Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki ZX-6R vs Yamaha FZS600
The Yamaha FZS600 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-6R: 82.6% vs 78.1%, a 4.5-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki ZX-6R | Yamaha FZS600 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 78.1% | 82.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 14.0% | 10.6% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -5.8 pts | -0.8 pts |
| Engine size | 599cc | 599cc |
| Rank among all models | #3895 of 5428 | #3052 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 19,446 | 21,612 |
| MOT tests analysed | 173,956 | 136,558 |
| 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 ZX-6R | Yamaha FZS600 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 5.2% | 4.5% |
| Lights & signalling | 6.1% | 3.4% |
| Steering & suspension | 4.6% | 2.7% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.6% | 2.9% |
| Structure & body | 1.2% | 1.1% |
| Drive system | 1.0% | 0.9% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.8% | 1.1% |
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 ZX-6R | Yamaha FZS600 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 78.5% | 81.3% |
| 2019 | 78.5% | 83.0% |
| 2020 | 78.1% | 83.6% |
| 2021 | 78.6% | 82.8% |
| 2022 | 79.4% | 83.6% |
| 2023 | 79.8% | 84.2% |
| 2024 | 80.3% | 83.3% |
| 2025 | 81.1% | 84.0% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Kawasaki ZX-6R | Yamaha FZS600 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 86.1% | 89.6% |
| 10k-20k miles | 80.6% | 85.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 75.4% | 81.4% |
| 30k-40k miles | 71.8% | 78.7% |
| 40k-50k miles | 69.5% | 76.8% |
| 50k-60k miles | 69.0% | 74.7% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki ZX-6R vs Yamaha FZS600 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki ZX-6R or the Yamaha FZS600?
The Yamaha FZS600 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-6R: 82.6% vs 78.1%, a 4.5-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha FZS600 still comes out ahead: -5.8 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki ZX-6R, -0.8 for the Yamaha FZS600. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
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%).
What does the Yamaha FZS600 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 4.5% of Yamaha FZS600 MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (3.4%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Kawasaki ZX-6R or the Yamaha FZS600?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha FZS600 passes first time more often: 69.0% for the Kawasaki ZX-6R vs 74.7% for the Yamaha FZS600.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.