Kawasaki Gpz500s (2002)

131 real MOT outcomes analysed • 86% first-time pass rate

2002 Kawasaki Gpz500s

CarHunch analysed 131 real MOT records for the 2002 Kawasaki Gpz500s. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.

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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2002 Kawasaki GPZ500S has an 86% first-time pass rate, which is a solid 6 points above the UK average of 80%, suggesting these bikes are generally well-maintained—though the 22.1% that have recorded dangerous defects is a concern worth taking seriously when inspecting any example. Petrol versus diesel comparisons don't apply to motorcycles, so the overall reliability picture is straightforward: this is a dependable workhorse for its age.

At nearly 17,000 miles on average, these bikes show realistic usage for a 22-year-old machine, and the median of 15,941 miles suggests many examples are sensibly ridden rather than thrashed. The 7.1 advisories per vehicle point to typical wear items (tyres, chains, bearings), but 1.71 failures on average indicates most don't need major work—so before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically checks for corrosion, brake condition, and suspension play, since these are common failure points on older bikes.

We have limited data for the 2002 Kawasaki Gpz500s — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these cars have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
86%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
22.1%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.71
Over 10.5 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
16k
Middle half: 10k–24k
For context

These stats describe 131 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

What tends to go wrong

Based on 131 cars. % = share of cohort with at least one match (advisories + failures combined).

~1 in 3 Tyre wear
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (40.1%) · Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (37.2%) · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm (12.2%)
💡 Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. A used-car inspection will confirm how much is left.
~1 in 3 Suspension & steering
Steering movement slightly 'notchy' (27.3%) · Rear suspension bush has slight free play (12.2%)
💡 Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
~1 in 3 Brake wear
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit (25.7%) · Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort (23.7%) · Rear Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort (20.4%) · …
💡 Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
~1 in 6 Lighting
Drive chain slightly loose (23.4%)
💡 Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
~1 in 10 Exhaust & emissions
Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey (15.5%)
~1 in 10 Other issues
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive (14.8%) · Drive chain sprocket carrier worn but not considered excessive (12.5%)

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2002. Counts include advisories and failures.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 131 Kawasaki Gpz500s cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2002 Kawasaki Gpz500s

Based on MOT data from 131 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 22.1% 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

Mileage Distribution

Most 2002 Kawasaki Gpz500s vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

15,941
typical
10,094
low mileage
23,552
high mileage

Half of all 2002 Kawasaki Gpz500s vehicles fall between 10,094 and 23,552 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 10,094 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
10,094–23,552 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2002 Kawasaki Gpz500ss sit.
Over 31,795 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2002 Kawasaki Gpz500s — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 46% of 2002 Kawasaki Gpz500ss are still active.

Numbers are declining — 26 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (46% of peak).

55 26 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

10.5
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.71
Avg failures per vehicle
7.1
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Kawasaki Gpz500s: All Gpz500s years → Which year to buy? →
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Or browse all models: Kawasaki →

Compare with another model

See how the 2002 Kawasaki Gpz500s stacks up against a rival.

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