Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Honda ST1100S vs Suzuki GSF1200
The Suzuki GSF1200 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda ST1100S: 82.4% vs 81.2%, a 1.2-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Honda ST1100S | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 81.2% | 82.4% |
| Outright fail rate | 13.8% | 8.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +1.6 pts | -1.2 pts |
| Engine size | 1,085cc | 1,157cc |
| Rank among all models | #3336 of 5428 | #3108 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 53,178 | 20,274 |
| MOT tests analysed | 515 | 97,637 |
| 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 ST1100S | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Steering & suspension | 6.8% | 2.2% |
| Brakes | 6.0% | 2.8% |
| Lights & signalling | 3.3% | 4.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.5% | 2.0% |
| Structure & body | 1.4% | 0.8% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 1.2% | 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 | Honda ST1100S | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 86.9% | 86.2% |
| 2007 | 79.4% | 84.3% |
| 2008 | 85.4% | 82.0% |
| 2009 | 89.1% | 80.3% |
| 2010 | 81.3% | 81.3% |
| 2011 | 80.6% | 80.2% |
| 2012 | 75.0% | 80.7% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Honda ST1100S | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| 20k-30k miles | 86.6% | 81.1% |
| 30k-40k miles | 84.6% | 78.5% |
| 40k-50k miles | 78.3% | 78.4% |
| 50k-60k miles | 82.7% | 78.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Honda ST1100S vs Suzuki GSF1200 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Honda ST1100S or the Suzuki GSF1200?
The Suzuki GSF1200 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda ST1100S: 82.4% vs 81.2%, a 1.2-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda ST1100S still comes out ahead: +1.6 points vs comparable bikes for the Honda ST1100S, -1.2 for the Suzuki GSF1200. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Honda ST1100S fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 6.8% of Honda ST1100S MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (6.0%).
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 Honda ST1100S or the Suzuki GSF1200?
At 50k-60k miles the Honda ST1100S passes first time more often: 82.7% for the Honda ST1100S vs 78.8% for the Suzuki GSF1200.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.