Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki ZX-6R vs Suzuki SV650S
The Suzuki SV650S passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-6R: 80.6% vs 78.1%, a 2.5-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki ZX-6R | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 78.1% | 80.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 14.0% | 11.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -5.8 pts | -4.0 pts |
| Engine size | 599cc | 645cc |
| Rank among all models | #3895 of 5428 | #3459 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 19,446 | 16,958 |
| MOT tests analysed | 173,956 | 84,632 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | 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 ZX-6R | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 6.1% | 5.0% |
| Brakes | 5.2% | 4.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 4.6% | 2.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.6% | 3.0% |
| Drive system | 1.0% | 1.2% |
| Structure & body | 1.2% | 0.9% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.8% | 0.8% |
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 ZX-6R | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 75.5% | 77.9% |
| 2014 | 76.4% | 78.3% |
| 2015 | 76.7% | 78.6% |
| 2016 | 77.7% | 78.9% |
| 2017 | 77.1% | 78.3% |
| 2018 | 78.5% | 80.4% |
| 2019 | 78.5% | 80.0% |
| 2020 | 78.1% | 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 ZX-6R | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 86.1% | 88.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 80.6% | 81.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 75.4% | 76.9% |
| 30k-40k miles | 71.8% | 73.6% |
| 40k-50k miles | 69.5% | 73.3% |
| 50k-60k miles | 69.0% | 70.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki ZX-6R vs Suzuki SV650S FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki ZX-6R or the Suzuki SV650S?
The Suzuki SV650S passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-6R: 80.6% vs 78.1%, a 2.5-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 ZX-6R, -4.0 for the Suzuki SV650S. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki ZX-6R fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 6.1% of Kawasaki ZX-6R MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (5.2%).
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 ZX-6R or the Suzuki SV650S?
At 50k-60k miles the Suzuki SV650S passes first time more often: 69.0% for the Kawasaki ZX-6R vs 70.6% for the Suzuki SV650S.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.