Kawasaki Versys
Real ownership data from 5,719 UK Versys motorcycles — mileage, MOT pass rates and the faults that actually come up, taken from DVSA test records rather than opinion.
Most common Versys problems
Ranked by how often each fault appears in this model's MOT history.
| Fault | Severity | Share of faults |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and indicators | fail | 2.1% |
| Suspension | major | 2.1% |
| Brake discs and pads | dangerous | 1.9% |
| Brakes | dangerous | 1.9% |
| Electrical | major | 1.8% |
| Chain and sprockets | dangerous | 1.6% |
| Tyres | prs | 1.4% |
| Controls and cables | major | 1% |
Advisories (wear noted but not failed) are excluded above; the most common is steering and head bearings.
Versys mileage and reliability by year
Use this to judge whether a specific bike is high or low mileage for its age.
| Year | Examples | Median mileage | Miles/year | First-time pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 132 | — | — | — |
| 2025 | 196 | 2,818 mi | — | 100% |
| 2024 | 150 | 2,787 mi | — | 100% |
| 2023 | 239 | 4,623 mi | 3,466 | 91.86% |
| 2022 | 251 | 6,754 mi | 1,346 | 91.83% |
| 2021 | 288 | 7,908 mi | 1,542 | 91.33% |
| 2020 | 313 | 9,434 mi | 1,371 | 90.11% |
| 2019 | 409 | 10,401 mi | 1,436 | 92.72% |
| 2018 | 336 | 13,440 mi | 1,588 | 89.9% |
| 2017 | 415 | 14,942 mi | 1,448 | 92.11% |
| 2016 | 56 | 15,816 mi | 1,276 | 90.29% |
| 2015 | 79 | 13,158 mi | 1,193 | 89.05% |
| 2014 | 37 | 13,804 mi | 1,104 | 87.21% |
| 2013 | 140 | 21,518 mi | 1,665 | 87.55% |
| 2012 | 285 | 21,116 mi | 1,411 | 89.14% |
| 2011 | 317 | 23,140 mi | 1,575 | 86.27% |
| 2010 | 540 | 22,630 mi | 1,536 | 86.12% |
| 2009 | 481 | 24,588 mi | 1,527 | 84.99% |
| 2008 | 292 | 27,199 mi | 1,550 | 82.57% |
| 2007 | 692 | 25,802 mi | 1,464 | 83.65% |
Versys questions, answered with data
What are the most common problems with the Kawasaki Versys?
Across 5,719 UK examples, the most frequently recorded MOT faults are lights and indicators (2.1% of all recorded faults), suspension (2.1% of all recorded faults), brake discs and pads (1.9% of all recorded faults).
What is average mileage for a Kawasaki Versys?
The median Kawasaki Versys in the UK has covered 17,141 miles, and typically rides about 1,498 miles a year. Half of all examples fall between 9,080 and 28,380 miles.
Is the Kawasaki Versys reliable?
86.56% of Kawasaki Versys MOT tests are passed first time, with an average of 0.68 faults recorded per test. This is measured from DVSA MOT records, not owner opinion.
Based on DVSA MOT test records for 5,719 Kawasaki Versys motorcycles registered in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.