Kawasaki Zx-12R
MotorcycleFrom 1,258 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 shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely, significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake and brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm. The top issue, a shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely, caused 18 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 shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely | 18 |
| significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake | 10 |
| brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm | 8 |
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 7 |
| rate of flashing not between 60 and 120 times per minute | 7 |
| a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 7 |
| stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 5 |
| excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution | 4 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 4 |
| handlebar fouling on the fuel tank or bodywork on full lock | 4 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. Only 29.7% of Zx-12R 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 £64.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 86.3% | a shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely, handlebar fouling on the fuel tank or bodywork on full lock |
| 2003 | 88.1% | brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm, a shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely |
| 2002 | 90.8% | a direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, rear registration plate lamp does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps |
| 2001 | 86.9% | significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake, a shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely |
1 earlier years
| 2000 | 89.7% | a shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely, brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm |
Typical mileage
Half of all Zx-12Rs tested had between 21,168 and 39,404 miles on the clock. Relatively low mileage overall. Many are still fairly young.
At 29,828 median miles, the Zx-12R has 0.038 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 Zx-12R MOT pass rate?
The Kawasaki Zx-12R has a 88.8% MOT pass rate based on 1,258 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Kawasaki Zx-12R?
The most common MOT failure on the Kawasaki Zx-12R is a shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely, which caused 18 failures. Other common issues include significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake.
What is the typical mileage of a Kawasaki Zx-12R at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Kawasaki Zx-12R is 29,828 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 21,168 and 39,404 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.