Matchless G3L vs Kawasaki ZXR400

The Matchless G3L passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 93.1% vs 73.1%, a 20.0-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025

Metric	Matchless G3L	Kawasaki ZXR400
First-time pass rate	93.1%	73.1%
Outright fail rate	2.9%	18.9%
Engine size	350cc	398cc
Rank among all models	#279 of 5428	#4490 of 5428
Median miles at test	8,490	23,651
MOT tests analysed	955	14,200
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.

What fails, side by side

share of each bike's MOT tests that failed on the component · lower is better

Component	Matchless G3L	Kawasaki ZXR400
Lights & signalling	1.4%	9.1%
Steering & suspension	0.9%	7.9%
Brakes	0.6%	7.9%
Tyres & wheels	0.4%	4.0%
Fuel & exhaust	0.2%	2.4%
Structure & body	0%	2.2%
Drive system	0%	1.9%

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

first-time MOT pass rate in each calendar year both bikes were tested

Test year	Matchless G3L	Kawasaki ZXR400
2005	93.3%	74.2%
2006	97.0%	73.0%
2007	92.0%	72.3%
2008	92.6%	72.6%
2009	91.2%	70.1%
2010	92.5%	68.5%
2011	92.1%	71.2%
2012	92.0%	69.5%

Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.

Pass rate by mileage

first-time MOT pass rate by miles on the clock at test

Mileage	Matchless G3L	Kawasaki ZXR400
0k-10k miles	94.1%	87.1%
10k-20k miles	90.2%	77.4%
20k-30k miles	89.8%	69.9%
30k-40k miles	92.1%	67.8%

Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.

Matchless G3L vs Kawasaki ZXR400 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Matchless G3L or the Kawasaki ZXR400?

The Matchless G3L passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 93.1% vs 73.1%, a 20.0-point lead. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Matchless G3L fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 1.4% of Matchless G3L MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (0.9%).

What does the Kawasaki ZXR400 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 9.1% of Kawasaki ZXR400 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (7.9%).

Which holds up better at high mileage, the Matchless G3L or the Kawasaki ZXR400?

At 30k-40k miles the Matchless G3L passes first time more often: 92.1% for the Matchless G3L vs 67.8% for the Kawasaki ZXR400.

MATCHLESS G3L 93.1% pass · 955 tests KAWASAKI ZXR400 73.1% pass · 14.2k tests

See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.