The Kneeslider

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New Harley Davidson XR1200

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Harley Davidson XR1200

Harley Davidson held a press conference at Intermot over in Cologne, Germany and showed their new XR1200 Sportster. The boys over at Raptors and Rockets linked to some pics which show a very flat track style Sporty with enough ground clearance to lean over quite a ways without dragging and grinding anything. According to HD, it has downdraft fuel injection, electronically controlled active air intake system and produces about 85 to 90 horsepower with 75 foot pounds of torque.

With all of the references we’ve been making to flat track style motorcycles like the Storz XR1200 and the Street Tracker, you might think HD agrees it’s a good idea. Now if you take this one step further and add that rumored liquid cooled twin, you’ve really got something! Should be a good base to work from no matter what. I wonder if Harley has any competitive ideas for this?

No info yet on exactly when this will be available.

Thanks Brian, for the tip!

UPDATE: “Developed with the emphasis on performance handling and sporting style for European roads” … From the French website. For European roads?!!!

And this: “Ergonomics designed around average height European customer.”

Harley, say it ain’t so! So what exactly are American riders looking for? Is this what HD thinks of the riders here in the U.S.? What are they thinking?

More photos below:

Photos: Harley Davidson France

Link: Harley Davidson France

Original Link: Raptors and Rockets

Related: Storz XR1200 Conversion   Street Tracker   Liquid Cooled Sportster

Harley Davidson XR1200t

Harley Davidson XR1200

Harley Davidson XR1200

Comments

  1. Finally, HD puts “sport” into Sportster. That is absolutely beautiful, with proper suspension, proper wheels, and apropriate bodywork. And those exhausts!

  2. Wow, Harley-Davidson is coming out with a bike I actually like! I bet that would even be fun to ride.

  3. Really fantastic.

    It always drives me nuts when I hear Sportsters referred to as a “girl’s bike” (offensive both to women and Sportsters), but it is even more annoying tha HD has treated the Sportster as an entry level bike, rather than emphasizing what the bike has to offer over the heavier bikes they build.

    It looks like a Sportster that is proud to be a Sportster!

  4. yep, I like many think it looks interesting and fun to ride. Question is, how many people in the USA will want to pony up ‘Harley’ money for that. I would imagine asking would be $9k+. Probably $9500. I know I wouldn’t, but then, I’m a cheap bastard. HD USA site has NO mention whatsover of this bike, but all the HD euro sites do. Go to http://www.harley-davidson.com and try looking at the France site. They have a nice splash page for this bike along with a customer survey……

  5. Jeff brings up an excellent point, yes, the French site has full details of this prototype plus a full gallery of pictures. Perhaps that’s Harley’s way of saying for Europe only which would be a real shame and a huge disappointment, after all, HD is an American company and that is flat track styling, right?

    I would be interested in what the corporate Harley guys have to say about this. I know they visit The Kneeslider, they just never say anything.

    I’ve updated the post above with photos from the French HD site.

  6. Go Victory !

    ha! just checking the state of everyone’s sense of humor.

    Now, what about another American-made superbike contender ?

  7. it would have to cost a bit less than a Buell if it’s still going to be slower and much simpler. I think sportsters start around $6k or so right?

    regardless of the type of rider that visits the kneeslider, USA is full of big heavy fat cruisers and very few sport bikes. If there’s one thing that HD is good at it’s marketing. I think they know what they are doing even though I don’t always like the results. This sportster is one step closer to one I would buy.
    -todd

  8. Todd, I agree they know marketing and research their demographics very well but sometimes I think they get dangerously close to outsmarting themselves. Some guy with a calculator and a focus group decides it’s perfect for Europe because “everyone knows” it wouldn’t sell here.

    On the other hand, it may have more to do with HD not wanting to upset the mystique of the House of Harley where everyone wears the requisite Harley clothing and rides their Softail with that certain image in mind, the rugged outsider or whatever. A Sportster in the flat track style where the emphasis is on actual performance breaks the spell. You might want to go a little faster and (be still my heart!) get your knee down in a corner.

    When your whole brand and sales strategy is based on an image, it may be successful, in fact it HAS to be successful, otherwise customers might want some variety in your offerings. Once you acknowledge other customer groups with a tailored product, like those looking for a nimble and responsive Sportster, who knows what they’ll want next. That image may not be as strong in Europe so they can try other models like this prototype and get away with it but in the U.S. they hesitate.

