Kawasaki Zx 6r (2009)

175 real MOT outcomes analysed • 86% first-time pass rate

2009 Kawasaki Zx 6r

CarHunch analysed 175 real MOT records for the 2009 Kawasaki Zx 6r. 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 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R passes its MOT first time at 86%, comfortably above the UK average of 80%, and dangerous defects are present in under one in five tested machines at 17.7%—a manageable risk for a sportsbike of this age. These are good odds: the bike is fundamentally sound and well-maintained across the cohort.

At just over 11,400 miles on average, these ZX-6Rs have been relatively lightly used for their 15-year age, which explains the strong pass rate and keeps maintenance costs predictable. When failures do occur, they average 1.49 per bike with 4.6 advisories—mostly wear items rather than structural problems—so before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the brakes, chain, and suspension components that sporty riding tends to work hardest.

We have limited data for the 2009 Kawasaki Zx 6r — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 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
86%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
17.7%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.49
Over 9.7 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
10k
Middle half: 7k–15k
For context

These stats describe 175 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 175 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 65.4%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front 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 48.7%
Exhaust noisy
Lighting 34.8%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing · Drive chain slightly loose · Rear reflector missing · …
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Brake wear 16.1%
Front 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.
Other issues 7.2%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive · Horn not working

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2009.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 175 Kawasaki Zx 6r cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2009 Kawasaki Zx 6r

Based on MOT data from 175 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 17.7% 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

Mileage Distribution

Most 2009 Kawasaki Zx 6r 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.

10,276
typical
7,370
low mileage
14,873
high mileage

Half of all 2009 Kawasaki Zx 6r vehicles fall between 7,370 and 14,873 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 7,370 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.
7,370–14,873 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2009 Kawasaki Zx 6rs sit.
Over 20,078 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 6r — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 54% of 2009 Kawasaki Zx 6rs are still active.

69 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 54% of the peak remain.

127 69 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

9.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.49
Avg failures per vehicle
4.6
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Kawasaki Zx 6r: All Zx 6r years → Which year to buy? →
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Compare with another model

See how the 2009 Kawasaki Zx 6r stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?