Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Yamaha XJ 6 N vs Suzuki SV650S
The Yamaha XJ 6 N passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki SV650S: 84.1% vs 80.6%, a 3.5-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Yamaha XJ 6 N | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 84.1% | 80.6% |
| Outright fail rate | 8.7% | 11.9% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -1.3 pts | -4.0 pts |
| Engine size | 599cc | 645cc |
| Rank among all models | #2721 of 5428 | #3459 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 14,624 | 16,958 |
| MOT tests analysed | 9,395 | 84,632 |
| 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 | Yamaha XJ 6 N | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 4.3% | 5.0% |
| Brakes | 2.0% | 4.7% |
| Tyres & wheels | 2.5% | 3.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.9% | 2.5% |
| Structure & body | 1.1% | 0.9% |
| Drive system | 0.6% | 1.2% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.1% | 0.8% |
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 XJ 6 N | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 85.8% | 77.9% |
| 2014 | 85.1% | 78.3% |
| 2015 | 84.7% | 78.6% |
| 2016 | 84.3% | 78.9% |
| 2017 | 84.9% | 78.3% |
| 2018 | 86.3% | 80.4% |
| 2019 | 82.0% | 80.0% |
| 2020 | 83.2% | 80.8% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Yamaha XJ 6 N | Suzuki SV650S |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 89.9% | 88.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 83.7% | 81.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 80.9% | 76.9% |
| 30k-40k miles | 77.5% | 73.6% |
| 40k-50k miles | 76.5% | 73.3% |
| 50k-60k miles | 78.8% | 70.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Yamaha XJ 6 N vs Suzuki SV650S FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Yamaha XJ 6 N or the Suzuki SV650S?
The Yamaha XJ 6 N passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki SV650S: 84.1% vs 80.6%, a 3.5-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha XJ 6 N still comes out ahead: -1.3 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha XJ 6 N, -4.0 for the Suzuki SV650S. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Yamaha XJ 6 N fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 4.3% of Yamaha XJ 6 N MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (2.5%).
What does the Suzuki SV650S fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 5.0% of Suzuki SV650S MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (4.7%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Yamaha XJ 6 N or the Suzuki SV650S?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha XJ 6 N passes first time more often: 78.8% for the Yamaha XJ 6 N vs 70.6% for the Suzuki SV650S.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.