Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
HARLEY-DAVIDSON V ROD
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 V ROD's first-time pass rate has risen 5.6 points since 2010, 79.5% to 85.1%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage V ROD passes first time 90.3% of the time; by 20k that's 87.9%.
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 V ROD
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lamps and reflectors |
|
26 | 26 | 1.2× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
21 | 21 | 0.4× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
11 | 11 | 1.7× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
10 | 10 | 4.7× |
| brakes |
|
9 | 9 | 0.2× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
6 | 6 | 0.3× |
| steering and suspension |
|
5 | 5 | 0.1× |
| structure and attachments |
|
5 | 5 | 0.6× |
| suspension |
|
4 | 4 | 0.4× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
3 | 3 | 1.8× |
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 V ROD beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD, HARLEY-DAVIDSON XLH 883, HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLSTF).
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 V ROD.
Compare with any bike
More HARLEY-DAVIDSON models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2008 (96.4%). Lowest: 2009 (82.9%). Every V Rod 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 V ROD FAQ
Is the HARLEY-DAVIDSON V ROD reliable?
The HARLEY-DAVIDSON V ROD is more reliable than average for its class: 88.6% of its 928 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #1402 of 5428 models.
What does a V ROD fail its MOT on most?
lamps and reflectors: 26% of all defects recorded against failed V ROD tests.
What is the best year of V ROD to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2008-registered examples do best (96.4%) and 2009 worst (82.9%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a V ROD last?
The median V ROD shows 9,584 miles at test, and examples around 20k miles still pass 87.9% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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