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Suzuki GS125ES Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults

Free Suzuki GS125ES car check

Is the Suzuki GS125ES reliable? We analysed 4,085 real MOT tests across 566 vehicles to find out.

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Data last updated: · Based on 4,085 real MOT tests
MOT Pass Rate
73.0%
Typical Mileage
20,060mi
Annual Mileage
924mi/yr
Est. Lifespan
44yrs

The Suzuki GS125ES is about average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies, tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm and drive chain excessively loose. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Suzuki GS125ES.

Suzuki GS125ES Number Plates

Number plates registered to a Suzuki GS125ES. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.

Suzuki GS125ES MOT Pass Rate by Year

How likely is a Suzuki GS125ES to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.

79.4%
2002
74.7%
2001
73.2%
2000
72.8%
1999
71.1%
1998
66.9%
1997
75.5%
1996
74.3%
1995
69.8%
1994
75%
1993
70.7%
1992
72.3%
1991
74.4%
1990
81%
1989
73.1%
1985
77.4%
1984
65.4%
1983
70%
1982

Suzuki GS125ES Problems — What Goes Wrong?

The most common reasons a Suzuki GS125ES fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.

Stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies 118
Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm 94
Drive chain excessively loose 70
position lamp does not illuminate immediately when switched on 59
Drive chain worn to excess 55
Drive chain sprocket worn to excess 55
Footrest missing 54
reflector on motorcycle missing 53
Steering movement excessively 'notchy' with the wheel raised 49
Headlamp at least one does not illuminate on dipped beam 45

Suzuki GS125ES Mileage — What's Normal?

How many miles does a typical Suzuki GS125ES owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.

Low usage
233 mi/yr
Typical
924 mi/yr
Average
1,742 mi/yr
Heavy usage
2,164 mi/yr

Suzuki GS125ES MOT Data by Registration Year

Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Suzuki GS125ES year you're looking at.

Year Tests Pass Rate Low Mi. Typical Mi. High Mi.
2002 155 79.4% 9,024 17,832 30,036
2001 217 74.7% 12,109 17,082 26,237
2000 898 73.2% 10,694 17,155 26,359
1999 870 72.8% 11,311 18,802 26,425
1998 201 71.1% 13,162 18,470 28,589
1997 130 66.9% 16,688 21,052 25,070
1996 151 75.5% 12,822 18,918 24,142
1995 136 74.3% 15,696 23,088 29,618
1994 149 69.8% 15,730 21,933 28,158
1993 132 75.0% 15,862 23,925 31,613
1992 133 70.7% 22,947 30,160 36,888
1991 148 72.3% 10,580 17,410 25,280
1990 199 74.4% 17,992 22,898 33,726
1989 79 81.0% 17,158 32,489 39,904
1985 67 73.1% 21,098 32,480 34,007
1984 62 77.4% 9,402 25,210 53,322
1983 159 65.4% 13,542 27,070 38,628
1982 60 70.0% 13,008 28,026 32,261

How Long Does a Suzuki GS125ES Last?

Based on 566 Suzuki GS125ES vehicles on UK roads.

Average
18.5 years
Median
18.0 years
Estimated max lifespan
44 years

Suzuki GS125ES Mileage Distribution

Total mileage recorded across all Suzuki GS125ES MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.

Median
20,060 mi
75th Percentile
29,346 mi
95th Percentile
44,939 mi
Max Recorded
296,785 mi

Best Year to Buy a Used Suzuki GS125ES

Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.

Best year
1989

81.0% MOT pass rate from 79 tests

Year to avoid
1983

65.4% MOT pass rate from 159 tests

The best year to buy a used Suzuki GS125ES is 1989, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 81.0% across 79 tests. The 1983 model year has the lowest pass rate at 65.4% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

How Does the Suzuki GS125ES Compare?

MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.

Model Pass Rate Tests Typical Mileage Lifespan
Suzuki GS125ES THIS CAR 73.0% 4,085 20,060 mi 44 yrs
Suzuki Swift 76.1% 2,247,517 51,601 mi 31 yrs
Suzuki Alto 74% 1,154,186 41,167 mi 28 yrs
Suzuki Grand Vitara 76.2% 1,025,634 67,542 mi 28 yrs
Hymer Unknown 87.7% 2,106 21,769 mi 13 yrs

Compared to the Suzuki Swift (76.1% pass rate) and the Suzuki Alto (74.0% pass rate), the Suzuki GS125ES trails behind on MOT reliability.

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Should you buy a used Suzuki GS125ES?

The Suzuki GS125ES has an overall MOT pass rate of 73.0% across 4,085 real MOT tests — roughly in line with the UK average.

The most common problems on the Suzuki GS125ES are stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies (118 recorded failures), tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm (94), and drive chain excessively loose (70). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.

A typical Suzuki GS125ES owner drives around 924 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.

In terms of longevity, most Suzuki GS125ES models stay on UK roads for around 44 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.

Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.

Suzuki GS125ES — Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Suzuki GS125ES reliable?
Based on 4,085 MOT tests, the Suzuki GS125ES has a 73.0% pass rate — about average for UK cars.
What are the common problems on a Suzuki GS125ES?
The most common MOT failures are stop lamp does not illuminate immediately a brake applies, tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm, and drive chain excessively loose. Check these on any test drive.
How many miles does a Suzuki GS125ES do per year?
The typical Suzuki GS125ES does around 924 miles per year. Anything significantly above or below this is worth investigating.
How long does a Suzuki GS125ES last?
Most Suzuki GS125ES models stay on UK roads for around 44 years based on our analysis of 566 vehicles.
Should I get a vehicle check before buying a Suzuki GS125ES?
Yes. An MOT pass rate tells you about the model in general, but a vehicle history check reveals the specific car's finance, stolen, write-off and mileage history — things the seller may not disclose.
What is the best year to buy a Suzuki GS125ES?
Based on MOT pass rates, the best year to buy a used Suzuki GS125ES is 1989 with a 81.0% pass rate across 79 tests.