2017 Harley-Davidson Fxfbs FAT BOB 114 1868 18 1.9L Petrol · B28 JAM

A pattern of consistent roadworthiness is the defining characteristic of this 2017 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob, with four consecutive annual MOT passes recorded from June 2022 through June 2025 and not a single advisory or defect noted across the entire testing history. Each examination has returned a clean bill of health, indicating that the structural, braking, lighting, and exhaust systems have all met minimum statutory requirements without any flagged deterioration. The absence of corrosion advisories is particularly relevant for a motorcycle of this age, as nine years of exposure to road grime, winter salt, and moisture can readily attack exposed frame tubing, mounting brackets, and fastener assemblies. Equally, the lack of any steering, suspension, or brake-related advisories suggests that the front forks, headstock bearings, swingarm pivots, and single front brake caliper have not yet exhibited measurable wear thresholds during statutory testing. With only 30,066 miles accumulated over a nine-year lifespan, this Fat Bob averages around 3,341 miles annually, which is a notably modest rate of accumulation for a motorcycle and reflects either seasonal riding habits, weekend leisure use, or extended periods of storage. While low annual mileage reduces wear on high-friction components such as clutch plates, brake discs, and final drive elements, it does introduce its own set of mechanical considerations. Infrequent use allows moisture to accumulate inside the fuel tank and can promote internal corrosion of the exhaust system, particularly the catalyst and silencer internals, neither of which would necessarily be flagged at MOT unless externally audible or structurally compromised. Standing periods can also affect battery health, tyre integrity through flat-spotting and sidewall cracking, and the condition of rubber pivot boots and fork seals which benefit from regular movement to remain supple. The testing history shows no gaps beyond the standard annual intervals, suggesting the machine has remained on the road continuously rather than being SORNed for prolonged layups. For a prospective buyer, the absence of advisory history removes many of the usual component-specific warning signs to investigate, which means a particularly attentive physical inspection becomes all the more important. On a test ride, pay close attention to the steering head for any notchiness or clunking over bumps, as the lack of an advisory does not preclude developing wear in the tapered roller bearings. Listen for any top-end engine noise from the 114 cubic inch Milwaukee-Eight V-twin, as MOT testing does not assess internal engine condition, and check for oil seepage around the rocker boxes, primary cover, and transmission cases where thermal cycling from irregular use can degrade gaskets. Feel for a consistent front brake feel without lever sponginess or excessive lever travel, and inspect the brake hose for any surface cracking or swelling under lever pressure, as braided upgrades may have been fitted but the original rubber lines can deteriorate regardless of mileage when exposed to UV and ozone. Given the standing-time implications of low annual mileage, a thorough service history review is strongly advised, particularly evidence of regular oil and filter changes, primary fluid replacement, and battery maintenance or replacement. Inspect the tyres closely for age-related sidewall cracking or tread hardening, both of which can render a motorcycle unsafe despite legal tread depth, and check the date code stamps on the sidewalls if the tyres appear original or of uncertain vintage. Examine the fuel tank interior for surface rust if access permits, and verify that the brake fluid has been changed within the last two years regardless of MOT status, as brake fluid hygroscopic absorption is one area not directly assessed during the statutory test. Finally, confirm that all electrical systems, indicators, headlamp, and horn function correctly, and verify the operation of the side stand and any anti-hop clutch mechanism during a slow-speed manoeuvring test, as these operational checks provide valuable insight into a machine that has spent more time parked than ridden.