Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Husqvarna TE510 vs Kawasaki ZX-6R
The Kawasaki ZX-6R passes its MOT first time more often than the Husqvarna TE510: 78.1% vs 77.6%, a 0.5-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Husqvarna TE510 | Kawasaki ZX-6R |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 77.6% | 78.1% |
| Outright fail rate | 12.2% | 14.0% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -10.2 pts | -5.8 pts |
| Engine size | 510cc | 599cc |
| Rank among all models | #3965 of 5428 | #3895 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 2,672 | 19,446 |
| MOT tests analysed | 724 | 173,956 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | lighting and signalling |
First-time outcomes on normal tests, 2005–2025. "Most common failure" is the component group with the most recorded defects on failed tests. Read pass rates against test counts: a smaller sample is noisier. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.
"Vs comparable bikes" is the first-time pass rate minus the rate expected for each bike's own mix of age, mileage and test class, in percentage points: positive means better than comparable bikes. How this works.
What fails, side by side
| Component | Husqvarna TE510 | Kawasaki ZX-6R |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 7.3% | 6.1% |
| Steering & suspension | 5.4% | 4.6% |
| Brakes | 1.4% | 5.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.0% | 3.6% |
| Drive system | 0.6% | 1.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.7% | 0.8% |
| Structure & body | 0.1% | 1.2% |
A test that fails on two components counts once in each. Component links go to the bikes most likely to fail on it.
Pass rate by test year
| Test year | Husqvarna TE510 | Kawasaki ZX-6R |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 78.9% | 75.4% |
| 2013 | 79.2% | 75.5% |
| 2014 | 77.6% | 76.4% |
| 2015 | 76.8% | 76.7% |
| 2016 | 67.3% | 77.7% |
| 2017 | 75.6% | 77.1% |
| 2018 | 77.1% | 78.5% |
| 2022 | 81.3% | 79.4% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Husqvarna TE510 vs Kawasaki ZX-6R FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Husqvarna TE510 or the Kawasaki ZX-6R?
The Kawasaki ZX-6R passes its MOT first time more often than the Husqvarna TE510: 78.1% vs 77.6%, a 0.5-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Kawasaki ZX-6R still comes out ahead: -10.2 points vs comparable bikes for the Husqvarna TE510, -5.8 for the Kawasaki ZX-6R. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Husqvarna TE510 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 7.3% of Husqvarna TE510 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (5.4%).
What does the Kawasaki ZX-6R fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 6.1% of Kawasaki ZX-6R MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (5.2%).
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.