Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KAWASAKI ZRX1200
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 ZRX1200's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2007 (83.9% → 84.6%).
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage ZRX1200 passes first time 82.4% of the time; by 30k that's 81.8%.
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 ZRX1200
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
20 | 23.5 | 0.5× |
| brakes |
|
16 | 18.8 | 0.4× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
12 | 14.1 | 0.8× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
11 | 12.9 | 0.4× |
| steering and suspension |
|
9 | 10.6 | 0.4× |
| tyres |
|
5 | 5.9 | 0.7× |
| steering |
|
3 | 3.5 | 0.9× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
3 | 3.5 | 0.5× |
| suspension |
|
3 | 3.5 | 0.5× |
| driving controls |
|
3 | 3.5 | 1.6× |
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 ZRX1200 beats 1 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 ZRX1200.
Compare with any bike
More KAWASAKI models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2003 (89.9%). Lowest: 2002 (74.3%). Every ZRX1200 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 ZRX1200 FAQ
Is the KAWASAKI ZRX1200 reliable?
The KAWASAKI ZRX1200 is about average for its class: 84.1% of its 787 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #2721 of 5428 models.
What does a ZRX1200 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 24% of all defects recorded against failed ZRX1200 tests.
What is the best year of ZRX1200 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2003-registered examples do best (89.9%) and 2002 worst (74.3%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a ZRX1200 last?
The median ZRX1200 shows 16,678 miles at test, and examples around 30k miles still pass 81.8% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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