Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
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 VL's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2017 (90.1% → 89.9%).
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage VL passes first time 93.9% of the time; by 40k that's 73.0%.
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 VL
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
54 | 29.8 | 1.1× |
| tyres |
|
38 | 21 | 1.9× |
| brakes |
|
29 | 16 | 0.2× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
14 | 7.7 | 0.2× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
13 | 7.2 | 2.3× |
| structure and attachments |
|
10 | 5.5 | 0.4× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
6 | 3.3 | 0.1× |
| steering and suspension |
|
6 | 3.3 | 0.1× |
| suspension |
|
6 | 3.3 | 0.3× |
| steering |
|
5 | 2.8 | 0.5× |
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 VL beats 4 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 VL.
Compare with any bike
More SUZUKI models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2016 (93.5%). Lowest: 2005 (87.3%). Every VL 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 VL FAQ
Is the SUZUKI VL reliable?
The SUZUKI VL is more reliable than average for its class: 90.9% of its 2,453 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #705 of 5428 models.
What does a VL fail its MOT on most?
lamps and reflectors: 30% of all defects recorded against failed VL tests.
What is the best year of VL to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2016-registered examples do best (93.5%) and 2005 worst (87.3%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a VL last?
The median VL shows 9,266 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 73.0% 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 VL reliability card that stays up to date and links back here. More on the free API page.