BIKERELIABILITY Reg check
League table/ HARLEY-DAVIDSON/XR 1200 X SPORTSTER 11
Model report · 2005–2025

HARLEY-DAVIDSON XR 1200 X SPORTSTER 11

1202cc Petrol Class 2
94.4%
first-time pass rate
2.2%
failed outright
7,320
median miles at test
232
MOT tests, 2005–2025
+6.6pp
vs expected · age & mileage

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.

What fails on a XR 1200 X SPORTSTER 11

failure defects by component group · advisories excluded
Component group Share of defects Defects % of defects
structure and attachments
2 33.3
Identification of the vehicle
1 16.7
brakes
1 16.7
lamps and reflectors
1 16.7
steering and suspension
1 16.7

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 XR 1200 X SPORTSTER 11 beats 4 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 XR 1200 X SPORTSTER 11.

Compare with any bike

rival not listed above? pick any model to see it head-to-head with the XR 1200 X Sportster 11

Pass rate by registration year

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

Best year to buy used: 2011 (94.4% pass). Weakest: 2012 (94.0%).

93%94%95%2011: 94.4% pass (178 tests)2012: 94.0% pass (50 tests)20112012

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.

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