Model report · 2005–2025
KAWASAKI VN1500 N3H
1470cc
Petrol
Class 2
87.6%
first-time pass rate
7.7%
failed outright
12,356
median miles at test
194
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a VN1500 N3H
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| tyres and wheels |
|
5 | 25 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
4 | 20 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
3 | 15 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
2 | 10 |
| steering and suspension |
|
2 | 10 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
1 | 5 |
| brakes |
|
1 | 5 |
| driving controls |
|
1 | 5 |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
1 | 5 |
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 VN1500 N3H beats 2 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 VN1500 N3H.
Pass rate by registration year
how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date
Best year to buy used: 2003 (92.2% pass). Weakest: 2002 (86.4%).
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.