Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCI
The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.
“vs expected” adjusts for age, mileage and test class, so a cherished classic and a hard-used commuter are compared fairly. How this works.
Pass rate over time
The FLHTCI's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2006 (87.5% → 86.5%).
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage FLHTCI passes first time 89.4% of the time; by 50k that's 94.1%.
First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.
What fails on a FLHTCI
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
33 | 34.4 | 0.7× |
| steering and suspension |
|
14 | 14.6 | 0.5× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
13 | 13.5 | 0.7× |
| brakes |
|
12 | 12.5 | 0.3× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
11 | 11.5 | 2.1× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
5 | 5.2 | 0.3× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
3 | 3.1 | 0.4× |
| tyres |
|
2 | 2.1 | 0.4× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
2 | 2.1 | 1.5× |
| body and structure |
|
1 | 1 | 0.3× |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects. "vs all bikes" is how often this model's tests record a defect in the group, as a multiple of the all-bike rate.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the FLHTCI beats 1 of its 4 closest rivals (HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLSTF, HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLSTC, HARLEY-DAVIDSON XL1200C).
Rivals share this bike's type and sit within ±30% of its engine capacity, ≥ 5,000 tests. Card colour = better/worse first-time pass rate than the FLHTCI.
Compare with any bike
More HARLEY-DAVIDSON models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1998 (91.5%). Lowest: 1997 (88.5%). Every Flhtci year compared →
First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCI FAQ
Is the HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCI reliable?
The HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHTCI is more reliable than average for its class: 88.7% of its 749 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #1370 of 5428 models.
What does a FLHTCI fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 34% of all defects recorded against failed FLHTCI tests.
What is the best year of FLHTCI to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1998-registered examples do best (91.5%) and 1997 worst (88.5%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a FLHTCI last?
The median FLHTCI shows 28,236 miles at test, and examples around 50k miles still pass 94.1% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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