2016 Harley-Davidson Fxsb 1.7L Petrol · KYA 970

A chronic, recurring advisory on the offside rear exhaust is the defining mechanical story in this Harley-Davidson's MOT record. The same defect, noisy exhaust on the offside rear, has been flagged at two consecutive tests in 2023 and 2024, while the 2022 test was passed with no advisories at all. This pattern points to a localised component issue, most likely a failing rear exhaust mounting, a cracked silencer can, a deteriorating gasket, or a worn joint in that section of the system. Because the advisory has persisted across more than one annual test, the underlying component has clearly not been rectified and remains a live concern. Any prospective buyer should treat this as an item that will likely require remediation in the near term, whether through repair of the existing hardware or replacement of the affected section. With only 1,768 miles recorded against a ten-year-old machine, this FXSB is a significantly low-use example, averaging roughly 177 miles per year across its life. There is a visible gap in testing history, with no MOT entries prior to the 2022 test, which is consistent with either SORN registration for extended periods or use that fell below the MOT threshold. The annual mileage between recorded tests is minimal, and the jump from 2022 to the most recent 2024 test represents only a modest accumulation of use. Mechanically, prolonged periods of inactivity on a V-twin of this age carry specific consequences: brake calipers can bind or seize through corrosion on the pistons and sliders, hydraulic lines and seals can degrade internally, fuel systems can suffer from stale fuel and varnish in the injectors and pump, oil can migrate and leave components dry on startup, and electrical contacts, switches, and the battery itself are vulnerable to deterioration. Tyres that have sat under load for long stretches may also have developed flat spots or sidewall cracking despite minimal tread wear. The combination of very low annual mileage and the absence of any recorded failures, while superficially reassuring, does not eliminate these age-related and standing-related risks. For an inspection and test ride, attention should be paid first to the flagged exhaust noise. On the overrun and at idle, listen for any metallic rattling, buzzing, or escaping gas sounds from the offside rear silencer or its mounting point, and check that the mounting bracket and rubber isolator are intact and not fractured. Inspect the visible exhaust joints for soot traces indicating a blown gasket, and examine the can itself for any splitting or pinhole corrosion. Beyond the advisory item, a slow-speed ride should be used to check for any brake drag, particularly on the rear wheel where seized caliper slides can cause uneven disc wear and pulling under hand lever application. Feel for any judder through the foot controls or handlebars on braking, which would suggest disc corrosion or warp from disuse. Through the suspension, listen for clonks or topes from the rear shocks and linkage over uneven surfaces, and check that the bike settles cleanly without continuing to bounce, which can indicate tired damping from long standing. Engine behaviour should be assessed from a cold start, watching for excessive smoke on startup that clears as the oil circulates, and noting whether it idles smoothly or requires excessive choke, as these are common giveaways of internals left dry by infrequent use. Finally, confirm that all electrical systems, indicators, lights, and the instrument cluster function reliably, as low-use motorcycles frequently develop connector corrosion and intermittent faults that only manifest under riding conditions.