Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Yamaha YZF-R1 vs Suzuki GSXR750
The Yamaha YZF-R1 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSXR750: 84.1% vs 79.8%, a 4.3-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Yamaha YZF-R1 | Suzuki GSXR750 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 84.1% | 79.8% |
| Outright fail rate | 7.8% | 11.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -0.5 pts | -4.4 pts |
| Engine size | 998cc | 749cc |
| Rank among all models | #2721 of 5428 | #3628 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 16,705 | 18,166 |
| MOT tests analysed | 231,553 | 99,227 |
| 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
| Component | Yamaha YZF-R1 | Suzuki GSXR750 |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 4.3% | 6.2% |
| Brakes | 1.7% | 3.7% |
| Tyres & wheels | 1.9% | 2.5% |
| Steering & suspension | 1.4% | 2.9% |
| Structure & body | 0.6% | 1.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.5% | 0.8% |
| Drive system | 0.4% | 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 YZF-R1 | Suzuki GSXR750 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 85.1% | 82.1% |
| 2019 | 85.6% | 81.6% |
| 2020 | 86.7% | 82.2% |
| 2021 | 85.8% | 81.6% |
| 2022 | 86.4% | 82.2% |
| 2023 | 87.2% | 84.2% |
| 2024 | 88.2% | 84.1% |
| 2025 | 87.9% | 85.2% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Yamaha YZF-R1 | Suzuki GSXR750 |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 87.8% | 85.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 84.7% | 81.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 82.4% | 77.3% |
| 30k-40k miles | 80.2% | 74.1% |
| 40k-50k miles | 78.8% | 74.2% |
| 50k-60k miles | 78.1% | 71.6% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Yamaha YZF-R1 vs Suzuki GSXR750 FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Yamaha YZF-R1 or the Suzuki GSXR750?
The Yamaha YZF-R1 passes its MOT first time more often than the Suzuki GSXR750: 84.1% vs 79.8%, a 4.3-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Yamaha YZF-R1 still comes out ahead: -0.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha YZF-R1, -4.4 for the Suzuki GSXR750. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Yamaha YZF-R1 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 4.3% of Yamaha YZF-R1 MOT tests failed on it, then tyres & wheels (1.9%).
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%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Yamaha YZF-R1 or the Suzuki GSXR750?
At 50k-60k miles the Yamaha YZF-R1 passes first time more often: 78.1% for the Yamaha YZF-R1 vs 71.6% for the Suzuki GSXR750.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.