Model report · 2005–2025
KAWASAKI VN15
1470cc
Petrol
Class 2
82.3%
first-time pass rate
14.6%
failed outright
20,444
median miles at test
96
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a VN15
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
11 | 33.3 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
6 | 18.2 |
| steering and suspension |
|
6 | 18.2 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
2 | 6.1 |
| suspension |
|
2 | 6.1 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
2 | 6.1 |
| wheels |
|
2 | 6.1 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
1 | 3 |
| structure and attachments |
|
1 | 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 VN15 beats 0 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 VN15.