Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda CBR vs Suzuki GSXR750
The Honda CBR passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSXR750: 83.7% vs 79.8%, a 3.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda CBR | Suzuki GSXR750 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 83.7% | 79.8% |
| Outright fail rate | 9.9% | 11.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +0.9 pts | -4.4 pts |
| Engine size | 599cc | 749cc |
| Rank among all models | #2819 of 5428 | #3628 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 12,042 | 18,166 |
| MOT tests analysed | 77,083 | 99,227 |
| Most common failure | brakes | 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 | Honda CBR | Suzuki GSXR750 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 3.8% | 6.2% |
| Brakes | 3.5% | 3.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 3.7% | 2.9% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.2% | 2.5% |
| Structure & body | 2.0% | 1.0% |
| Drive system | 0.4% | 0.8% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.3% | 0.8% |
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 | Honda CBR | Suzuki GSXR750 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 83.2% | 82.1% |
| 2019 | 84.2% | 81.6% |
| 2020 | 86.0% | 82.2% |
| 2021 | 84.7% | 81.6% |
| 2022 | 85.1% | 82.2% |
| 2023 | 85.0% | 84.2% |
| 2024 | 84.5% | 84.1% |
| 2025 | 84.5% | 85.2% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Honda CBR | Suzuki GSXR750 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 89.8% | 85.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 81.1% | 81.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 77.4% | 77.3% |
| 30k-40k miles | 77.2% | 74.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 75.1% | 74.2% |
| 50k-60k miles | 74.8% | 71.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda CBR vs Suzuki GSXR750 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda CBR or the Suzuki GSXR750?
The Honda CBR passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSXR750: 83.7% vs 79.8%, a 3.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda CBR still comes out ahead: +0.9 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda CBR, -4.4 for the Suzuki GSXR750. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda CBR fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 3.8% of Honda CBR MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (3.7%).
What does the Suzuki GSXR750 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 6.2% of Suzuki GSXR750 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (3.7%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Honda CBR or the Suzuki GSXR750?
At 50k-60k miles the Honda CBR passes first time more often: 74.8% for the Honda CBR vs 71.6% for the Suzuki GSXR750.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.