Kawasaki Unknown (1998)

1,189 real MOT outcomes analysed • 2.6% first-time pass rate

1998 Kawasaki Unknown

CarHunch analysed 1,189 real MOT records for the 1998 Kawasaki Unknown. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Below average reliability 77.4% below UK average
2.6%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
7,148
typical mileage
4,014–26,994 middle half
0.2%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.01
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1998 Kawasaki Unknown

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 Unknown

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

CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (99%) 1,177 2.1% 0.01
Other (1%) 7 94.1% 0.43
Diesel (0%) 5 0% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 1998 Kawasaki Unknown 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.

4,014
low mileage
7,148
typical
26,994
high mileage

Half of all 1998 Kawasaki Unknown vehicles fall between 4,014 and 26,994 miles.

MOT History Averages

1.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.01
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1998 Kawasaki Unknown

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

  • 13.3%
    Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
  • 11.1%
    Exhaust noisy
  • 8.9%
    Front Brake lever is short but brake can still be readily applied
  • 8.9%
    Chain guard missing ()
  • 8.9%
    Clutch lever shortened
  • 8.9%
    Horn not working
  • 8.9%
    Rear wheel bearings have slight free play
  • 6.7%
    Rear Wheel bearing has slight play

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1998. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Kawasaki Unknown?

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

UK

Other model years — Kawasaki Unknown:

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020