Kawasaki Z750 P5 (1987)
1987 Kawasaki Z750 P5
CarHunch analysed 131 real MOT records for the 1987 Kawasaki Z750 P5. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1987 Kawasaki Z750-P5 is a reliability disaster—only 4.1% of the 131 tested examples passed their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and none have ever recorded a dangerous defect, which suggests these bikes are simply too old and worn to meet modern safety standards. The median mileage of 43,982 miles is reasonable for a 37-year-old motorcycle, but the average failure rate of 0.02 per vehicle masks the reality: nearly every one of these bikes is failing on something.
If you're considering one, it's a restoration project or parts donor only—not a working vehicle. Walk through a pre-purchase inspection with a specialist Kawasaki mechanic and budget for a complete overhaul of brakes, electrics, and fuel system before even thinking about riding it.
What to check before buying a 1987 Kawasaki Z750 P5
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 Z750 P5
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Mileage Distribution
Most 1987 Kawasaki Z750 P5 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 1987 Kawasaki Z750 P5 vehicles fall between 23,032 and 58,599 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1987 Kawasaki Z750 P5
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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25%
Exhaust noisy
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25%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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12.5%
Exhaust noisy
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12.5%
Riders seat slightly loose
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12.5%
Horn not working
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12.5%
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly
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12.5%
Rear Rear suspension bush has slight free play rear swinging arm bushes
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12.5%
Headlamp aim too high
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1987. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Kawasaki Z750 P5?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.