Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KAWASAKI ZR 750 L9F
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 ZR 750 L9F's first-time pass rate has risen 10.8 points since 2012, 77.2% to 88.0%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage ZR 750 L9F passes first time 86.1% of the time; by 40k that's 78.8%.
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 ZR 750 L9F
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
53 | 18.5 | 1.1× |
| brakes |
|
50 | 17.5 | 0.5× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
38 | 13.3 | 0.9× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
36 | 12.6 | 0.4× |
| tyres |
|
25 | 8.7 | 1.7× |
| suspension |
|
21 | 7.3 | 1.1× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
18 | 6.3 | 1.4× |
| structure and attachments |
|
17 | 5.9 | 1.2× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
14 | 4.9 | 3.4× |
| steering and suspension |
|
14 | 4.9 | 0.2× |
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 ZR 750 L9F beats 2 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 ZR 750 L9F.
Compare with any bike
More KAWASAKI models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2008 (87.5%). Lowest: 2009 (81.5%). Every ZR 750 L9F 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 ZR 750 L9F FAQ
Is the KAWASAKI ZR 750 L9F reliable?
The KAWASAKI ZR 750 L9F is less reliable than average for its class: 82.4% of its 1,803 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #3108 of 5428 models.
What does a ZR 750 L9F fail its MOT on most?
lamps and reflectors: 19% of all defects recorded against failed ZR 750 L9F tests.
What is the best year of ZR 750 L9F to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2008-registered examples do best (87.5%) and 2009 worst (81.5%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a ZR 750 L9F last?
The median ZR 750 L9F shows 12,202 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 78.8% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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