Kawasaki Kh100 G3 (1983)
1983 Kawasaki Kh100 G3
CarHunch analysed 214 real MOT records for the 1983 Kawasaki Kh100 G3. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1983 Kawasaki KH100-G3 is a genuinely challenging MOT proposition, with a 70% first-time pass rate sitting well below the UK average of 80%—and the petrol variant's 20% pass rate suggests systematic issues across the surviving examples. No dangerous defects have been recorded, which is the sole bright spot in an otherwise concerning reliability picture.
The median mileage of 14,299 miles is remarkably low for a 40-year-old machine, indicating these are mostly low-use or carefully stored examples rather than regular riders. With zero failures and advisories logged on average, the MOT data isn't telling you much about what's actually breaking—instead, the poor pass rate likely reflects inherent difficulty getting these old bikes through modern emissions and safety standards rather than mechanical decay. If you're considering one, have any potential purchase inspected by a specialist familiar with 1980s Kawasaki two-strokes, as MOT compliance will be your main hurdle.
What to check before buying a 1983 Kawasaki Kh100 G3
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 Kh100 G3
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 213 | 0.2% | 0 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1983 Kawasaki Kh100 G3 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 1983 Kawasaki Kh100 G3 vehicles fall between 14,299 and 14,299 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1983 Kawasaki Kh100 G3
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
100%
Rear position lamp does not illuminate immediately when it is switched on
-
100%
Steering movement excessively 'notchy' with the wheel raised
-
100%
Headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam
-
100%
Offside Lower Motorcycle structure slightly damaged
-
100%
Nearside Lower Motorcycle structure slightly damaged
-
100%
Headlamp at least one does not illuminate on main beam
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1983. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Kawasaki Kh100 G3?
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