Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Suzuki GS500 vs Yamaha FZ6
The Yamaha FZ6 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GS500: 85.2% vs 76.4%, a 8.8-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Suzuki GS500 | Yamaha FZ6 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 76.4% | 85.2% |
| Outright fail rate | 15.0% | 7.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -7.1 pts | +0.3 pts |
| Engine size | 487cc | 599cc |
| Rank among all models | #4137 of 5428 | #2445 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 21,676 | 15,484 |
| MOT tests analysed | 44,924 | 67,149 |
| 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 GS500 | Yamaha FZ6 |
|---|---|---|
| Steering & suspension | 6.6% | 2.4% |
| Lights & signalling | 5.5% | 3.1% |
| Brakes | 6.3% | 2.1% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.4% | 2.3% |
| Drive system | 2.0% | 0.5% |
| Structure & body | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.7% | 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 GS500 | Yamaha FZ6 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 75.8% | 84.5% |
| 2019 | 79.4% | 83.4% |
| 2020 | 76.9% | 82.8% |
| 2021 | 78.9% | 82.9% |
| 2022 | 80.6% | 84.0% |
| 2023 | 78.2% | 82.6% |
| 2024 | 79.7% | 83.6% |
| 2025 | 81.5% | 84.0% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Suzuki GS500 | Yamaha FZ6 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 86.4% | 91.1% |
| 10k-20k miles | 78.9% | 86.1% |
| 20k-30k miles | 74.1% | 81.5% |
| 30k-40k miles | 71.5% | 78.7% |
| 40k-50k miles | 68.7% | 77.9% |
| 50k-60k miles | 68.8% | 77.0% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Suzuki GS500 vs Yamaha FZ6 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Suzuki GS500 or the Yamaha FZ6?
The Yamaha FZ6 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GS500: 85.2% vs 76.4%, a 8.8-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha FZ6 still comes out ahead: -7.1 points vs comparable bikes for the Suzuki GS500, +0.3 for the Yamaha FZ6. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Suzuki GS500 fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 6.6% of Suzuki GS500 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (6.3%).
What does the Yamaha FZ6 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 3.1% of Yamaha FZ6 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (2.4%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Suzuki GS500 or the Yamaha FZ6?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha FZ6 passes first time more often: 68.8% for the Suzuki GS500 vs 77.0% for the Yamaha FZ6.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.