Model report · 2005–2025
KAWASAKI S3A
400cc
Petrol
Class 2
83.6%
first-time pass rate
4.3%
failed outright
18,715
median miles at test
116
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a S3A
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
4 | 30.8 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
3 | 23.1 |
| steering and suspension |
|
3 | 23.1 |
| drive system |
|
1 | 7.7 |
| driving controls |
|
1 | 7.7 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
1 | 7.7 |
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 S3A beats 3 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ER5, SUZUKI GS500, SUZUKI AN400).
KAWASAKI
ER5
77.4% pass · 53.1k tests
SUZUKI
GS500
76.4% pass · 44.9k tests
SUZUKI
AN400
86.2% pass · 27.1k tests
SUZUKI
DR-Z400S
80.4% pass · 26.8k 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 S3A.
Pass rate by registration year
how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date
Best year to buy used: 1975 (90.4% pass). Weakest: 1975 (90.4%).
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.