  9. So, Harley makes a bike that I actually like, I’ve always wanted a flat/street tracker and the HD has been the best one at it. So, I finally see one I’d like, and not have to buy a bike, then an overpriced kit and what do they do. The stick to their narrow minded ways and keep it overseas. The one style of race bike that they are capbable of making and winning with here in the states, and we don’t get a piece of the action. Thanks HD for not caring about those of us that like real performance. The bird to you to!

  10. Great looking bike but where is the Revolution engine? I really like the bike but I wouldn’t buy any bike with an overgrown lawn mower engine. Come on Harley…. Give us the good stuff. We know you have it.

  11. i’ll be honest – i’m really unfamiliar with HD. let alone any specific model. but how much do you think one of these things weighs? i’m guessing a little more than a CCM or a KTM supermoto. or hell, even an Aprilia SXV. all of which offer a pretty similar riding experience – without the extra heft, price, and image (stigma?) of a Harley. sorry. i like tiny fast bikes – maybe i’m just out of my element here. . .

  12. those wheels look very mid-eighties japanese to me – I think my old 1985 gsxr had ones just like that!

  13. I think this Sporty would sell here in the states, but I thought the same thing about the Street Rod. I think that V-stromer is right, H-D needs to build this bike with a revolution engine. Sorry Gerhard, those exhaust pipes have got to go!! Maybe a nice 2 into 1 Supertrapp that is tucked in a little more.

  14. Check out the open air space between the top of the rear tire and the fender/seat cowling. This must be a first for H-D. I thought their design rule was that you should not see space between the two…

  16. “Is this what HD thinks of the riders here in the U.S.? What are they thinking?”

    They’re thinking that their US customers want loud, heavy bikes with low seats and lots of chrome, bikes that handle fairly well on straight roads as their owners drift from bar to bar at less than 60mph, bikes with low seats that let you put both feet down for those difficult parking maneuvers.

    This bike is HD’s attempt to make something closer to a real motorcycle that people in the rest of the world might buy, something their US groupies won’t like– just like they can’t stand the vrod because it doesn’t fit *their* image of a “real motorcycle” (i.e. a 40’s tractor plus barcolounger combo with lots of shiny chrome).

  17. Build it and sell it here in the USA , Harley you listening I buy one tomorrow i love the style, don’t change a thing.

  18. There are many complicated reasons why large corporations only take calculated risks. Why won’t Yamaha bring the MT bikes to the U.S.?? Pick up a few European rags, you’ll see tons of manufactured bikes we can’t get here.

    Bottomline, nobody sells more motorcycles in the States than Harley. They sell nostalgia and people buy it. It ain’t broke yet so why would they fix it? They’ve been profitable for…( I did a Google for Harley’s profitability, which interestingly enough came up in a 2005 article about Confederate Motorcycles: http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/97/design.html).

    Anyway, Harley Davidson is a public company with lots of shareholders. ‘Tooling up’ to make a production run of bikes that don’t sell, would be disasterous. I seriously doubt they would ever be able to sell more than 10,000 of those XR1200’s per year in the U.S., so why bother? Buell’s numbers are right around there, but that XR1200 ain’t no Buell.

    I do like the asymetrical insruments, Harley, and the blacked-out inverted front end. When you switch to the water-cooler, please don’t put any simulated cooling fins on the motor. Let the motor look the way it needs to look to imbue its function.

  19. I understand the “don’t fix what ain’t broke” idea and maybe they’re right to go slow on this. They’re making money, so, it ain’t broke.

    The “tooling up” cost couldn’t be all that large for this Sportster, though, we’re not talking new dies for stamping automotive sheetmetal, this is a modified Sportster, something they already make in huge numbers. Many of the parts are purchased elsewhere, forks, etc., so I have a hunch we’re back to the previous point of nostalgia and image where this may not fit as well.

    Overall, it’s an interesting study of how Harley Davidson markets their product.

  20. I kinda like it, was a big fan of the original 1983 XR1000. This one could use similar treatment in my book though….left side exhaust, dual carbs (well, throttle bodies). If you’ve never seen one, look up a pic as they are cool.
    I think it’s high time they built something like this, I have sidestepped a bit recently and bought a Brit bike that handles like a dream because I was unhappy with what they were offering. I stioll have the HD, but unless they continue to improve with items like this (and improve customer relations, the dealers can be real jerks)…….they won’t be getting any more of my $$.

  21. Case, when is the best time to introduce new models (production and/or prototypes)… when a company is making money or when they are not?

