Ajs Model 8 vs Suzuki DR-Z400S

The Ajs Model 8 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki DR-Z400S: 90.9% vs 80.4%, a 10.5-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025

Metric	Ajs Model 8	Suzuki DR-Z400S
First-time pass rate	90.9%	80.4%
Outright fail rate	3.2%	11.1%
Engine size	350cc	398cc
Median miles at test	13,006	6,940
MOT tests analysed	186	26,773
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 mileage

first-time MOT pass rate by miles on the clock at test

Mileage	Ajs Model 8	Suzuki DR-Z400S
0k-10k miles	88.5%	81.7%
10k-20k miles	88.9%	78.4%
20k-30k miles	93.3%	79.2%

Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.

AJS MODEL 8 90.9% pass · 186 tests SUZUKI DR-Z400S 80.4% pass · 26.8k tests

See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.