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Kawasaki Zx750 F2 (1989)

109 real MOT outcomes analysed • 11.9% first-time pass rate

1989 Kawasaki Zx750 F2

CarHunch analysed 109 real MOT records for the 1989 Kawasaki Zx750 F2. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

This 1989 Kawasaki ZX750-F2 has a first-time pass rate of just 11.9%, vastly below the UK average of 80%, which means the vast majority of these bikes fail their MOT on first attempt—a significant red flag for reliability and maintenance condition. The dangerous defect rate of 1.8% is mercifully low, so the failures aren't safety-critical, but they're frequent enough to suggest these machines need proper upkeep.

At 38,465 miles median mileage, these bikes are relatively low-mileage for their age, yet they're still accumulating 0.15 failures and 0.4 advisories per test, pointing to age-related wear rather than abuse. If you're considering one, expect to budget for remedial work before it passes MOT—this isn't a buy-it-and-ride scenario, but a project bike that'll need hands-on inspection and likely some mechanical attention.

Below average reliability 68.1% below UK average
11.9%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
38,465
typical mileage
28,458–48,029 middle half
1.8%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.15
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.5 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1989 Kawasaki Zx750 F2

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 Zx750 F2

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Mileage Distribution

Most 1989 Kawasaki Zx750 F2 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.

28,458
low mileage
38,465
typical
48,029
high mileage

Half of all 1989 Kawasaki Zx750 F2 vehicles fall between 28,458 and 48,029 miles.

MOT History Averages

1.5
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.15
Avg failures per vehicle
0.4
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1989 Kawasaki Zx750 F2

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 50%
    Front Brake disc(s) slightly pitted
  • 25%
    lock stops slightly worn
  • 25%
    Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick
  • 25%
    Nearside Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil
  • 25%
    Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
  • 25%
    Rear Roller brake test indicates a binding brake
  • 25%
    Rear suspension bush has slight free play
  • 16.7%
    Headlamp aim too high

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1989. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Kawasaki Zx750 F2?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Kawasaki Zx750 F2:

1988