We noted a week ago that you could order your new Harley Davidson XR1200 but the Motor company was doing everything under the radar, only dealers were officially notified. Even before today’s “official” release, according to Harley, hundreds have already been ordered. Like I mentioned last week, these will go quickly. The now official press release follows:
MILWAUKEE (Dec. 1, 2008) – Inspired by the XR-750, the most dominating American dirt track racing motorcycle of all-time, the Harley-Davidson XR1200 is now poised to boost adrenalin levels on streets, roads and highways around the world.
The XR1200 is a powerful new Harley-Davidson hot rod motorcycle that was initially designed and launched only in European markets in April 2008. With the high degree of interest and passionate reception surrounding the bike’s European release, as well as demand from Harley riders and competitive brand owners alike, the XR1200 is now being launched in all markets.
Drawing significant styling influences from the successful Harley-Davidson XR-750 motorcycles that set new standards for dirt track racing success over the last 30 years, the XR1200 features technical innovation to provide potent street performance and handling. In fact, Harley-Davidson dirt track racing legends Scott Parker and Rich King participated in the XR1200 development.
“The XR1200 is an exciting motorcycle with an aggressive attitude,†said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Vice President, Core Customer Marketing. “This bike will provide the performance and distinct style demanded by uncompromising riders. In fact, hundreds of XR1200s were ordered by enthusiastic customers before we really even promoted it.â€
The successful dirt track legacy continues today as Harley factory rider Kenny Coolbeth won his third straight AMA Grand National Twins flat track championship on the XR-750 in 2008. While distinctive racing paint and graphics on the XR1200 will catch the eye, Harley-Davidson racing tradition and influence are clearly evident in the bike’s key features, design and style.
The 1200 cc Evolution V-Twin engine with its high 10.0:1 compression ratio, performance cams, downdraft fuel injection, precision-cooled cylinder heads and large capacity oil cooler cranks out 90 hp with high torque. Rubber mounted to a new frame with a cast aluminum swingarm, the engine delivers exhilarating performance and responsive handling with less vibration. A unique upswept, high-volume 2-1-2 straight shot exhaust system includes dual mufflers and is finished in satin chrome.
A sport-tuned Showa® suspension with inverted 43 mm front forks and twin preload adjustable shocks combines with lightweight black cast three-spoke wheels to make the XR1200 ride and corner with feeling. Specially designed Dunlop® Qualifier D209 tires connect the rider to the road, while Nissin® four-piston large disc front brakes provide stopping power.
Additional racing influences on the XR1200 include details like dirt track style bodywork, wide black low-rise handlebar, a 29.2-inch seat height and aggressive riding position. Rearset foot pegs provide additional cornering clearance with a 39-degree lean angle. The compact instrument cluster combines a digital speedometer, white-faced tachometer, dual trip meter and clock.
The XR1200 is available in Vivid Black, Mirage Orange Pearl and Pewter Denim colors. The Harley-Davidson hands free Smart Security System is optional in North America. North American MSRP is $10,799.
XR1200 features and highlights:
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Isolation-mounted XL Evolution 1200 cc V-Twin engine with silver powdercoat finish
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Downdraft Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
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Electronically controlled active intake system
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Precision oil-cooled cylinder heads
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90 peak hp @ 7000 rpm (per SAE J607)
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68 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 3700 rpm (per SAE J607)
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High performance designed tubular mild steel frame and cast aluminum swingarm
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Black three-spoke lightweight cast aluminum wheels, 18-inch front / 17-inch rear
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Specifically developed Dunlop Qualifier D209 tires
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Wide black dirt track handlebar
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Styling and graphics inspired by the legendary Harley-Davidson XR-750 dirt track racer
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Upswept, high-volume brushed stainless steel 2-1-2 straight shot exhaust system with satin chrome finish
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Nissin dual front brakes with four-piston calipers and 292 mm patented uniform expansion rotors
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Sport-tuned Showa suspension with 43 mm inverted front forks and pre-load adjustable twin rear shock absorbers
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Rearset foot pegs for additional cornering clearance
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29.2-inch seat height with standard passenger pillion and foot pegs
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Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System
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Aircraft style aluminum alloy fuel filler
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Unique compact instruments with white-faced tachometer, digital speedometer, dual trip meter and clock
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3.5-gallon fuel tank
Link: Harley Davidson
4Cammer says
As a HD fan and Buell XB9R owner, let me say that the more I look at this bike (and only in pics so far) the less that I like it. I do applaud HD for keeping the $$ reasonable, thought at 11K it could have come with Buell/Showa forks.
