Matchless G9 vs Suzuki SV650S

The Matchless G9 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki SV650S: 90.0% vs 80.6%, a 9.4-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

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

Metric	Matchless G9	Suzuki SV650S
First-time pass rate	90.0%	80.6%
Outright fail rate	2.3%	11.9%
Engine size	500cc	645cc
Rank among all models	#960 of 5428	#3459 of 5428
Median miles at test	17,650	16,958
MOT tests analysed	812	84,632
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 G9	Suzuki SV650S
Lights & signalling	0.7%	5.0%
Brakes	0.1%	4.7%
Tyres & wheels	0.7%	3.0%
Steering & suspension	1.1%	2.5%
Drive system	0.1%	1.2%
Fuel & exhaust	0.2%	0.8%
Structure & body	0.1%	0.9%

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 G9	Suzuki SV650S
2006	91.3%	85.9%
2007	91.6%	85.5%
2008	93.9%	82.8%
2009	89.5%	80.5%
2010	87.4%	80.3%
2011	91.6%	80.0%
2012	85.9%	78.8%

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 G9	Suzuki SV650S
0k-10k miles	89.2%	88.2%
10k-20k miles	89.5%	81.6%
20k-30k miles	89.4%	76.9%
30k-40k miles	94.0%	73.6%
40k-50k miles	88.1%	73.3%
50k-60k miles	88.2%	70.6%

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

Matchless G9 vs Suzuki SV650S FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Matchless G9 or the Suzuki SV650S?

The Matchless G9 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki SV650S: 90.0% vs 80.6%, a 9.4-point lead. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Matchless G9 fail its MOT on most?

Steering & suspension: 1.1% of Matchless G9 MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (0.7%).

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 Matchless G9 or the Suzuki SV650S?

At 50k-60k miles the Matchless G9 passes first time more often: 88.2% for the Matchless G9 vs 70.6% for the Suzuki SV650S.

MATCHLESS G9 90.0% pass · 812 tests SUZUKI SV650S 80.6% pass · 84.6k tests

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