Suzuki

Suzuki Gsx750 (1998)

819 real MOT outcomes analysed • 82.6% first-time pass rate

1998 Suzuki Gsx750

CarHunch analysed 819 real MOT records for the 1998 Suzuki Gsx750. 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 Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 1998 Suzuki GSX750 passes its MOT on first attempt 82.6% of the time, marginally better than the UK average of 80%, though nearly a quarter of these bikes have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a concern worth investigating on any used example. At a median mileage of just under 24,000, survivors in this cohort are relatively low-mileage for their age, suggesting either careful ownership or selection bias towards well-maintained machines. The average bike racks up 2.1 failures and 7.4 advisories per test, pointing to typical wear items like brakes, cables, and lights rather than fundamental engine problems. Before purchasing, request the full MOT history and have a mechanic inspect the brakes and suspension closely, since these older bikes need regular attention to keep running safely.

The 1998 Suzuki Gsx750 passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (82.6%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ 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
82.6%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
23.1%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.1
Over 11.4 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
24k
Middle half: 17k–34k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 7.4 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 819 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 819 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 62.7%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front 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.
Exhaust & emissions 46.6%
Exhaust noisy · Exhaust is leaking but is not excessively noisey
Lighting 27.5%
Drive chain slightly loose · Rear reflector on motorcycle missing · Headlamp aim too low
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Brake wear 22.7%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 14.1%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
Suspension & steering 9.4%
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 1998.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 819 Suzuki Gsx750 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 1998 Suzuki Gsx750

Based on MOT data from 819 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 23.1% 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

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (100%) 818 82.6% 2.09

Colour Breakdown

Based on 5,846 Suzuki Gsx750 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 30.6%
1,791
Blue 17.6%
1,026
White 17.1%
1,002
Red 9.6%
562
Silver 7.7%
450
Maroon 6.9%
402
Green 4%
233
Grey 2.1%
125
Yellow 1.7%
97
Orange 1.4%
81
Multi-colour 0.7%
40
Purple 0.6%
37

Mileage Distribution

Most 1998 Suzuki Gsx750 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.

23,857
typical
16,785
low mileage
34,161
high mileage

Half of all 1998 Suzuki Gsx750 vehicles fall between 16,785 and 34,161 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 16,785 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.
16,785–34,161 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1998 Suzuki Gsx750s sit.
Over 46,117 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1998 Suzuki Gsx750 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 38% of 1998 Suzuki Gsx750s are still active.

Numbers are declining — 160 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (38% of peak).

418 160 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

11.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.1
Avg failures per vehicle
7.4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Suzuki Gsx750: All Gsx750 years → Which year to buy? →
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Average reliability — agree?