KAWASAKI ZX900-A2
Pass rate over time
The ZX900-A2's first-time pass rate has fallen 1.8 points since 2006, 81.8% to 80.0%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage ZX900-A2 passes first time 79.4% of the time; by 40k that's 80.6%.
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 ZX900-A2
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
22 | 28.2 |
| brakes |
|
16 | 20.5 |
| steering and suspension |
|
16 | 20.5 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
9 | 11.5 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
7 | 9 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
3 | 3.8 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
2 | 2.6 |
| driving controls |
|
1 | 1.3 |
| steering |
|
1 | 1.3 |
| drive system |
|
1 | 1.3 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the ZX900-A2 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 ZX900-A2.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1986 (84.5% pass). Weakest: 1985 (84.0%).
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.