Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8f (2009)

370 real MOT outcomes analysed • 89% first-time pass rate

2009 Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8f

CarHunch analysed 370 real MOT records for the 2009 Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8f. 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 Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 370 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

This 2009 Kawasaki ZX 1000 is a significantly unreliable prospect—just under half (49.8%) pass their MOT first time, well below the UK average of 80%. While dangerous defects are relatively rare at 8.6%, the sheer frequency of failures means you're looking at regular, costly repairs.

These bikes have clocked up modest mileage for their age (median 12,289 miles), yet each vehicle averages 0.7 failures and 2.4 advisories per test, pointing to age-related deterioration rather than hard use. Before buying, get a full pre-purchase inspection by a specialist Kawasaki technician, because the MOT pass rate suggests deferred maintenance and wear issues are the norm rather than the exception.

The 2009 Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8f passes its MOT first time more often than most UK vehicles (89% vs ~80% average) — and when it does fail, it's usually something minor and cheap to fix.

⚠️ About 1 in 12 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
89%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
8.7%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.7
Over 6.1 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
12k
Middle half: 9k–16k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 89% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 2.4 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 370 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.

A solid choice — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 370 Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8f cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2009 Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8f

Based on MOT data from 370 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 8.7% 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

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (98%) 364 88.9% 0.7

Colour Breakdown

Based on 842 Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8f vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Green 48.2%
406
Black 32.2%
271
Orange 19.6%
165

Mileage Distribution

Most 2009 Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8f 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.

12,289
typical
8,693
low mileage
16,268
high mileage

Half of all 2009 Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8f vehicles fall between 8,693 and 16,268 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 8,693 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.
8,693–16,268 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2009 Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8fs sit.
Over 21,961 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2009 Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8f — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 58% of 2009 Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8fs are still active.

92 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 58% of the peak remain.

158 92 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

6.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.7
Avg failures per vehicle
2.4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8f: All Zx 1000 E8f years → Which year to buy? →
2008

Or browse all models: Kawasaki →

Compare with another model

See how the 2009 Kawasaki Zx 1000 E8f stacks up against a rival.

A solid choice — agree?