Sunbeam Model 9 vs Kawasaki ZX-6R

The Sunbeam Model 9 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-6R: 94.9% vs 78.1%, a 16.8-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

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

Metric	Sunbeam Model 9	Kawasaki ZX-6R
First-time pass rate	94.9%	78.1%
Outright fail rate	1.9%	14.0%
Engine size	499cc	599cc
Rank among all models	#82 of 5428	#3895 of 5428
Median miles at test	5,661	19,446
MOT tests analysed	215	173,956
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.

Pass rate by test year

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

Test year	Sunbeam Model 9	Kawasaki ZX-6R
2006	94.1%	82.8%
2008	100.0%	78.4%
2010	94.1%	76.3%

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

SUNBEAM MODEL 9 94.9% pass · 215 tests KAWASAKI ZX-6R 78.1% pass · 174k tests

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