Model report · 2005–2025
HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPECIAL
1200cc
Petrol
Class 2
88.1%
first-time pass rate
5.1%
failed outright
3,870
median miles at test
59
MOT tests, 2005–2025
What fails on a SPECIAL
failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects |
|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
3 | 27.3 |
| brakes |
|
2 | 18.2 |
| lighting and signalling |
|
2 | 18.2 |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
1 | 9.1 |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
1 | 9.1 |
| suspension |
|
1 | 9.1 |
| wheels |
|
1 | 9.1 |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects.
How rivals compare
same type, similar capacity, high test volume
On first-time pass rate the SPECIAL beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE, TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD, HARLEY-DAVIDSON XLH 883).
TRIUMPH
BONNEVILLE
89.0% pass · 195k tests
TRIUMPH
THUNDERBIRD
87.8% pass · 56.3k tests
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XLH 883
87.4% pass · 41.2k tests
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLSTF
88.9% pass · 30.1k tests
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 SPECIAL.