Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki Zephyr 550 vs Suzuki SV650S
The Suzuki SV650S passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki Zephyr 550: 80.6% vs 77.9%, a 2.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki Zephyr 550 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 77.9% | 80.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 15.2% | 11.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -5.0 pts | -4.0 pts |
| Engine size | 553cc | 645cc |
| Rank among all models | #3931 of 5428 | #3459 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 22,978 | 16,958 |
| MOT tests analysed | 7,405 | 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 Zephyr 550 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 7.3% | 4.7% |
| Lights & signalling | 4.6% | 5.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 6.4% | 2.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.8% | 3.0% |
| Drive system | 1.6% | 1.2% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 1.3% | 0.8% |
| Structure & body | 0.9% | 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 Zephyr 550 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 74.2% | 77.9% |
| 2014 | 75.4% | 78.3% |
| 2015 | 80.2% | 78.6% |
| 2016 | 79.2% | 78.9% |
| 2017 | 80.9% | 78.3% |
| 2018 | 81.3% | 80.4% |
| 2019 | 80.4% | 80.0% |
| 2020 | 83.0% | 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 Zephyr 550 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 87.7% | 88.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 80.2% | 81.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 76.6% | 76.9% |
| 30k-40k miles | 73.9% | 73.6% |
| 40k-50k miles | 71.0% | 73.3% |
| 50k-60k miles | 72.7% | 70.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki Zephyr 550 vs Suzuki SV650S FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki Zephyr 550 or the Suzuki SV650S?
The Suzuki SV650S passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki Zephyr 550: 80.6% vs 77.9%, a 2.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Suzuki SV650S still comes out ahead: -5.0 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki Zephyr 550, -4.0 for the Suzuki SV650S. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki Zephyr 550 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 7.3% of Kawasaki Zephyr 550 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (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 Zephyr 550 or the Suzuki SV650S?
At 50k-60k miles the Kawasaki Zephyr 550 passes first time more often: 72.7% for the Kawasaki Zephyr 550 vs 70.6% for the Suzuki SV650S.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.