Matchless G3 vs Suzuki DR-Z400S

The Matchless G3 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki DR-Z400S: 92.7% vs 80.4%, a 12.3-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025

Metric	Matchless G3	Suzuki DR-Z400S
First-time pass rate	92.7%	80.4%
Outright fail rate	1.8%	11.1%
Engine size	350cc	398cc
Rank among all models	#344 of 5428	#3493 of 5428
Median miles at test	18,738	6,940
MOT tests analysed	1,459	26,773
Most common failure	steering and suspension	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.

What fails, side by side

share of each bike's MOT tests that failed on the component · lower is better

Component	Matchless G3	Suzuki DR-Z400S
Lights & signalling	0.9%	6.1%
Steering & suspension	1.0%	3.2%
Brakes	0.5%	3.5%
Tyres & wheels	0.2%	2.6%
Drive system	0.1%	0.8%
Fuel & exhaust	0.1%	0.6%
Structure & body	0%	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

first-time MOT pass rate in each calendar year both bikes were tested

Test year	Matchless G3	Suzuki DR-Z400S
2010	89.5%	78.9%
2011	91.6%	78.3%
2012	90.6%	79.8%
2013	86.3%	77.6%
2014	97.1%	78.5%
2015	98.6%	79.9%
2016	98.3%	78.4%
2017	98.1%	80.9%

Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.

Pass rate by mileage

first-time MOT pass rate by miles on the clock at test

Mileage	Matchless G3	Suzuki DR-Z400S
0k-10k miles	90.9%	81.7%
10k-20k miles	91.2%	78.4%
20k-30k miles	93.8%	79.2%
30k-40k miles	95.3%	76.4%
40k-50k miles	95.9%	75.2%
50k-60k miles	93.1%	82.9%

Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.

Matchless G3 vs Suzuki DR-Z400S FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Matchless G3 or the Suzuki DR-Z400S?

The Matchless G3 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki DR-Z400S: 92.7% vs 80.4%, a 12.3-point lead. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Matchless G3 fail its MOT on most?

Steering & suspension: 1.0% of Matchless G3 MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (0.9%).

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 Matchless G3 or the Suzuki DR-Z400S?

At 50k-60k miles the Matchless G3 passes first time more often: 93.1% for the Matchless G3 vs 82.9% for the Suzuki DR-Z400S.

MATCHLESS G3 92.7% pass · 1,459 tests SUZUKI DR-Z400S 80.4% pass · 26.8k tests

See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.