Model report · 2005–2025
KAWASAKI EX500A
498cc
Petrol
Class 2
80.8%
first-time pass rate
16.7%
failed outright
32,477
median miles at test
78
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a EX500A
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| steering and suspension |
|
12 | 26.7 |
| brakes |
|
9 | 20 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
7 | 15.6 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
4 | 8.9 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
3 | 6.7 |
| drive system |
|
3 | 6.7 |
| steering |
|
2 | 4.4 |
| structure and attachments |
|
2 | 4.4 |
| driving controls |
|
2 | 4.4 |
| tyres |
|
1 | 2.2 |
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 EX500A beats 3 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 EX500A.