2019 Harley-Davidson Flhxse CVO Sglide 1923 19 1.9L Petrol · BV03 ALE

A persistent exhaust noise advisory has appeared at every MOT test since 2023, with the same 8.1.1 (a) reference carried over across four consecutive passes. On 27 February 2026 the motorcycle also attracted a cluster of braking-related advisories, including front pads close to minimum limit on all four pads, rear pads close to minimum on both, and slight fluctuation of rear brake effort under the 1.2.1 (e) criterion. A further advisory noted that front suspension shrouds prevented full inspection, which means the tester was unable to confirm the condition of the underlying fork components. There have been no outright failures recorded in the four-year testing history, but the recurring exhaust note and the accumulation of brake and suspension observations on the most recent pass warrant closer scrutiny than the pass result alone would suggest. Against an age of roughly seven years, the recorded 23,849 miles equates to around 3,400 miles per year, which is a notably low annual accumulation for a touring-oriented machine. Annual MOT tests have been recorded consecutively from 2022 onwards, indicating the vehicle has remained on the road and presented for testing each year, with no multi-year lay-up evident in the record. Lower mileage of this nature tends to place greater emphasis on the condition of fluids, seals, battery state, and brake components that can deteriorate through standing rather than use, and it leaves the broader mechanical picture partly dependent on factors the MOT cannot fully evaluate. A prospective buyer should physically inspect the exhaust system end-to-end, paying particular attention to mounting brackets, joint integrity and any signs of heat staining or movement at the headers, given the four-year pattern of noise advisories that has not been resolved between tests. The front and rear brake pads should be measured for remaining friction material, as both axles were flagged as close to the minimum limit at the most recent test, and the rear brake should be tested repeatedly from cold to detect any fluctuation, pull, or binding that may have prompted the 1.2.1 (e) observation. With the front suspension shrouds still fitted, the buyer should request that they be removed so the fork stanchions, lower fork seals and yoke area can be examined for seepage, scoring, or corrosion, and the front brake should be felt for smoothness and consistency under progressive lever application. On a test ride, listen for any metallic knocking or clonking from the front end over uneven surfaces, which can indicate worn fork bushes or head bearing deterioration not visible beneath the shrouds. Apply the brakes firmly multiple times from speed to check for judder, vibration through the lever or pedal, or any tendency for the rear to grab unevenly, consistent with the recorded brake effort fluctuation. Finally, confirm that the battery holds charge under repeated start cycles and that there are no warning lights present, as low annual mileage combined with standing periods between rides places particular demand on electrical conditioning and charging system output.