MOT History from tests of petrol KAWASAKI GPZ500Ss year 1996

Review the list of common KAWASAKI GPZ500S failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your KAWASAKI then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:73.98%

(The average a petrol KAWASAKI GPZ500S year 1996 passes without issue)

Based on:1,833 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	50
Horn not working \|1.7.3a\|	27
Front Roller brake test indicates a binding brake \|3.3.A1a\|	25
Exhaust is leaking and excessively noisey \|7.1.1b\|	20
Throttle operating incorrectly \|6.2.1f\|	19
Front Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies \|1.3.1a\|	19
Offside Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil \|2.3.3\|	18
Steering movement excessively `notchy` with the wheel raised \|2.2.1b\|	16
Drive chain excessively loose \|6.2.1d\|	16
Nearside Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil \|2.3.3\|	14
Front wheel bearings have excessive free play \|2.3.5b\|	14
Rear Roller brake test indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort \|3.3.A1d\|	13
Rear suspension movement is excessively stiff \|2.4.A.3b\|	13
Rear shock absorber has inadequate damping effect. \|2.4.A.3b\|	12
Rear wheel bearings have excessive free play \|2.4.A.2c\|	12
Registration plate lamp issues	11
Rear wheel spindle securing nut locking device missing \|2.4.A.2b\|	9
Rear Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies \|1.3.1a\|	9
Steering headbearing has excessive free play \|2.2.2\|	9
Drive chain sprocket carrier worn to excess \|6.2.1e\|	9
Rear Drive chain sprocket worn to excess \|6.2.1e\|	9
Front Roller brake test indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort \|3.3.A1d\|	8
Rear Roller brake test indicates a binding brake \|3.3.A1a\|	8
Steering movement excessively `notchy` with the weight on the lower bearing \|2.2.1a\|	8
Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies \|1.3.1a\|	8
Rear mono-shock pivot excessively worn \|2.4.B.4\|	7
Rear position lamp does not illuminate immediately when it is switched on \|1.1.3a\|	7
Rear shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil \|2.4.A.1c\|	6
Drive chain excessively tight \|6.2.1d\|	6
Nearside Handlebar mounting clamp bolt loose \|2.1.1a\|	6
Front position lamp does not illuminate immediately when switched on \|1.1.3a\|	6
Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil \|2.3.3\|	6
Front Floor brake test indicates a binding brake \|3.3.C2c\|	6
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing \|1.4.1\|	6
Nearside Front Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil \|2.3.3\|	6
Registration plate issues	6
Rear suspension bush has excessive free play \|2.4.A2a\|i\|\|	6
Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.6\|	6
Drive chain worn to excess \|6.2.1e\|	5
Front Exhaust is leaking and excessively noisey \|7.1.1b\|	5
Headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam \|1.2.2a\|i\|\|	5
Rear Floor brake test indicates a binding brake \|3.3.C2c\|	5
Offside Handlebar deformed \|2.1.1b\|	5
Front wheel bearings are excessively rough \|2.3.5b\|	5
Offside Front Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil \|2.3.3\|	5
Roller brake test The less effective brake control does not achieve an efficiency of 25%. \|3.3.A2b\|	5
Rear Drive chain excessively loose \|6.2.1d\|	5
Rear Drive chain sprocket carrier worn to excess \|6.2.1e\|	4
Rear suspension bearing has excessive free play \|2.4.A2a\|i\|\|	4
Wheel alignment incorrect which adversely affects the handling \|2.5.1\|	4
Horn not loud enough to be heard by another road user \|1.7.3a\|	4
Front Horn not working \|1.7.3a\|	4
Nearside Handlebar mounting clamp loose \|2.1.1a\|	4
Front Roller brake test indicates a sticking brake \|3.3.A1a\|	4
Rear Rear position lamp does not illuminate immediately when it is switched on \|1.1.3a\|	4
Throttle has a significant change in engine speed whilst moving the steering from lock to lock \|2.1.4\|	4
Rear Rear suspension movement is excessively stiff \|2.4.A.3b\|	4
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.5.1c\|	4
Rear Stop lamp remains on when the brake is released \|1.3.1e\|	4
Front Front wheel bearings have excessive free play \|2.3.5b\|	3
Handlebar deformed \|2.1.1b\|	3
Steering control has Insufficient clearance at full lock affecting the riders grasp of handlebars \|2.1.2b\|	3
