Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki VN1500 P1H vs Yamaha XJR1300
The Yamaha XJR1300 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki VN1500 P1H: 87.4% vs 84.3%, a 3.1-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki VN1500 P1H | Yamaha XJR1300 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 84.3% | 87.4% |
| Outright fail rate | 8.0% | 5.6% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -0.7 pts | +2.8 pts |
| Engine size | 1,471cc | 1,250cc |
| Rank among all models | #2659 of 5428 | #1787 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 14,466 | 16,186 |
| MOT tests analysed | 3,312 | 95,093 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | brakes |
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 | Kawasaki VN1500 P1H | Yamaha XJR1300 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 3.4% | 2.1% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.4% | 1.7% |
| Brakes | 2.1% | 1.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.6% | 1.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 1.0% | 0.4% |
| Structure & body | 0.5% | 0.4% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.3% |
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 | Kawasaki VN1500 P1H | Yamaha XJR1300 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 79.7% | 87.3% |
| 2019 | 85.4% | 87.7% |
| 2020 | 83.7% | 89.1% |
| 2021 | 78.4% | 88.3% |
| 2022 | 80.3% | 89.1% |
| 2023 | 80.2% | 89.6% |
| 2024 | 75.9% | 90.1% |
| 2025 | 78.4% | 90.5% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Kawasaki VN1500 P1H | Yamaha XJR1300 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 87.7% | 90.8% |
| 10k-20k miles | 85.0% | 87.9% |
| 20k-30k miles | 79.9% | 85.5% |
| 30k-40k miles | 82.4% | 84.4% |
| 40k-50k miles | 82.0% | 82.1% |
| 50k-60k miles | 71.4% | 82.9% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki VN1500 P1H vs Yamaha XJR1300 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki VN1500 P1H or the Yamaha XJR1300?
The Yamaha XJR1300 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki VN1500 P1H: 87.4% vs 84.3%, a 3.1-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha XJR1300 still comes out ahead: -0.7 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki VN1500 P1H, +2.8 for the Yamaha XJR1300. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki VN1500 P1H fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 3.4% of Kawasaki VN1500 P1H MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (2.4%).
What does the Yamaha XJR1300 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.1% of Yamaha XJR1300 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (1.8%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Kawasaki VN1500 P1H or the Yamaha XJR1300?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha XJR1300 passes first time more often: 71.4% for the Kawasaki VN1500 P1H vs 82.9% for the Yamaha XJR1300.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.