Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
SUZUKI GSX 1300 BK8
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 GSX 1300 BK8's first-time pass rate has risen 8.6 points since 2010, 86.3% to 94.9%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage GSX 1300 BK8 passes first time 91.5% of the time; by 40k that's 89.2%.
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 GSX 1300 BK8
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
69 | 23.6 | 0.3× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
43 | 14.7 | 0.4× |
| brakes |
|
43 | 14.7 | 0.2× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
41 | 14 | 0.4× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
32 | 11 | 0.9× |
| tyres |
|
23 | 7.9 | 0.6× |
| steering and suspension |
|
19 | 6.5 | 0.1× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
9 | 3.1 | 0.9× |
| suspension |
|
8 | 2.7 | 0.2× |
| structure and attachments |
|
5 | 1.7 | 0.1× |
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 GSX 1300 BK8 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 GSX 1300 BK8.
Compare with any bike
More SUZUKI models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2011 (95.5%). Lowest: 2010 (89.3%). Every GSX 1300 BK8 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 GSX 1300 BK8 FAQ
Is the SUZUKI GSX 1300 BK8 reliable?
The SUZUKI GSX 1300 BK8 is more reliable than average for its class: 90.6% of its 4,438 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #776 of 5428 models.
What does a GSX 1300 BK8 fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 24% of all defects recorded against failed GSX 1300 BK8 tests.
What is the best year of GSX 1300 BK8 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2011-registered examples do best (95.5%) and 2010 worst (89.3%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a GSX 1300 BK8 last?
The median GSX 1300 BK8 shows 11,749 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 89.2% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
Embed this bike
Free to embed on your site, blog or forum: a live Suzuki GSX 1300 BK8 reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.