Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KAWASAKI Z1000SX
The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.
“vs expected” adjusts for age, mileage and test class, so a cherished classic and a hard-used commuter are compared fairly. How this works.
Pass rate over time
The Z1000SX's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2014 (85.3% → 84.3%).
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage Z1000SX passes first time 90.6% of the time; by 30k that's 83.3%.
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 Z1000SX
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
15 | 23.4 | 1.0× |
| tyres |
|
14 | 21.9 | 1.9× |
| brakes |
|
13 | 20.3 | 0.3× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
5 | 7.8 | 3.2× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
4 | 6.2 | 0.8× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
3 | 4.7 | 0.2× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
3 | 4.7 | 0.1× |
| structure and attachments |
|
3 | 4.7 | 0.3× |
| wheels |
|
2 | 3.1 | 2.0× |
| steering |
|
2 | 3.1 | 0.6× |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects. "vs all bikes" is how often this model's tests record a defect in the group, as a multiple of the all-bike rate.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the Z1000SX beats 3 of its 4 closest rivals (TRIUMPH SPEED TRIPLE, APRILIA TUONO, HONDA CB1300).
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 Z1000SX.
Compare with any bike
More KAWASAKI models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2015 (89.8%). Lowest: 2016 (81.5%). Every Z1000SX year compared →
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.
KAWASAKI Z1000SX FAQ
Is the KAWASAKI Z1000SX reliable?
The KAWASAKI Z1000SX is more reliable than average for its class: 88.5% of its 842 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #1449 of 5428 models.
What does a Z1000SX fail its MOT on most?
lamps and reflectors: 23% of all defects recorded against failed Z1000SX tests.
What is the best year of Z1000SX to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2015-registered examples do best (89.8%) and 2016 worst (81.5%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a Z1000SX last?
The median Z1000SX shows 13,398 miles at test, and examples around 30k miles still pass 83.3% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
Embed this bike
Free to embed on your site, blog or forum: a live Kawasaki Z1000SX reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.