Buell Xb9r (2002)
2002 Buell Xb9r
CarHunch analysed 123 real MOT records for the 2002 Buell Xb9r. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2002 Buell XB9R passes its MOT first time at 89%, well above the UK average of 80%, suggesting these bikes are generally well-maintained by their owners—though the 10.6% that develop dangerous defects is worth noting as a buyer concern. Petrol versus diesel comparisons don't apply to motorcycles, so that's not a factor here.
With a median mileage of just 9,666 miles for a 22-year-old bike, these are clearly cherished machines rather than daily commuters, which explains both the strong pass rate and the relatively low 1.28 average failures per vehicle. The 3.2 advisories per test suggest routine wear items (brake pads, tyres, chains) rather than structural problems, so budget for maintenance but expect nothing catastrophic—have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the electrical system and fuel delivery, as these are common weak points on air-cooled V-twins of this era.
What to check before buying a 2002 Buell Xb9r
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Buell Xb9r
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Mileage Distribution
Most 2002 Buell Xb9r vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2002 Buell Xb9r vehicles fall between 5,999 and 14,006 miles.
2002 Buell Xb9r — Still on the Road
27 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 57% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2002 Buell Xb9r
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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37.3%
Exhaust noisy
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33.3%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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31.4%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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30.7%
Front Roller brake test indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort
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26.8%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
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20.9%
Rear reflector on motorcycle missing
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11.8%
Front wheel bearings are slightly rough
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11.1%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2002. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Buell Xb9r?
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