1996 Kawasaki EN500 0.5L Petrol · N345 WSA

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 1 April 2025 at 7,741 miles confirmed full roadworthiness with no defects recorded, maintaining a consistent pass history across all four tests since 2022. This suggests the motorcycle has been subjected to regular, albeit minimal, mechanical oversight, with no evidence of recurring or escalating issues during official inspections. The absence of advisories or failings in emissions, brakes, or structural components implies the tester did not identify any critical wear patterns, though this does not preclude hidden deterioration in components not routinely assessed—such as chain tension, throttle response, or internal engine wear. The recorded mileage of 7,741 miles over approximately 30 years equates to an average of just 258 miles annually, a figure far below industry norms for a motorcycle of this age. The incremental mileage increases—from 7,343 miles in March 2022 to 7,741 miles in April 2025—indicate prolonged periods of inactivity rather than active use. Such low mileage may reduce wear on high-stress components like tyres, brakes, and suspension, but it also raises concerns about long-term storage effects, including fuel degradation, battery corrosion, or rubber hardening in seals and hoses. The uniform spacing between tests (roughly 12 months apart) suggests the owner adhered to the MOT cycle without skipping or rushing inspections. Given the lack of defects in the MOT history, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of components not routinely tested, such as the chain and sprocket for excessive wear or stretch, the throttle and clutch cables for smoothness and binding, and the battery for charge retention. The suspension’s rubber bushes and coil springs—though not flagged—should be checked for cracking or perished rubber, particularly if the motorcycle has spent extended periods stationary. Tyre tread depth, while not a failing in past tests, warrants verification, as low mileage does not guarantee recent replacement. Finally, the engine’s compression and valve clearances should be assessed, as older two-stroke units like this often suffer from carbon buildup or valve wear over time, even with minimal use.