Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Suzuki DL650 vs Honda VFR800 Fi
The Suzuki DL650 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda VFR800 Fi: 87.1% vs 86.7%, a 0.4-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Suzuki DL650 | Honda VFR800 Fi |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 87.1% | 86.7% |
| Outright fail rate | 8.1% | 8.5% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +2.8 pts | +4.5 pts |
| Engine size | 645cc | 781cc |
| Rank among all models | #1884 of 5428 | #1985 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 19,361 | 26,212 |
| MOT tests analysed | 18,349 | 89,421 |
| 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 DL650 | Honda VFR800 Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2.9% | 3.2% |
| Steering & suspension | 3.1% | 2.6% |
| Lights & signalling | 2.0% | 2.4% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.9% | 2.3% |
| Drive system | 0.7% | 0.4% |
| Structure & body | 0.6% | 0.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.1% | 0.5% |
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 DL650 | Honda VFR800 Fi |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 86.8% | 86.1% |
| 2019 | 86.9% | 86.6% |
| 2020 | 89.2% | 87.0% |
| 2021 | 86.6% | 87.3% |
| 2022 | 87.0% | 87.1% |
| 2023 | 86.1% | 88.9% |
| 2024 | 84.3% | 88.9% |
| 2025 | 84.8% | 88.2% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Suzuki DL650 | Honda VFR800 Fi |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 92.6% | 92.5% |
| 10k-20k miles | 89.5% | 89.4% |
| 20k-30k miles | 85.5% | 87.3% |
| 30k-40k miles | 84.1% | 85.5% |
| 40k-50k miles | 79.3% | 83.5% |
| 50k-60k miles | 78.7% | 81.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Suzuki DL650 vs Honda VFR800 Fi FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Suzuki DL650 or the Honda VFR800 Fi?
The Suzuki DL650 passes its MOT first time more often than the Honda VFR800 Fi: 87.1% vs 86.7%, a 0.4-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Honda VFR800 Fi still comes out ahead: +2.8 points vs comparable bikes for the Suzuki DL650, +4.5 for the Honda VFR800 Fi. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Suzuki DL650 fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 3.1% of Suzuki DL650 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.9%).
What does the Honda VFR800 Fi fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 3.2% of Honda VFR800 Fi MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (2.6%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Suzuki DL650 or the Honda VFR800 Fi?
At 50k-60k miles the Honda VFR800 Fi passes first time more often: 78.7% for the Suzuki DL650 vs 81.4% for the Honda VFR800 Fi.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.