Kawasaki Zx600 A3 (1987)
1987 Kawasaki Zx600 A3
CarHunch analysed 430 real MOT records for the 1987 Kawasaki Zx600 A3. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1987 Kawasaki ZX600-A3 is a deeply unreliable proposition on the road today: just 4.8% pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and 0.7% have experienced dangerous defects that pose real safety risks. Petrol variants show virtually identical failure rates at 4.6%, so fuel type offers no advantage here.
The median mileage of 39,395 is exceptionally low for a 37-year-old machine, suggesting most survivors in the test pool are garage-kept rather than daily riders—yet even these cherished examples fail MOTs at catastrophic rates. With an average of 0.07 failures and 0.2 advisories per vehicle, the numbers confirm this model's age has simply caught up: corrosion, brake decay, and electrical gremlins are almost certain. If you're considering one, budget for a full strip-down inspection by a specialist before money changes hands, and expect significant remedial work.
What to check before buying a 1987 Kawasaki Zx600 A3
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 Zx600 A3
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 429 | 4.6% | 0.07 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1987 Kawasaki Zx600 A3 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 1987 Kawasaki Zx600 A3 vehicles fall between 35,811 and 46,397 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1987 Kawasaki Zx600 A3
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
25%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
13.9%
Exhaust noisy
-
11.1%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
-
11.1%
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
-
11.1%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
-
11.1%
Nearside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
-
8.3%
Headlamp main beam warning lamp not working
-
8.3%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1987. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Kawasaki Zx600 A3?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.
Other model years — Kawasaki Zx600 A3: