Model report · 2005–2025
KAWASAKI KLR
650cc
Petrol
Class 2
81.5%
first-time pass rate
10.9%
failed outright
16,325
median miles at test
368
MOT tests, 2005–2025
Pass rate by mileage
how the KLR's first-time pass rate falls with the odometer · class average 84.9%
A low-mileage KLR passes first time 88.1% of the time; by 20k that's 84.1%.
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 KLR
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
30 | 30.3 |
| brakes |
|
23 | 23.2 |
| steering and suspension |
|
16 | 16.2 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
8 | 8.1 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
5 | 5.1 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
5 | 5.1 |
| body and structure |
|
4 | 4 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
3 | 3 |
| drive system |
|
3 | 3 |
| steering |
|
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 KLR 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 KLR.