What Is Harley-Davidson's MOT Pass Rate?
on 24 April 2026
Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a consistently high pass rate for their annual Ministry of Transport (MOT) tests. In 2024, the brand achieved an impressive 95.0% pass rate across 27,661 tests conducted. This performance far exceeds the national average MOT pass rate of 79.6%, indicating that Harley-Davidson motorcycles are generally well-maintained and reliable vehicles.
Over a three-year period from 2022 to 2024, Harley-Davidson has maintained a remarkably stable performance in their MOT tests. The pass rate was recorded at 94.9% in 2022 based on 28,608 tests, increased slightly to 95.2% in 2023 with 29,854 tests conducted, and returned to a consistent 95.0% in 2024 with 27,661 tests analysed. This trend demonstrates that Harley-Davidson motorcycles continue to meet high standards of maintenance and quality.
Which Harley-Davidson Models Pass Their MOT Most Often?
Harley-Davidson models vary widely in their performance when it comes to passing MOT tests. The most frequently tested models are the Sportster, Softail, Touring, and CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) series. According to DVSA anonymised MOT testing data, these models consistently achieve high pass rates:
- Sportster: 95.3%
- Softail: 94.8%
- Touring: 95.1%
- CVO Series: 96.0%
These figures highlight that the CVO series has the highest average pass rate among Harley-Davidson models, while the Sportster and Touring models also perform exceptionally well. The average mileage at test varies widely but generally indicates typical usage patterns for each model type.
According to the DVSA Anonymised MOT Testing Data (2022-2024), harley-davidson has a 95.0% mot pass rate based on 27,661 tests
What Are the Most Common MOT Failures on Harley-Davidson Vehicles?
Although Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a high pass rate, some common issues can lead to failures or advisories during MOT tests:
- Lighting and Electrical Systems (18.9% nationally): This includes headlamps, indicators, brake lights, and other critical electrical components.
- Suspension: Issues such as worn-out shock absorbers or incorrect suspension settings are frequent problems.
- Brakes: Worn brake pads, faulty calipers, or insufficient brake fluid can cause failures.
- Tyres: Insufficient tread depth or damage is a common issue that often results in MOT advisories.
To avoid these issues and save money on your Harley-Davidson MOT:
- Conduct regular pre-MOT checks focusing on lighting systems (headlights, indicators), tyre condition, wiper blades, and screen wash levels.
- The average cost of an MOT test for Harley-Davidson motorcycles is £54.85 (DVSA fixed fee).
- Pay attention to advisories as they can become failures if not addressed promptly.
How to Save Money on Your Harley-Davidson MOT
Pre-MOT Checklist:
- Lights: Ensure all lighting systems, including headlamps and indicators, are functioning correctly.
- Tyres: Check for adequate tread depth and no visible damage or wear patterns.
- Wipers and Screen Wash: Make sure windscreen wipers are in good condition and refill the screen wash reservoir.
Common Advisories vs Failures
Addressing advisories before they become failures can save you money on repairs and extend your motorcycle's lifespan. For instance, addressing worn-out brake pads or suspension issues early can prevent more expensive brake system or shock absorber replacements down the line.
If your Harley-Davidson was financed via Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP), and you suspect mis-selling of finance terms, the FCA scheme covers eligible agreements. Visit mlj.org.uk to learn more about potential claims related to motorcycle financing.
Overall, maintaining your Harley-Davidson with regular servicing and adhering to the pre-MOT checklist can help ensure a smooth and cost-effective MOT process.
Sources
- DVSA Anonymised MOT Testing Data (2022-2024)
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