Kawasaki Zx 9r (1998)
1998 Kawasaki Zx 9r
CarHunch analysed 1,719 real MOT records for the 1998 Kawasaki Zx 9r. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
What to check before buying a 1998 Kawasaki Zx 9r
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Kawasaki Zx 9r
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 1,717 | 83% | 1.97 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 75% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1998 Kawasaki Zx 9r vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1998 Kawasaki Zx 9r vehicles fall between 18,085 and 33,137 miles.
1998 Kawasaki Zx 9r — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 357 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (43% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1998 Kawasaki Zx 9r
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
54.5%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
50.8%
Exhaust noisy
-
49.4%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
23.9%
Exhaust noisy
-
20.9%
Drive chain slightly loose
-
20.6%
Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
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20.4%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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17.9%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1998. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Kawasaki Zx 9r?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.