Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Bsa Shooting Star vs Suzuki SV650S
The Bsa Shooting Star passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki SV650S: 93.3% vs 80.6%, a 12.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Bsa Shooting Star | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 93.3% | 80.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 3.4% | 11.9% |
| Engine size | 500cc | 645cc |
| Rank among all models | #252 of 5428 | #3459 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 11,743 | 16,958 |
| MOT tests analysed | 668 | 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.
What fails, side by side
| Component | Bsa Shooting Star | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 1.5% | 5.0% |
| Brakes | 1.2% | 4.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.3% | 2.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.7% | 3.0% |
| Drive system | 0.4% | 1.2% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.4% | 0.8% |
| Structure & body | 0% | 0.9% |
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 Shooting Star | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 95.3% | 80.3% |
| 2011 | 92.1% | 80.0% |
| 2012 | 92.6% | 78.8% |
| 2013 | 100.0% | 77.9% |
| 2014 | 91.9% | 78.3% |
| 2015 | 92.9% | 78.6% |
| 2016 | 90.0% | 78.9% |
| 2017 | 100.0% | 78.3% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Bsa Shooting Star | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 92.7% | 88.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 96.0% | 81.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 92.9% | 76.9% |
| 30k-40k miles | 88.0% | 73.6% |
| 40k-50k miles | 88.9% | 73.3% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Bsa Shooting Star vs Suzuki SV650S FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Bsa Shooting Star or the Suzuki SV650S?
The Bsa Shooting Star passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki SV650S: 93.3% vs 80.6%, a 12.7-point lead. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Bsa Shooting Star fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 1.5% of Bsa Shooting Star MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (1.3%).
What does the Suzuki SV650S fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 5.0% of Suzuki SV650S MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (4.7%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Bsa Shooting Star or the Suzuki SV650S?
At 40k-50k miles the Bsa Shooting Star passes first time more often: 88.9% for the Bsa Shooting Star vs 73.3% for the Suzuki SV650S.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.