    One item that detracts any interest in HD is the seemingly lack of a design branch tasked with introducing prototypes to the public on a semi-regular basis.

    If HD would introduce project prototypes* once and awhile maybe their “faithful” wouldn’t be so ignorant & paranoid….

    [I cannot believe the negative response many HD customers gave the V-Rod. These guys were acting brainless. The criticism it received was as though HD replaced an existing model with the V-rod.]

    *prototype models that should be stoking the fire of new & existing HD buyers —

    1. a true, competitive Sport Tourer with the Revolution engine that rivals BMW, Triumph, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Honda. Get Buell involved and do a co-branding if the “faithful” can’t handle it (pun intended – play off of the Buell’s handling)

    also, tap into the accessories – hard bags, apparel, etc.

    2. a CVO unit for the Buell Division – let your imagination run here. Are there more custom Ducati Monsters than Buells?

    How about a big twin option? bored-out Thunderstorm option? carbon wheels?

    Hopped up, super light, single? Not a Blast either.

    3. sportsbike – of all the motorcycle companies in the US with the capital to produce a competitive superbike, HD would be a good guess to pull this off successfully. HD, don’t under estimate the market of an American-made superbike that is priced competitively.

    An in-depth follow through on why the Superbike project was scrapped would be interesting. I remember reading about a young engineer manager brought in to jump start the project, then, shortly thereafter I read HD pulled the entire project and gave us the VRod. What?

    I personally like the Buells, especially the refined ’07 line-up, but that doesn’t make me stop wanting an American-made superbike.

    4. true entry-level beginner bike. Look at the style of the V-Thunder or Hyosung cruisers.

    5. a 20’s era run-about. Something the aging baby boom rider could tool around on, confidentally in style. Slow enough to avoid your own trouble, fast enough to get out of trouble.

  22. I don’t get the comments about the Sportster not being a performance bike. That comment always tells me the person saying it doesn’t have one, or is trying to compare apples to oranges.

    A 1200 Sportster relieved of the E.P.A. mandated breathing stranglehold will get along nicely. It still isn’t a Rice Rocket, but will go fast enough to kill you if you don’t respect the bike you’re riding on.

    U.S.A. riders will buy the XR1200 given the chance. Storz wouldn’t have a business otherwise. Harley’s mistake will be selling to Europe only; right up there with installing lousy shocks and fork springs on their Sportsters. Wake up Harley! We all know that Progressive Springs are $75 a pair and you can buy them in bulk for a lot less so why keep installing the crappy fork springs?

    Why is Harley Davidson so slow with Technology Changes? The customer will always appreciate getting their money’s worth, and if they are paying a lot to begin with, then put some decent parts on the damn bike!

  23. Funny how I’ve read several times that Harley-Davidson’s demographic is getting older and older, yet now that they’ve designed a bike that still has the Harley look but might actually appeal to younger buyers, they’re only going to sell it in Europe. Seems a bit shortsighted to me.

  24. My ’04 1200R weighs in at a porky 597# with maybe 65hp. I have modified her suspension, wheels and tires to give her far better handling than stock ($$$$). This bike looks very interesting but unless it LOSES 100#s or so bumping the motor to 85-90hp isn’t going to help all that much: Sporty’s are simply way to heavy….aahh, good ol road hugginn wt., shades of Buick Bloatmasters!

    OTOH it is the only thing I’ve seen from H-D that MIGHT make me want to trade my 1200R, unlike my previous 3 Sportys and Road King. OTOH my ’06 FJR is “safe”…LOL! DFO

  25. I like the above bike, but like many people have mentioned, why is HD cutting corners on the parts that really make a difference, like suspension and wheels?

    Oh! that’s right — A c c e s s o r i zzzzzzzze

    I also wanted to follow-up on my earlier comment about custom Buells…

    it seems Buell has a nice catalog in place. Check out their new site. The Firebolt is an extremely cool motorcycle. How many hardcore sportbikes offer a factory catalog as extensive as Buell?

    http://www.buell.com/selector.asp

  26. I’d buy it. But, I am an original owner of a 1977 XLCR1000 Cafe Racer. Both the public and press raved wildly over the CR1000, while they languished on showroom floors. H-D tried it again with the XR1000. Everyone loved the bike but few wanted to actually buy one. While neither of those machines were “superbikes”, for their time, they could hold their own against many “performance” machines on the road and possessed very unique styling. H-D has learned to be very cautious. Just because it’s cool looking or offers trick components and garners public support, does NOT mean it will sell. The mainstream H-D owner to date, has not been a skilled rider for whom sharp handling or even serious power, is a value added point. It really has been mostly about profiling in style. If they bring it out, it will once again be an expensive litmus test to see if their owner profiles are changing with the times.

