The MOT Files

Motorcycle reliability file

Suzuki DL MOT pass rate & common failures

From 6,486 recorded MOT tests of the Suzuki DL, published by DVSA.

Data updated

Quick answer

The Suzuki DL passes 91.2% of MOT tests once adjusted for age and mileage, ranking 7 of 36 motorcycle models, against 86.5% for all motorcycles. The most recorded failure is "A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely", in 22.5% of failed tests.

At a glance

Pass rate, adjusted for age and mileage

91.2%adjusted · 91.6% raw · rank 7 of 366,486 tests

4.6 points above the fleet average of 86.5%.

DVSA recorded wording

Most common failure items

Share of failed Suzuki DL tests in which each item was recorded. One failed test often lists several, so these do not sum to 100%.

  1. 1.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely22.5%

    73 occurrences

  2. 2.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements15.4%

    50 occurrences

  3. 3.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm9.9%

    32 occurrences

  4. 4.A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps7.1%

    23 occurrences

  5. 5.A headlamp missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED7.1%

    23 occurrences

  6. 6.Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake5.6%

    18 occurrences

  7. 7.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn5.6%

    18 occurrences

  8. 8.Rear registration plate lamp does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps4.9%

    16 occurrences

  9. 9.A wheel bearing with excessive play4.6%

    15 occurrences

  10. 10.Headlamp aim unable to be tested4.3%

    14 occurrences

  11. 11.The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements4.0%

    13 occurrences

  12. 12.Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning4.0%

    13 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all Suzuki DL tests carrying each advisory.

  1. 1.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements6.3%

    410 tests

  2. 2.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm4.9%

    315 tests

  3. 3.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn2.5%

    161 tests

  4. 4.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted2.2%

    142 tests

  5. 5.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely1.8%

    119 tests

  6. 6.A transmission belt, chain, sprocket or pulley excessively loose or worn1.6%

    104 tests

  7. 7.Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play1.3%

    87 tests

  8. 8.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements1.3%

    86 tests

How wear changes the picture

DL pass rate by age and registration year

3–5 yrsreg. 2020–202293%
6–8 yrsreg. 2017–201993%
9–11 yrsreg. 2014–201691%
12–14 yrsreg. 2011–201389%
15+ yrsreg. 2010 and earlier87%

What gets tested

The DL fleet

Average mileage recorded at test
18,790
Test classes
class 2: 6,464 · class 1: 22
Names grouped into this model (64)
  • DL 1000
  • DL 1000 AL8 ABS
  • DL 1000 AL9 ABS
  • DL 1000 K2
  • DL 1000 K3
  • DL 1000 K5
  • DL 1000 K6
  • DL 1000 K6 GT
  • DL 1000 K7
  • DL 1000 K7 GT
  • DL 1000 K7 T
  • DL 1000 K8
  • DL 1000 K8 GT
  • DL 1000 K8 T
  • DL 1000 SIDECAR
  • DL 1000 V STORM
  • DL 1000 V STROM
  • DL 1000 X AL8 ABS
  • DL 1000 X AL9
  • DL 1050 RC M0
  • DL 1050 RC M1
  • DL 1050 RC M2
  • DL 1050 RJ M3 V-STROM DE
  • DL 1050 RQ M0
  • DL 1050 RQ M1
  • DL 1050 RQ M2 V-STROM
  • DL 1050 RR M3 V-STROM
  • DL 250 AL8
  • DL 650
  • DL 650 AK7
  • DL 650 AK7 GT
  • DL 650 AK7 TOURING
  • DL 650 AK9
  • DL 650 AK9 GT
  • DL 650 AL0
  • DL 650 AL1
  • DL 650 AL2
  • DL 650 AL3
  • DL 650 AL7
  • DL 650 AL8
  • DL 650 AL9
  • DL 650 AM0
  • DL 650 AM1
  • DL 650 AM2
  • DL 650 AM3
  • DL 650 AM4
  • DL 650 K4
  • DL 650 K5
  • DL 650 K6
  • DL 650 K6 T
  • DL 650 K7
  • DL 650 K7 X
  • DL 650 K9 X
  • DL 650 L0
  • DL 650 L1
  • DL 650 V-STROM
  • DL 650 VSTROM
  • DL 650 X AL7
  • DL 650 X AL8
  • DL 650 X AL9
  • DL 650 X AM0
  • DL 650 X AM1
  • DL 650 X AM2
  • DL 650 X AM3

Compare within the range

Other Suzuki motorcycles

Common questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a Suzuki DL?
91.2% once adjusted for the age and mileage of the motorcycles tested, ranking 7 of 36 motorcycle models, from 6,486 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.
What does a Suzuki DL fail its MOT on?
"A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely" is recorded in 22.5% of failed Suzuki DL tests, followed by "Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements" (15.4%). One failed test often lists several items.
What mileage does a Suzuki DL usually have at its MOT?
18,790 miles on average across every age tested, so a description of the fleet rather than an annual figure. Motorcycle mileages are low and vary enormously with use; a commuter bike and a weekend bike of the same age can differ by a factor of ten.

Analysis built from DVSA data of