Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki EX500-D7 vs Suzuki SV650S
The Suzuki SV650S passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki EX500-D7: 80.6% vs 78.7%, a 1.9-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki EX500-D7 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 78.7% | 80.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 15.3% | 11.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -5.8 pts | -4.0 pts |
| Engine size | 498cc | 645cc |
| Rank among all models | #3818 of 5428 | #3459 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 16,757 | 16,958 |
| MOT tests analysed | 3,960 | 84,632 |
| 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 | Kawasaki EX500-D7 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 6.4% | 4.7% |
| Lights & signalling | 4.8% | 5.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 6.8% | 2.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.7% | 3.0% |
| Drive system | 2.6% | 1.2% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 1.4% | 0.8% |
| Structure & body | 1.2% | 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 | Kawasaki EX500-D7 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 77.5% | 77.9% |
| 2014 | 73.0% | 78.3% |
| 2015 | 78.8% | 78.6% |
| 2016 | 79.9% | 78.9% |
| 2017 | 75.6% | 78.3% |
| 2018 | 78.7% | 80.4% |
| 2019 | 81.4% | 80.0% |
| 2020 | 74.7% | 80.8% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Kawasaki EX500-D7 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 88.4% | 88.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 77.5% | 81.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 73.2% | 76.9% |
| 30k-40k miles | 73.9% | 73.6% |
| 40k-50k miles | 77.2% | 73.3% |
| 50k-60k miles | 63.9% | 70.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki EX500-D7 vs Suzuki SV650S FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki EX500-D7 or the Suzuki SV650S?
The Suzuki SV650S passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki EX500-D7: 80.6% vs 78.7%, a 1.9-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Suzuki SV650S still comes out ahead: -5.8 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki EX500-D7, -4.0 for the Suzuki SV650S. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki EX500-D7 fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 6.8% of Kawasaki EX500-D7 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (6.4%).
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 Kawasaki EX500-D7 or the Suzuki SV650S?
At 50k-60k miles the Suzuki SV650S passes first time more often: 63.9% for the Kawasaki EX500-D7 vs 70.6% for the Suzuki SV650S.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.