Suzuki Gs550 (1982)
1982 Suzuki Gs550
CarHunch analysed 137 real MOT records for the 1982 Suzuki Gs550. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1982 Suzuki GS550 is holding up remarkably well for a 42-year-old bike, with an 81.7% first-time pass rate that slightly edges the UK average of 80%, and fewer than 1 failure per vehicle on average—a solid result for its age. The good news is that dangerous defects are rare at just 9.5%, well below the threshold where buyers should worry.
These machines typically show around 31,300 miles on the odometer, which is reasonable for their age, and the 2.4 advisories per vehicle suggest they need routine maintenance rather than structural problems. If you're considering one, have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the fuel system and electrics, which are the most common advisory items, and you'll likely have a dependable classic on your hands.
What to check before buying a 1982 Suzuki Gs550
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Suzuki Gs550
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 136 | 81.6% | 1.03 |
| Other (1%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1982 Suzuki Gs550 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1982 Suzuki Gs550 vehicles fall between 17,027 and 41,542 miles.
1982 Suzuki Gs550 — Still on the Road
19 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2022 — 76% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2022.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1982 Suzuki Gs550
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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14.7%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
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14.1%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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13.2%
Drive chain slightly loose
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12.4%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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10.6%
Wheel alignment slightly misaligned.
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9.4%
Exhaust noisy
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8.4%
Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
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8.1%
Nearside Front shock absorber has light misting of stanchion
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1982. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Suzuki Gs550?
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