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Kawasaki Kh125 K4 (1986)

212 real MOT outcomes analysed • 1.7% first-time pass rate

1986 Kawasaki Kh125 K4

CarHunch analysed 212 real MOT records for the 1986 Kawasaki Kh125 K4. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 1986 Kawasaki KH125-K4 is a rare survivor—only 212 have been tested—and its 1.7% first-time pass rate is drastically below the UK average of 80%, signalling serious reliability concerns for anyone considering one. The good news is that none of the tested machines have ever recorded a dangerous defect, so safety isn't the issue here.

The median mileage of 23,432 suggests these bikes have been ridden and stored rather than treasured, yet curiously they're generating zero recorded failures or advisories on test, which points to MOT stations simply rejecting them outright rather than listing specific faults. If you're thinking of buying one, factor in that you'll likely need substantial remedial work to get it roadworthy enough to pass—this isn't a straightforward restoration project.

Below average reliability 78.3% below UK average
1.7%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
23,432
typical mileage
17,651–23,432 middle half
0%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0
avg MOT failures per car
over 1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1986 Kawasaki Kh125 K4

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 Kh125 K4

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying →

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Mileage Distribution

Most 1986 Kawasaki Kh125 K4 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.

17,651
low mileage
23,432
typical
23,432
high mileage

Half of all 1986 Kawasaki Kh125 K4 vehicles fall between 17,651 and 23,432 miles.

MOT History Averages

1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1986 Kawasaki Kh125 K4

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 33.3%
    Front Tyre has ply or cord exposed (4.1.2a(iii)
  • 33.3%
    Minor pitting on left fork leg.
  • 33.3%
    Horn not working
  • 33.3%
    Rear Brake lining(s) close to minimum limit
  • 33.3%
    Direction indicator not working
  • 33.3%
    Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies
  • 33.3%
    Handlebars slightly twisted to the left

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1986. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Kawasaki Kh125 K4?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Kawasaki Kh125 K4:

1987