Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KAWASAKI ZR 900 EJF CAFE
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 900 EJF CAFE's first-time pass rate has risen 1.3 points since 2021, 92.9% to 94.2%.
What fails on a ZR 900 EJF CAFE
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
11 | 34.4 | 0.5× |
| tyres |
|
6 | 18.8 | 0.7× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
4 | 12.5 | 1.8× |
| brakes |
|
4 | 12.5 | 0.1× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
4 | 12.5 | 1.4× |
| structure and attachments |
|
2 | 6.2 | 0.2× |
| wheels |
|
1 | 3.1 | 1.3× |
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 900 EJF CAFE beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, BMW R1150, TRIUMPH SPRINT).
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 900 EJF CAFE.
Compare with any bike
More KAWASAKI models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2019 (94.0%). Lowest: 2020 (90.9%). Every ZR 900 Ejf Cafe 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 900 EJF CAFE FAQ
Is the KAWASAKI ZR 900 EJF CAFE reliable?
The KAWASAKI ZR 900 EJF CAFE is more reliable than average for its class: 93.1% of its 1,238 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #279 of 5428 models.
What does a ZR 900 EJF CAFE fail its MOT on most?
lamps and reflectors: 34% of all defects recorded against failed ZR 900 EJF CAFE tests.
What is the best year of ZR 900 EJF CAFE to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2019-registered examples do best (94.0%) and 2020 worst (90.9%). Condition and history still trump the year.
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