Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 vs Kawasaki ZXR400
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 94.6% vs 73.1%, a 21.5-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 | Kawasaki ZXR400 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 94.6% | 73.1% |
| Outright fail rate | 2.0% | 18.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +4.5 pts | -9.9 pts |
| Engine size | 349cc | 398cc |
| Rank among all models | #111 of 5428 | #4490 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 2,539 | 23,651 |
| MOT tests analysed | 811 | 14,200 |
| Most common failure | brakes | 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 | Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 | Kawasaki ZXR400 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 0.5% | 9.1% |
| Brakes | 0.6% | 7.9% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.4% | 7.9% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.2% | 4.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 2.4% |
| Structure & body | 0.1% | 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 mileage
| Mileage | Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 | Kawasaki ZXR400 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 95.0% | 87.1% |
| 10k-20k miles | 91.0% | 77.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 vs Kawasaki ZXR400 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 or the Kawasaki ZXR400?
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 94.6% vs 73.1%, a 21.5-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 still comes out ahead: +4.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5, -9.9 for the Kawasaki ZXR400. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 0.6% of Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (0.5%).
What does the Kawasaki ZXR400 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 9.1% of Kawasaki ZXR400 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (7.9%).
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.