Harley Davidson FXDB MOT pass rate & common failures

At a glance

Recorded pass rate

0.3 points above the fleet average of 86.5%. The examples tested do not cover a wide enough spread of ages and mileages to compare fairly against the rest of the fleet, so no rank is claimed; the failure record below stands on its own.

DVSA recorded wording

Most common failure items

Share of failed Harley Davidson FXDB tests in which each item was recorded. One failed test often lists several, so these do not sum to 100%.

1. 1.A stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released18.0%

   9 occurrences

2. 2.Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements16.0%

   8 occurrences

3. 3.Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear16.0%

   8 occurrences

4. 4.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements14.0%

   7 occurrences

5. 5.Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning10.0%

   5 occurrences

6. 6.Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play8.0%

   4 occurrences

7. 7.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm8.0%

   4 occurrences

8. 8.A stop lamp(s) does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls or remains on when the brakes are released8.0%

   4 occurrences

9. 9.A stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp4.0%

   2 occurrences

10. 10.A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps4.0%

    2 occurrences

11. 11.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely4.0%

    2 occurrences

12. 12.Audible warning not working4.0%

    2 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all Harley Davidson FXDB tests carrying each advisory.

1. 1.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted23.6%

   181 tests

2. 2.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements6.3%

   48 tests

3. 3.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm4.3%

   33 tests

4. 4.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution2.1%

   16 tests

5. 5.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements2.1%

   16 tests

6. 6.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely2.0%

   15 tests

7. 7.Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play1.4%

   11 tests

8. 8.A wheel excessively corroded, damaged or distorted0.9%

   7 tests

How wear changes the picture

FXDB pass rate by age and registration year

What gets tested

The FXDB fleet

Average mileage recorded at test

16,666

Test classes

class 2: 767 · class 1: 1

Compare within the range

Other Harley Davidson motorcycles

• Harley Davidson XL87.9% raw
• Harley Davidson Flstf91.5% raw
• Harley-Davidson XLH 88387.5% raw
• Harley Davidson Flstc91.4% raw
• Harley Davidson FXSB88.7% raw
• Harley-Davidson XL88387.5% raw
• All Harley Davidson motorcycles

Common questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a Harley Davidson FXDB?

86.8% unadjusted, from 768 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.

What does a Harley Davidson FXDB fail its MOT on?

"A stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released" is recorded in 18.0% of failed Harley Davidson FXDB tests, followed by "Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements" (16.0%). One failed test often lists several items.

What mileage does a Harley Davidson FXDB usually have at its MOT?

16,666 miles on average across every age tested, so a description of the fleet rather than an annual figure. Motorcycle mileages are low and vary enormously with use; a commuter bike and a weekend bike of the same age can differ by a factor of ten.