1998 Kawasaki EX 500-D5 0.5L Petrol · S937 BWK
1998 Kawasaki EX 500-D5 (0.5L, petrol). First registered 10/11/1998. Recorded mileage 35,505 miles. MOT valid until 30/07/2027. Taxed until 01/08/2026.
- Make & Model
- KAWASAKI EX 500-D5
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30/07/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/08/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 35,505 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 0.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 498cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
S937 BWK Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/07/2026
- 35,505 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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S937 BWK Mileage History
- 14/07/202229,254 mi
- 25/07/202335,259 mi+6,005 mi
- 01/08/202535,265 mi+6 mi
- 16/07/202635,505 mi+240 mi
Average of roughly 1,561 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
S937 BWK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 Kawasaki Ex 500-D5 (S937 BWK) between July 2022 and July 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 16 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Fuel hose leaking excessively or a risk of fire (6.1.3 (b) (ii))”; “Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (b))”; “Rear Brake indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort (1.2.1 (e))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A reasonable choice for a budget tourer, provided the recent major repairs were carried out professionally. The low mileage is attractive, but the 2023 MOT failure reveals significant neglect that requires verification.
Your primary focus should be the repairs following the July 2023 MOT failure. Request invoices for the fuel hose replacement, new rear brake pads, and the rear shock absorber replacement. Given the 'dangerous' fuel leak and brake failures, you need confirmation that these were not 'quick fixes' but proper mechanical overhauls.
Check the service history specifically for valve clearances and coolant flushes, as these are critical for the EX500 engine. Negotiate the price based on the condition of the drive chain, which was noted as loose in 2023, and check if the deformed offside handlebar mentioned in the advisory has been straightened or replaced.
The EX 500 is known for being an economical mid-range twin. With a 498cc engine, it falls into a reasonable insurance group for its class and benefits from relatively low road tax costs associated with older petrol motorcycles.
Maintenance is generally affordable due to the simple mechanical nature of the bike. However, since this bike had a failed rear shock and brake issues recently, ensure a maintenance fund is set aside for upcoming consumables like tyres and chain/sprocket kits. Estimated annual costs are low, primarily driven by fuel and basic servicing.
Carefully inspect the fuel lines and connections to ensure there are no remnants of the 'excessive leaking' found in 2023. Test the rear brake lever for a firm feel and check the thickness of the pads to ensure the 'less than 1.0mm' issue was fully resolved.
Check the rear suspension by compressing the shock; it should rebound smoothly without bouncing, as the 2023 MOT noted 'negligible damping'. Finally, inspect the offside handlebar for any bends or signs of a previous drop, as this was flagged as an advisory item.
This 1998 black Kawasaki EX 500-D5 has covered 35,505 miles, which is remarkably low for a bike of this age. While it has passed its most recent MOTs, a severe failure in 2023 highlighted dangerous fuel leaks and brake wear. The vehicle has transitioned from a long period of inactivity (2014-2021) to more regular use in recent years.
The Kawasaki EX 500 is generally regarded as a robust and reliable 'bulletproof' commuter, though individual maintenance varies.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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