The styling “inspired by the XR-750” would have come off better if the XLCR was reintroduced.
And 550 lbs dry? Wow.
aaron welton III says
I think it would look better with black exhaust! Aaron
ZREXER says
As a mutiple “competitive brand owner” for over 40 years I’ve never been inspired by most Harley Davidson products. However, this might be the one that changes my mind. I like the style and looks and it seems to have enough performance to keep this old guy happy, I’ll give it a try!
LADucSP says
i don’t know what to think. IMO, the sportster is one of the most perfect classic motorcycle shapes ever created. it’s complete and utter garbage, but it’s so beautiful.
i always wanted so much for it to be at least competent at something, and i want H-D to produce one that really works, but i don’t think this is it.
i hate the aribox. i understand it’s necessity, but it’s cheaply designed and poorly integrated, just like the half-arsed design of the tail.
it needed to be an OEM “Storz” Sportster. You know…cerianni forks, maybe Ohlins rear shocks, steering damper, monstrous torque and chain drive. Something interesting and proper fast, right?
but, it’s not.
tim says
I really like this bike, and I am going to testride one (didnt get to do it last week). I also really like the Nightster (which is a much more overt styling exercise, but beautifully done IMO).
I am very interested to see how it goes.
Den says
I agree LADucSP the full blown Storz specials seem to get it right.
hobomike says
The XR750 is one of the most interesting and best looking motorcycles of all time. That said, in 2008 an XR-whatever should come with the Helicon engine and have performance numbers (weight) to back it up. Sorry, this one’s a pass.
Jesse says
I’m going to testride the hell out of this the first chance I get. I’ve been lusting over it since I saw it introduced in Europe many months ago.
Skizick says
Harley should hire Allen Girdler. He had it figured out MANY years ago when he put a headlight on a XR750. By now, that puppy should have really known how to hunt. So much for evolution..
Skizick says
In fact he still has that very bike if Harley still needs a hint.
Old Will says
Great styling for an overweight Sporty. 550# is waaaaaay to heavy. This rider’s ’83 ironhead came in at 475#,’86 FXRC at 575# and it was a big twin.’95 Buell S-2 at 425# was a step in the right direction. Sport bikes need to be light. Probably isn’t gunna happen but it would be nice to see Harley produce a lighter Sporty.
B.Case says
550lbs dry? Really?? Geez, I expected it to be a little lighter than that.
Mark Koontz says
It has good power and feels good while riding. It also IMHO looks better in person.
But why the low numbers, I wonder? Harley would have no problem making more (KC). It only lacks someone with the guts to put a speculative number out there. I feel Harley is being EXTREMELY careful about over producing (these days). I guess it’s the fad thing to do these days too.
Tin Man 2 says
The XR1200 is a well conceived addition to the Sportster line up,it is not a sportbike but is a sporting bike. As a longtime HD owner and fan I believe that weight has a place in the riding world. A sportster may weigh 550+ but it is very well balanced machine. This new Sporty is a fitting evolution to the late and lamented 1200R.
steve says
This bike is really UGLY. I love Sportsters but would rather have the kit they offered in the EARLY ninty’s. Take that kit and a few suspention changes and you have a real race version just like the 883 class that was but with more power. And while they are at it why the heck don’t they give us a Sportster with more cubic inches. It is pretty easy and cost no more to manufacture.
todd says
They are offering it in low numbers because they don’t want people to know they mass produce motorcycles to the tune of over 300,000 per year. If they told you they were going to sell 30,000 XR1200’s they wouldn’t seem that special would they?
-todd
Gene says
Wonder what they did with the bore and stroke.The XR750 was a 883 (900?) destroked to 750cc.
If the 1200 is a bored-out 750, it would be a screamer.Let’s not forget the late Cal Rayburn scoring
points and turning heads on the GrandPrix curcuit on his factory XR.
maddog says
bought my xr nov. 22 at local hd shop. received it 3 weeks later.i love it. handles great not as fast as my x1 buell but thats ok. ordered a pair of slip ons from euro motards in italy..put them on yesterday. quite a differance from stock. if the weather would turn for the better i could take a good ride up north arkansas. ride safe. maddog
brian says
The looks are spot on. But the bike is far too heavy to have any impact on the naked sportbike market. Harley needs to look at the Ducati Monster for inspiration. If it goes on a diet down to 400 pounds or less – then it will be a true contender not a pretender.