Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
HARLEY-DAVIDSON FXDCI
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 FXDCI's first-time pass rate has risen 4.3 points since 2008, 88.8% to 93.1%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage FXDCI passes first time 90.4% of the time; by 40k that's 97.3%.
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 FXDCI
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
32 | 21.8 | 0.3× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
24 | 16.3 | 1.4× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
18 | 12.2 | 0.4× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
17 | 11.6 | 0.9× |
| brakes |
|
14 | 9.5 | 0.1× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
11 | 7.5 | 2.1× |
| steering and suspension |
|
11 | 7.5 | 0.1× |
| tyres |
|
8 | 5.4 | 0.4× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
8 | 5.4 | 0.2× |
| structure and attachments |
|
4 | 2.7 | 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 FXDCI beats 4 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 FXDCI.
Compare with any bike
More HARLEY-DAVIDSON models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2005 (91.6%). Lowest: 2006 (86.9%). Every Fxdci 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 FXDCI FAQ
Is the HARLEY-DAVIDSON FXDCI reliable?
The HARLEY-DAVIDSON FXDCI is more reliable than average for its class: 89.7% of its 2,315 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #1049 of 5428 models.
What does a FXDCI fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 22% of all defects recorded against failed FXDCI tests.
What is the best year of FXDCI to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2005-registered examples do best (91.6%) and 2006 worst (86.9%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a FXDCI last?
The median FXDCI shows 12,796 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 97.3% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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