Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki ZXR400 vs Suzuki DR-Z400S
The Suzuki DR-Z400S passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 80.4% vs 73.1%, a 7.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki ZXR400 | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 73.1% | 80.4% |
| Outright fail rate | 18.9% | 11.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -9.9 pts | -6.5 pts |
| Engine size | 398cc | 398cc |
| Rank among all models | #4490 of 5428 | #3493 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 23,651 | 6,940 |
| MOT tests analysed | 14,200 | 26,773 |
| 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 ZXR400 | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 9.1% | 6.1% |
| Brakes | 7.9% | 3.5% |
| Steering & suspension | 7.9% | 3.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 4.0% | 2.6% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 2.4% | 0.6% |
| Structure & body | 2.2% | 0.7% |
| Drive system | 1.9% | 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 ZXR400 | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 75.9% | 79.5% |
| 2019 | 79.3% | 82.2% |
| 2020 | 80.4% | 80.0% |
| 2021 | 81.2% | 83.4% |
| 2022 | 86.3% | 81.8% |
| 2023 | 82.8% | 84.9% |
| 2024 | 80.0% | 84.3% |
| 2025 | 88.4% | 83.7% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Kawasaki ZXR400 | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 87.1% | 81.7% |
| 10k-20k miles | 77.4% | 78.4% |
| 20k-30k miles | 69.9% | 79.2% |
| 30k-40k miles | 67.8% | 76.4% |
| 40k-50k miles | 64.7% | 75.2% |
| 50k-60k miles | 64.9% | 82.9% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki ZXR400 vs Suzuki DR-Z400S FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki ZXR400 or the Suzuki DR-Z400S?
The Suzuki DR-Z400S passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 80.4% vs 73.1%, a 7.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Suzuki DR-Z400S still comes out ahead: -9.9 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki ZXR400, -6.5 for the Suzuki DR-Z400S. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki ZXR400 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 9.1% of Kawasaki ZXR400 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (7.9%).
What does the Suzuki DR-Z400S fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 6.1% of Suzuki DR-Z400S MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (3.5%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Kawasaki ZXR400 or the Suzuki DR-Z400S?
At 50k-60k miles the Suzuki DR-Z400S passes first time more often: 64.9% for the Kawasaki ZXR400 vs 82.9% for the Suzuki DR-Z400S.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.