Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Moto Guzzi V35 vs Suzuki DR-Z400S
The Suzuki DR-Z400S passes its MOT first time more often than the Moto Guzzi V35: 80.4% vs 80.2%, a 0.2-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Moto Guzzi V35 | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 80.2% | 80.4% |
| Outright fail rate | 9.1% | 11.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -2.5 pts | -6.5 pts |
| Engine size | 346cc | 398cc |
| Rank among all models | #3532 of 5428 | #3493 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 35,358 | 6,940 |
| MOT tests analysed | 551 | 26,773 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | 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 | Moto Guzzi V35 | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 5.4% | 6.1% |
| Steering & suspension | 2.9% | 3.2% |
| Brakes | 2.4% | 3.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.9% | 2.6% |
| Structure & body | 0.4% | 0.7% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.4% | 0.6% |
| Drive system | 0% | 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 | Moto Guzzi V35 | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 81.8% | 80.5% |
| 2009 | 77.1% | 78.2% |
| 2010 | 71.8% | 78.9% |
| 2011 | 73.2% | 78.3% |
| 2012 | 75.0% | 79.8% |
| 2013 | 74.5% | 77.6% |
| 2014 | 74.3% | 78.5% |
| 2017 | 100.0% | 80.9% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Moto Guzzi V35 | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 86.4% | 81.7% |
| 10k-20k miles | 81.7% | 78.4% |
| 20k-30k miles | 84.4% | 79.2% |
| 30k-40k miles | 81.8% | 76.4% |
| 40k-50k miles | 74.3% | 75.2% |
| 50k-60k miles | 82.1% | 82.9% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Moto Guzzi V35 vs Suzuki DR-Z400S FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Moto Guzzi V35 or the Suzuki DR-Z400S?
The Suzuki DR-Z400S passes its MOT first time more often than the Moto Guzzi V35: 80.4% vs 80.2%, a 0.2-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Moto Guzzi V35 still comes out ahead: -2.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Moto Guzzi V35, -6.5 for the Suzuki DR-Z400S. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Moto Guzzi V35 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 5.4% of Moto Guzzi V35 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (2.9%).
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 Moto Guzzi V35 or the Suzuki DR-Z400S?
They are level: at 50k-60k miles the Moto Guzzi V35 passes 82.1% first time and the Suzuki DR-Z400S 82.9%.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.