2017 Harley Davidson Fxdb 103 Street BOB 1690 17 1.7L Petrol · AX17 OLA

A persistent tyre wear issue and a single stop-lamp electrical fault define the roadworthiness profile of this 2017 Harley-Davidson FXDB Street Bob. The most recent test on 13 August 2026 returned a clean pass with no advisories, suggesting that at the time of inspection no immediate items of concern were recorded. However, the rear tyre has been flagged as worn close to the legal limit at three consecutive test presentations in 2024, 2025 and the pre-fail 2025 examination, indicating a recurring consumption pattern rather than a one-off finding. The only outright failure, recorded on 10 September 2025, was classified as dangerous and concerned a stop lamp that remained illuminated when the brake lever was released, a defect that points to either a sticking brake light switch, a hydraulic pressure switch fault, or a wiring/earth issue rather than mechanical brake wear. With that defect rectified, the subsequent pass on the same date is consistent with a motorcycle that is fundamentally sound but has identifiable recurring consumable and minor component issues. Against an age of approximately nine years, the recorded mileage of 10,881 miles equates to an average accumulation of roughly 1,209 miles annually, which is notably low even for a motorcycle of this type and implies extended periods of standing. The MOT cadence reflects this intermittent use, with tests clustered between 2020 and 2021, a single test in 2023, and then annual presentations from 2024 onwards, suggesting the machine has been brought back into more regular use over the last two to three years. Mechanically, this profile raises the usual low-mileage considerations for a V-twin of this vintage: the potential for stale fuel, oxidation inside the fuel system, dry or perished rubber components such as intake boots and vacuum lines, and the possibility of moisture accumulation in the engine and gearbox oil. Extended standing can also encourage corrosion on exposed fasteners, suspension linkages and electrical connectors, even where structural corrosion has not yet been recorded on an MOT. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the rear tyre as a matter of priority, confirming the current fitment's age, tread depth and compatibility with the rim, and establishing whether the previous tyres were original-equipment pattern or aftermarket alternatives, as repeated fast wear on a heavy cruiser can indicate mis-alignment of the rear wheel, incorrect tyre specification for the load profile, or riding style on high-mileage road surfaces. The brake light switch on the handlebar master cylinder and any associated wiring should be inspected for correct function, with confirmation that the lamp extinguishes cleanly the moment the lever is released and does not flicker under fork movement, which would indicate chafed loom. On a test ride, listen for any irregular ticking or tapping from the 103 cubic inch V-twin that could point to valve train wear from infrequent warm-up cycles, and check for smooth clutch take-up and clean gear changes, as synchro and judder issues can develop on bikes that have seen prolonged idle periods. Finally, inspect all rubber items carefully, including the drive belt or primary cover gaiters, fuel lines, fork seals and any visible coolant hoses if the bike is so equipped, looking for surface cracking, hardening or weeping. Examine the under-belly and frame rails for the early stages of surface corrosion, particularly where road salt and grime collect, and verify that the sidestand and jiffy stand springs operate crisply without binding. Confirm that the electrical system, including indicators, headlamp and horn, functions reliably, as low-mileage machines frequently suffer from oxidised earth points and connector pins. A thorough cold start from a cool engine followed by a ride of sufficient length to bring the oil fully up to operating temperature will reveal any stored faults that a short shunting ride would mask.