Handlebar mounting clamp bolt loose \|2.1.1a\|	3
Rear Brake disc\|s\| is excessively distorted \|3.2.A1m\|	3
Nearside Front Direction indicator insecure \|1.5.3b\|	3
Front Steering movement excessively `notchy` with the weight on the lower bearing \|2.2.1a\|	3
Steering movement excessively stiff with the weight on the lower bearing \|2.2.1a\|	3
Front Steering headbearing has excessive free play \|2.2.2\|	3
Offside Steering control has Insufficient clearance at full lock affecting the riders grasp of handlebars \|2.1.2b\|	3
Offside Front Handlebar deformed \|2.1.1b\|	3
Offside Handlebar mounting clamp bolt loose \|2.1.1a\|	3
Headlamp at least one does not illuminate on main beam \|1.2.2a\|ii\|\|	3
Locking device\|s\| not correctly fitted which may make the motor bicycle dangerous to ride \|6.2.1h\|	3
Offside Handlebar handgrip not secure to handlebars. \|2.1.1c\|	3
Steering movement excessively stiff with the wheel raised \|2.2.1b\|	3
Exhaust excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	3
Nearside Handlebar deformed \|2.1.1b\|	3
Offside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.5.1c\|	3
Rear Rear suspension bush has excessive free play \|2.4.A2a\|i\|\|	3
Offside Exhaust is leaking and excessively noisey \|7.1.1b\|	3
Offside Front Direction indicator insecure \|1.5.3b\|	3
Exhaust noise is clearly in excess of that emitted by a similar motor bicycle fitted with a standard silencer in average condition \|7.1.2\|	3
Front Front wheel bearings are excessively rough \|2.3.5b\|	3
Nearside Handlebar handgrip not secure to handlebars. \|2.1.1c\|	3
Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))	3
Rear Brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	3
Rear Stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	3
Rear mono-shock pivot seized \|2.4.B.4\|	2
Steering control handlebar movement restricted by trapped cables \|2.1.2c\|	2
Front Brake disc\|s\| excessively worn \|3.2.A1l\|	2
Rear Rear shock absorber has inadequate damping effect. \|2.4.A.3b\|	2
Brake pedal has inadequate reserve travel \|3.1.3b\|	2
Decelerometer brake test the less effective brake control does not achieve an efficiency of 25%. \|3.3.E1b\|	2
Front Brake disc\|s\| cracked \|3.2.A1g\|	2
Front Brake disc\|s\| has excessive run out \|3.2.A1m\|	2
Front Brake disc\|s\| friction surface contaminated by oil or grease \|3.2.A1k\|	2
Exhaust mounting does not fully support the exhaust system \|7.1.1.c\|	2
Rear Hydraulic brake control feels spongy \|3.1.4a\|	2
Drive chain excessively loose \|6.1.7 \|c\| \|i\|\|	2
Front Brake master cylinder leaking hydraulic fluid \|3.2.B1e\|	2
Rear Drive chain worn to excess \|6.2.1e\|	2
Rear Wheel alignment incorrect which adversely affects the handling \|2.5.1\|	2
Front Steering movement excessively `notchy` with the wheel raised \|2.2.1b\|	2
Rear Rear wheel bearings have excessive free play \|2.4.A.2c\|	2
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.5.1c\|	2
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.5.1c\|	2
Nearside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.5.1c\|	2
Offside Steering lock stop ineffective \|2.1.3\|	2
Offside Front Handlebar mounting clamp bolt loose \|2.1.1a\|	2
Front Hydraulic brake control feels spongy \|3.1.4a\|	2
Rear Roller brake test indicates brake effort rise disproportional to brake lever or pedal effort \|3.3.A1c\|	2
Front Brake lever has inadequate reserve travel \|3.1.3b\|	2
Direction indicators not working \|1.5.1c\|	2
Front Steering control handlebar movement restricted by taut cables \|2.1.2c\|	2
Fairings insecure and likely to impede the steering \|2.1.2e\|	2
Rear suspension component seized \|2.4A2a\|ii\|\|	2
Front Wheel has an excessively distorted bead rim. \|4.2.2\|	2
Nearside Direction indicator insecure \|1.5.3b\|	2
Rear Brake excessively binding \|1.2.1 \|f\|\|	2
Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))	2
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))	2
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))	2
Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (b))	2
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))	2
Steering headbearing excessively stiff or notchy (2.2.2 (f) (i))	2
Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	2
Front Stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	2

