2001 Buell X1 Lightning 1.2L Petrol · Y811 AWP
2001 Buell X1 Lightning (1.2L, petrol). First registered 07/06/2001. Recorded mileage 7,316 miles. MOT valid until 02/04/2027. Taxed until 01/05/2027.
- Make & Model
- BUELL BUELL X1 LIGHTNING
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Leeds
- MOT Status
- Valid until 02/04/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/05/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 7,316 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 1200cc
Y811 AWP Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 28/03/2026
- 7,316 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Y811 AWP Mileage History
- 08/10/20216,818 mi
- 22/03/20246,860 mi+42 mi
- 04/04/20257,000 mi+140 mi
- 28/03/20267,316 mi+316 mi
Average of roughly 111 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Y811 AWP MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Buell Buell X1 Lightning (Y811 AWP) between October 2021 and March 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 3 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A rare, low-mileage example of an American-engineered powerhouse that has been sparingly used. While the mechanical history is clean, its status as a niche enthusiast bike requires careful inspection of ageing rubber and seals.
Given the extremely low usage—averaging fewer than 300 miles per year—your primary focus should be on 'age-related' degradation rather than 'wear-and-tear'. Check for perished tyres, dried-out brake seals, and fuel system gumming. Ensure the service history reflects oil changes based on time (annually) rather than mileage, as the engine has barely been run in the last decade.
Negotiate based on the current state of the consumables. The 2021 MOT flagged a misting shock absorber and brake pad wear; verify if these were addressed, as these components can degrade simply by sitting. Request proof of indoor storage, as the orange paintwork on these models can fade if left in direct sunlight.
The 1200cc V-twin engine is not designed for efficiency, and buyers should expect thirsty fuel consumption typical of early 2000s high-capacity bikes. Insurance will vary significantly based on the rider's profile, but the X1 generally sits in a higher group due to its performance and niche status.
Maintenance costs can be higher than standard Japanese bikes due to the scarcity of Buell-specific parts in the UK. Regular servicing will be straightforward for any competent mechanic, but specialised components may need to be sourced from overseas, increasing downtime and cost.
Pay close attention to the front suspension and braking system. The 2021 MOT noted a 'light misting of oil' on the offside front shock and 'slight fluctuation' in brake effort; check if the forks have been resealed and the brakes bled recently. The 2013 MOT also mentioned 'brake disc run out', which should be checked for any remaining vibration during braking.
Inspect all rubber components, including the tyres and fuel lines. With the bike only covering 314 miles between 2021 and 2026, the tyres may be legally treaded but chemically aged and hard. Finally, check the exhaust system for leaks or excessive noise, referencing the 2013 advisory regarding a noisy exhaust.
This orange 2001 Buell X1 Lightning is in an exceptional state of preservation with only 7,316 miles on the clock over 25 years. The MOT history shows a vehicle that has spent long periods stationary, with very little mileage added between 2018 and 2026. Aside from a few minor failures in 2013 related to lighting and tyres, it has a remarkably consistent pass rate.
Aggregate data is unavailable for this specific model, but the X1 is generally known as a robust, Harley-Davidson derived V-twin platform.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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