Suzuki GSXR750 vs Yamaha YZF-R6

The Suzuki GSXR750 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R6: 79.8% vs 79.0%, a 0.8-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025

Metric	Suzuki GSXR750	Yamaha YZF-R6
First-time pass rate	79.8%	79.0%
Outright fail rate	11.4%	12.4%
Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted)	-4.4 pts	-5.5 pts
Engine size	749cc	599cc
Rank among all models	#3628 of 5428	#3771 of 5428
Median miles at test	18,166	17,023
MOT tests analysed	99,227	155,350
Most common failure	lighting and signalling	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

share of each bike's MOT tests that failed on the component · lower is better

Component	Suzuki GSXR750	Yamaha YZF-R6
Lights & signalling	6.2%	6.0%
Brakes	3.7%	4.2%
Steering & suspension	2.9%	3.5%
Tyres & wheels	2.5%	3.1%
Structure & body	1.0%	0.9%
Fuel & exhaust	0.8%	1.0%
Drive system	0.8%	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

first-time MOT pass rate in each calendar year both bikes were tested

Test year	Suzuki GSXR750	Yamaha YZF-R6
2018	82.1%	80.2%
2019	81.6%	79.5%
2020	82.2%	82.1%
2021	81.6%	80.7%
2022	82.2%	81.9%
2023	84.2%	82.7%
2024	84.1%	82.7%
2025	85.2%	83.3%

Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.

Pass rate by mileage

first-time MOT pass rate by miles on the clock at test

Mileage	Suzuki GSXR750	Yamaha YZF-R6
0k-10k miles	85.3%	84.3%
10k-20k miles	81.6%	79.9%
20k-30k miles	77.3%	76.6%
30k-40k miles	74.1%	74.0%
40k-50k miles	74.2%	71.6%
50k-60k miles	71.6%	70.1%

Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.

Suzuki GSXR750 vs Yamaha YZF-R6 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Suzuki GSXR750 or the Yamaha YZF-R6?

The Suzuki GSXR750 passes its MOT first time more often than the Yamaha YZF-R6: 79.8% vs 79.0%, a 0.8-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Suzuki GSXR750 still comes out ahead: -4.4 points vs comparable bikes for the Suzuki GSXR750, -5.5 for the Yamaha YZF-R6. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Suzuki GSXR750 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 6.2% of Suzuki GSXR750 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (3.7%).

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 GSXR750 or the Yamaha YZF-R6?

At 50k-60k miles the Suzuki GSXR750 passes first time more often: 71.6% for the Suzuki GSXR750 vs 70.1% for the Yamaha YZF-R6.

SUZUKI GSXR750 79.8% pass · 99.2k tests YAMAHA YZF-R6 79.0% pass · 155k tests

See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.