Harley Davidson XL 1200 N Nightster (2009)
2009 Harley Davidson XL 1200 N Nightster
CarHunch analysed 154 real MOT records for the 2009 Harley Davidson XL 1200 N Nightster. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2009 Nightster has a first-time MOT pass rate of 56.2%, well below the UK average of 80%, which signals genuine reliability concerns for buyers. The dangerous defect rate sits at a manageable 5.2%, so catastrophic safety failures are uncommon, but nearly half of these bikes will need work to pass their test.
With a median mileage of 7,787 miles for a 15-year-old bike, these are relatively low-mileage machines, yet they're still struggling through MOT—suggesting wear issues unrelated to heavy use, likely age-related deterioration of seals, wiring, and exhaust systems. Prospective buyers should budget for an average of 0.72 failures and 2.9 advisories per test, and budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a Harley specialist rather than relying on any MOT pass.
What to check before buying a 2009 Harley Davidson XL 1200 N Nightster
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 Harley Davidson XL 1200 N Nightster
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (99%) | 153 | 56.1% | 0.71 |
| Other (1%) | 1 | 77.8% | 2 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2009 Harley Davidson XL 1200 N Nightster 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 2009 Harley Davidson XL 1200 N Nightster vehicles fall between 4,900 and 12,960 miles.
2009 Harley Davidson XL 1200 N Nightster — Still on the Road
49 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 64% 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
Found a specific Harley Davidson XL 1200 N Nightster?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.