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

Got suggestions? We’re improving this section all the time. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	50
Horn not working \|1.7.3a\|	27
Front Roller brake test indicates a binding brake \|3.3.A1a\|	25
Exhaust is leaking and excessively noisey \|7.1.1b\|	20
Throttle operating incorrectly \|6.2.1f\|	19
Front Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies \|1.3.1a\|	19
Offside Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil \|2.3.3\|	18
Steering movement excessively `notchy` with the wheel raised \|2.2.1b\|	16
Drive chain excessively loose \|6.2.1d\|	16
Nearside Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil \|2.3.3\|	14
Front wheel bearings have excessive free play \|2.3.5b\|	14
Rear Roller brake test indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort \|3.3.A1d\|	13
Rear suspension movement is excessively stiff \|2.4.A.3b\|	13
Rear shock absorber has inadequate damping effect. \|2.4.A.3b\|	12
Rear wheel bearings have excessive free play \|2.4.A.2c\|	12
Registration plate lamp issues	11
Rear wheel spindle securing nut locking device missing \|2.4.A.2b\|	9
Rear Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies \|1.3.1a\|	9
Steering headbearing has excessive free play \|2.2.2\|	9
Drive chain sprocket carrier worn to excess \|6.2.1e\|	9
Rear Drive chain sprocket worn to excess \|6.2.1e\|	9
Front Roller brake test indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort \|3.3.A1d\|	8
Rear Roller brake test indicates a binding brake \|3.3.A1a\|	8
Steering movement excessively `notchy` with the weight on the lower bearing \|2.2.1a\|	8
Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies \|1.3.1a\|	8
Rear mono-shock pivot excessively worn \|2.4.B.4\|	7
Rear position lamp does not illuminate immediately when it is switched on \|1.1.3a\|	7
Rear shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil \|2.4.A.1c\|	6
Drive chain excessively tight \|6.2.1d\|	6
Nearside Handlebar mounting clamp bolt loose \|2.1.1a\|	6
Front position lamp does not illuminate immediately when switched on \|1.1.3a\|	6
Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil \|2.3.3\|	6
Front Floor brake test indicates a binding brake \|3.3.C2c\|	6
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing \|1.4.1\|	6
Nearside Front Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil \|2.3.3\|	6
Registration plate issues	6
Rear suspension bush has excessive free play \|2.4.A2a\|i\|\|	6
Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.6\|	6
Drive chain worn to excess \|6.2.1e\|	5
Front Exhaust is leaking and excessively noisey \|7.1.1b\|	5
Headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam \|1.2.2a\|i\|\|	5
Rear Floor brake test indicates a binding brake \|3.3.C2c\|	5
Offside Handlebar deformed \|2.1.1b\|	5
Front wheel bearings are excessively rough \|2.3.5b\|	5
Offside Front Front shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil \|2.3.3\|	5
Roller brake test The less effective brake control does not achieve an efficiency of 25%. \|3.3.A2b\|	5
Rear Drive chain excessively loose \|6.2.1d\|	5
Rear Drive chain sprocket carrier worn to excess \|6.2.1e\|	4
Rear suspension bearing has excessive free play \|2.4.A2a\|i\|\|	4
Wheel alignment incorrect which adversely affects the handling \|2.5.1\|	4
Horn not loud enough to be heard by another road user \|1.7.3a\|	4
Front Horn not working \|1.7.3a\|	4
Nearside Handlebar mounting clamp loose \|2.1.1a\|	4
Front Roller brake test indicates a sticking brake \|3.3.A1a\|	4
Rear Rear position lamp does not illuminate immediately when it is switched on \|1.1.3a\|	4
Throttle has a significant change in engine speed whilst moving the steering from lock to lock \|2.1.4\|	4
Rear Rear suspension movement is excessively stiff \|2.4.A.3b\|	4
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.5.1c\|	4
Rear Stop lamp remains on when the brake is released \|1.3.1e\|	4
Front Front wheel bearings have excessive free play \|2.3.5b\|	3
Handlebar deformed \|2.1.1b\|	3
Steering control has Insufficient clearance at full lock affecting the riders grasp of handlebars \|2.1.2b\|	3
Handlebar mounting clamp bolt loose \|2.1.1a\|	3
Rear Brake disc\|s\| is excessively distorted \|3.2.A1m\|	3
