Kawasaki Zx 900a3 (1986)

310 real MOT outcomes analysed • 85.2% first-time pass rate

1986 Kawasaki Zx 900a3

CarHunch analysed 310 real MOT records for the 1986 Kawasaki Zx 900a3. 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 Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Moderate sample. 310 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

The 1986 Kawasaki Zx 900a3 passes its MOT first time more often than most UK vehicles (85.2% vs ~80% average) — and when it does fail, it's usually something minor and cheap to fix.

First-time pass
85.2%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
1.3%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.07
Over 1.3 tests on record
Low
Typical mileage
44k
Middle half: 29k–53k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 85.2% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.

These stats describe 310 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 310 Kawasaki Zx 900a3 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 1986 Kawasaki Zx 900a3

Based on MOT data from 310 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 1.3% 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

Colour Breakdown

Based on 430 Kawasaki Zx 900a3 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 45.6%
196
Blue 45.1%
194
Red 6%
26
Green 3.3%
14

Mileage Distribution

Most 1986 Kawasaki Zx 900a3 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.

44,287
typical
29,075
low mileage
53,481
high mileage

Half of all 1986 Kawasaki Zx 900a3 vehicles fall between 29,075 and 53,481 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 29,075 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.
29,075–53,481 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1986 Kawasaki Zx 900a3s sit.
Over 72,199 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

1.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.07
Avg failures per vehicle
0.2
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Kawasaki Zx 900a3: All Zx 900a3 years → Which year to buy? →
1987

Or browse all models: Kawasaki →

Compare with another model

See how the 1986 Kawasaki Zx 900a3 stacks up against a rival.

A solid choice — agree?