Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki ZXR400 vs Suzuki GS500
The Suzuki GS500 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 76.4% vs 73.1%, a 3.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki ZXR400 | Suzuki GS500 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 73.1% | 76.4% |
| Outright fail rate | 18.9% | 15.0% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -9.9 pts | -7.1 pts |
| Engine size | 398cc | 487cc |
| Rank among all models | #4490 of 5428 | #4137 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 23,651 | 21,676 |
| MOT tests analysed | 14,200 | 44,924 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | brakes |
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 GS500 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 9.1% | 5.5% |
| Steering & suspension | 7.9% | 6.6% |
| Brakes | 7.9% | 6.3% |
| Tyres & wheels | 4.0% | 3.4% |
| Drive system | 1.9% | 2.0% |
| Structure & body | 2.2% | 1.1% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 2.4% | 0.7% |
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 GS500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 75.9% | 75.8% |
| 2019 | 79.3% | 79.4% |
| 2020 | 80.4% | 76.9% |
| 2021 | 81.2% | 78.9% |
| 2022 | 86.3% | 80.6% |
| 2023 | 82.8% | 78.2% |
| 2024 | 80.0% | 79.7% |
| 2025 | 88.4% | 81.5% |
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 GS500 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 87.1% | 86.4% |
| 10k-20k miles | 77.4% | 78.9% |
| 20k-30k miles | 69.9% | 74.1% |
| 30k-40k miles | 67.8% | 71.5% |
| 40k-50k miles | 64.7% | 68.7% |
| 50k-60k miles | 64.9% | 68.8% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki ZXR400 vs Suzuki GS500 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki ZXR400 or the Suzuki GS500?
The Suzuki GS500 passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZXR400: 76.4% vs 73.1%, a 3.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Suzuki GS500 still comes out ahead: -9.9 points vs comparable bikes for the Kawasaki ZXR400, -7.1 for the Suzuki GS500. 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 steering & suspension (7.9%).
What does the Suzuki GS500 fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 6.6% of Suzuki GS500 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (6.3%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Kawasaki ZXR400 or the Suzuki GS500?
At 50k-60k miles the Suzuki GS500 passes first time more often: 64.9% for the Kawasaki ZXR400 vs 68.8% for the Suzuki GS500.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.