The new XR1200 is officially rolling off the assembly line in Kansas City for delivery to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Some of us had been hoping that with the return of the Indy Mile to the U.S. this year, Harley Davidson would take the opportunity to unveil the XR1200 to the home folks, but, reading through this news item makes it look less likely.
… developed specifically for European customers …
… will be released only in Europe, Middle Eastern and African regions this year.
Of course, the “this year” at the end of that last quote leaves HD an opening for a 2009 introduction in the U.S. but there’s no indication that will occur. I wonder what would happen if they turned some journalists loose with it over here instead of in Europe. This Euro only Harley still puzzles me a bit but I have to assume the Motor Company has their reasons.
Harley Davidson news release:
NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON XR1200 ROLLS OFF THE PRODUCTION LINE
Production starts for dirt track-inspired, high performance Harley-Davidson streetbike developed specifically for European customers.
To date, approximately 600 future retail orders have been placed across Europe by enthusiastic customers who can’t wait to take delivery of the new Harley-Davidson XR1200™. Very soon, their patience will be rewarded.
On April 29, production began at the Kansas City facility for the eagerly anticipated new XR1200 motorcycle, which will be released only in Europe, Middle Eastern and African regions this year.
The XR1200 was first launched as a prototype at the Intermot international motorcycle exhibition in Cologne, Germany, in October 2006 to gauge customer and media reaction to a new kind of performance-oriented Harley-Davidson motorcycle with great style and character. Following overwhelmingly positive feedback, development work continued to convert the appealing prototype concept into a great handling, high performance streetbike designed to satisfy the needs of European customers on European roads.
The success of the fully-developed motorcycle was put to the test in the hands of more than 90 European journalists at the official press launch event based in Valencia, Spain in mid-April. Once again, the reaction was extremely positive, underlining the Company’s confidence that XR1200 will be a hit in the European market as soon as production motorcycles begin to arrive in European markets in the next few weeks.
J.B. says
I would bet that HD could sell more than 600 units in the USA .
Dale S. says
It’s understandable that it is european only, in the mid 70’s HD built almost the exact same bike and it did not sell very well as the 3 year run of the 1200S, which was a real hot rod, did not sell well either.
melmackinnon says
What a shame that even HD refuses to acknowledge the history of dirt track racing in its homeland.Back when earning the #1 plate required riding all of the American disciplines everyone knew who was #1. Now nobody cares.When you could go to see bikes that looked like this race anywhere in North America at least once a week we begged for bikes like this. Want to know why they are selling around the world, its because flattracking is alive and well in Europe and Japan where all of the makers offer short track style street bikes. The street tracker niche builders grow larger every day but the factories have forgotten who brung em to the dance. Dissapointing!
Loomis says
If this is the same bike I read about last year, I think I know why it’s not being sold in the US.
It’s got a sportbike monoshock rear end, inverted forks, a buel-like motor, and very little chrome. Nothing on it is compatible with a sportster. Therefore, traditional sportster riders won’t recognize it and harley can’t sell you a boat-load of add-ons for it because they won’t fit on it.
GenWaylaid says
The price probably looks pretty good in Euros. Made with cheap American labor!
Ralphthe3rd says
Actually, Loomis’ post is incorrect, the bike has dual shocks- NOT monoshock, the engine block is still a rubbermount XL with only a few upgrades-such as the “E” cams and downdraft EFI from the Buell. Also, the frame IS VERY Much a Sportster with only a few mods such as the aluminum swingarm and different mounts for the seat and fuel tank/airbox. Now I’m not dis’ing the bike, but it isn’t as radically different as you might imagine, and the bike is still VERY HEAVY(over 500lbs!). But I’d Buy one if they sold it here. FYI- I currently own an ’07 883R which is of the same theme- but mild mannered in comparison.
Sportyrider says
I’m very disappointed that Harley choose to disregard its roots and not make this bike available to American riders. I have a 2006 883R which is currently undergoing the Storz modifications to come up with an XR1200 like bike. If Harley makes this bike available to the US, I’ll be first in line to place an order for one.