KAWASAKI KL 650-C3

651cc Petrol Class 2

79.5%

first-time pass rate

13.7%

failed outright

13,230

median miles at test

117

MOT tests, 2005–2025

What fails on a KL 650-C3

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded

Component group	Defects	% of defects
lighting and signalling	11	26.8
brakes	10	24.4
tyres and wheels	9	22
steering and suspension	5	12.2
lamps and reflectors	2	4.9
suspension	2	4.9
drive system	1	2.4
audible warning (Horn)	1	2.4

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 KL 650-C3 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 HONDA VFR800 FI 86.7% pass · 89.4k 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 KL 650-C3.

Pass rate by registration year

how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date

Best year to buy used: 1997 (75.3% pass). Weakest: 1997 (75.3%).

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.