Triumph Scrambler vs Suzuki GSF1200

The Triumph Scrambler passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF1200: 90.1% vs 82.4%, a 7.7-point lead.

MOT reliability, side by side

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

Metric	Triumph Scrambler	Suzuki GSF1200
First-time pass rate	90.1%	82.4%
Outright fail rate	3.9%	8.9%
Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted)	+1.6 pts	-1.2 pts
Engine size	1,200cc	1,157cc
Rank among all models	#921 of 5428	#3108 of 5428
Median miles at test	6,330	20,274
MOT tests analysed	4,078	97,637
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

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

Component	Triumph Scrambler	Suzuki GSF1200
Lights & signalling	1.6%	4.5%
Brakes	1.0%	2.8%
Steering & suspension	0.6%	2.2%
Tyres & wheels	0.6%	2.0%
Structure & body	0.8%	0.8%
Fuel & exhaust	0.1%	0.8%
Drive system	0%	0.6%

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	Triumph Scrambler	Suzuki GSF1200
2020	80.6%	83.4%
2021	92.7%	82.9%
2022	90.5%	83.6%
2023	90.5%	83.8%
2024	88.8%	83.4%
2025	92.1%	84.1%

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	Triumph Scrambler	Suzuki GSF1200
0k-10k miles	90.4%	87.7%
10k-20k miles	90.2%	83.8%
20k-30k miles	84.6%	81.1%
30k-40k miles	81.1%	78.5%

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

Triumph Scrambler vs Suzuki GSF1200 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

Which is more reliable, the Triumph Scrambler or the Suzuki GSF1200?

The Triumph Scrambler passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF1200: 90.1% vs 82.4%, a 7.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Triumph Scrambler still comes out ahead: +1.6 points vs comparable bikes for the Triumph Scrambler, -1.2 for the Suzuki GSF1200. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

What does the Triumph Scrambler fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 1.6% of Triumph Scrambler MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (1.0%).

What does the Suzuki GSF1200 fail its MOT on most?

Lights & signalling: 4.5% of Suzuki GSF1200 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (2.8%).

Which holds up better at high mileage, the Triumph Scrambler or the Suzuki GSF1200?

At 30k-40k miles the Triumph Scrambler passes first time more often: 81.1% for the Triumph Scrambler vs 78.5% for the Suzuki GSF1200.

TRIUMPH SCRAMBLER 90.1% pass · 4,078 tests SUZUKI GSF1200 82.4% pass · 97.6k tests

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