BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
Head-to-head · 2005–2025

Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025

Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V vs Suzuki GSF1200

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF1200: 88.0% vs 82.4%, a 5.6-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025
Metric Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V Suzuki GSF1200
First-time pass rate 88.0% 82.4%
Outright fail rate 6.6% 8.9%
Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) +3.1 pts -1.2 pts
Engine size 1,151cc 1,157cc
Rank among all models #1604 of 5428 #3108 of 5428
Median miles at test 16,665 20,274
MOT tests analysed 666 97,637
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

share of each bike's MOT tests that failed on the component · lower is better
Component Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V Suzuki GSF1200
Lights & signalling 2.6% 4.5%
Steering & suspension 2.6% 2.2%
Brakes 1.7% 2.8%
Tyres & wheels 1.4% 2.0%
Structure & body 0.6% 0.8%
Fuel & exhaust 0% 0.8%
Drive system 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

first-time MOT pass rate in each calendar year both bikes were tested
Test year Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V Suzuki GSF1200
2016 81.7% 82.2%
2017 87.0% 82.9%
2018 89.5% 83.2%
2019 85.0% 82.9%
2021 89.7% 82.9%
2022 91.9% 83.6%
2023 92.9% 83.8%
2025 90.3% 84.1%

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 Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V Suzuki GSF1200
0k-10k miles 89.8% 87.7%
10k-20k miles 88.8% 83.8%
20k-30k miles 84.9% 81.1%
30k-40k miles 84.9% 78.5%

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

Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V vs Suzuki GSF1200 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V or the Suzuki GSF1200?

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF1200: 88.0% vs 82.4%, a 5.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V still comes out ahead: +3.1 points vs comparable bikes for the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V, -1.2 for the Suzuki GSF1200. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 2.6% of Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (2.6%).

What does the Suzuki GSF1200 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 4.5% of Suzuki GSF1200 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.8%).

Which holds up better at high mileage, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V or the Suzuki GSF1200?

At 30k-40k miles the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V passes first time more often: 84.9% for the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 8V vs 78.5% for the Suzuki GSF1200.

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