1998 Kawasaki GT550 0.6L Petrol · S38 SPU

The most recent MOT on 2025-06-11 recorded a pass with three notable issues: a slight oil leak, a minor exhaust gas leak, and slight play in the front wheel bearing. These were less severe than the previous failure on 2025-06-03, which included a major exhaust leak, a serious shock absorber fluid leak, and front brake binding. The 2025-06-03 failure also noted an offside rear direction indicator failure and a rear position lamp at risk of detachment, suggesting recurring electrical and structural concerns. The pattern of issues shows repeated problems with the exhaust system, brakes, and electrical components. The 2025-06-11 pass addressed some faults but left the exhaust leak unresolved, while the front wheel bearing play persisted from earlier reports. The 2021 MOTs highlight long-standing brake disc wear and direction indicator failures, indicating potential neglect or ongoing mechanical stress. These issues suggest a vehicle requiring regular maintenance rather than a consistent trend of worsening or improvement. The bike’s mileage of 76,303 miles over 28 years equates to roughly 2,725 miles annually, which is low for its age. This could imply periods of inactivity or light use, which may lead to dry rot, seized components, or degraded seals. However, the low mileage does not fully explain the recurring mechanical faults, such as the exhaust leaks and brake binding, which may stem from poor maintenance or inherent design vulnerabilities.