Velocette KSS vs Kawasaki ZXR400

The Velocette KSS passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 92.3% vs 73.1%, a 19.2-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

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

Metric	Velocette KSS	Kawasaki ZXR400
First-time pass rate	92.3%	73.1%
Outright fail rate	2.1%	18.9%
Engine size	350cc	398cc
Rank among all models	#415 of 5428	#4490 of 5428
Median miles at test	5,025	23,651
MOT tests analysed	559	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.

What fails, side by side

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

Component	Velocette KSS	Kawasaki ZXR400
Lights & signalling	0.4%	9.1%
Brakes	0.7%	7.9%
Steering & suspension	0.7%	7.9%
Tyres & wheels	0.9%	4.0%
Fuel & exhaust	0.2%	2.4%
Structure & body	0.2%	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	Velocette KSS	Kawasaki ZXR400
2006	95.9%	73.0%
2007	95.6%	72.3%
2008	92.9%	72.6%
2009	93.1%	70.1%
2010	91.5%	68.5%
2011	94.6%	71.2%
2012	85.5%	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	Velocette KSS	Kawasaki ZXR400
0k-10k miles	89.9%	87.1%
10k-20k miles	95.1%	77.4%

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

Velocette KSS vs Kawasaki ZXR400 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Velocette KSS or the Kawasaki ZXR400?

The Velocette KSS passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 92.3% vs 73.1%, a 19.2-point lead. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Velocette KSS fail its MOT on most?

Tyres & wheels: 0.9% of Velocette KSS MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (0.7%).

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%).

VELOCETTE KSS 92.3% pass · 559 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.