W650 has 0.066 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Kawasaki models
| Kawasaki Zx-6R | 81.3% |
| Kawasaki Zx | 90.4% |
| Kawasaki Zx-9R | 83.8% |
| Kawasaki Unclassified | 80.2% |
| Kawasaki Zr | 87.3% |
Common questions
What is the Kawasaki W650 MOT pass rate?
The Kawasaki W650 has a 87.3% MOT pass rate based on 897 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Kawasaki W650?
The most common MOT failure on the Kawasaki W650 is a lamp missing or inoperative, which caused 11 failures. Other common issues include number plate does not conform to the specified requirements.
What is the typical mileage of a Kawasaki W650 at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Kawasaki W650 is 19,173 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 11,750 and 28,161 miles.
MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.