Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
KTM Freeride vs Suzuki DR-Z400S
The Suzuki DR-Z400S passes its MOT first time more often than the KTM Freeride: 80.4% vs 79.8%, a 0.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | KTM Freeride | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 79.8% | 80.4% |
| Outright fail rate | 10.5% | 11.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -9.6 pts | -6.5 pts |
| Engine size | 350cc | 398cc |
| Rank among all models | #3628 of 5428 | #3493 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 1,732 | 6,940 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,387 | 26,773 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | 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 | KTM Freeride | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 5.8% | 6.1% |
| Steering & suspension | 3.8% | 3.2% |
| Brakes | 3.0% | 3.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.0% | 2.6% |
| Structure & body | 0.6% | 0.7% |
| Drive system | 0.2% | 0.8% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 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 | KTM Freeride | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 79.1% | 79.5% |
| 2019 | 80.7% | 82.2% |
| 2020 | 81.1% | 80.0% |
| 2021 | 81.4% | 83.4% |
| 2022 | 85.4% | 81.8% |
| 2023 | 80.0% | 84.9% |
| 2024 | 80.8% | 84.3% |
| 2025 | 78.3% | 83.7% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
KTM Freeride vs Suzuki DR-Z400S FAQ
Which is more reliable, the KTM Freeride or the Suzuki DR-Z400S?
The Suzuki DR-Z400S passes its MOT first time more often than the KTM Freeride: 80.4% vs 79.8%, a 0.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Suzuki DR-Z400S still comes out ahead: -9.6 points vs comparable bikes for the KTM Freeride, -6.5 for the Suzuki DR-Z400S. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the KTM Freeride fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 5.8% of KTM Freeride MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (3.8%).
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%).
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.