Suzuki

Suzuki Dl1000 (2008)

248 real MOT outcomes analysed • 89.3% first-time pass rate

2008 Suzuki Dl1000

CarHunch analysed 248 real MOT records for the 2008 Suzuki Dl1000. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2008 Suzuki DL1000 passes its MOT first time significantly more often than the UK average—89.3% versus 80%—suggesting solid underlying reliability, though nearly a quarter of these bikes have recorded dangerous defects, which is a serious concern for any buyer. Petrol versus diesel breakdowns aren't applicable here since this is a motorcycle.

At just 19,562 miles median mileage for a 16-year-old bike, these examples are lightly used, and the relatively low failure rate of 1.28 per vehicle reflects that. The 6.1 advisories per bike suggest routine wear items need attention, so budget for consumables like brake pads, fluids and chain maintenance when you buy; have any used example inspected by a motorcycle specialist before purchase, particularly around frame and suspension given the 24.6% dangerous defect rate.

We have limited data for the 2008 Suzuki Dl1000 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
89.3%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
24.6%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.28
Over 11.3 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
20k
Middle half: 12k–28k
For context

These stats describe 248 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 248 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 54.7%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 35.5%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Lighting 29.4%
Drive chain slightly loose
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Other issues 24%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
Exhaust & emissions 18.9%
Exhaust noisy · Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases · Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey
Suspension & steering 15.9%
Steering headbearing slightly stiff or notchy · Steering movement slightly 'notchy'
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2008.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 248 Suzuki Dl1000 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2008 Suzuki Dl1000

Based on MOT data from 248 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 24.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 1,367 Suzuki Dl1000 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 41.3%
565
Grey 20%
273
Black 15.5%
212
Silver 11.4%
156
Yellow 9.3%
127
White 1.1%
15
Red 1%
14
Green 0.4%
5

Mileage Distribution

Most 2008 Suzuki Dl1000 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

19,562
typical
12,485
low mileage
27,601
high mileage

Half of all 2008 Suzuki Dl1000 vehicles fall between 12,485 and 27,601 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 12,485 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
12,485–27,601 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2008 Suzuki Dl1000s sit.
Over 37,261 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2008 Suzuki Dl1000 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 50% of 2008 Suzuki Dl1000s are still active.

103 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 50% of the peak remain.

204 103 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

11.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.28
Avg failures per vehicle
6.1
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Suzuki Dl1000: All Dl1000 years → Which year to buy? →
2002 2003 2004 2006 2007

Or browse all models: Suzuki →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2008 Suzuki Dl1000 stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?