Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 vs Suzuki DR-Z400S
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki DR-Z400S: 94.6% vs 80.4%, a 14.2-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 94.6% | 80.4% |
| Outright fail rate | 2.0% | 11.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +4.5 pts | -6.5 pts |
| Engine size | 349cc | 398cc |
| Rank among all models | #111 of 5428 | #3493 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 2,539 | 6,940 |
| MOT tests analysed | 811 | 26,773 |
| 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
| Component | Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 0.5% | 6.1% |
| Brakes | 0.6% | 3.5% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.4% | 3.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.2% | 2.6% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.8% |
| Structure & body | 0.1% | 0.7% |
| 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 mileage
| Mileage | Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 | Suzuki DR-Z400S |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 95.0% | 81.7% |
| 10k-20k miles | 91.0% | 78.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 vs Suzuki DR-Z400S FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 or the Suzuki DR-Z400S?
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki DR-Z400S: 94.6% vs 80.4%, a 14.2-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 still comes out ahead: +4.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5, -6.5 for the Suzuki DR-Z400S. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 0.6% of Royal Enfield Classic 350 E5 MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (0.5%).
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.