Harley Davidson FXDL MOT pass rate & common failures

At a glance

Recorded pass rate

3.5 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 FXDL tests in which each item was recorded. One failed test often lists several, so these do not sum to 100%.

1. 1.Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements21.9%

   7 occurrences

2. 2.A stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released15.6%

   5 occurrences

3. 3.Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning12.5%

   4 occurrences

4. 4.A stop lamp(s) does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls or remains on when the brakes are released12.5%

   4 occurrences

5. 5.Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear9.4%

   3 occurrences

6. 6.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution6.3%

   2 occurrences

7. 7.Projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.3%

   2 occurrences

8. 8.A lamp missing or inoperative6.3%

   2 occurrences

9. 9.Steering head bearings excessively stiff, notchy, or with excessive wear or play3.1%

   1 occurrences

10. 10.A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn3.1%

    1 occurrences

11. 11.A headlamp missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED3.1%

    1 occurrences

12. 12.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted3.1%

    1 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all Harley Davidson FXDL tests carrying each advisory.

1. 1.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted19.4%

   105 tests

2. 2.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution4.4%

   24 tests

3. 3.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements3.7%

   20 tests

4. 4.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm1.7%

   9 tests

5. 5.A wheel excessively corroded, damaged or distorted1.1%

   6 tests

6. 6.Brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn0.9%

   5 tests

7. 7.Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake0.9%

   5 tests

8. 8.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely0.7%

   4 tests

What gets tested

The FXDL fleet

Average mileage recorded at test

22,725

Test classes

class 2: 540

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 FXDL?

90.0% unadjusted, from 540 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.

What does a Harley Davidson FXDL fail its MOT on?

"Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements" is recorded in 21.9% of failed Harley Davidson FXDL tests, followed by "A stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released" (15.6%). One failed test often lists several items.

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

22,725 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.