Model report · 2005–2025
KAWASAKI GPZ400R
399cc
Petrol
Class 2
64.8%
first-time pass rate
22.8%
failed outright
31,533
median miles at test
145
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a GPZ400R
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
24 | 27.6 |
| steering and suspension |
|
21 | 24.1 |
| brakes |
|
16 | 18.4 |
| drive system |
|
11 | 12.6 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
7 | 8 |
| driving controls |
|
3 | 3.4 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
2 | 2.3 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
1 | 1.1 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
1 | 1.1 |
| structure and attachments |
|
1 | 1.1 |
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 GPZ400R beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ER5, SUZUKI GS500, SUZUKI AN400).
KAWASAKI
ER5
77.4% pass · 53.1k tests
SUZUKI
GS500
76.4% pass · 44.9k tests
SUZUKI
AN400
86.2% pass · 27.1k tests
SUZUKI
DR-Z400S
80.4% pass · 26.8k 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 GPZ400R.
Pass rate by registration year
how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date
Best year to buy used: 1986 (65.2% pass). Weakest: 1986 (65.2%).
First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.