Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki ZX-9R vs Suzuki GSF1200
The Suzuki GSF1200 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-9R: 82.4% vs 80.7%, a 1.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki ZX-9R | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 80.7% | 82.4% |
| Outright fail rate | 12.0% | 8.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -2.3 pts | -1.2 pts |
| Engine size | 899cc | 1,157cc |
| Rank among all models | #3439 of 5428 | #3108 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 22,320 | 20,274 |
| MOT tests analysed | 88,973 | 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 | Kawasaki ZX-9R | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 4.8% | 4.5% |
| Brakes | 4.6% | 2.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 4.0% | 2.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.9% | 2.0% |
| Structure & body | 1.0% | 0.8% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.7% | 0.8% |
| Drive system | 0.7% | 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 ZX-9R | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 80.9% | 83.2% |
| 2019 | 80.4% | 82.9% |
| 2020 | 80.6% | 83.4% |
| 2021 | 81.2% | 82.9% |
| 2022 | 82.9% | 83.6% |
| 2023 | 82.1% | 83.8% |
| 2024 | 81.7% | 83.4% |
| 2025 | 82.0% | 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 ZX-9R | Suzuki GSF1200 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 88.6% | 87.7% |
| 10k-20k miles | 83.6% | 83.8% |
| 20k-30k miles | 79.4% | 81.1% |
| 30k-40k miles | 77.1% | 78.5% |
| 40k-50k miles | 74.5% | 78.4% |
| 50k-60k miles | 74.9% | 78.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki ZX-9R vs Suzuki GSF1200 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki ZX-9R or the Suzuki GSF1200?
The Suzuki GSF1200 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZX-9R: 82.4% vs 80.7%, a 1.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Suzuki GSF1200 still comes out ahead: -2.3 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki ZX-9R, -1.2 for the Suzuki GSF1200. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki ZX-9R fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 4.8% of Kawasaki ZX-9R MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (4.6%).
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 ZX-9R or the Suzuki GSF1200?
At 50k-60k miles the Suzuki GSF1200 passes first time more often: 74.9% for the Kawasaki ZX-9R vs 78.8% for the Suzuki GSF1200.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.