KAWASAKI VN1500 L3H
Pass rate over time
The VN1500 L3H's first-time pass rate has fallen 4.2 points since 2007, 88.6% to 84.4%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage VN1500 L3H passes first time 96.5% of the time; by 40k that's 87.1%.
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 VN1500 L3H
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| tyres and wheels |
|
12 | 30.8 |
| brakes |
|
11 | 28.2 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
4 | 10.3 |
| tyres |
|
4 | 10.3 |
| steering |
|
3 | 7.7 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
2 | 5.1 |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
1 | 2.6 |
| steering and suspension |
|
1 | 2.6 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
1 | 2.6 |
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 VN1500 L3H beats 3 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, BMW R1150, SUZUKI GSF1200).
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 VN1500 L3H.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2003 (91.1% pass). Weakest: 2002 (90.3%).
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.