1998 Kawasaki ZRX1100 1.1L Petrol · R262 BKU

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a clear shift toward reactive mechanical neglect as the bike ages. The most recent test in March 2024 at 42,423 miles identified a minor exhaust leak at the engine and a noisy exhaust, alongside slight play in the rear wheel bearing. While the bike passed, these entries indicate that components are beginning to fail due to age and material fatigue, moving away from the clean-record status seen in earlier years. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 28-year-old motorcycle, covering only 42,423 miles at an average of roughly 1,500 miles per year. This low usage is evident in the significant gap between 2018 and 2019, where only 577 miles were recorded, suggesting the bike likely sits for long periods in storage. Such patterns often lead to the degradation of rubber components and seals, as evidenced by the corroded brake discs noted in 2016 and notchy steering reported in 2015. A buyer must focus their inspection on the braking system, which has shown persistent issues. Between October 2020 and October 2022, the tester repeatedly flagged rear brake pads close to the minimum limit and fluctuating brake effort. The 2016 failure for excessive front brake fluctuation and inadequate lever travel further suggests the master cylinder or calipers may be suffering from internal seal failure. The rear wheel bearing play identified in 2024 requires immediate physical verification to prevent further damage to the swingarm. The exhaust system also requires scrutiny due to the 2024 report of a leak and noise at the engine manifold. Given the low mileage and history of notchy steering, the buyer should also inspect the steering head bearings for dry spots and check all fluid lines and perished rubber hoses for cracking or surface rust. The record suggests that while the bike is used sparingly, preventative maintenance is often deferred until a fault triggers an MOT advisory.