Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Yamaha MT-09 vs Suzuki GSF600
The Yamaha MT-09 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF600: 91.0% vs 77.3%, a 13.7-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Yamaha MT-09 | Suzuki GSF600 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 91.0% | 77.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 3.9% | 14.2% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | +3.7 pts | -6.1 pts |
| Engine size | 847cc | 599cc |
| Rank among all models | #682 of 5428 | #4013 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 9,730 | 21,080 |
| MOT tests analysed | 44,659 | 143,023 |
| Most common failure | lamps and reflectors | 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 | Yamaha MT-09 | Suzuki GSF600 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 1.7% | 6.7% |
| Brakes | 0.6% | 6.1% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.1% | 3.3% |
| Steering & suspension | 0.6% | 3.6% |
| Structure & body | 0.7% | 1.5% |
| Drive system | 0.0% | 1.4% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.0% | 1.2% |
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 | Yamaha MT-09 | Suzuki GSF600 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 91.2% | 77.7% |
| 2019 | 90.2% | 76.7% |
| 2020 | 91.9% | 77.8% |
| 2021 | 91.1% | 76.8% |
| 2022 | 90.7% | 78.1% |
| 2023 | 91.3% | 78.2% |
| 2024 | 91.0% | 78.9% |
| 2025 | 91.4% | 79.6% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Yamaha MT-09 | Suzuki GSF600 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 92.3% | 86.8% |
| 10k-20k miles | 90.5% | 80.1% |
| 20k-30k miles | 87.2% | 75.2% |
| 30k-40k miles | 86.3% | 71.3% |
| 40k-50k miles | 86.5% | 69.4% |
| 50k-60k miles | 84.4% | 68.3% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Yamaha MT-09 vs Suzuki GSF600 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Yamaha MT-09 or the Suzuki GSF600?
The Yamaha MT-09 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSF600: 91.0% vs 77.3%, a 13.7-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha MT-09 still comes out ahead: +3.7 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha MT-09, -6.1 for the Suzuki GSF600. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Yamaha MT-09 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 1.7% of Yamaha MT-09 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.1%).
What does the Suzuki GSF600 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 6.7% of Suzuki GSF600 MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (6.1%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Yamaha MT-09 or the Suzuki GSF600?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha MT-09 passes first time more often: 84.4% for the Yamaha MT-09 vs 68.3% for the Suzuki GSF600.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.