Head-to-head · 2005–2025
Harley-Davidson XL1200R Sportster 1200 vs Harley-Davidson XLH 883
The Harley-Davidson XL1200R Sportster 1200 passes its MOT first time more often than the Harley-Davidson XLH 883 — 88.8% vs 87.4%, a 1.4-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
first-time pass rate, outright fail rate and tests analysed · 2005–2025
| Metric | Harley-Davidson XL1200R Sportster 1200 | Harley-Davidson XLH 883 |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 88.8% | 87.4% |
| Outright fail rate | 5.4% | 5.9% |
| Median miles at test | 11,387 | 10,350 |
| MOT tests analysed | 3,317 | 41,267 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | lighting and signalling |
First-time outcomes on normal tests, 2005–2025. "Most common failure" is the component group with the most recorded defects on failed tests. Read pass rates against test counts: a smaller sample is noisier. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XL1200R SPORTSTER 1200
88.8% pass · 3,317 tests
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
XLH 883
87.4% pass · 41.3k tests
See each bike's full report — trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals — on its own page.