Kawasaki Z750s (2005)

100 real MOT outcomes analysed • 87.6% first-time pass rate

2005 Kawasaki Z750s

CarHunch analysed 100 real MOT records for the 2005 Kawasaki Z750s. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2005 Kawasaki Z750S has a first-time pass rate of 87.6%, which comfortably beats the UK average of 80%, suggesting above-average reliability—though the fact that exactly 20% of these bikes have recorded a dangerous defect at some point is worth taking seriously as a prospective buyer. This is a bike that tends to stay on the road, but safety-critical issues do surface occasionally across the population.

These machines are sitting at 14,679 miles median, which is quite low for a 19-year-old bike and suggests many have been cherished rather than thrashed. The average of 1.63 failures and 6.0 advisories per MOT points to minor wear items and consumables rather than structural problems—typical for older bikes that are being maintained. Before purchase, get a pre-buy inspection focused on the brake and suspension components, as these are where advisory items tend to cluster on this generation.

We have limited data for the 2005 Kawasaki Z750s — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
87.6%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
20%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.63
Over 11.3 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
15k
Middle half: 11k–21k
For context

These stats describe 100 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 100 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 92.7%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Exhaust & emissions 44.8%
Exhaust noisy
Brake wear 19.8%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Lighting 17.2%
Drive chain slightly loose · Rear reflector on motorcycle missing · Headlamp aim too high
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Other issues 14.1%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
Suspension & steering 13.5%
Steering headbearing slightly stiff or notchy · Steering movement slightly 'notchy'
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2005.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 100 Kawasaki Z750s cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2005 Kawasaki Z750s

Based on MOT data from 100 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 20% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Mileage Distribution

Most 2005 Kawasaki Z750s vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

14,679
typical
10,684
low mileage
20,909
high mileage

Half of all 2005 Kawasaki Z750s vehicles fall between 10,684 and 20,909 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 10,684 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
10,684–20,909 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2005 Kawasaki Z750ss sit.
Over 28,227 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2005 Kawasaki Z750s — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 67% of 2005 Kawasaki Z750ss are still active.

39 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 67% of the peak remain.

58 39 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

11.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.63
Avg failures per vehicle
6
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Kawasaki Z750s: All Z750s years → Which year to buy? →
2006

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Compare with another model

See how the 2005 Kawasaki Z750s stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?