Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
BMW K 1300 GT vs Suzuki GSF1200
The BMW K 1300 GT passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF1200: 93.0% vs 82.4%, a 10.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | BMW K 1300 GT | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 93.0% | 82.4% |
| Outright fail rate | 5.3% | 8.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +7.6 pts | -1.2 pts |
| Engine size | 1,293cc | 1,157cc |
| Rank among all models | #298 of 5428 | #3108 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 18,363 | 20,274 |
| MOT tests analysed | 2,856 | 97,637 |
| 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.
"Vs comparable bikes" is the first-time pass rate minus the rate expected for each bike's own mix of age, mileage and test class, in percentage points: positive means better than comparable bikes. How this works.
What fails, side by side
| Component | BMW K 1300 GT | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 1.9% | 4.5% |
| Brakes | 1.6% | 2.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.2% | 2.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.2% | 2.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.0% | 0.8% |
| Structure & body | 0.0% | 0.8% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.6% |
A test that fails on two components counts once in each. Component links go to the bikes most likely to fail on it.
Pass rate by test year
| Test year | BMW K 1300 GT | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 91.2% | 80.7% |
| 2013 | 93.0% | 80.2% |
| 2014 | 90.8% | 81.0% |
| 2015 | 92.2% | 81.9% |
| 2016 | 95.2% | 82.2% |
| 2017 | 95.3% | 82.9% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | BMW K 1300 GT | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 95.4% | 87.7% |
| 10k-20k miles | 92.7% | 83.8% |
| 20k-30k miles | 93.3% | 81.1% |
| 30k-40k miles | 91.5% | 78.5% |
| 40k-50k miles | 90.7% | 78.4% |
| 50k-60k miles | 82.9% | 78.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
BMW K 1300 GT vs Suzuki GSF1200 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the BMW K 1300 GT or the Suzuki GSF1200?
The BMW K 1300 GT passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF1200: 93.0% vs 82.4%, a 10.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the BMW K 1300 GT still comes out ahead: +7.6 points vs comparable bikes for the BMW K 1300 GT, -1.2 for the Suzuki GSF1200. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the BMW K 1300 GT fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 1.9% of BMW K 1300 GT MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (1.6%).
What does the Suzuki GSF1200 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 4.5% of Suzuki GSF1200 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.8%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the BMW K 1300 GT or the Suzuki GSF1200?
At 50k-60k miles the BMW K 1300 GT passes first time more often: 82.9% for the BMW K 1300 GT vs 78.8% for the Suzuki GSF1200.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.