Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Yamaha RD350 vs Kawasaki ZXR400
The Yamaha RD350 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 86.3% vs 73.1%, a 13.2-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Yamaha RD350 | Kawasaki ZXR400 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 86.3% | 73.1% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.6% | 18.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +2.4 pts | -9.9 pts |
| Engine size | 347cc | 398cc |
| Rank among all models | #2120 of 5428 | #4490 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 23,256 | 23,651 |
| MOT tests analysed | 19,574 | 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.
"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 | Yamaha RD350 | Kawasaki ZXR400 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 3.2% | 9.1% |
| Brakes | 2.7% | 7.9% |
| Steering & suspension | 2.5% | 7.9% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.9% | 4.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.4% | 2.4% |
| Structure & body | 0.4% | 2.2% |
| Drive system | 0.5% | 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
| Test year | Yamaha RD350 | Kawasaki ZXR400 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 88.8% | 75.9% |
| 2019 | 91.0% | 79.3% |
| 2020 | 92.0% | 80.4% |
| 2021 | 90.1% | 81.2% |
| 2022 | 90.5% | 86.3% |
| 2023 | 92.2% | 82.8% |
| 2024 | 94.8% | 80.0% |
| 2025 | 93.5% | 88.4% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Yamaha RD350 | Kawasaki ZXR400 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 88.9% | 87.1% |
| 10k-20k miles | 87.5% | 77.4% |
| 20k-30k miles | 85.5% | 69.9% |
| 30k-40k miles | 85.3% | 67.8% |
| 40k-50k miles | 83.7% | 64.7% |
| 50k-60k miles | 83.0% | 64.9% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Yamaha RD350 vs Kawasaki ZXR400 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Yamaha RD350 or the Kawasaki ZXR400?
The Yamaha RD350 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 86.3% vs 73.1%, a 13.2-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha RD350 still comes out ahead: +2.4 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha RD350, -9.9 for the Kawasaki ZXR400. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Yamaha RD350 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 3.2% of Yamaha RD350 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.7%).
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%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Yamaha RD350 or the Kawasaki ZXR400?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha RD350 passes first time more often: 83.0% for the Yamaha RD350 vs 64.9% for the Kawasaki ZXR400.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.