Kawasaki Versys Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Kawasaki Versys car check
Is the Kawasaki Versys reliable? We analysed 2,109 real MOT tests across 184 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Kawasaki Versys? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Kawasaki Versys is above average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm, brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick and shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Kawasaki Versys.
Kawasaki Versys Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Kawasaki Versys. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Kawasaki Versys MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Kawasaki Versys to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Kawasaki Versys Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Kawasaki Versys fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Kawasaki Versys Common Faults & Problems
These are the most common serious faults found on Kawasaki Versys models during MOT testing — flagged as dangerous or major failures that need immediate attention.
Kawasaki Versys Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Kawasaki Versys owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Kawasaki Versys MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Kawasaki Versys year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 184 | 90.2% | 9,964 | 16,235 | 25,103 |
| 2011 | 235 | 88.5% | 10,370 | 16,475 | 24,434 |
| 2010 | 372 | 88.7% | 9,559 | 16,847 | 24,886 |
| 2009 | 307 | 86.0% | 9,597 | 17,134 | 27,758 |
| 2008 | 351 | 85.5% | 11,417 | 19,731 | 28,294 |
| 2007 | 507 | 87.0% | 9,928 | 17,564 | 25,822 |
| 2006 | 105 | 76.2% | 13,300 | 19,851 | 31,454 |
How Long Does a Kawasaki Versys Last?
Based on 184 Kawasaki Versys vehicles on UK roads.
Kawasaki Versys Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Kawasaki Versys 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 Versys
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
90.2% MOT pass rate from 184 tests
76.2% MOT pass rate from 105 tests
The best year to buy a used Kawasaki Versys is 2012, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 90.2% across 184 tests. The 2006 model year has the lowest pass rate at 76.2% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Kawasaki Versys Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Versys THIS CAR | 86.6% | 2,109 | 17,543 mi | 20 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 |
| Ford Transit 350 Trend | 82.4% | 836 | 101,740 mi | — yrs |
Compared to the Kawasaki ZX-6R (81.7% pass rate) and the Kawasaki ZX-9R (83.7% pass rate), the Kawasaki Versys outperforms both on MOT reliability.
Found a Kawasaki Versys 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 VersysShould you buy a used Kawasaki Versys?
The Kawasaki Versys has an overall MOT pass rate of 86.6% across 2,109 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 Versys are tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm (30 recorded failures), brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (7), and shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil (6). 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.
On the safety side, the most frequently flagged dangerous fault is brake pad(s) less than 1.0 mm thick. Dangerous faults cause an immediate MOT failure and mean the vehicle is not roadworthy until repaired. If you're viewing a Kawasaki Versys with an expired or recently passed MOT, ask the seller whether any dangerous faults were found and fixed during the last test.
A typical Kawasaki Versys owner drives around 1,124 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 Versys models stay on UK roads for around 20 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.