  27. Another ugly mishmash design for the aesthetically challenged. Somebody at H-D finally saw a Ducati Monster and googled sales figures.

  28. Someone mentioned earlier that if Harley were to sell the XR1200 that it might be $9000 to $9500. This estimate is way low. It will probably be closer to a Dyna’s price ($14,000) and then almost nobody but the most die-hard flat-track fan will want to buy it. Do you really think that Harley is going to give all those nice performance pieces to you for free? Not hardly. They sold the solid-mounted 883R (orange and black!) a few years ago and it looks the part. It would be the best place to start if you want to build a flat-tracker for the street. The 883R begins by weighing 50# less than the current rubber-mounted Sportsters and can be hot-rodded by most competent shade-tree mechanics to put out a lot more HP and torque. I own an 883 that I had bored out ( I did all the assembly work) to a 1200 and installed a set of Andrews cams, S/E igniton, Supertrapp exhaust, K+N filter. This bike weighs 500# and makes 70 ft-lbs of torque. It has no problem lofting the front wheel and absolutely rockets away form a dead stop. Total cost for build: $1000.
    True, it’s a shame that HD will not even OFFER the XR1200 in the states. It’s a complete slap in the face when you find out that an American Flat-Track style bike has been offered to the Euros and specifically to the French! I’m writing HD with my thoughts. In the mean time, I will be tinkering with my 883/1200 and having a ball! (P.S. — I wouldn’t pay $14,000 dollars for something you can build better yourself!)

  29. Congrats to H-D, they’ve done it again! It’s a great looking bike, I want one with those cool black pipes. If they keep it under ten grand and offer it in the USA (I’m sure they soon will). I should have bought more HOG stock(it reached an all-time high Yesterday of 66.70. They must be doing something right! Right?

  30. I’m with Jimbob on the price point and it is definitely a huge slap in the face to not offer it to us or even ask our opinion on it. They don’t even put it on the U.S. website. I think they make way too many “couch” bikes that people use for posing while they’re riding because they want to look “bad ass”. My dad used to have a Fat-Boy, but he got rid of it because he had more fun riding motocross on the weekends at 51 years-old than posing. I think they have totally flooded the market. Have you ever tried to sell a Harley privately… almost impossible. Your best bet is to take it to a dealer, but you won’t get much. Sorry a little OT there. The point is, they make so many of these “specials” why can’t they make this one. They have an Anniversary Model every 5 damn years. And all those $30,000 CVO bikes sit in the showrooms anyway. That said, if they bring the bike here i will most likely buy one.

  31. I love the bike and would buy one NOW! My previous bikes have been a CB1100F and a naked Bandit. The XR1200 is right up my alley.

    H-D may give in to all their ‘couch’ buyers and NOT sell this in the US though. To me that would be a big mistake. You can say that it looks 80’s and Japanese, but I prefer to think of it as the first USA Superbike. Anyhow the 80’s are nostalgia now – so make it!

    One way to get around that would be to sell it as a Buell and not offend their main USA market. IF they do that, I think they should keep it looking JUST like it does. I love the XR1200 and have been calling H-D almost daily to tell them so.

    I fear the price will be around $12k, I hope it sells lower than that but I would still buy it. I have always wanted to buy a H-D, but quite honestly this is the first one to motivate me to do so.

  32. I own a XR1000. I was starting to hot rod it when I got sick with what was eventually found to be Agent Orange stuff.
    I can’t hot rod it now and riding is limited because it is so collectible. Bike shows are it.
    I want to buy a XL883R and put Brembo’s and WP shocks and upside down forks on it. Engine stuff later. Clip-on’s and rear sets. I want a sort of early seventies cafe racer bike.
    This XR1200R looks like a dream come true.

  33. check out yamaha’s new MT-01 V-Twin torque monster, that is where my money is going !!!!!!! NOW that is a Power House On Roids, Harley can learn something here, if they would only open there eyes!

