2016 Harley-Davidson Flstn 1.7L Petrol · DL66 NPP

A decade of MOT testing on this 2016 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Softail returns a notably clean roadworthiness record, with five consecutive passes between February 2022 and July 2025 and no advisories or failures recorded at any point. That kind of unbroken run of defect-free tests is unusual for any vehicle, particularly one of this age, and it suggests that the structural, lighting, braking, and suspension components inspected under the MOT regime have all remained comfortably within serviceable limits throughout the testing cycle. The most recent test on 30 July 2025 produced another pass with no defects, confirming that the overall trajectory remains stable rather than showing the late-stage deterioration that often appears on advisory sheets as corrosion, exhaust wear, or tyre shoulder cracking become more pronounced. In short, the documented history points to a machine that has consistently presented in roadworthy condition at every official inspection. With 15,336 miles accumulated over roughly ten years, annual mileage works out at approximately 1,534 miles per year, which is substantially below typical touring or commuting use and places it firmly in the low-mileage category for a motorcycle of this vintage. The MOT record shows tests in 2022, 2024, and 2025 but with no entry in 2023, which is consistent with a vehicle either held off the public road under SORN or simply not presented for test during that interval, and the gradual mileage creep implied by the regular testing suggests the bike has remained in genuine, if sparing, use rather than being laid up completely. Mechanically, low annual mileage on a V-twin of this age raises the usual soft-tail considerations: prolonged standing periods can encourage moisture ingress into unused brake calipers, drying and cracking of fork seals, and stale fuel or carburettor issues, though on a fuel-injected Softail the latter is less of a concern than on older carburetted machines. Tyres, battery condition, and drive belt or chain tension are all areas where low accumulated mileage can mask age-related degradation that does not correlate directly with miles covered. Because the MOT history contains no advisories at all, there are no specific flagged components to follow up on from the official record, but a prospective buyer should still direct close attention to the areas that typically generate advisories on Softail models of this generation. On a test ride, listen for any knocking or clonking from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, particularly around the horizontally mounted rear shocks and their mounting points, as these can deteriorate from corrosion before showing up as a measured defect. Feel for any pulsing through the front brake lever, which would suggest a warped front disc or a binding caliper piston following a long period of light use, and check that the rear brake operates cleanly without drag that might indicate a seized rear caliper or sticking mechanism. Steering should turn lock-to-lock smoothly without notchiness, which would otherwise point to worn head bearings or pitted steering stem races. Inspect the condition of the tyres carefully for age-related sidewall cracking rather than relying purely on tread depth, and verify the manufacturing date stamps are within a sensible service life given the low mileage. Examine the drive belt for dry rot, fraying, or any glazing on the teeth, as belts that have seen little use can still harden and crack with age rather than wear. Lift the seat and check for any moisture ingress or green corrosion on electrical connectors, particularly around the handlebar switchgear and ignition modules, which are common Softail weak points when machines spend extended periods garaged without regular riding. Finally, confirm that the battery holds a full charge under load, as a low-output battery on a lightly used Harley is often the first component to require replacement and can mask other electrical faults if left to deteriorate.