1999 Kawasaki ZX-9R 0.9L Petrol · S214 ACT
1999 Kawasaki ZX-9R (0.9L, petrol). First registered 18/01/1999. Recorded mileage 34,890 miles. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/09/2026.
- Make & Model
- KAWASAKI ZX-9R
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Glasgow
- MOT Status
- Valid until 27/08/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/09/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 34,890 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 0.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1999
- Engine
- 899cc
S214 ACT Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 29/08/2025
- 34,890 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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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S214 ACT Mileage History
- 22/06/202332,464 mi
- 30/05/202433,035 mi+571 mi
- 30/05/202433,045 mi+10 mi
- 23/06/202534,719 mi+1,674 mi
- 29/08/202534,890 mi+171 mi
Average of roughly 1,109 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
S214 ACT MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1999 Kawasaki Zx-9R (S214 ACT) between June 2023 and August 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 29 August 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (5 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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: “Offside Front Upper Fork yoke insecure Clamp bolt missing (2.2.2 (d) (i))”; “Nearside Front Upper Fork yoke insecure Clamp bolt missing (2.2.2 (d) (i))”; “Offside Front Handlebar retaining device missing Clip on clamp bolt missing (2.2.1 (b) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution unless this ZX-9R has undergone comprehensive mechanical restoration. While the mileage is low, the recent MOT history reveals a pattern of significant safety-related failures that suggest poor preventative maintenance.
Your priority must be inspecting the structural integrity of the front end. The 2025 failure noted insecure upper fork yokes and missing handlebar retaining clips; these are critical safety issues that indicate the bike was not being properly maintained before sale. Ask for a full service history specifically regarding the fork assembly, as the history shows a persistent leak dating back at least 2023.
Check the condition of the fairings and seat, as the record notes missing parts and an insecure seat. Given the age of the bike, ensure all rubber components and hoses have not perished, and that the plastic components aren't brittle. Negotiate aggressively based on the immediate cost of addressing the fork leaks and the brake system which has been flagged across multiple tests.
As an 899cc superbike from the late 90s, you should expect high fuel consumption, likely averaging between 40-50 mpg depending on riding style. Insurance groups will be high due to the model's performance and age, and road tax remains relatively premium.
Maintenance costs for this era can be significant as parts for high-performance Japanese bikes become increasingly expensive. You should budget an annual running cost, including fuel, tax, and routine servicing, to be roughly between £1,800 and £2,500.
Focus heavily on the front forks; the MOT history shows a 'light misting' in 2023 that escalated to a 'serious fluid leak' failure in 2025. Ensure the seals have been replaced and the fork tubes are not pitting. Also inspect the rear brake system thoroughly, as it has been flagged for binding or being close to the limit in 2021, 2024, and 2025.
Check the chain and sprockets, which were noted as 'excessively loose' in 2025. Additionally, verify the handlebar clamps and seat mounting security, as these were previously cited as major or dangerous failures. Any sign of frame corrosion is also a red flag.
This 1999 Kawasaki ZX-9R sits at a relatively low mileage of 34,890 miles for its age. However, the MOT history is deeply concerning, particularly a major failure in 2025 involving multiple 'Dangerous' and 'Major' defects regarding steering and seat security. The bike appears to suffer from recurring issues with fork seals, brake binding, and general neglect over the last three years.
The ZX-9R is generally known for a robust engine, but this specific vehicle shows a history of poor maintenance that could mask underlying reliability.
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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