BIKERELIABILITY
MOT DATA · GREAT BRITAIN · 2005–2025
League table/ HARLEY-DAVIDSON/VRSCDX NIGHT ROD SP 1250 12
Model report · 2005–2025

HARLEY-DAVIDSON VRSCDX NIGHT ROD SP 1250 12

1247cc Petrol Class 2
90.8%
first-time pass rate
3.1%
failed outright
6,333
median miles at test
261
MOT tests, 2005–2025

What fails on a VRSCDX NIGHT ROD SP 1250 12

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
lamps and reflectors
5 33.3
brakes
3 20
reg plates and vin
2 13.3
structure and attachments
1 6.7
Identification of the vehicle
1 6.7
tyres
1 6.7
drive system
1 6.7
fuel and exhaust
1 6.7

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 VRSCDX NIGHT ROD SP 1250 12 beats 4 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 VRSCDX NIGHT ROD SP 1250 12.

Pass rate by registration year

how each model-year cohort fares · registration year from first use date

Best year to buy used: 2011 (96.2% pass). Weakest: 2013 (86.3%).

84%91%98%2011: 96.2% pass (53 tests)2012: 91.4% pass (128 tests)2013: 86.3% pass (80 tests)201120122013

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.