Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KAWASAKI KLX 250 S9F
The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.
“vs expected” adjusts for age, mileage and test class, so a cherished classic and a hard-used commuter are compared fairly. How this works.
Pass rate over time
The KLX 250 S9F's first-time pass rate has risen 2.9 points since 2012, 87.5% to 90.4%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage KLX 250 S9F passes first time 88.0% of the time; by 20k that's 87.7%.
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 KLX 250 S9F
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
64 | 32.3 | 0.6× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
31 | 15.7 | 0.9× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
20 | 10.1 | 0.2× |
| suspension |
|
16 | 8.1 | 1.1× |
| drive system |
|
14 | 7.1 | 0.6× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
13 | 6.6 | 3.6× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
12 | 6.1 | 0.3× |
| structure and attachments |
|
11 | 5.6 | 0.8× |
| steering and suspension |
|
9 | 4.5 | 0.2× |
| tyres |
|
8 | 4 | 0.6× |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects. "vs all bikes" is how often this model's tests record a defect in the group, as a multiple of the all-bike rate.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the KLX 250 S9F beats 0 of its 1 closest rivals (HONDA CRF250).
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 KLX 250 S9F.
Compare with any bike
More KAWASAKI models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2011 (93.5%). Lowest: 2008 (83.9%). Every KLX 250 S9F year compared →
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.
KAWASAKI KLX 250 S9F FAQ
Is the KAWASAKI KLX 250 S9F reliable?
The KAWASAKI KLX 250 S9F is about average for its class: 86.5% of its 1,584 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #2052 of 5428 models.
What does a KLX 250 S9F fail its MOT on most?
brakes: 32% of all defects recorded against failed KLX 250 S9F tests.
What is the best year of KLX 250 S9F to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2011-registered examples do best (93.5%) and 2008 worst (83.9%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a KLX 250 S9F last?
The median KLX 250 S9F shows 5,931 miles at test, and examples around 20k miles still pass 87.7% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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