Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 vs Yamaha YZF-R1
The Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R1: 90.7% vs 84.1%, a 6.6-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 | Yamaha YZF-R1 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 90.7% | 84.1% |
| Outright fail rate | 2.8% | 7.8% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +3.3 pts | -0.5 pts |
| Engine size | 999cc | 998cc |
| Rank among all models | #748 of 5428 | #2721 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 7,424 | 16,705 |
| MOT tests analysed | 676 | 231,553 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | 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 | Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 | Yamaha YZF-R1 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 1.5% | 4.3% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.0% | 1.9% |
| Brakes | 0.1% | 1.7% |
| Steering & suspension | 0% | 1.4% |
| Structure & body | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 0.5% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.4% |
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 Gsxr 1000 L6 | Yamaha YZF-R1 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 89.5% | 85.6% |
| 2020 | 90.4% | 86.7% |
| 2021 | 91.1% | 85.8% |
| 2022 | 88.7% | 86.4% |
| 2023 | 92.5% | 87.2% |
| 2024 | 91.0% | 88.2% |
| 2025 | 92.7% | 87.9% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 | Yamaha YZF-R1 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 91.4% | 87.8% |
| 10k-20k miles | 89.5% | 84.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 86.7% | 82.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 vs Yamaha YZF-R1 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 or the Yamaha YZF-R1?
The Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R1: 90.7% vs 84.1%, a 6.6-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 still comes out ahead: +3.3 points vs comparable bikes for the Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6, -0.5 for the Yamaha YZF-R1. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 1.5% of Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.0%).
What does the Yamaha YZF-R1 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 4.3% of Yamaha YZF-R1 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.9%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 or the Yamaha YZF-R1?
At 20k-30k miles the Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 passes first time more often: 86.7% for the Suzuki Gsxr 1000 L6 vs 82.4% for the Yamaha YZF-R1.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.