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Kawasaki Z1100 B2 (1982)

283 real MOT outcomes analysed • 6% first-time pass rate

1982 Kawasaki Z1100 B2

CarHunch analysed 283 real MOT records for the 1982 Kawasaki Z1100 B2. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 1982 Kawasaki Z1100-B2 is essentially a museum piece rather than a practical motorcycle—only 6% pass their MOT first time, a staggering 74 percentage points below the UK average, with virtually no dangerous defects recorded (0.7%), suggesting these bikes are rarely still ridden hard enough to fail on safety grounds. The median mileage of just 31,309 miles tells the real story: these machines are cherished collectibles sitting in garages, not commuters, which explains why average failures and advisories are negligible at 0.09 and 0.2 per bike. If you're considering one, you're buying history and hobby, not transport—have any prospective purchase inspected by a classic motorcycle specialist before committing, since MOT pass rates mean little when the bike may not have been started in months.

Below average reliability 74% below UK average
6%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
31,309
typical mileage
23,769–40,150 middle half
0.7%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.09
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.3 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1982 Kawasaki Z1100 B2

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 Z1100 B2

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 →

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Mileage Distribution

Most 1982 Kawasaki Z1100 B2 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.

23,769
low mileage
31,309
typical
40,150
high mileage

Half of all 1982 Kawasaki Z1100 B2 vehicles fall between 23,769 and 40,150 miles.

MOT History Averages

1.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.09
Avg failures per vehicle
0.2
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1982 Kawasaki Z1100 B2

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

  • 37.5%
    Exhaust noisy
  • 37.5%
    Offside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
  • 25%
    Nearside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
  • 25%
    Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 18.8%
    Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies
  • 18.8%
    Nearside Rear Chain guard missing ()
  • 18.8%
    Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
  • 18.8%
    Exhaust noisy

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1982. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Kawasaki Z1100 B2?

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

UK