Kawasaki W650 (2003)
2003 Kawasaki W650
CarHunch analysed 146 real MOT records for the 2003 Kawasaki W650. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2003 Kawasaki W650 is a reliably built machine, posting a 90.7% first-time pass rate that soundly beats the UK average of 80%—and dangerous defects are rare at just 7.5% of the cohort. This classic middleweight cruiser clearly benefits from simple, robust engineering that holds up well.
At nearly 13,000 miles on average, these bikes show genuine use rather than shelf queens, yet they're still passing tests decisively. The 1.39 average failures per vehicle suggests occasional maintenance items rather than serious structural problems, so if you're buying one, focus your pre-purchase inspection on the basics: tyres, chain, brakes, and fluid levels.
What to check before buying a 2003 Kawasaki W650
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 W650
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 2003 Kawasaki W650 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 2003 Kawasaki W650 vehicles fall between 6,707 and 15,943 miles.
2003 Kawasaki W650 — Still on the Road
72 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 77% of the peak remain.
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 — 2003 Kawasaki W650
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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44.9%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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42%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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25.9%
Headlamp masks/converters fitted
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23.2%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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16.1%
Drive chain slightly loose
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15.8%
Headlamp aim too low
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13.8%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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12.5%
Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2003. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Kawasaki W650?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.