BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
League table/ Vmoto TCM/vs Kawasaki ZX-6R
Head-to-head · 2005–2025

Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025

Vmoto TCM vs Kawasaki ZX-6R

The Vmoto TCM and Kawasaki ZX-6R have an identical 78.1% first-time MOT pass rate.

MOT reliability, side by side

first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025
Metric Vmoto TCM Kawasaki ZX-6R
First-time pass rate 78.1% 78.1%
Outright fail rate 16.1% 14.0%
Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) +0.4 pts -5.8 pts
Engine size n/a 599cc
Rank among all models #3895 of 5428 #3895 of 5428
Median miles at test 3,535 19,446
MOT tests analysed 621 173,956
Most common failure lamps and reflectors 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

share of each bike's MOT tests that failed on the component · lower is better
Component Vmoto TCM Kawasaki ZX-6R
Lights & signalling 9.2% 6.1%
Steering & suspension 6.9% 4.6%
Brakes 4.2% 5.2%
Tyres & wheels 2.7% 3.6%
Structure & body 2.6% 1.2%
Drive system 0% 1.0%
Fuel & exhaust 0% 0.8%

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 Vmoto TCM Kawasaki ZX-6R
2022 85.1% 79.4%
2023 80.8% 79.8%
2024 77.2% 80.3%
2025 76.6% 81.1%

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 Vmoto TCM Kawasaki ZX-6R
0k-10k miles 78.7% 86.1%
10k-20k miles 69.0% 80.6%

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

Vmoto TCM vs Kawasaki ZX-6R FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Vmoto TCM or the Kawasaki ZX-6R?

The Vmoto TCM and Kawasaki ZX-6R have an identical 78.1% first-time MOT pass rate. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Vmoto TCM still comes out ahead: +0.4 points vs comparable bikes for the Vmoto TCM, -5.8 for the Kawasaki ZX-6R. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Vmoto TCM fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 9.2% of Vmoto TCM MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (6.9%).

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%).

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