Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Kawasaki ZZR600 vs Suzuki SV650S
The Suzuki SV650S passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZZR600: 80.6% vs 79.0%, a 1.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Kawasaki ZZR600 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 79.0% | 80.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 14.7% | 11.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -3.6 pts | -4.0 pts |
| Engine size | 599cc | 645cc |
| Rank among all models | #3771 of 5428 | #3459 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 25,618 | 16,958 |
| MOT tests analysed | 53,666 | 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 ZZR600 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 7.9% | 4.7% |
| Lights & signalling | 4.5% | 5.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 4.0% | 2.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.5% | 3.0% |
| Drive system | 1.7% | 1.2% |
| Structure & body | 1.1% | 0.9% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.9% | 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 ZZR600 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 77.9% | 77.9% |
| 2014 | 77.7% | 78.3% |
| 2015 | 80.4% | 78.6% |
| 2016 | 77.9% | 78.9% |
| 2017 | 78.8% | 78.3% |
| 2018 | 79.8% | 80.4% |
| 2019 | 78.5% | 80.0% |
| 2020 | 80.4% | 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 ZZR600 | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 89.2% | 88.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 83.4% | 81.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 78.9% | 76.9% |
| 30k-40k miles | 75.6% | 73.6% |
| 40k-50k miles | 71.2% | 73.3% |
| 50k-60k miles | 71.4% | 70.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Kawasaki ZZR600 vs Suzuki SV650S FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Kawasaki ZZR600 or the Suzuki SV650S?
The Suzuki SV650S passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ZZR600: 80.6% vs 79.0%, a 1.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class the two are level (-3.6 vs -4.0 points against comparable bikes), so the raw gap is mostly down to how old and how used each fleet is. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Kawasaki ZZR600 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 7.9% of Kawasaki ZZR600 MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (4.5%).
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 ZZR600 or the Suzuki SV650S?
They are level: at 50k-60k miles the Kawasaki ZZR600 passes 71.4% first time and the Suzuki SV650S 70.6%.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.