Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
SUZUKI B KING
The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.
“vs expected” adjusts for age, mileage and test class, so a cherished classic and a hard-used commuter are compared fairly. How this works.
Pass rate over time
The B KING's first-time pass rate has risen 3.4 points since 2011, 90.9% to 94.3%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage B KING passes first time 91.3% of the time; by 30k that's 81.8%.
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 B KING
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
12 | 30 | 0.3× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
8 | 20 | 0.4× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
6 | 15 | 0.5× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
5 | 12.5 | 0.7× |
| tyres |
|
4 | 10 | 0.6× |
| brakes |
|
2 | 5 | 0.1× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
1 | 2.5 | 0.6× |
| steering and suspension |
|
1 | 2.5 | n/a |
| structure and attachments |
|
1 | 2.5 | 0.2× |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects. "vs all bikes" is how often this model's tests record a defect in the group, as a multiple of the all-bike rate.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the B KING beats 3 of its 4 closest rivals (BMW R1200, BMW R1150, TRIUMPH SPRINT).
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 B KING.
Compare with any bike
More SUZUKI models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2010 (93.7%). Lowest: 2008 (89.7%). Every B King year compared →
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.
SUZUKI B KING FAQ
Is the SUZUKI B KING reliable?
The SUZUKI B KING is more reliable than average for its class: 91.4% of its 747 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #588 of 5428 models.
What does a B KING fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 30% of all defects recorded against failed B KING tests.
What is the best year of B KING to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2010-registered examples do best (93.7%) and 2008 worst (89.7%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a B KING last?
The median B KING shows 12,020 miles at test, and examples around 30k miles still pass 81.8% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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