Kawasaki Z750 (2008)

140 real MOT outcomes analysed • 85.7% first-time pass rate

2008 Kawasaki Z750

CarHunch analysed 140 real MOT records for the 2008 Kawasaki Z750. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2008 Kawasaki Z750 posts an 85.7% first-time pass rate, comfortably ahead of the UK average of 80%, suggesting it's a reasonably robust middleweight. However, nearly one in four of these bikes have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a genuine concern for buyers and warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

At 14,200 miles average, these bikes show relatively low mileage for their age, which typically signals lighter use and less wear—a positive sign. The average of 1.6 failures and 5.3 advisories per test points to minor issues like worn brake pads and lighting rather than serious mechanical trouble, so if you're considering one, get a full service history and have a trusted mechanic inspect the brakes and electrics before committing.

Average reliability 5.7% above UK average
85.7%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
12,614
typical mileage
6,909–18,259 middle half
22.9%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
1.6
avg MOT failures per car
over 10.2 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2008 Kawasaki Z750

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.
  • ⚠️ 22.9% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 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

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 Kawasaki Z750 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.

6,909
low mileage
12,614
typical
18,259
high mileage

Half of all 2008 Kawasaki Z750 vehicles fall between 6,909 and 18,259 miles.

2008 Kawasaki Z750 — Still on the Road

59 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 65% of the peak remain.

91 59 2014 2025

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

10.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.6
Avg failures per vehicle
5.3
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 2008 Kawasaki Z750

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

  • 46.5%
    Exhaust noisy
  • 41%
    Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 39.4%
    Exhaust noisy
  • 35.2%
    Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 22.9%
    Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 19.6%
    Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
  • 17.1%
    Drive chain slightly loose
  • 16.8%
    Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2008. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Kawasaki Z750?

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

UK

Other model years — Kawasaki Z750:

1980 1981 1982 1984 2004 2005 2006 2007 2009