2013 Harley-Davidson Flstf Fatboy 1690 12 1.7L Petrol · HO62 FAT

The most recent DVSA test on 16 July 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no defects recorded, continuing an unbroken run of pass certificates stretching back through the available history. Across the last eight annual tests there is only one recorded advisory, a 2022 observation regarding a stop lamp switch that was slow to operate when using the hand lever. The overall pattern therefore reflects a stable and consistently well-maintained machine rather than any deteriorating trend. The single minor advisory is historical and does not impact the current roadworthiness status, but it does suggest a previous minor electrical fault at the switch or hand lever assembly that may merit verification during a pre-purchase inspection. The recorded mileage of 24,125 miles over a thirteen-year period equates to roughly 1,856 miles per year, which is notably low for any road-going motorcycle, let alone a large-displacement cruiser such as the 1690cc Fat Boy. Annual mileage increments between tests are modest and consistent, indicating a machine that has either been used sparingly as a fair-weather leisure vehicle or has spent extended periods laid up in storage. From a mechanical standpoint, low mileage is not automatically a positive indicator. The twin cam 1690 V-twin engine, primary and final drive components, brake system, and electrical architecture can all suffer from prolonged standing as much as from excessive use. Rubber seals, gaskets, fuel system components, and battery cells in particular deteriorate with calendar age rather than mileage, and a thirteen-year-old powertrain warrants careful evaluation irrespective of the low odometer reading. Given the age and the low annual usage, a prospective buyer should carry out a series of physical checks that go beyond the MOT paperwork. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as motorcycle rubber compounds degrade with age even when tread depth remains adequate, and the DOT date code should be reviewed to confirm the tyres are within a sensible service life. The braking system should be inspected for disc corrosion, particularly on the often-exposed front rotor, and the calipers should be checked for binding after standing, which can manifest as uneven pad wear or a dragging sensation on a test ride. The 12V battery, whether original or replacement, should be load-tested, as a discharged or weakened battery is the most common cause of non-start conditions on low-mileage motorcycles that have been stored. All hydraulic brake and clutch fluid should be assumed to require replacement on age grounds alone, as moisture absorption degrades fluid performance over time regardless of mileage, and any evidence of weeping seals around the master cylinders or calipers should be investigated. On a test ride, the buyer should listen for any irregular noises from the primary cover or transmission, particularly on engagement and at low speed, as well as any clunks or sluggish response from the rear suspension linkage which can develop play on a heavy cruiser. The hand lever stop lamp switch flagged in 2022 should be checked for prompt illumination and extinction. The cooling fins, exhaust gaskets, and crankcase breathers should be inspected for signs of seepage consistent with age-related hardening of rubber components. Finally, the service history should be verified to confirm that time-based servicing such as annual engine oil and filter changes, primary chaincase lubrication, transmission lubricant renewal, spark plug replacement, and fuel system inspection has been carried out at the correct intervals. A Harley-Davidson of this vintage with confirmed, regular servicing and sympathetic storage represents a sound basis for purchase, but the buyer must satisfy themselves that calendar-related maintenance has not been neglected simply because the odometer reading remains modest.