  34. This bike looks great!!! It is amazing that Harley is just now realizing that not every one wants a bulky,slow cruzer, that in fact a bike like this might just be the ticket to attract the performance minded!!!! It may-be too little too late though, because while Harley was in a sleepy coma,,, every other bike maker in the world has come out with some really cool Sport Standards that flat-out perform!!!!!!! So,,, HARLEY, I hope this thing has over a 100 HP, and is under 450LBS.,, other wise, its just another LAWN Mower on wheels !!!!!!!

  35. This is a huge step in the Right Direction for the boys at Harleyville, this bike will bridge the gap between the Buell family and those porker crusiers, good job Harley ! But what don’t make sence, is that you only want to sell it in Europe;;; Wake UP ! and smell the high octane, people want performance !!!!!! And we demand it now !!!! This bike could be the best thing that happened for your company in a long time, don’t drop the ball on this one. If you don’t produce this bike and release it in the U.S.,, you will have LOST alot of future customers. You squirt orange paint on your 50hp sportsters and call them “High Performance” get real, This XR1200 will move like free Hot cakes!!! put a Buell or V rod motor in this and you will sell even more!!! This could be the gate-way into the modern world of motorcycles, I know this is a big step for all of you in porker land, but how many more years can you sell the same OLD, out dated, idea ? The time for change is NOWWWWW!

  36. I agree with Duane Wood about the mainstream H-D owner not wanting a lot of sharp handling and serious power but instead more interested in style.

    I think Ian addressed the price point well.

    For H-D to “successfully” introduce this bike to the states there are a couple of things H-D should know.

    There is a large street performance oriented crowd out there. More so now than there was in the early 70s. The performance crowd doesn’t want to purchase performance as an extra as the current H-D owner is happy purchasing style as an extra. The bike should come with sticky brakes, lots of torque, nice suspension, etc. from the factory if it is to work in the states.

    H-D also should address the fact that a lot of “performance oriented” riders have been alienated, for years, by H-D only clubs, H-D only events, and a general attitude from a lot of H-D owners that anyone not buying a H-D is second class. Even if H-D offered a performance bike at a decent price some of these riders may not consider it due to being alienated by the H-D faithful.

  37. Build it and they will come…

    I haven’t owned a bike in 12 years. If H-D offers the XR1200 here in the states, the nearest dealer will have my deposit within hours of the announcement.

  38. I started looking at bikes again after 11 years of not riding and stumbled on the XR1200 last week. Before that I had decided that I would get a Ducati Monster. I saw the XR and said WOW. It is just a quarter fairing and siamesed pipes away from an XLCR. I always wanted to get a HD sportbike, and not one made by Buell. I hope that they do decide to sell it in the US. I’m thinking that it will be priced around $11000. I hope that it will be less. As far as the French thing, you can get the info from any HD Europe site.

  39. It’s about time. I would by this bike if they sold it here. They can keep the rest of their bikes for people who worry about image. What happened to riding for the pure joy of it.

  40. Harley is about 35 years behind on design and performance, you can keep your bike. it is a waste of time and money !!! an air cooled push rod motor needs to say on the farm !!! IT is NOT HIGH PERFORMANCE, it is just another marketing ploy,,, when will Harley enter the relm of Modern bikes and the power that goes with it??? my guess is never!!

  41. This thing is ridiculous to me, it is hardly a performance bike, and the style is lame compared to the 83 XR-1000. And a fella who wrenches, I’d like to know where the ignition timing cover is?

  42. after 38 years and more bikes then I can remember I finally gave in to an ’06 xr 1200r I really love the torque but the HP flat sucks! The suspension on this bike is worse then a 305 honda superhawk! Now they build a bike that I really would enjoy and they want to give it to the euros only? give us a break get rid of the supposedly “sporty”1200 sportster and put this in the line up. that would please everyone. Just my 2 cents

  43. Glad to see that H-D is doing some thing for us Sportster guys. I also heard that it is OIL COOLED. This is great news as it should run like the wind. With the electronics this thing will be ready to ride everytime you take it out of the garage and not have to wrench on it. A Sportster dream come ture for us in the USA. Thanks H-D

  44. Now that has got to be the saddest bike iv’e ever seen.. is this actually supposed to compete with other bikes in the same buyer range? What about brakes, suspension.. handling? Geeez… HD has never made a bike even close to being a sportsbike.. and this, just puts the last nail in the coffin.

