2012 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim FLS 103 13 1.7L Petrol · FT08 FUN

A remarkably clean DVSA MOT record defines this 2012 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim, with the most recent assessment on 21 November 2025 recording a straightforward pass and no advisories or defects noted. Across the four available tests spanning 2022 through 2025, the only blemish is a single failure dated 20 November 2024, and crucially no defect categories were recorded against it, which suggests the issue was administrative or related to a category not captured in the standard advisory fields rather than a substantive mechanical failure. Given the vehicle's age of fourteen years, the complete absence of corrosion advisories on structural areas such as the frame, swingarm, or mounting points is a particularly positive indicator for a cruiser of this vintage, where rust around the battery tray, exhaust brackets, and rear fender struts is frequently encountered. The consistency of clean passes points to a machine that has remained fundamentally roadworthy throughout its testing history, though the very short advisory record can also indicate limited annual use rather than exclusively excellent mechanical condition. The recorded mileage of just 4,826 miles against a fourteen-year registration equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 345 miles, which is exceptionally low even for a leisure motorcycle and places this Softail firmly in the low-use category. Such modest annual mileage typically reflects seasonal riding, fair-weather use, or extended periods of storage between MOT tests, and mechanically this usage profile carries specific implications. Internally, prolonged standing can lead to moisture accumulation in the engine sump, stale fuel in the tank and carburetton or fuel system, and deterioration of the battery, while externally the limited mileage means brake components, tyre rubber, and drive belt condition are governed more by age than by wear. The MOT history itself shows tests conducted at fairly regular intervals, suggesting the bike has not been off the road for multiple consecutive years and has been kept in a state at least suitable for annual inspection, which is reassuring. For a prospective buyer, the absence of specific component advisories in the MOT record means particular attention should be paid to the areas most likely to suffer on a low-mileage cruiser of this age. On a test ride, listen for any knocking or clonking from the rear suspension over bumps, as Softail rear shock absorbers and their mounting hardware can deteriorate from age even with minimal mileage, and check for any sign of oil seepage around the engine cases, primary cover, and rocker boxes which would indicate gasket degradation. The brake system should be examined for binding calipers or seized pistons, which can occur through infrequent use, and the front fork stanchions inspected for pitting or corrosion that might compromise sealing. Tyre condition warrants close scrutiny as the sidewalls will have hardened from age regardless of tread depth, and the drive belt and sprockets should be checked for cracking, tooth wear, and correct tension. Given the unusual usage pattern, additional checks beyond the standard test ride are warranted. Lift the fuel filler and inspect for varnish or water in the tank, and confirm that the battery holds a proper charge under load rather than merely showing surface voltage, as a battery that has sat discharged can suffer permanent capacity loss. Examine all electrical connections, particularly the handlebar switches and ignition system, for corrosion from damp storage. The exhaust system, including the notorious twin shorty pipes common to the Slim, should be inspected for internal corrosion and joint integrity, and a compression test would be prudent given the engine's vulnerability to ring and valve issues after long idle periods. Finally, verify that all warning lamps illuminate and extinguish correctly, that the speedometer reads consistently with actual speed, and that there are no stored fault codes if the bike is equipped with any electronic management, ensuring that the clean paper record translates into equally sound mechanical condition.