Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3 vs Yamaha YZF-R6
The Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R6: 90.7% vs 79.0%, a 11.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3 | Yamaha YZF-R6 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 90.7% | 79.0% |
| Outright fail rate | 4.5% | 12.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +3.5 pts | -5.5 pts |
| Engine size | 599cc | 599cc |
| Rank among all models | #748 of 5428 | #3771 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 9,186 | 17,023 |
| MOT tests analysed | 557 | 155,350 |
| 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 600 L3 | Yamaha YZF-R6 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 2.2% | 6.0% |
| Brakes | 0.9% | 4.2% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.1% | 3.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.4% | 3.1% |
| Structure & body | 1.1% | 0.9% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0% | 1.0% |
| Drive system | 0% | 0.9% |
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 600 L3 | Yamaha YZF-R6 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 94.8% | 80.2% |
| 2019 | 89.1% | 79.5% |
| 2020 | 93.5% | 82.1% |
| 2021 | 89.5% | 80.7% |
| 2022 | 84.6% | 81.9% |
| 2023 | 95.7% | 82.7% |
| 2024 | 91.9% | 82.7% |
| 2025 | 90.9% | 83.3% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3 | Yamaha YZF-R6 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 91.6% | 84.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 90.3% | 79.9% |
| 20k-30k miles | 89.3% | 76.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3 vs Yamaha YZF-R6 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3 or the Yamaha YZF-R6?
The Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R6: 90.7% vs 79.0%, a 11.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3 still comes out ahead: +3.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3, -5.5 for the Yamaha YZF-R6. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 2.2% of Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.4%).
What does the Yamaha YZF-R6 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 6.0% of Yamaha YZF-R6 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (4.2%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3 or the Yamaha YZF-R6?
At 20k-30k miles the Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3 passes first time more often: 89.3% for the Suzuki Gsxr 600 L3 vs 76.6% for the Yamaha YZF-R6.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.