2003 Harley-davidson Xl1200r Sportster 1200 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Xl1200r Sportster 1200 models manufactured in 2003, based on 178 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
2003 Harley-davidson Xl1200r Sportster 1200 MOT Analysis
The 2003 Harley-davidson Xl1200r Sportster 1200 has an MOT pass rate of 85.4% based on 178 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 18,546 miles on the odometer. With a 14.6% failure rate, the 2003 Xl1200r Sportster 1200 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2003 Harley-davidson Xl1200r Sportster 1200 is Motorcycle brakes, responsible for 1.1% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Motorcycle structure and attachments is the second most common issue at 0.6%. Motorcycle lamps and reflectors follows at 0.6%.
Top failures specific to 2003 models only. The overall Xl1200r Sportster 1200 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 Brakes | 1.1% | 2 |
| 2 | Motorcycle Structure And Attachments | 0.6% | 1 |
| 3 | Motorcycle Lamps And Reflectors | 0.6% | 1 |
| 4 | Motorcycle Steering | 0.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 18,546 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 brakes | 0.61 | 1.1% | 2 |
| Motorcycle structure and attachments | 0.30 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Motorcycle lamps and reflectors | 0.30 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Motorcycle steering | 0.30 | 0.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2003 Harley-davidson Xl1200r Sportster 1200 has an MOT pass rate of 85.4% based on 178 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 18,546 miles on the odometer. With a 14.6% failure rate, the 2003 Xl1200r Sportster 1200 is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2003 Harley-davidson Xl1200r Sportster 1200, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to motorcycle brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). With relatively low average mileage of 18,546 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Motorcycle brakes — 1.1% of failures
Motorcycle brakes issues account for 1.1% of MOT failures on 2003 Harley-davidson Xl1200r Sportster 1200 models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Motorcycle structure and attachments — 0.6% of failures
Motorcycle structure and attachments issues account for 0.6% of MOT failures on 2003 Harley-davidson Xl1200r Sportster 1200 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 lamps and reflectors — 0.6% of failures
Motorcycle lamps and reflectors issues account for 0.6% of MOT failures on 2003 Harley-davidson Xl1200r Sportster 1200 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.