Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Suzuki DL 250 AL8 vs Honda CBF250
The Suzuki DL 250 AL8 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CBF250: 94.2% vs 84.9%, a 9.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Suzuki DL 250 AL8 | Honda CBF250 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 94.2% | 84.9% |
| Outright fail rate | 3.1% | 8.1% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +5.6 pts | -1.4 pts |
| Engine size | 248cc | 249cc |
| Rank among all models | #143 of 5428 | #2516 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 5,243 | 10,566 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,203 | 7,536 |
| Most common failure | brakes | brakes |
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 | Suzuki DL 250 AL8 | Honda CBF250 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.6% | 2.5% |
| Lights & signalling | 0.5% | 2.8% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.5% | 2.8% |
| Tyres & wheels | 0.7% | 2.0% |
| Drive system | 0% | 1.6% |
| Structure & body | 0.7% | 0.5% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 0.1% |
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 | Suzuki DL 250 AL8 | Honda CBF250 |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 96.3% | 89.2% |
| 2022 | 97.1% | 90.5% |
| 2023 | 93.4% | 88.1% |
| 2024 | 93.0% | 85.6% |
| 2025 | 91.1% | 85.7% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Suzuki DL 250 AL8 | Honda CBF250 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 96.2% | 88.5% |
| 10k-20k miles | 88.5% | 82.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 83.8% | 81.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Suzuki DL 250 AL8 vs Honda CBF250 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Suzuki DL 250 AL8 or the Honda CBF250?
The Suzuki DL 250 AL8 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda CBF250: 94.2% vs 84.9%, a 9.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Suzuki DL 250 AL8 still comes out ahead: +5.6 points vs comparable bikes for the Suzuki DL 250 AL8, -1.4 for the Honda CBF250. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Suzuki DL 250 AL8 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 1.6% of Suzuki DL 250 AL8 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (0.7%).
What does the Honda CBF250 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.8% of Honda CBF250 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (2.8%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Suzuki DL 250 AL8 or the Honda CBF250?
At 20k-30k miles the Suzuki DL 250 AL8 passes first time more often: 83.8% for the Suzuki DL 250 AL8 vs 81.6% for the Honda CBF250.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.