Kawasaki Gpz500s (1998)
1998 Kawasaki Gpz500s
CarHunch analysed 211 real MOT records for the 1998 Kawasaki Gpz500s. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1998 Kawasaki GPZ500S passes its MOT at 80.3%, virtually identical to the UK average, so reliability is solid and unremarkable—neither a standout nor a concern. However, 16.6% of tested machines have shown a dangerous defect at some point, which is worth noting if you're buying used and haven't seen a full service history.
These bikes are running at sensible mileage for their age (median 20,950 miles), and the average 1.82 failures per test suggests minor wear rather than structural problems. The high advisory count of 6.6 per vehicle points to accumulated small issues typical of older bikes, so budget for routine maintenance and get a pre-purchase inspection that covers corrosion, suspension wear, and braking components.
What to check before buying a 1998 Kawasaki Gpz500s
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Kawasaki Gpz500s
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1998 Kawasaki Gpz500s vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1998 Kawasaki Gpz500s vehicles fall between 13,829 and 28,336 miles.
1998 Kawasaki Gpz500s — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 30 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (42% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1998 Kawasaki Gpz500s
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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36.9%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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36%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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28.8%
Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey
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25.8%
Drive chain slightly loose
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25.2%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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19.6%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
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18.3%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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16.8%
Rear Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1998. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Kawasaki Gpz500s?
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