KAWASAKI KZ750
Pass rate over time
The KZ750's first-time pass rate has fallen 3.5 points since 2006, 85.3% to 81.8%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage KZ750 passes first time 78.2% of the time; by 40k that's 86.3%.
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 KZ750
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
41 | 34.5 |
| steering and suspension |
|
31 | 26.1 |
| brakes |
|
25 | 21 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
5 | 4.2 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
4 | 3.4 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
4 | 3.4 |
| structure and attachments |
|
3 | 2.5 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
2 | 1.7 |
| body and structure |
|
2 | 1.7 |
| drive system |
|
2 | 1.7 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the KZ750 beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).
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 KZ750.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1978 (89.6% pass). Weakest: 1981 (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.