Suzuki DR-Z400SM MOT pass rate and common failures
Suzuki DR-Z400SM motorcycles pass the MOT 86.72% of the time, measured across 256 tests in the DVSA record. A further 5.08% passed only after a defect was put right at the test station.
What to check before the MOT
Built from this model's own failure record, not general advice.
- Start with not working - it accounts for 57.1% of failed tests on this model.
- Then check missing and does not conform to the specified requirements, the next two most common reasons.
- The most common advisory is noise is clearly in excess of that emitted by a similar motorcycle fitted with a standard silencer in average condition (9.4% of all tests) - not a failure, but money you will spend sooner or later.
- Average recorded mileage at test is 15,669 miles, which is the number to compare any advert against.
Pass rate by age
A single pass rate hides the most useful thing in this data: how the same model behaves at three years old and at fifteen.
| Age at test | Pass rate | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16+ years | 86.45% | 251 |
Why the Suzuki DR-Z400SM fails
Share of failed tests on this model where the item was recorded. One test can fail on several items, so the column does not add up to 100%.
| # | Item | Of failures | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Not working | 57.1% | 12 | |
| 2 | Missing | 33.3% | 7 | |
| 3 | Does not conform to the specified requirements | 28.6% | 6 | |
| 4 | Too low | 19% | 4 | |
| 5 | Does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls | 14.3% | 3 | |
| 6 | Obviously incorrectly positioned | 14.3% | 3 | |
| 7 | Too high | 14.3% | 3 | |
| 8 | Indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort | 9.5% | 2 | |
| 9 | Less than 1.0 mm thick | 9.5% | 2 | |
| 10 | Not working on dipped beam | 9.5% | 2 |
Most common advisories
Not a failure and not a legal requirement to fix - but an advisory that repeats year after year is money the next owner spends.
| # | Item | Of all tests | Tests | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noise is clearly in excess of that emitted by a similar motorcycle fitted with a standard silencer in average condition | 9.4% | 24 | |
| 2 | Tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm | 4.3% | 11 | |
| 3 | Excessively binding | 3.9% | 10 | |
| 4 | Has a serious fluid leak | 3.9% | 10 | |
| 5 | Less than 1.0 mm thick | 3.5% | 9 | |
| 6 | Worn to excess | 2% | 5 | |
| 7 | Has an excessively worn bush | 1.6% | 4 | |
| 8 | Indicates excessive fluctuation of brake effort | 1.6% | 4 | |
| 9 | In such a condition that it is seriously weakened | 1.2% | 3 | |
| 10 | Inscription illegible | 1.2% | 3 |
Suzuki DR-Z400SM for sale
No Suzuki DR-Z400SM in stock at the moment - 529 other Suzuki bikes are advertised.
Similar bikes compared
Models of comparable capacity, so the comparison means something.
| Model | Tests | Pass rate | Avg mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda CB 397-750cc · 397-750cc | 5,400 | 89.76% | 19,444 | |
| Royal Enfield HIMALAYAN · 411cc | 2,371 | 88.49% | 8,163 | |
| Royal Enfield METEOR 350 · 349cc | 2,133 | 93.95% | 4,543 | |
| Honda NSS 250-297cc · 250-297cc | 1,397 | 90.34% | 17,407 | |
| Honda CB500 · 497cc | 1,300 | 84.08% | 34,941 | |
| Honda CRF 300 LA-M · 286cc | 1,297 | 88.43% | 3,963 |
Source: DVSA MOT testing data, 2025 · updated Aug 2026 · licence and method