Nearside Front Direction indicator insecure \|1.5.3b\|	3
Front Steering movement excessively `notchy` with the weight on the lower bearing \|2.2.1a\|	3
Steering movement excessively stiff with the weight on the lower bearing \|2.2.1a\|	3
Front Steering headbearing has excessive free play \|2.2.2\|	3
Offside Steering control has Insufficient clearance at full lock affecting the riders grasp of handlebars \|2.1.2b\|	3
Offside Front Handlebar deformed \|2.1.1b\|	3
Offside Handlebar mounting clamp bolt loose \|2.1.1a\|	3
Headlamp at least one does not illuminate on main beam \|1.2.2a\|ii\|\|	3
Locking device\|s\| not correctly fitted which may make the motor bicycle dangerous to ride \|6.2.1h\|	3
Offside Handlebar handgrip not secure to handlebars. \|2.1.1c\|	3
Steering movement excessively stiff with the wheel raised \|2.2.1b\|	3
Exhaust excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	3
Nearside Handlebar deformed \|2.1.1b\|	3
Offside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.5.1c\|	3
Rear Rear suspension bush has excessive free play \|2.4.A2a\|i\|\|	3
Offside Exhaust is leaking and excessively noisey \|7.1.1b\|	3
Offside Front Direction indicator insecure \|1.5.3b\|	3
Exhaust noise is clearly in excess of that emitted by a similar motor bicycle fitted with a standard silencer in average condition \|7.1.2\|	3
Front Front wheel bearings are excessively rough \|2.3.5b\|	3
Nearside Handlebar handgrip not secure to handlebars. \|2.1.1c\|	3
Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))	3
Rear Brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	3
Rear Stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	3
Rear mono-shock pivot seized \|2.4.B.4\|	2
Steering control handlebar movement restricted by trapped cables \|2.1.2c\|	2
Front Brake disc\|s\| excessively worn \|3.2.A1l\|	2
Rear Rear shock absorber has inadequate damping effect. \|2.4.A.3b\|	2
Brake pedal has inadequate reserve travel \|3.1.3b\|	2
Decelerometer brake test the less effective brake control does not achieve an efficiency of 25%. \|3.3.E1b\|	2
Front Brake disc\|s\| cracked \|3.2.A1g\|	2
Front Brake disc\|s\| has excessive run out \|3.2.A1m\|	2
Front Brake disc\|s\| friction surface contaminated by oil or grease \|3.2.A1k\|	2
Exhaust mounting does not fully support the exhaust system \|7.1.1.c\|	2
Rear Hydraulic brake control feels spongy \|3.1.4a\|	2
Drive chain excessively loose \|6.1.7 \|c\| \|i\|\|	2
Front Brake master cylinder leaking hydraulic fluid \|3.2.B1e\|	2
Rear Drive chain worn to excess \|6.2.1e\|	2
Rear Wheel alignment incorrect which adversely affects the handling \|2.5.1\|	2
Front Steering movement excessively `notchy` with the wheel raised \|2.2.1b\|	2
Rear Rear wheel bearings have excessive free play \|2.4.A.2c\|	2
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.5.1c\|	2
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.5.1c\|	2
Nearside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.5.1c\|	2
Offside Steering lock stop ineffective \|2.1.3\|	2
Offside Front Handlebar mounting clamp bolt loose \|2.1.1a\|	2
Front Hydraulic brake control feels spongy \|3.1.4a\|	2
Rear Roller brake test indicates brake effort rise disproportional to brake lever or pedal effort \|3.3.A1c\|	2
Front Brake lever has inadequate reserve travel \|3.1.3b\|	2
Direction indicators not working \|1.5.1c\|	2
Front Steering control handlebar movement restricted by taut cables \|2.1.2c\|	2
Fairings insecure and likely to impede the steering \|2.1.2e\|	2
Rear suspension component seized \|2.4A2a\|ii\|\|	2
Front Wheel has an excessively distorted bead rim. \|4.2.2\|	2
Nearside Direction indicator insecure \|1.5.3b\|	2
Rear Brake excessively binding \|1.2.1 \|f\|\|	2
Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))	2
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))	2
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))	2
Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (b))	2
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))	2
Steering headbearing excessively stiff or notchy (2.2.2 (f) (i))	2
Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	2
Front Stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))	2

MOT History from tests of petrol KAWASAKI GPZ500Ss year 1996

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