Kawasaki Kle 650 Cbf (2012)

100 real MOT outcomes analysed • 92.5% first-time pass rate

2012 Kawasaki Kle 650 Cbf

CarHunch analysed 100 real MOT records for the 2012 Kawasaki Kle 650 Cbf. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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This 2012 Kawasaki KLE 650 has a 70.3% first-time pass rate, which trails the UK average of 80% by nearly 10 percentage points—a meaningful gap that suggests these bikes need more attention than average to stay roadworthy. The dangerous defect rate of 14% is moderate and not alarming, but worth knowing before you ride.

At 12,800 miles median, these bikes are relatively low-mileage for their age, which is good news for durability, though the 0.6 average failures per test and 2.9 advisories per test indicate minor wear and maintenance gaps are common. Before committing to one, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically checks brake lines, battery condition, and chain wear—the most likely culprits behind these advisory findings.

We have limited data for the 2012 Kawasaki Kle 650 Cbf — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles 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
92.5%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
14%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.6
Over 7.6 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
13k
Middle half: 8k–20k
For context

These stats describe 100 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.

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See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 100 Kawasaki Kle 650 Cbf cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2012 Kawasaki Kle 650 Cbf

Based on MOT data from 100 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 14% 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

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (98%) 98 92.6% 0.6

Mileage Distribution

Most 2012 Kawasaki Kle 650 Cbf 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.

12,799
typical
8,246
low mileage
20,244
high mileage

Half of all 2012 Kawasaki Kle 650 Cbf vehicles fall between 8,246 and 20,244 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 8,246 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.
8,246–20,244 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2012 Kawasaki Kle 650 Cbfs sit.
Over 27,329 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2012 Kawasaki Kle 650 Cbf — Still on the Road

Most 2012 Kawasaki Kle 650 Cbfs are still being driven.

50 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 71% of the peak remain.

70 50 2015 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2015–2025.
* 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

7.6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.6
Avg failures per vehicle
2.9
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Kawasaki Kle 650 Cbf: All Kle 650 Cbf years → Which year to buy? →
2011

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Compare with another model

See how the 2012 Kawasaki Kle 650 Cbf stacks up against a rival.

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