    Don’t quit your day jobs mr Harley and Davidson…

  46. I loved the first XLCR even before I was aware of Willie G’s influence and designs. I grew up reading Enthusiast because my dad worked at the engine plant. I fantasized many times what I would have to do if I bought a Harley to make it the bike that I wanted. I’d need seriousl power. I’d want dual carb front to back flow heads like the race bikes, seriously flowed heads, extreme cams, offset crankpins for a 90 degree firing order, loose ALL excess weight, low bars, rearset foot controls, Brembos….
    Guess that I’ll have to wait for that lottery ticket to pan out. Or look up the local Ducati dealer.
    oldgrayfart

  47. If you paint this thing green and put a blade on it, I just might sell my old John Deere and try this thing. Because it don’t look like it can do much else

  48. This is a cool looking bike I would go for it in a pinch. As for pushrod motor being an older design I agree, but being lawnmower or belonging to a farm ?
    I have an ’03 XL200S and with a little massaging it’s getting 103hp and 94flb at the rear wheel, it’s a damn fun bike to ride and pretty unique too, show me a modern design with that much torque and personality ( it just feels alive ) and we’ll compare. Granted the mods on my bike costs money and the bike isn’t cheap to start with, but in this case remember that the advanced numbers are for EPA legal bike, paying the ‘Harley taxes ‘ ie freeing the exhaust air filter and jetting mapping you’ll get a typical 20 purcent more power, which means that for only a couple more bucks you get very nice performance here …

    Cheers !

  50. Harley needs to put the V-rod motor in this new XR, that is the kind of performance I am looking for !!!!!!!!! Remember the v-rod motor was made and designed in Germany, and was out-sorced by Harley because that is the only way they can get a motor that will actually perform like it should. There is no place for a push rod, air cooled, vibrating motor, in todays world !!!! I can’t understand why people waste their money on crap like that.

  51. Being a euro myself I like it. I’m certain they’ll sell it in the States, if it makes it into production. I agree it’s a pity it doesn’t have the Revolution motor, but if having the pushrod means it’s substantially cheaper than a V-rod then so be it. My perception is it’s definitely styled for the euro market – and rightly so if they want to sell it here. It’s not so easy to get your bike tuned to the extent you can in the states in euroland. Sure, you can buy H-D aftermarket bits and get the dealer to fit ’em. But boring out an 883? Specialist work, uneconomically expensive against buying a 1200 in the first place here. I was interested in the comment that someone made saying selling a preowned HD would get you a low return. It’s quite a different state of play here – Harleys hold their value better even than BMWs. I’d say that’s why a lot of euro bikers will be attracted by the Showas and Nissins – a Harley that can be ridden right outta the showroom. Harleys are 99% of the time fair weather machines here. I know one Sportster 1200 rider keeps hers in a dehumidified shed! My K75S I pour water over once a month and it’s clean. I’d be forever cleaning a shiny Harley – which is why the mostly-black XR running gear will be popular too.
    Have a good one, fellas.

  52. Alot of guys like myself grew up on dirtbikes, its something you never get over, even if you havnt been in the dirt for many years. This is the first Harley that I would definitly buy–WHY? because its the only Harley that has the foot pegs in the right place. Riding A motorcycle in New York requires that you stand on the pegs when the road turns into the equivilent of a motocross track. Try that on on a Harley with a riding position better suited to giving birth. Really riding and enjoying whatever the road throws at you inviolves more than just sitting on the bike like a passive lump. The styling looks great, the F.I. is great, the wheels are a little off the mark though, maybe they do look too 80s gixerish, WHEEL OPTIONS PLEASE! I would add this to my stable of three Jap standards tomorrow.

  53. I WANT to buy a Harley, i love the sound and torque of thier V-twins. But Harleys just arent “ME” – Lazy American straight line boulevard cruisers that cant turn. I like to turn. THIS Harley is “ME”. I will buy this bike if it goes for sale in America.

  54. This bike (XR1200R) rocks !!! Lets see….Moto Guzzi, Triumph Bonneville/Truxton, some BMW’s, many japanese bikes….still air cooled. Water cooling is not needed in every application and the simplicity of an air cooled motor speaks for itself. Harley has not made any big marketing mistakes as of late so we’ll have to trust them on this one. H-D if your listening bring it stateside in limited numbers and see what happens. The V- Rod was a big step for such a conservative company but after five years its selling in decent numbers, 10,000 a year I believe. There is a racing heritage that surrounds the “XR” and many remember Mert Lawlill, Jay Springsteen, etc, feet up at over 100 mph sideways in the corners at dirt tracks all over the U.S. I hope to see this bike stateside in the future and would sell one of my FXR’s to buy one.

