Harley Davidson XL MOT pass rate & common failures

At a glance

Recorded pass rate

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

1. 1.Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear13.9%

   25 occurrences

2. 2.A stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released12.8%

   23 occurrences

3. 3.Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements11.7%

   21 occurrences

4. 4.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements10.6%

   19 occurrences

5. 5.Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning5.6%

   10 occurrences

6. 6.A direction indicator lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning5.6%

   10 occurrences

7. 7.A stop lamp(s) does not illuminate by the operation of both brake controls or remains on when the brakes are released5.6%

   10 occurrences

8. 8.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm5.6%

   10 occurrences

9. 9.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted5.0%

   9 occurrences

10. 10.A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps5.0%

    9 occurrences

11. 11.The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements3.9%

    7 occurrences

12. 12.Lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements3.3%

    6 occurrences

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

Share of all Harley Davidson XL tests carrying each advisory.

1. 1.Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted25.1%

   766 tests

2. 2.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements4.9%

   151 tests

3. 3.Brake lining or pad worn below 1.0mm3.1%

   94 tests

4. 4.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements1.1%

   34 tests

5. 5.Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution1.0%

   31 tests

6. 6.Chain guard missing0.7%

   21 tests

7. 7.A shock absorber not functioning or leaking severely0.6%

   19 tests

8. 8.Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake0.6%

   17 tests

How wear changes the picture

XL pass rate by age and registration year

What gets tested

The XL fleet

Average mileage recorded at test

10,313

Test classes

class 2: 3,044 · class 1: 10

Compare within the range

Other Harley Davidson motorcycles

• 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
• Harley-Davidson XL1200C88.8% raw
• All Harley Davidson motorcycles

Common questions

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

87.9% unadjusted, from 3,054 DVSA tests. The average across all motorcycles is 86.5%.

What does a Harley Davidson XL fail its MOT on?

"Reflector missing or reflecting white to the rear" is recorded in 13.9% of failed Harley Davidson XL tests, followed by "A stop lamp(s) remains on when the brakes are released" (12.8%). One failed test often lists several items.

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

10,313 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.