Model report · 2005–2025
KAWASAKI VN900 CUSTOM
903cc
Petrol
Class 2
84.3%
first-time pass rate
7.8%
failed outright
9,447
median miles at test
166
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a VN900 CUSTOM
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
12 | 46.2 |
| brakes |
|
4 | 15.4 |
| tyres |
|
3 | 11.5 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
2 | 7.7 |
| structure and attachments |
|
1 | 3.8 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
1 | 3.8 |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
1 | 3.8 |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
1 | 3.8 |
| steering |
|
1 | 3.8 |
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 VN900 CUSTOM beats 1 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, BMW R1150, TRIUMPH SPRINT).
BMW
R1200
92.9% pass · 299k tests
BMW
R1150
88.5% pass · 171k tests
TRIUMPH
SPRINT
85.6% pass · 133k tests
SUZUKI
GSF1200
82.4% pass · 97.6k 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 VN900 CUSTOM.
Pass rate by registration year
how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date
Best year to buy used: 2009 (86.4% pass). Weakest: 2010 (84.1%).
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.