Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3 reliable?

Based on MOT data from 214 vehicles, the 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3 has a first-time MOT pass rate of 81.4%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Kawasaki Zx 750 P3 (1998)

214 real MOT outcomes analysed • 81.4% first-time pass rate

1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3

CarHunch analysed 214 real MOT records for the 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3. 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

This 1998 Kawasaki ZX 750-P3 is a serious reliability concern, with just 23.8% passing MOT on the first attempt versus the UK average of 80%—nearly three-quarters of these bikes fail their test. Only 1.9% have ever recorded a dangerous defect, which is reassuring on safety grounds, but the sheer volume of failures suggests widespread wear across multiple systems rather than one critical issue.

These bikes are sitting at a median 22,438 miles, which is relatively low for their age and indicates many have spent time in storage or seen light use—yet they're still failing at high rates. The average bike needs addressing on 0.32 failures and 0.7 advisor items per test, pointing to corroded fuel systems, worn brake components, and neglected electrics as the typical culprits. If you're considering one, budget for a full pre-purchase inspection by a specialist motorcycle technician, and expect to factor in restoration work rather than treating it as a ready-to-ride purchase.

We have limited data for the 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

81.4%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

1.9%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.32

Over 2.3 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

22k

Middle half: 17k–29k

For context

These stats describe 214 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?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 214 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3 cars.

Before you buy a 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3

Based on MOT data from 214 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 1.9% 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 →
📄 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 Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (99%)	211	81.2%	0.33

Colour Breakdown

Based on 236 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Green 51.3%

121

Black 24.6%

Red 22%

Blue 2.1%

Mileage Distribution

Most 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3 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.

22,438

typical

16,764

low mileage

29,206

high mileage

Half of all 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3 vehicles fall between 16,764 and 29,206 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 16,764 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.

✓ 16,764–29,206 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3s sit.

⚠ Over 39,428 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3 — Still on the Road

Most 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3s are still being driven.

Strong survival — 10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 83% of the peak.

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

2.3

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.32

Avg failures per vehicle

0.7

Avg advisories per vehicle

Compare with another model

See how the 1998 Kawasaki Zx 750 P3 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?