SUZUKI RF400
Pass rate over time
The RF400's first-time pass rate has risen 2.2 points since 2006, 77.8% to 80.0%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage RF400 passes first time 74.4% of the time; by 40k that's 64.4%.
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 RF400
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
46 | 29.1 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
39 | 24.7 |
| steering and suspension |
|
29 | 18.4 |
| tyres and wheels |
|
17 | 10.8 |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
13 | 8.2 |
| drive system |
|
6 | 3.8 |
| body and structure |
|
4 | 2.5 |
| driving controls |
|
2 | 1.3 |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
1 | 0.6 |
| reg plates and vin |
|
1 | 0.6 |
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 RF400 beats 0 of its 4 closest rivals (KAWASAKI ER5, SUZUKI GS500, SUZUKI AN400).
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 RF400.
Pass rate by registration year
Best year to buy used: 1993 (74.6% pass). Weakest: 1994 (60.0%).
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.