KAWASAKI KL650-C7

651cc Petrol Class 2

87.3%

first-time pass rate

6.4%

failed outright

9,654

median miles at test

110

MOT tests, 2005–2025

What fails on a KL650-C7

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded

Component group	Defects	% of defects
structure and attachments	3	18.8
drive system	3	18.8
tyres and wheels	3	18.8
brakes	3	18.8
lighting and signalling	2	12.5
steering and suspension	1	6.2
fuel and exhaust	1	6.2

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 KL650-C7 beats 4 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 KL650-C7.

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2001 (84.8% pass). Weakest: 2001 (84.8%).

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.