  57. This Looks like a decent bike that I would like to purchase, But The problem is I am ready to buy a bike NOWWWWWWW!!!!! Not a year from now, so make up your sleepy minds if you are gonna build this thing and let the public Know, because I am not waiting much longer, I might have to go JAP….. Bonziii

  59. I had cash in my hand ready to buy one of these things,,,, buttttt,,,, it is too late because I just bought a new bike from my local Jap dealer !!! summer is wastin away, and im not gonna wait for the retards at Harley to make up there minds

  60. It disgusts me to see this bike being produced as a Euro-only product. This is the bike I dream of owning. Why doesn’t Harley see that there is a market for this type of bike here? People are already dropping thousands into their Sportster to get this look. I’d pay $12000+ for this ride immediately upon its release. Let’s just hope Harley wants to sort it out in the Euro market first then bring it over in 2009. Until then I I’m gonna stick with Ducati.

  61. Hiya All!
    I’ve been wanting to build a Harley flattracker for years, to me the XR 750 is one of the best looking bikes ever built. But over here in England, XR 750 motors are as rare as hens teeth. So I couldn’t believe it when I saw the posters for the new XR 1200 in our local Harley dealer. A few weeks later, Harleyworld, Chesterfield, had what i’m lead to believe was the only XR 1200 prototype, in the country, in their shop. I went and had a look, and listen, (no test rides allowed unfortunately!), and sat on it in the car park. I was sold! I put my £100 deposit down and wait in anticipation, for next spring when it’s due to arrive. The price has been capped at £7900. Considering the crappy weather we’ve had this year, waiting until next year isn’t such a pain. I’ve already made space in my garage for it, right next to my Heritage. It does sound different to any Harley I’ve heard though, maybe it’s the fuel injection, or the restrictive exhausts ( which will have to go!), but it sounds more like an enduro bike, and riding (well sitting!) position reminded me so much of the old Kawi Z 900’s.
    I can’t believe I’ve heard it’s not gonna be release in America. The home of Flattrack racing! It sounds stupid to me, and i’m sure they’d sell thousands. I’d be suprised if there wasn’t a national XR1200 race series, similar to the 883 series too.
    Cheers
    Ricky~~~~~~>

  63. Harley should release a red white and blue special edition to commemorate the passing of Evil Kenevil with a big #1 on it’s side…

  64. I have been watching this website ever since I found out about the XR. I sold my 1200 custom a few years ago but missed having a bike. Not enough performance. I will buy this bike if it is sold here in the U.S. I want a sport bike with the heritage of the XR. It does not have to be the fastest or best handling, just get a little closer to a sport bike. My local HD dealer said the bike might be sold here afterall. Any one know anything. I think it will bring in more customers to HD. I dont want a bike from overseas and I like the HD history. This is the only bike I would buy now. Like the Evil Kenevil idea…….

  65. Yeah, I think the blog accidently added a “1” to the front of the price. Sportsters go for less than US$7,000. The most expensive Sportster you can buy is still less than $10,000.

    -todd

  66. I’ve been telling myself for years that I’d buy a Harley, if only they’d produce a European sytled streetbike. Well this one’s done it for me and the Suzuki SV1000 will have to go. The UK price has been announced at £7655 which is $15,680 at todays rate.

    http://www.xrdna.com

  68. I live in Germany and currently I ride a HD Night Rod Special (’08).
    Problem with this comparatively long and bulky bike are the narrow, twisty German country roads and narrow city streets.

    Especially here in Europe a short wheelbase and compact design do make a lot of sense.
    I love my NRS very much, but I like the concept of the XR1200, too.

  69. I like the new 1200 R sportser R. I want this. … depuis tout petit je rève de ce modèle. Ils ont enfin oser créer la moto sortie de piste exprés pour les routes d’europe. Bravo et merci Harley Motor Cycle.

  70. I’ve been waiting for this bike to be built since I was a kid. Saw Bad Bart put on a clinic at Heidelberg, PA after the flagman threw the green flag while Markel rolled out of the back of the starting grid the opposite direction after firing his HD. Turned around to see the field already going through 1&2. Spun the bike around and stood it straight up at the rail lap after lap until he passed the entire field. All they have to do is name the price. Are you listening HD ?

  71. It’s a nice concept, but more retro-racer than flat track replica. I don’t understand the flat tracker marketing. The S1 Buells of 1996-’98 vintage come closer to a flat tracker in looks, geometry, dimensions, ergonomics, and will still outperform this Harley in all respects. I guess if it has to be a Harley it’s the one.

