2004 Suzuki DR-Z400S 0.4L Petrol · SP04 AEA

The vehicle presents a stable but repetitive maintenance profile, with the most recent MOT passed on 1 May 2026 at 11,323 miles. While the motorcycle remains roadworthy, the record shows a pattern of recurring minor defects that have persisted for several years. Specifically, the tester flagged a noisy exhaust, a worn drive chain, and an incorrectly positioned rear reflector in both the May 2026 and August 2024 tests. These issues appear to be long-term characteristics rather than sudden mechanical failures, suggesting a maintenance approach that addresses only the minimum requirements for a pass. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 2004 model, with only 11,323 miles recorded over 22 years. This averages to approximately 515 miles per year, which indicates the vehicle has spent significant periods stationary. Such low usage can lead to specific maintenance challenges, such as seal degradation or fluid stagnation. The data shows a notable gap between 2018 and 2020, and the extremely slow progression from 10,222 miles in 2018 to 11,323 miles in 2026 confirms this is a low-use machine. A prospective buyer should focus on the drivetrain and braking systems during a physical inspection. The drive chain has been flagged as worn or loose in almost every test since 2017, and while it has not yet caused a failure, it represents a consistent wear item. The history also shows intermittent issues with binding brakes, notably in the December 2021 test and the September 2014 test. Given the low annual mileage, it is vital to check for seized calipers or perished rubber components that often result from long periods of inactivity. The electrical and ergonomic components also require scrutiny. The record shows multiple failures related to insecure switches, non-functional indicators, and loose handgrips between 2017 and 2021. Although these were resolved to achieve subsequent passes, the frequency of these minor faults suggests the bike may have been stored in conditions that allow for minor component degradation or that general upkeep has been neglected. Inspect the rear suspension bushes for play, as this was previously identified as a defect in 2017.