Pass rate over time
The 800SS's first-time pass rate has fallen 5.5 points since 2008, 86.1% to 80.6%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage 800SS passes first time 91.7% of the time; by 20k that's 92.5%.
First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.
What fails on a 800SS
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
7 | 21.9 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
6 | 18.8 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
5 | 15.6 |
| steering and suspension |
|
4 | 12.5 |
| drive system |
|
4 | 12.5 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
2 | 6.2 |
| steering |
|
1 | 3.1 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
1 | 3.1 |
| structure and attachments |
|
1 | 3.1 |
| tyres |
|
1 | 3.1 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the 800SS beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ZX-6R, SUZUKI GSF600, YAMAHA FZS600).
Rivals share this bike's type and sit within ±30% of its engine capacity, ≥ 5,000 tests. Card colour = better/worse first-time pass rate than the 800SS.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2003 (95.4% pass). Weakest: 2005 (87.0%).
First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.