Head-to-head · 2005–2025
Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Ajs 18 vs Suzuki SV650S
The Ajs 18 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki SV650S: 94.9% vs 80.6%, a 14.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025
| Metric | Ajs 18 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 94.9% | 80.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 1.9% | 11.9% |
| Engine size | 500cc | 645cc |
| Rank among all models | #82 of 5428 | #3459 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 15,812 | 16,958 |
| MOT tests analysed | 315 | 84,632 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | lighting and signalling |
First-time outcomes on normal tests, 2005–2025. "Most common failure" is the component group with the most recorded defects on failed tests. Read pass rates against test counts: a smaller sample is noisier. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.
Pass rate by test year
first-time MOT pass rate in each calendar year both bikes were tested
| Test year | Ajs 18 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 100.0% | 85.9% |
| 2007 | 94.9% | 85.5% |
| 2008 | 94.4% | 82.8% |
| 2009 | 100.0% | 80.5% |
| 2010 | 94.1% | 80.3% |
| 2011 | 92.1% | 80.0% |
| 2012 | 93.5% | 78.8% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
first-time MOT pass rate by miles on the clock at test
| Mileage | Ajs 18 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 92.7% | 88.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 97.8% | 81.6% |
| 30k-40k miles | 95.2% | 73.6% |
| 50k-60k miles | 100.0% | 70.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.