Pass rate over time
The GB500's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2015 (93.5% → 93.5%).
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage GB500 passes first time 95.0% of the time; by 40k that's 97.0%.
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 GB500
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
6 | 27.3 |
| steering and suspension |
|
6 | 27.3 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
2 | 9.1 |
| brakes |
|
2 | 9.1 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
2 | 9.1 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
1 | 4.5 |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
1 | 4.5 |
| body and structure |
|
1 | 4.5 |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
1 | 4.5 |
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 GB500 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 GB500.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1991 (100.0% pass). Weakest: 1987 (88.0%).
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.