Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda GL 1800 A-4 vs Suzuki GSX1300R
The Honda GL 1800 A-4 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSX1300R: 93.8% vs 86.3%, a 7.5-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda GL 1800 A-4 | Suzuki GSX1300R |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 93.8% | 86.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 3.8% | 8.7% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +10.9 pts | +2.2 pts |
| Engine size | 1,832cc | 1,299cc |
| Rank among all models | #198 of 5428 | #2120 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 26,514 | 18,876 |
| MOT tests analysed | 824 | 48,351 |
| Most common failure | steering and suspension | 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 | Honda GL 1800 A-4 | Suzuki GSX1300R |
|---|---|---|
| Steering & suspension | 1.7% | 2.9% |
| Brakes | 1.2% | 2.9% |
| Lights & signalling | 0.7% | 3.1% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.6% | 2.2% |
| Structure & body | 0.2% | 0.4% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 0.3% |
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 GL 1800 A-4 | Suzuki GSX1300R |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 95.7% | 86.9% |
| 2017 | 97.6% | 86.1% |
| 2018 | 93.5% | 88.0% |
| 2019 | 94.3% | 86.5% |
| 2020 | 84.4% | 85.9% |
| 2021 | 97.2% | 87.9% |
| 2022 | 94.1% | 88.0% |
| 2023 | 94.4% | 89.8% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Honda GL 1800 A-4 | Suzuki GSX1300R |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 96.8% | 91.0% |
| 10k-20k miles | 92.7% | 87.3% |
| 20k-30k miles | 94.4% | 84.5% |
| 30k-40k miles | 93.4% | 82.6% |
| 40k-50k miles | 93.7% | 81.9% |
| 50k-60k miles | 90.3% | 83.0% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda GL 1800 A-4 vs Suzuki GSX1300R FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda GL 1800 A-4 or the Suzuki GSX1300R?
The Honda GL 1800 A-4 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSX1300R: 93.8% vs 86.3%, a 7.5-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda GL 1800 A-4 still comes out ahead: +10.9 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda GL 1800 A-4, +2.2 for the Suzuki GSX1300R. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda GL 1800 A-4 fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 1.7% of Honda GL 1800 A-4 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.6%).
What does the Suzuki GSX1300R fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 3.1% of Suzuki GSX1300R MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (2.9%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Honda GL 1800 A-4 or the Suzuki GSX1300R?
At 50k-60k miles the Honda GL 1800 A-4 passes first time more often: 90.3% for the Honda GL 1800 A-4 vs 83.0% for the Suzuki GSX1300R.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.