Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 MOT Pass Rate
Overall pass rate across all manufacture years, based on 1,154 real MOT test results. Failure rate: 11.8%.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 MOT Reliability Overview
The Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 is a niche vehicle in the UK, with 1,154 MOT test results recorded in our database spanning 3 manufacture years. It has an overall MOT pass rate of 88.2% and a failure rate of 11.8%, which is well above the UK average of approximately 37%.
Based on this data, the Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 earns a "Excellent" reliability rating. The average Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 presents for MOT with approximately 4,963 miles on the clock. Manufacture year matters: 2017 models achieve the highest pass rate at 89.1%, while 2019 models have the lowest at 88.1%. This 1.0 percentage point difference suggests notable variation in build quality or component durability across production years.
The most common MOT failure for the Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 is Motorcycle lamps and reflectors, affecting 11.9% of all tests. 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. The second most common issue is Motorcycle structure and attachments at 5.9%. Identification of the vehicle rounds out the top three at 5.1%. Together, these top 3 failure categories account for a significant portion of all MOT failures for this model.
Top failures across all manufacture years combined. Individual year pages may show different top failures.
What Fails Most
Best Year to Buy
📈 How Each Vintage Ages
Pass Rate by Manufacture Year
* High Fail Rate badge indicates an MOT pass rate below 65% (failure rate above 35%).
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Motorcycle Lamps And Reflectors | 11.9% | 137 |
| 2 | Motorcycle Structure And Attachments | 5.9% | 68 |
| 3 | Identification Of The Vehicle | 5.1% | 59 |
| 4 | Motorcycle Brakes | 1.2% | 14 |
| 5 | Motorcycle Tyres | 1.0% | 11 |
| 6 | Motorcycle Steering | 0.3% | 3 |
| 7 | Motorcycle Audible Warning (Horn) | 0.3% | 3 |
| 8 | Non-component Advisories | 0.3% | 3 |
| 9 | Motorcycle Suspension | 0.2% | 2 |
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Mileage at MOT
The average Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 has 4,963 miles when tested for MOT.
About Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 MOT Data
The Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 is a niche vehicle in the UK, with 1,154 MOT test results recorded in our database spanning 3 manufacture years. It has an overall MOT pass rate of 88.2% and a failure rate of 11.8%, which is well above the UK average of approximately 37%.
For Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 owners, these results suggest a reliable vehicle that generally passes its MOT without major issues. Focus your pre-MOT checks on motorcycle lamps and reflectors and motorcycle structure and attachments for the best chance of a first-time pass. Use our detailed year-by-year breakdown and failure analysis below to understand how your specific Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 is likely to perform.
Motorcycle lamps and reflectors — 11.9% of failures
Motorcycle lamps and reflectors issues account for 11.9% of MOT failures on the Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18. 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.
Motorcycle structure and attachments — 5.9% of failures
Motorcycle structure and attachments issues account for 5.9% of MOT failures on the Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18. 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.
Identification of the vehicle — 5.1% of failures
Identification of the vehicle issues account for 5.1% of MOT failures on the Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18. Identification failures relate to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration plate. The VIN must be permanently displayed and legible, and the registration plate must meet British Standard formatting. Typical repair costs: £10–50. Pre-MOT check: Ensure the VIN plate is visible and legible (usually in the windscreen or under the bonnet). Check that number plates are clean, undamaged, and use the correct font and spacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MOT pass rate for the Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18?
Based on 1,154 MOT tests in our database, the Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 has an overall pass rate of 88.2% (11.8% fail rate).
What are the most common MOT failures on a Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18?
The top 3 reasons a Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 fails its MOT are: 1. Motorcycle lamps and reflectors (11.9%), 2. Motorcycle structure and attachments (5.9%), 3. Identification of the vehicle (5.1%). Check these areas before booking your MOT.
Is the Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 reliable?
With a 11.8% MOT failure rate, the Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18 is more reliable than average compared to the UK average of ~40%.
What should I check before an MOT on my Harley-davidson Xl 1200 X Forty Eight 18?
Based on failure data, focus on: Motorcycle lamps and reflectors (11.9%); Motorcycle structure and attachments (5.9%); Identification of the vehicle (5.1%). These are the areas most likely to cause a fail. Also check all lights, tyres (minimum 1.6mm tread), and windscreen condition — these are quick wins that apply to all cars.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.