KAWASAKI KZ900
Pass rate over time
The KZ900's first-time pass rate has fallen 7.6 points since 2007, 86.7% to 79.1%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage KZ900 passes first time 97.9% of the time; by 40k that's 88.2%.
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 KZ900
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
18 | 34.6 |
| brakes |
|
11 | 21.2 |
| steering and suspension |
|
9 | 17.3 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
4 | 7.7 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
3 | 5.8 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
2 | 3.8 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
2 | 3.8 |
| suspension |
|
1 | 1.9 |
| tyres |
|
1 | 1.9 |
| drive system |
|
1 | 1.9 |
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 KZ900 beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE, TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE, APRILIA TUONO).
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 KZ900.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1976 (86.8% pass). Weakest: 1976 (86.8%).
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.