Model report · 2005–2025
KAWASAKI 500S
498cc
Petrol
Class 2
80.0%
first-time pass rate
14.7%
failed outright
24,496
median miles at test
150
MOT tests, 2005–2025
Pass rate by mileage
how the 500S's first-time pass rate falls with the odometer · class average 84.9%
A low-mileage 500S passes first time 93.3% of the time; by 30k that's 71.0%.
First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.
What fails on a 500S
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| steering and suspension |
|
15 | 26.8 |
| brakes |
|
14 | 25 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
9 | 16.1 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
8 | 14.3 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
6 | 10.7 |
| drive system |
|
3 | 5.4 |
| driving controls |
|
1 | 1.8 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
same type, similar capacity, high test volume
On first-time pass rate the 500S beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).
KAWASAKI
ZX-6R
78.1% pass · 174k tests
SUZUKI
GSF600
77.3% pass · 143k tests
YAMAHA
FZS600
82.6% pass · 137k tests
SUZUKI
SV650S
80.6% pass · 84.6k tests
Rivals share this bike's type and sit within ±30% of its engine capacity, ≥ 5,000 tests. Card colour = better/worse first-time pass rate than the 500S.