Yamaha YZF-R6 vs Suzuki GSXR750

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yamaha YZF-R6 vs Suzuki GSXR750 FAQ

answers computed from the data above · terms in the glossary

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

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: -5.5 points vs comparable bikes for the Yamaha YZF-R6, -4.4 for the Suzuki GSXR750. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.

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%).

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-R6 or the Suzuki GSXR750?

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

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

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