  72. Harley is going to release this to the USA market in January 09. Target price might be close to $12K

  73. The European only HD model has really grabbed everybody’s attention on both sides of the pond. I think that was the strategy HD was using simply to generate a massive amount of interest in their product. It will probably be sold in the USA soon HD is teasing its potential American buyers…anticipation like Carly Simon sang about.

  74. Just to update anyone who is still listening to this post: The HD XR1200 will in fact be sold in the US. I went over to the local HD dealership where I found they had reserved one for themselves in the color I liked the most: HD Orange (this color is extra). I gave them a deposit that puts my name on the title and the remainder of the $12,500 will be handed to them at the end of February 2009 when the bike arrives.

    $12,500 seems a little high for a bike that isn’t as blazing fast without looking at my personal tastes. I owned a 1999 Kawasaki Ninja ZX9-R for 3 years and later a 2002 Honda Magna VF750 for 5 years. The Ninja’s power kept getting me into trouble and I could not seem to keep it blow the speed limit. After changing to the Magna, I always wished it could take corners faster and had a better suspension (the bad suspension eventually cause the bike to be destroyed when it lost control and went under a hard braking condition). Also, since I am in the USA, I have always wanted a Harley, and the quality and craftsmanship in their motorcycles over the past 20 years appears to be 2nd to none. I would have perferred to see a newer engine on the XR1200. A buddy has a Softtail with the 88-inch CVO engine, and he said it has a 100,000 mile warranty. That seems unrealistic, but certainly says Harley knows that engine is built well. The monster transmission on the CVO engine would prevent leaning into corners, though. I wonder how the V-Rod engine would fit on there? I don’t like the look of that bike, but I do think the engine is a great performer.

    For me, the XR1200 just fits what I need. I’d like to see Harley discontinue this bike so that I’ve got the only one around. Since I bought it, though, the bike is likey to be modified and turn into a serious bike for the money – and I’ll be stuck with the first version that lacks in every way. That’s just my luck. {sigh!}

  75. I owned a sportster back years ago when I go back into riding. I had a guy call it “half a Harley”. It was a nice ride, but I soon went to a Heritage Softail, then a Road King. Now have a Heritage softail springer and it is my favorite of all Harleys. This bike will fit a specific segment of the motorcycle market and if I was into this type bike, I would ride this over a Japanese bike for sure.

  76. I just bought mine for $11,000. I’ve put about 200 miles on canyone road. This is the most fun I’ve ever had on 2 wheels, and I’ve ridden a lot of different bikes in the last 28 years. For all you haters, great, you’re right, the bike sucks, don’t get one. For all you real riders, get one, you will love it.

  77. Sorry Mike, I tend to disagree with you. Don’t get one of these bikes if you expect it to perform in any way (unless you compare it to another Harley). I ordered one and 300 miles later I got rid of it. I don’t know how it got such rave reviews in magazines. I will not say it was a bad bike, just not as good as the Harley dealer and some magazines proclaimed. The suspension is squishy under hard braking and cornering, hard over potholes and is not adjustable except the spring preload in the dated rear outboard shocks. The footpegs are uncomfortable, being mounted to the engine cases, they make your legs bow outward to clear the wide engine and gave me leg cramps. For something making 20 more horsepower and more torque than an SV650, I expected it to be alot faster in a straight line and in the corners, but to my dismay the SV was right on my heels. Around town it was a pretty good bike, except the catalytic converter (which is right under your foot) makes your right foot pretty warm and the engine radiates ALOT of heat when sitting in traffic. Also there is no helmet lock and the fuel cap doesn’t have a lock on it for some reason. You may read this and say I don’t know what I’m talking about and that I’m wrong, but look at how many of these are already being sold used on ebay and cycle trader with less than 300 miles on them. I’m not the only one that thinks the XR1200 is over-rated and was let down by the motor company. To clarify, I do not hate Harleys; I had an 1999 883C Sportster and really liked that bike, I personally liked the 883C over the XR1200 because it was just a better day to day machine, wasn’t made up by the media to carve corners like a comparable Jap bike. I know the XR1200 isn’t a competitor to the 2008 Honda CBR1000RR I just bought, but I paid less and got more bike in my opinion. Just my 2 cents.

  78. A Harley that has sparked my intrest (yes) but for what will most likley be to high of a price tag.
    This bike for what it really dose not offer, should not be any more than about 8,500
    If it is it’s just for the name.