Model report · 2005–2025
KAWASAKI VN 1600 CLASSIC
1553cc
Petrol
Class 2
90.4%
first-time pass rate
2.4%
failed outright
14,602
median miles at test
83
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a VN 1600 CLASSIC
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
1 | 33.3 |
| brakes |
|
1 | 33.3 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
1 | 33.3 |
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 VN 1600 CLASSIC beats 3 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, BMW R1150, SUZUKI GSF1200).
BMW
R1200
92.9% pass · 299k tests
BMW
R1150
88.5% pass · 171k tests
SUZUKI
GSF1200
82.4% pass · 97.6k tests
YAMAHA
XJR1300
87.4% pass · 95.1k 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 VN 1600 CLASSIC.