KAWASAKI Z550F
Pass rate over time
The Z550F's first-time pass rate has risen 8.8 points since 2006, 71.8% to 80.6%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage Z550F passes first time 89.2% of the time; by 40k that's 72.9%.
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 Z550F
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
42 | 30.9 |
| steering and suspension |
|
33 | 24.3 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
30 | 22.1 |
| drive system |
|
12 | 8.8 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
7 | 5.1 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
5 | 3.7 |
| body and structure |
|
2 | 1.5 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
2 | 1.5 |
| driving controls |
|
2 | 1.5 |
| tyres |
|
1 | 0.7 |
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 Z550F beats 1 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).
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 Z550F.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1987 (92.7% pass). Weakest: 1985 (64.5%).
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.