Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Suzuki DR-Z400SM vs Kawasaki ER5
The Suzuki DR-Z400SM passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ER5: 82.7% vs 77.4%, a 5.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Suzuki DR-Z400SM | Kawasaki ER5 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 82.7% | 77.4% |
| Outright fail rate | 8.9% | 14.2% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -4.3 pts | -6.2 pts |
| Engine size | 398cc | 498cc |
| Rank among all models | #3029 of 5428 | #3999 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 8,233 | 21,259 |
| MOT tests analysed | 7,015 | 53,115 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | 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 DR-Z400SM | Kawasaki ER5 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 4.8% | 5.1% |
| Brakes | 2.4% | 6.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.2% | 5.4% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.4% | 3.6% |
| Drive system | 0.6% | 2.3% |
| Structure & body | 0.8% | 1.3% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.4% | 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 | Suzuki DR-Z400SM | Kawasaki ER5 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 85.1% | 78.3% |
| 2019 | 80.8% | 77.1% |
| 2020 | 83.3% | 79.4% |
| 2021 | 84.8% | 78.2% |
| 2022 | 81.0% | 77.7% |
| 2023 | 83.7% | 78.2% |
| 2024 | 82.4% | 77.8% |
| 2025 | 86.6% | 79.6% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Suzuki DR-Z400SM | Kawasaki ER5 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 85.2% | 87.5% |
| 10k-20k miles | 79.7% | 79.5% |
| 20k-30k miles | 78.0% | 75.4% |
| 30k-40k miles | 80.6% | 71.5% |
| 40k-50k miles | 83.8% | 71.1% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Suzuki DR-Z400SM vs Kawasaki ER5 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Suzuki DR-Z400SM or the Kawasaki ER5?
The Suzuki DR-Z400SM passes its MOT first time more often than the Kawasaki ER5: 82.7% vs 77.4%, a 5.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Suzuki DR-Z400SM still comes out ahead: -4.3 points vs comparable bikes for the Suzuki DR-Z400SM, -6.2 for the Kawasaki ER5. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Suzuki DR-Z400SM fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 4.8% of Suzuki DR-Z400SM MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.4%).
What does the Kawasaki ER5 fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 6.0% of Kawasaki ER5 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (5.4%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Suzuki DR-Z400SM or the Kawasaki ER5?
At 40k-50k miles the Suzuki DR-Z400SM passes first time more often: 83.8% for the Suzuki DR-Z400SM vs 71.1% for the Kawasaki ER5.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.