Kawasaki Unknown vs Kawasaki Z 500: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Kawasaki Unknown
85%
MOT pass rate · 151,652 vehicles
Kawasaki Z 500
82%
MOT pass rate · 6 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Kawasaki Unknown (85%) and Kawasaki Z 500 (82%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Kawasaki Unknown | Kawasaki Z 500 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 85% ✓ | 82% |
| MOT failure rate | 15% ✓ | 18% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 0.8 ✓ | 0.9 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 3% | 0% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 19,921 mi | 27,532 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 151,652 | 6 |
Most common faults
Kawasaki Unknown
- Exhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))
- Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort (1.2.1 (e))
- COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION
- Rear reflector missing (4.8.2 (a) (ii))
- Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (5.2.3 (e))
- Drive chain slightly loose (6.1.7 (c) (i))
Kawasaki Z 500
- Headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam (1.2.2a(i))
- Rear Rear wheel bearings have slight free play (2.4.A.2c)
- number plate slightly under size
- Front Brake fluid reservoir fluid level dangerously low (3.2.B1d)
- Front Horn is not continous or uniform (1.7.3c)
- Front Steering headbearing has excessive free play (2.2.2)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Kawasaki Unknown (85%) and Kawasaki Z 500 (82%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Kawasaki Unknown report Full Kawasaki Z 500 report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.