Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
SUZUKI VL 800 K5
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 800 K5's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2008 (91.5% → 90.9%).
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage VL 800 K5 passes first time 93.3% of the time; by 30k that's 85.9%.
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 800 K5
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| brakes |
|
30 | 26.8 | 0.3× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
22 | 19.6 | 0.7× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
17 | 15.2 | 0.5× |
| tyres |
|
12 | 10.7 | 1.0× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
8 | 7.1 | 0.1× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
8 | 7.1 | 0.6× |
| structure and attachments |
|
6 | 5.4 | 0.6× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
4 | 3.6 | 1.3× |
| steering and suspension |
|
3 | 2.7 | 0.1× |
| wheels |
|
2 | 1.8 | 2.4× |
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 800 K5 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 800 K5.
Compare with any bike
More SUZUKI models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2007 (92.2%). Lowest: 2006 (90.0%). Every VL 800 K5 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 800 K5 FAQ
Is the SUZUKI VL 800 K5 reliable?
The SUZUKI VL 800 K5 is more reliable than average for its class: 90.6% of its 1,367 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #776 of 5428 models.
What does a VL 800 K5 fail its MOT on most?
brakes: 27% of all defects recorded against failed VL 800 K5 tests.
What is the best year of VL 800 K5 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2007-registered examples do best (92.2%) and 2006 worst (90.0%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a VL 800 K5 last?
The median VL 800 K5 shows 10,564 miles at test, and examples around 30k miles still pass 85.9% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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