2020 Harley-Davidson Fxbb Street BOB 1745 20 1.7L Petrol · YP20 XAH

A chronic exhaust noise advisory across two consecutive MOT tests marks the defining mechanical story of this Harley-Davidson Street Bob. The vehicle passed its most recent examination on 4 March 2026 with an advisory recorded under section 8.1.1 (a) for an excessively noisy exhaust, and exactly the same advisory appeared at the previous test on 10 February 2025. The earlier test in October 2023 recorded no defects at all, which means the issue is a developing one rather than a long-standing characteristic that was simply overlooked. On a V-twin of this specification, a progressively noisy exhaust typically points to internal baffle breakdown within the silencer or a compromised joint somewhere along the system, both of which are worth investigating before purchase. Recorded mileage stands at just 4,234 miles against an age of approximately six years, equating to a yearly accumulation of around 706 miles. That figure is exceptionally low for any road vehicle and particularly so for a heavyweight cruiser of this type, where owners frequently use the machine throughout the riding season. The MOT testing record shows annual visits in 2025 and 2026, so the bike has clearly been kept in active roadworthy condition rather than left off the road for extended periods, but the modest annual mileage still raises legitimate concerns. Brake discs and pads can develop surface corrosion and uneven wear patterns from infrequent use, while internal corrosion can establish itself inside the exhaust system during long periods of cooling between short runs. Drive belt or chain tensioners, suspension linkages, and the clutch hydraulics can all suffer from standing idle, and fuel systems are vulnerable to stale fuel issues if the machine has not been run hot on a regular basis. Given the recurring exhaust advisory, a prospective buyer should physically inspect the exhaust system while the engine is running and again from cold. Listen for any rasping, popping on the overrun, or metallic rattling that would indicate a collapsed baffle or a blown joint, and check the silencer bodywork for heat discolouration or welding repairs. The mounting brackets and rubber hangers should be examined for security, and the system should be checked for lateral movement that would confirm weakened mountings. On the test ride, pay particular attention to braking performance, as a heavy motorcycle that has covered very low annual mileage frequently suffers from glazed brake pads and lightly corroded discs; expect to feel reduced initial bite until the surfaces have been scrubbed clean, and listen for any scraping or grinding that would suggest a pad has worn prematurely due to corrosion rather than friction material loss. It is also worth carrying out a careful cold-start observation and a close visual inspection of the rest of the machine. Low-mileage examples commonly show signs of flat-spotted battery behaviour, so confirm the engine cranks with strong enthusiasm and that all electrical systems function correctly. Check underneath the bike for any signs of oil seepage from the primary cover or engine cases, examine the rear tyre for small flat patches caused by the bike sitting on its stand, and inspect the drive belt for any surface cracking or stiffening that would indicate age rather than wear. Finally, request evidence of recent servicing, particularly for the engine oil, fork oil, and brake fluid, because a motorcycle of this age and specification that has covered so few miles will still require time-based fluid replacement to remain mechanically sound.