Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1998 Suzuki Gz 125 W?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 1998 Suzuki Gz 125 W?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 1998 Suzuki Gz 125 W?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 1998 Suzuki Gz 125 W reliable?

Based on MOT data from 105 vehicles, the 1998 Suzuki Gz 125 W has a first-time MOT pass rate of 73.5%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1998 Suzuki Gz 125 W?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Suzuki Gz 125 W (1998)

105 real MOT outcomes analysed • 73.5% first-time pass rate

1998 Suzuki Gz 125 W

CarHunch analysed 105 real MOT records for the 1998 Suzuki Gz 125 W. 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 Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Compare Models

This 1998 Suzuki GZ 125 W has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 27.4%, less than a third of the UK average of 80%, which signals serious reliability concerns for a bike now 26 years old. The good news is that only 4.8% have ever recorded a dangerous defect, so while these machines fail frequently, they're not typically unsafe when they do.

At a median mileage of just under 12,000 miles, these bikes have been used sparingly, yet they still average 0.42 failures and 0.6 advisories per test—suggesting age and storage-related decay rather than wear-out from hard riding. If you're considering one, budget for pre-purchase inspection by a motorcycle mechanic, because the MOT data indicates corrosion, seized components, and electrical gremlins are rife in this cohort.

We have limited data for the 1998 Suzuki Gz 125 W — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

73.5%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

4.8%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.42

Over 2.2 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

12k

Middle half: 8k–17k

For context

These stats describe 105 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.

Buyer beware — pass it on

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 105 Suzuki Gz 125 W cars.

Before you buy a 1998 Suzuki Gz 125 W

Based on MOT data from 105 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 4.8% 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 →
📄 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 Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (96%)	101	73.5%	0.4

Mileage Distribution

Most 1998 Suzuki Gz 125 W 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.

11,994

typical

8,388

low mileage

16,801

high mileage

Half of all 1998 Suzuki Gz 125 W vehicles fall between 8,388 and 16,801 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 8,388 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.

✓ 8,388–16,801 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1998 Suzuki Gz 125 Ws sit.

⚠ Over 22,681 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

2.2

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.42

Avg failures per vehicle

0.6

Avg advisories per vehicle

Compare with another model

See how the 1998 Suzuki Gz 125 W stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on