Suzuki Ts50 (1998)
1998 Suzuki Ts50
CarHunch analysed 128 real MOT records for the 1998 Suzuki Ts50. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 1998 Suzuki TS50 has a first-time pass rate of 73.2%, which sits 6.8 points below the UK average of 80%—a meaningful gap that suggests these machines need a bit more care and attention to keep roadworthy. The good news is that dangerous defects are relatively rare, affecting only 15.6% of the cohort, so safety-critical failures aren't a widespread concern.
At a median mileage of 15,923 miles for a 26-year-old bike, these machines have been ridden gently, which partly explains why they're still in decent condition despite the lower pass rate. The average vehicle racks up 1.86 failures and 5.3 advisories per test, pointing to manageable wear on consumables and minor components rather than structural problems—so before buying, factor in a pre-purchase inspection and budget for routine maintenance to close that pass-rate gap.
What to check before buying a 1998 Suzuki Ts50
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 Ts50
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1998 Suzuki Ts50 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 1998 Suzuki Ts50 vehicles fall between 11,767 and 20,567 miles.
1998 Suzuki Ts50 — Still on the Road
12 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 50% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1998 Suzuki Ts50
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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56%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
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51.7%
Rear suspension bush has slight free play
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33.4%
Rear wheel bearings have slight free play
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32.5%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
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29.1%
Drive chain slightly loose
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24.8%
Headlamp aim too high
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22.3%
Rear mono-shock pivot worn but not excessive
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22.3%
Rear Drive chain sprocket slightly worn
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1998. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Suzuki Ts50?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.