KAWASAKI ZX14

1398cc Petrol Class 2

89.8%

first-time pass rate

3.2%

failed outright

13,772

median miles at test

157

MOT tests, 2005–2025

What fails on a ZX14

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded

Component group	Defects	% of defects
brakes	2	22.2
lamps and reflectors	2	22.2
steering and suspension	2	22.2
Identification of the vehicle	1	11.1
lighting and signalling	1	11.1
reg plates and vin	1	11.1

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 ZX14 beats 3 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, BMW R1150, SUZUKI GSF1200).

BMW R1200 92.9% pass · 299k tests BMW R1150 88.5% pass · 171k tests SUZUKI GSF1200 82.4% pass · 97.6k tests YAMAHA XJR1300 87.4% pass · 95.1k 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 ZX14.

Pass rate by registration year

how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date

Best year to buy used: 2007 (86.3% pass). Weakest: 2007 (86.3%).

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.