Kawasaki Zx 550-a1 vs Kawasaki Zx-9r: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Kawasaki Zx 550-a1
82%
MOT pass rate · 768 vehicles
Kawasaki Zx-9r
84%
MOT pass rate · 8,856 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Kawasaki Zx 550-a1 (82%) and Kawasaki Zx-9r (84%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Kawasaki Zx 550-a1 | Kawasaki Zx-9r |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 82% | 84% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 18% | 16% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 0.7 ✓ | 0.8 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 0% ✓ | 1% |
| Average mileage | 51,228 mi | 32,039 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 768 | 8,856 |
Most common faults
Kawasaki Zx 550-a1
- Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.3(ii))
- Rear reflector on motorcycle missing (1.4.1)
- Lower Rear suspension bush has slight free play (2.4.A2a(i))
- Rear Brake linkage clevis joint slightly worn (3.2.A1d)
- Rear Drive chain sprocket slightly worn (6.2.1e)
- Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion (2.3.3)
Kawasaki Zx-9r
- Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.3(ii))
- Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.3(ii))
- Exhaust noisy (7.1.2)
- Exhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))
- Drive chain slightly loose (6.2.1d)
- Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit (3.2.A1f(i))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Kawasaki Zx 550-a1 (82%) and Kawasaki Zx-9r (84%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Kawasaki Zx 550-a1 report Full Kawasaki Zx-9r 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.