Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki VN vs Suzuki GSF1200
The Kawasaki VN passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF1200: 86.6% vs 82.4%, a 4.2-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki VN | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 86.6% | 82.4% |
| Outright fail rate | 6.3% | 8.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -0.2 pts | -1.2 pts |
| Engine size | 903cc | 1,157cc |
| Rank among all models | #2016 of 5428 | #3108 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 9,682 | 20,274 |
| MOT tests analysed | 5,014 | 97,637 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | 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 VN | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 2.7% | 4.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.3% | 2.0% |
| Brakes | 1.4% | 2.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.0% | 2.2% |
| Structure & body | 0.5% | 0.8% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.1% | 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 | Kawasaki VN | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 85.5% | 83.2% |
| 2019 | 87.1% | 82.9% |
| 2020 | 89.3% | 83.4% |
| 2021 | 87.7% | 82.9% |
| 2022 | 84.8% | 83.6% |
| 2023 | 85.4% | 83.8% |
| 2024 | 86.9% | 83.4% |
| 2025 | 86.5% | 84.1% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Kawasaki VN | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 90.1% | 87.7% |
| 10k-20k miles | 82.6% | 83.8% |
| 20k-30k miles | 82.5% | 81.1% |
| 30k-40k miles | 81.3% | 78.5% |
| 40k-50k miles | 84.5% | 78.4% |
| 50k-60k miles | 84.8% | 78.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki VN vs Suzuki GSF1200 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki VN or the Suzuki GSF1200?
The Kawasaki VN passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF1200: 86.6% vs 82.4%, a 4.2-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Kawasaki VN still comes out ahead: -0.2 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki VN, -1.2 for the Suzuki GSF1200. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki VN fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.7% of Kawasaki VN MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (2.3%).
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 Kawasaki VN or the Suzuki GSF1200?
At 50k-60k miles the Kawasaki VN passes first time more often: 84.8% for the Kawasaki VN vs 78.8% for the Suzuki GSF1200.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.