Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
HARLEY-DAVIDSON VRSCA 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 VRSCA V-ROD's first-time pass rate has held steady since 2006 (89.7% → 90.0%).
What fails on a VRSCA V-ROD
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lighting and signalling |
|
35 | 34.7 | 0.7× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
19 | 18.8 | 3.1× |
| brakes |
|
16 | 15.8 | 0.4× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
9 | 8.9 | 0.3× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
8 | 7.9 | 0.4× |
| tyres |
|
4 | 4 | 0.5× |
| structure and attachments |
|
3 | 3 | 0.5× |
| Identification of the vehicle |
|
3 | 3 | 1.4× |
| fuel and exhaust |
|
2 | 2 | 0.3× |
| audible warning (Horn) |
|
2 | 2 | 1.2× |
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 VRSCA V-ROD beats 2 of its 4 closest rivals (TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE, TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD, HARLEY-DAVIDSON XLH 883).
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 VRSCA V-ROD.
Compare with any bike
More HARLEY-DAVIDSON models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 2004 (92.0%). Lowest: 2006 (85.4%). Every Vrsca 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 VRSCA V-ROD FAQ
Is the HARLEY-DAVIDSON VRSCA V-ROD reliable?
The HARLEY-DAVIDSON VRSCA V-ROD is more reliable than average for its class: 88.3% of its 913 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 84.9%. That ranks it #1505 of 5428 models.
What does a VRSCA V-ROD fail its MOT on most?
lighting and signalling: 35% of all defects recorded against failed VRSCA V-ROD tests.
What is the best year of VRSCA V-ROD to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 2004-registered examples do best (92.0%) and 2006 worst (85.4%). Condition and history still trump the year.
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