Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Bsa A65L vs Suzuki GSF600
The Bsa A65L passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF600: 91.0% vs 77.3%, a 13.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Bsa A65L | Suzuki GSF600 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 91.0% | 77.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 2.1% | 14.2% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +4.4 pts | -6.1 pts |
| Engine size | 650cc | 599cc |
| Rank among all models | #682 of 5428 | #4013 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 10,394 | 21,080 |
| MOT tests analysed | 619 | 143,023 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | brakes |
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 | Bsa A65L | Suzuki GSF600 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 1.1% | 6.7% |
| Brakes | 0.5% | 6.1% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.5% | 3.6% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.3% | 3.3% |
| Structure & body | 0% | 1.5% |
| Drive system | 0% | 1.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 1.2% |
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 | Bsa A65L | Suzuki GSF600 |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 79.5% | 75.8% |
| 2011 | 87.5% | 76.1% |
| 2012 | 82.9% | 75.9% |
| 2013 | 92.6% | 74.7% |
| 2014 | 96.2% | 75.0% |
| 2015 | 92.9% | 75.5% |
| 2016 | 94.9% | 76.1% |
| 2017 | 95.8% | 77.0% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Bsa A65L | Suzuki GSF600 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 90.4% | 86.8% |
| 10k-20k miles | 94.9% | 80.1% |
| 20k-30k miles | 86.7% | 75.2% |
| 30k-40k miles | 90.0% | 71.3% |
| 40k-50k miles | 90.3% | 69.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Bsa A65L vs Suzuki GSF600 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Bsa A65L or the Suzuki GSF600?
The Bsa A65L passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF600: 91.0% vs 77.3%, a 13.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Bsa A65L still comes out ahead: +4.4 points vs comparable bikes for the Bsa A65L, -6.1 for the Suzuki GSF600. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Bsa A65L fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 1.1% of Bsa A65L MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (0.5%).
What does the Suzuki GSF600 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 6.7% of Suzuki GSF600 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (6.1%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Bsa A65L or the Suzuki GSF600?
At 40k-50k miles the Bsa A65L passes first time more often: 90.3% for the Bsa A65L vs 69.4% for the Suzuki GSF600.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.