Kawasaki Kmx125 (1988)
1988 Kawasaki Kmx125
CarHunch analysed 128 real MOT records for the 1988 Kawasaki Kmx125. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1988 Kawasaki KMX125 passes its MOT just 72.5% of the time—significantly below the UK average of 80%—and one in five tested bikes have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a genuine safety concern for used buyers. Most vehicles averaging 1.65 failures per test suggest recurring issues rather than one-off problems, though the modest median mileage of 18,621 miles for a 36-year-old bike indicates many have been lightly used or stored.
The high advisory count of 5.2 per vehicle points to accumulated wear across multiple systems typical of older machinery, even when stored. If you're considering one, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a specialist and expect regular maintenance to keep it roadworthy.
What to check before buying a 1988 Kawasaki Kmx125
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.
- ⚠️ 20.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 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 Kmx125
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1988 Kawasaki Kmx125 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 1988 Kawasaki Kmx125 vehicles fall between 12,600 and 23,977 miles.
1988 Kawasaki Kmx125 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 17 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (47% 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 — 1988 Kawasaki Kmx125
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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25.4%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
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18.3%
Rear wheel bearings have slight free play
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17.1%
Drive chain slightly loose
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16.3%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
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15.9%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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14.7%
Headlamp aim too high
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13.1%
Exhaust noisy
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12.7%
Rear shock absorber has inadequate damping effect.
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1988. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Kawasaki Kmx125?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.