Model report · 2005–2025
KAWASAKI ZX 900A3
908cc
Petrol
Class 2
75.0%
first-time pass rate
18.6%
failed outright
42,789
median miles at test
140
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a ZX 900A3
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
19 | 28.8 |
| steering and suspension |
|
18 | 27.3 |
| brakes |
|
13 | 19.7 |
| drive system |
|
5 | 7.6 |
| body and structure |
|
3 | 4.5 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
2 | 3 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
2 | 3 |
| driving controls |
|
2 | 3 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
1 | 1.5 |
| Items Not Tested |
|
1 | 1.5 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
same type, similar capacity, high test volume
On first-time pass rate the ZX 900A3 beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, BMW R1150, TRIUMPH SPRINT).
BMW
R1200
92.9% pass · 299k tests
BMW
R1150
88.5% pass · 171k tests
TRIUMPH
SPRINT
85.6% pass · 133k tests
SUZUKI
GSF1200
82.4% pass · 97.6k tests
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 ZX 900A3.
Pass rate by registration year
how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date
Best year to buy used: 1986 (76.7% pass). Weakest: 1986 (76.7%).
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.