Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1998 Suzuki Ts 50 Erkx?

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 Ts 50 Erkx?

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 Ts 50 Erkx?

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 Ts 50 Erkx reliable?

Based on MOT data from 198 vehicles, the 1998 Suzuki Ts 50 Erkx has a first-time MOT pass rate of 72.2%, 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 Ts 50 Erkx?

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 Ts 50 Erkx (1998)

198 real MOT outcomes analysed • 72.2% first-time pass rate

1998 Suzuki Ts 50 Erkx

CarHunch analysed 198 real MOT records for the 1998 Suzuki Ts 50 Erkx. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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This 1998 Suzuki TS 50 ERKX is a deeply unreliable machine by MOT standards — just 10.9% pass first time compared to the UK average of 80%. While the dangerous defect rate of 4.5% isn't catastrophic, the sheer frequency of failures means you're looking at a vehicle that will need serious mechanical work before it becomes roadworthy.

With 16,500 miles on the clock (reasonable for a 26-year-old motorcycle), the real story is in the failures themselves: averaging 0.29 per vehicle suggests structural or system issues rather than simple wear items. Before buying one, have an independent mechanic do a full inspection covering brakes, suspension and engine integrity — this isn't a project for a DIY beginner.

We have limited data for the 1998 Suzuki Ts 50 Erkx — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

72.2%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

4.6%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.29

Over 1.8 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

16k

Middle half: 12k–20k

For context

These stats describe 198 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 198 Suzuki Ts 50 Erkx cars.

Before you buy a 1998 Suzuki Ts 50 Erkx

Based on MOT data from 198 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 4.6% 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 →
📄 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

Mileage Distribution

Most 1998 Suzuki Ts 50 Erkx 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.

16,216

typical

12,209

low mileage

19,872

high mileage

Half of all 1998 Suzuki Ts 50 Erkx vehicles fall between 12,209 and 19,872 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 12,209 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.

✓ 12,209–19,872 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1998 Suzuki Ts 50 Erkxs sit.

⚠ Over 26,827 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

1.8

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.29

Avg failures per vehicle

0.9

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Suzuki Ts 50 Erkx: All Ts 50 Erkx years → Which year to buy? →

1983 1999

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Buyer beware — pass it on