1989 Harley-davidson Sportster MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Sportster models manufactured in 1989, based on 422 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Sportster cars tested in 1989. Want to see how cars built in 1989 hold up over time?
View 1989 Harley-davidson Sportster vintage page → (68.6% current pass rate)1989 Harley-davidson Sportster MOT Analysis
The 1989 Harley-davidson Sportster has an MOT pass rate of 78.4% based on 422 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 16,523 miles on the odometer. With a 21.6% failure rate, the 1989 Sportster is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Harley-davidson Sportster is Motorcycle structure and attachments, responsible for 2.1% of failures. Motorcycle structure and attachments issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs range from £100–400. Motorcycle steering is the second most common issue at 0.7%. Motorcycle lamps and reflectors follows at 0.7%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall Sportster page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motorcycle Structure And Attachments | 2.1% | 9 |
| 2 | Motorcycle Steering | 0.7% | 3 |
| 3 | Motorcycle Lamps And Reflectors | 0.7% | 3 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 16,523 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle structure and attachments | 1.29 | 2.1% | 9 |
| Motorcycle steering | 0.43 | 0.7% | 3 |
| Motorcycle lamps and reflectors | 0.43 | 0.7% | 3 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Harley-davidson Sportster has an MOT pass rate of 78.4% based on 422 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 16,523 miles on the odometer. With a 21.6% failure rate, the 1989 Sportster is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Harley-davidson Sportster, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to motorcycle structure and attachments: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights. With relatively low average mileage of 16,523 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Motorcycle structure and attachments — 2.1% of failures
Motorcycle structure and attachments issues account for 2.1% of MOT failures on 1989 Harley-davidson Sportster models. Motorcycle structure and attachments issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Motorcycle steering — 0.7% of failures
Motorcycle steering issues account for 0.7% of MOT failures on 1989 Harley-davidson Sportster models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Motorcycle lamps and reflectors — 0.7% of failures
Motorcycle lamps and reflectors issues account for 0.7% of MOT failures on 1989 Harley-davidson Sportster models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.