Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki VN1600 vs Yamaha XJR1300
The Kawasaki VN1600 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha XJR1300: 88.3% vs 87.4%, a 0.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki VN1600 | Yamaha XJR1300 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 88.3% | 87.4% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.4% | 5.6% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +3.3 pts | +2.8 pts |
| Engine size | 1,552cc | 1,250cc |
| Rank among all models | #1505 of 5428 | #1787 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 15,046 | 16,186 |
| MOT tests analysed | 4,485 | 95,093 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | 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 VN1600 | Yamaha XJR1300 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 2.4% | 2.1% |
| Brakes | 1.6% | 1.8% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.7% | 1.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.1% | 1.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.7% | 0.4% |
| Structure & body | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Drive system | 0.0% | 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 VN1600 | Yamaha XJR1300 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 87.1% | 87.3% |
| 2019 | 91.2% | 87.7% |
| 2020 | 89.5% | 89.1% |
| 2021 | 83.7% | 88.3% |
| 2022 | 90.4% | 89.1% |
| 2023 | 86.9% | 89.6% |
| 2024 | 86.5% | 90.1% |
| 2025 | 89.2% | 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 VN1600 | Yamaha XJR1300 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 90.7% | 90.8% |
| 10k-20k miles | 88.1% | 87.9% |
| 20k-30k miles | 88.3% | 85.5% |
| 30k-40k miles | 85.9% | 84.4% |
| 40k-50k miles | 82.1% | 82.1% |
| 50k-60k miles | 72.7% | 82.9% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki VN1600 vs Yamaha XJR1300 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki VN1600 or the Yamaha XJR1300?
The Kawasaki VN1600 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha XJR1300: 88.3% vs 87.4%, a 0.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class the two are level (+3.3 vs +2.8 points against comparable bikes), so the raw gap is mostly down to how old and how used each fleet is. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki VN1600 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.4% of Kawasaki VN1600 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.7%).
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 VN1600 or the Yamaha XJR1300?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha XJR1300 passes first time more often: 72.7% for the Kawasaki VN1600 vs 82.9% for the Yamaha XJR1300.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.