Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
SUZUKI GS1000G
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 GS1000G's first-time pass rate has risen 6.5 points since 2006, 79.6% to 86.1%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage GS1000G passes first time 83.7% of the time; by 50k that's 86.5%.
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 GS1000G
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
65 | 33.2 | 1.0× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
53 | 27 | 0.9× |
| steering and suspension |
|
36 | 18.4 | 0.9× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
11 | 5.6 | 0.5× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
10 | 5.1 | 0.5× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
6 | 3.1 | 1.1× |
| suspension |
|
5 | 2.6 | 0.6× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
4 | 2 | 0.4× |
| structure and attachments |
|
3 | 1.5 | 0.5× |
| driving controls |
|
3 | 1.5 | 1.3× |
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 GS1000G beats 1 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 GS1000G.
Compare with any bike
More SUZUKI models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1981 (86.3%). Lowest: 1979 (78.8%). Every GS1000G 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 GS1000G FAQ
Is the SUZUKI GS1000G reliable?
The SUZUKI GS1000G is about average for its class: 83.9% of its 957 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #2767 of 5428 models.
What does a GS1000G fail its MOT on most?
brakes: 33% of all defects recorded against failed GS1000G tests.
What is the best year of GS1000G to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1981-registered examples do best (86.3%) and 1979 worst (78.8%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a GS1000G last?
The median GS1000G shows 34,422 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 86.5% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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