Kawasaki Vn800 (2000)

139 real MOT outcomes analysed • 88.4% first-time pass rate

2000 Kawasaki Vn800

CarHunch analysed 139 real MOT records for the 2000 Kawasaki Vn800. 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

This 2000 Kawasaki VN800 is a reliably robust cruiser, passing its MOT first time 88.4% of the time—well above the UK average of 80%—with only 18% ever flagged for dangerous defects, which is acceptable for a 24-year-old motorcycle. Petrol and diesel comparisons don't apply here, but the consistency of the pass rate suggests owners who maintain these bikes tend to do it well.

At nearly 20,000 miles on average, these machines show typical mileage for their age and aren't being thrashed; however, the 6.6 advisories per vehicle indicate wear items like brake pad thickness, tyre condition, and suspension play are routine maintenance concerns. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the clutch cable, exhaust condition, and battery health—the 1.8 average failures suggest these older Kawasaskis need regular attention to preventative upkeep, but they reward careful owners with solid reliability.

We have limited data for the 2000 Kawasaki Vn800 — 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
88.4%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
18%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.8
Over 14.1 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
16k
Middle half: 11k–24k
For context

These stats describe 139 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 139 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Exhaust & emissions 131.4%
Exhaust noisy · Rear Exhaust noisy
Tyre wear 45.8%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front 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 44.1%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Lighting 36.6%
Drive chain slightly loose · Headlamp aim too high · Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Other issues 20.4%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2000.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 139 Kawasaki Vn800 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2000 Kawasaki Vn800

Based on MOT data from 139 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 18% 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 2000 Kawasaki Vn800 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.

16,316
typical
10,525
low mileage
24,370
high mileage

Half of all 2000 Kawasaki Vn800 vehicles fall between 10,525 and 24,370 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 10,525 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.
10,525–24,370 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2000 Kawasaki Vn800s sit.
Over 32,899 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2000 Kawasaki Vn800 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 55% of 2000 Kawasaki Vn800s are still active.

50 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 55% of the peak remain.

91 50 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* 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

14.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.8
Avg failures per vehicle
6.6
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Kawasaki Vn800: All Vn800 years → Which year to buy? →
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2001 2002 2003 2005

Or browse all models: Kawasaki →

Compare with another model

See how the 2000 Kawasaki Vn800 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?