Kawasaki Z750 P5 (1989)
1989 Kawasaki Z750 P5
CarHunch analysed 148 real MOT records for the 1989 Kawasaki Z750 P5. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1989 Kawasaki Z750-P5 is a genuinely difficult MOT prospect, with only a 5.3% first-time pass rate compared to the UK average of 80%—meaning 94.7% of these bikes need work before they'll pass. The good news is that no vehicles in this cohort have ever recorded a dangerous defect, so safety-critical failures aren't the issue here.
The median mileage of 43,917 miles is low for a 35-year-old bike, suggesting most survivors are either carefully stored or ridden sparingly, which actually makes the poor pass rate more puzzling than reassuring. Advisories average just 0.2 per vehicle, implying the failures are concentrated rather than spread across multiple worn systems—if you find one that's been freshly sorted, it may run cleanly, but expect to invest time or money getting any example roadworthy first.
What to check before buying a 1989 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.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1989 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 1989 Kawasaki Z750 P5 vehicles fall between 27,016 and 50,657 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1989 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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30.8%
Rear Brake disc(s) slightly worn
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26.9%
Front Brake disc(s) slightly worn
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15.4%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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15.4%
Rear Brake disc(s) slightly pitted
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15.4%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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11.5%
Steering movement slightly 'notchy'
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11.5%
Handlebar mounting clamp bolt loose
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11.5%
Front Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1989. 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.