Kawasaki VN1500 MOT pass rate and common failures
Kawasaki VN1500 motorcycles pass the MOT 83.77% of the time, measured across 308 tests in the DVSA record. A further 6.82% passed only after a defect was put right at the test station.
What to check before the MOT
Built from this model's own failure record, not general advice.
- Start with not working - it accounts for 41.4% of failed tests on this model.
- Then check excessively binding and missing, the next two most common reasons.
- The most common advisory is noise is clearly in excess of that emitted by a similar motorcycle fitted with a standard silencer in average condition (17.2% of all tests) - not a failure, but money you will spend sooner or later.
- Average recorded mileage at test is 25,861 miles, which is the number to compare any advert against.
Pass rate by age
A single pass rate hides the most useful thing in this data: how the same model behaves at three years old and at fifteen.
| Age at test | Pass rate | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16+ years | 83.88% | 304 |
Why the Kawasaki VN1500 fails
Share of failed tests on this model where the item was recorded. One test can fail on several items, so the column does not add up to 100%.
| # | Item | Of failures | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Not working | 41.4% | 12 | |
| 2 | Excessively binding | 17.2% | 5 | |
| 3 | Missing | 17.2% | 5 | |
| 4 | Does not conform to the specified requirements | 13.8% | 4 | |
| 5 | Flashing more than 120 times a minute | 13.8% | 4 | |
| 6 | Inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps | 13.8% | 4 | |
| 7 | Projected beam image obviously incorrect | 13.8% | 4 | |
| 8 | Does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls | 10.3% | 3 | |
| 9 | Less than 1.0 mm thick | 10.3% | 3 | |
| 10 | Too low | 10.3% | 3 |
Most common advisories
Not a failure and not a legal requirement to fix - but an advisory that repeats year after year is money the next owner spends.
| # | Item | Of all tests | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noise is clearly in excess of that emitted by a similar motorcycle fitted with a standard silencer in average condition | 17.2% | 53 | |
| 2 | Tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm | 4.2% | 13 | |
| 3 | Indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort | 3.6% | 11 | |
| 4 | Excessively binding | 2.6% | 8 | |
| 5 | Less than 1.0 mm thick | 2.3% | 7 | |
| 6 | In such a condition that it is seriously weakened | 1.6% | 5 | |
| 7 | Excessively stiff or notchy | 1.3% | 4 | |
| 8 | Has a serious fluid leak | 1.3% | 4 | |
| 9 | Corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | 1% | 3 | |
| 10 | Has a major leak of exhaust gases | 1% | 3 |
Kawasaki VN1500 for sale
No Kawasaki VN1500 in stock at the moment - 1,110 other Kawasaki bikes are advertised.
Similar bikes compared
Models of comparable capacity, so the comparison means something.
| Model | Tests | Pass rate | Avg mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW R SERIES · 1,152cc | 9,796 | 91.92% | 40,594 | |
| BMW R1200 · 1,170cc | 9,521 | 94.43% | 28,830 | |
| BMW R1250 · 1,254cc | 6,764 | 96.17% | 17,373 | |
| BMW R 1200 · 1,170cc | 6,170 | 95.28% | 27,241 | |
| Triumph BONNEVILLE 1200cc · 1196-1200cc | 5,527 | 91.62% | 8,342 | |
| Suzuki GSF1200 · 1,159cc | 4,061 | 84.68% | 29,337 |
Source: DVSA MOT testing data, 2025 · updated Aug 2026 · licence and method