Kawasaki Ex305 B5 (1989)

366 real MOT outcomes analysed

1989 Kawasaki Ex305 B5

CarHunch has 366 1989 Kawasaki Ex305 B5 vehicles on record, but none have light-vehicle MOT history in our data source.

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Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 366 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

No MOT data available for this vehicle type

The 1989 Kawasaki Ex305 B5 doesn't appear in DVLA light-vehicle MOT records — it may be exempt, registered as a different vehicle class, or an import not subject to UK MOT testing. We don't have reliability stats for this specific model, but you can browse other Kawasaki vehicles below.

Browse all Kawasaki models →
No MOT data — worth knowing

Got a specific Kawasaki Ex305 B5 you're checking out?

The real detail is in the individual vehicle report — MOT history, AI Hunches, mileage timeline, and defect patterns for that specific reg.

UK

This 1989 Kawasaki EX305-B5 is a motorcycle, not a car, and falls outside the DVLA light-vehicle MOT database that supplies CarHunch's data—motorcycles are tested under a separate DVSA regime. What we can tell you is that the 366 bikes analysed here averaged just 26,344 miles, which is low for a 35-year-old machine and suggests most survivors are cherished classics rather than daily riders. The negligible dangerous-defect rate (0.8%) and minimal failures per vehicle (0.07) point to a cohort of well-maintained, older bikes; however, this reflects selection bias—only the kept-up examples make it to MOT. If you're buying one, have a pre-purchase inspection by a motorcycle specialist, as age-related wear on fuel systems, electrics, and bearings is typical of 1980s Japanese bikes, regardless of current mileage.

MOT statistics not available

We have 366 1989 Kawasaki Ex305 B5 vehicles on record, but none have light-vehicle MOT history in our data source.

There are a few reasons this can happen:

  • Heavy commercial vehicle — trucks, buses and coaches over 3.5 tonnes are tested under the DVSA annual HGV/PSV regime, which uses a separate database not included in our data source
  • Imported vehicles — vehicles registered abroad and recently brought to the UK may have no UK MOT history yet
  • MOT-exempt — vehicles manufactured before 1986 qualify under the 40-year rolling exemption; some specialist and agricultural vehicles are also exempt
  • Never used on public roads — some vehicles are registered but kept off-road and have never required an MOT
Check on the official DVSA service →

What tends to go wrong

Across 366 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 26%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 26%
Rear Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Front Roller brake test indicates a binding brake · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Suspension & steering 15.6%
Rear suspension bush has slight free play · Rear shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect · Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Lighting 11.7%
Headlamp aim too low · Wheel alignment slightly misaligned.
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Other issues 7.8%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1989.

Before you buy a 1989 Kawasaki Ex305 B5

Based on MOT data from 366 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 0.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,382 Kawasaki Ex305 B5 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 57.7%
798
Red 40.9%
565
Blue 0.6%
8
Green 0.4%
6
Purple 0.4%
5
Other model years — Kawasaki Ex305 B5: All Ex305 B5 years → Which year to buy? →
1987 1988 1990 1991

Or browse all models: Kawasaki →

Compare with another model

See how the 1989 Kawasaki Ex305 B5 stacks up against a rival.