Kawasaki KE125 Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Kawasaki KE125 car check
Is the Kawasaki KE125 reliable? We analysed 471 real MOT tests across 133 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Kawasaki KE125? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Kawasaki KE125 is above average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies, headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam and headlamp at least one does not illuminate on main beam. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Kawasaki KE125.
Kawasaki KE125 Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Kawasaki KE125. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Kawasaki KE125 MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Kawasaki KE125 to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Kawasaki KE125 Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Kawasaki KE125 fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Kawasaki KE125 Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Kawasaki KE125 owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Kawasaki KE125 MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Kawasaki KE125 year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 81 | 76.5% | 5,807 | 8,522 | 10,240 |
| 1985 | 51 | 80.4% | 8,590 | 14,690 | 17,642 |
| 1984 | 85 | 74.1% | 9,051 | 10,782 | 15,266 |
How Long Does a Kawasaki KE125 Last?
Based on 133 Kawasaki KE125 vehicles on UK roads.
Kawasaki KE125 Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Kawasaki KE125 MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Kawasaki KE125
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
80.4% MOT pass rate from 51 tests
74.1% MOT pass rate from 85 tests
The best year to buy a used Kawasaki KE125 is 1985, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 80.4% across 51 tests. The 1984 model year has the lowest pass rate at 74.1% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Kawasaki KE125 Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki KE125 THIS CAR | 78.6% | 471 | 9,244 mi | 42 yrs |
| Kawasaki ZX-6R | 81.7% | 204,826 | 19,965 mi | 31 yrs |
| Kawasaki ZX-9R | 83.7% | 103,150 | 22,736 mi | 32 yrs |
| Kawasaki ER5 | 81.2% | 65,763 | 22,023 mi | 30 yrs |
| Porsche 911 Carrera S S-a | 93.9% | 847 | 32,866 mi | 15 yrs |
Compared to the Kawasaki ZX-6R (81.7% pass rate) and the Kawasaki ZX-9R (83.7% pass rate), the Kawasaki KE125 trails behind on MOT reliability.
Found a Kawasaki KE125 you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Kawasaki KE125Should you buy a used Kawasaki KE125?
The Kawasaki KE125 has an overall MOT pass rate of 78.6% across 471 real MOT tests — comfortably above the UK average, which puts it among the more reliable models on UK roads.
The most common problems on the Kawasaki KE125 are stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies (9 recorded failures), headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam (9), and headlamp at least one does not illuminate on main beam (7). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Kawasaki KE125 owner drives around 96 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Kawasaki KE125 models stay on UK roads for around 42 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.