Kawasaki Vn (2014)

172 real MOT outcomes analysed • 90.7% first-time pass rate

2014 Kawasaki Vn

CarHunch analysed 172 real MOT records for the 2014 Kawasaki Vn. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2014 Kawasaki VN is more reliable than most bikes on test, with a 90.7% first-time pass rate well ahead of the UK average of 80%, though the 23.3% of machines that have recorded a dangerous defect is a meaningful buyer concern worth investigating on any example you consider. This is a low-mileage cohort averaging just 10,223 miles, so you're looking at bikes that have been ridden gently or stored frequently—a positive sign for longevity if the service history checks out.

The 0.78 failures per vehicle is reassuringly low, and the 3.4 advisories per test suggest age-related wear rather than fundamental problems with the design. Before purchase, ask the seller for full MOT history and have a pre-buy inspection focus on the specific advisories recorded in their test results, as knowing what's already flagged will help you budget for repairs.

We have limited data for the 2014 Kawasaki Vn — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 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
90.7%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
23.3%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.78
Over 7.7 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
9k
Middle half: 6k–13k
For context

These stats describe 172 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.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 172 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Exhaust & emissions 91.5%
Exhaust noisy · Rear Exhaust noisy
Tyre wear 39.4%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 18.1%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.0 mm thick · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Lighting 9.3%
Headlamp aim too high · Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps · Rear Position lamp not working
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Suspension & steering 5%
Steering headbearing slightly stiff or notchy
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Other issues 4.7%
Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements · Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2014.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 172 Kawasaki Vn cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2014 Kawasaki Vn

Based on MOT data from 172 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 23.3% 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

Mileage Distribution

Most 2014 Kawasaki Vn 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.

8,539
typical
6,044
low mileage
12,962
high mileage

Half of all 2014 Kawasaki Vn vehicles fall between 6,044 and 12,962 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 6,044 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.
6,044–12,962 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2014 Kawasaki Vns sit.
Over 17,498 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2014 Kawasaki Vn — Still on the Road

Most 2014 Kawasaki Vns are still being driven.

113 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 73% of the peak remain.

136 113 2017 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* 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

7.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.78
Avg failures per vehicle
3.4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Kawasaki Vn: All Vn years → Which year to buy? →
2016 2017

Or browse all models: Kawasaki →

Compare with another model

See how the 2014 Kawasaki Vn stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?