Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki Z650 vs Honda CB600 Hornet
The Kawasaki Z650 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CB600 Hornet: 81.6% vs 78.6%, a 3.0-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki Z650 | Honda CB600 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 81.6% | 78.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 9.2% | 12.2% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -2.0 pts | -4.8 pts |
| Engine size | 652cc | 599cc |
| Rank among all models | #3254 of 5428 | #3832 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 32,631 | 20,837 |
| MOT tests analysed | 7,430 | 26,392 |
| 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 | Kawasaki Z650 | Honda CB600 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 5.1% | 5.8% |
| Brakes | 3.0% | 4.6% |
| Steering & suspension | 3.2% | 3.6% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.4% | 3.0% |
| Drive system | 0.9% | 1.2% |
| Structure & body | 0.9% | 0.9% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.9% | 0.6% |
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 Z650 | Honda CB600 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 87.6% | 77.8% |
| 2019 | 83.8% | 78.9% |
| 2020 | 86.9% | 78.7% |
| 2021 | 85.9% | 80.2% |
| 2022 | 88.6% | 80.9% |
| 2023 | 87.8% | 77.5% |
| 2024 | 94.7% | 79.9% |
| 2025 | 89.7% | 81.3% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Kawasaki Z650 | Honda CB600 Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 83.8% | 85.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 81.4% | 80.8% |
| 20k-30k miles | 81.8% | 77.0% |
| 30k-40k miles | 82.6% | 74.9% |
| 40k-50k miles | 80.1% | 72.8% |
| 50k-60k miles | 79.5% | 70.9% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki Z650 vs Honda CB600 Hornet FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Honda CB600 Hornet?
The Kawasaki Z650 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CB600 Hornet: 81.6% vs 78.6%, a 3.0-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Kawasaki Z650 still comes out ahead: -2.0 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki Z650, -4.8 for the Honda CB600 Hornet. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki Z650 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 5.1% of Kawasaki Z650 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (3.2%).
What does the Honda CB600 Hornet fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 5.8% of Honda CB600 Hornet MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (4.6%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Kawasaki Z650 or the Honda CB600 Hornet?
At 50k-60k miles the Kawasaki Z650 passes first time more often: 79.5% for the Kawasaki Z650 vs 70.9% for the Honda CB600 Hornet.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.