Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOFT TAIL
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 SOFT TAIL's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2006 (91.0% → 91.7%).
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage SOFT TAIL passes first time 87.7% of the time; by 40k that's 84.4%.
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 SOFT TAIL
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
34 | 29.8 | 0.5× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
17 | 14.9 | 1.8× |
| brakes |
|
16 | 14 | 0.3× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
13 | 11.4 | 0.4× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
12 | 10.5 | 0.5× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
8 | 7 | 0.8× |
| steering and suspension |
|
5 | 4.4 | 0.1× |
| tyres |
|
4 | 3.5 | 0.5× |
| structure and attachments |
|
3 | 2.6 | 0.3× |
| drive system |
|
2 | 1.8 | 0.2× |
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 SOFT TAIL beats 0 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 SOFT TAIL.
Compare with any bike
More HARLEY-DAVIDSON models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2001 (92.1%). Lowest: 2005 (82.0%). Every Soft Tail 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 SOFT TAIL FAQ
Is the HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOFT TAIL reliable?
The HARLEY-DAVIDSON SOFT TAIL is more reliable than average for its class: 87.6% of its 1,257 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #1725 of 5428 models.
What does a SOFT TAIL fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 30% of all defects recorded against failed SOFT TAIL tests.
What is the best year of SOFT TAIL to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2001-registered examples do best (92.1%) and 2005 worst (82.0%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a SOFT TAIL last?
The median SOFT TAIL shows 17,968 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 84.4% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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