SUZUKI GS 500 FK4
Pass rate over time
The GS 500 FK4's first-time pass rate has risen 8.0 points since 2008, 74.4% to 82.4%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage GS 500 FK4 passes first time 82.0% of the time; by 20k that's 76.8%.
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 GS 500 FK4
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
19 | 26.4 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
16 | 22.2 |
| steering and suspension |
|
15 | 20.8 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
7 | 9.7 |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
5 | 6.9 |
| suspension |
|
4 | 5.6 |
| drive system |
|
2 | 2.8 |
| tyres |
|
2 | 2.8 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
1 | 1.4 |
| body and structure |
|
1 | 1.4 |
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 GS 500 FK4 beats 1 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 GS 500 FK4.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 2005 (78.4% pass). Weakest: 2004 (78.3%).
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.