Harley-Davidson brings the XR-1200 stateside…will the U.S. sport market respond?
Ron Lieback
AllAboutBikes.com Staff Writer
At first glance, the reaction to the Harley-Davidson XR-1200 is likely "what is it?" It’s built like a naked sportbike while retaining that unique Sportster profile, but it’s not marketed as a sportbike, or a Sportster.
So what’s the deal? Harley took a design from a bike that won more dirt track championships than anyone, the XR-750, and transformed it into a sporty road bike. The European market loves their naked sport bikes, so it’s no wonder they got it first. But as more and more stateside dealerships and fans complained that they wanted the XR-1200, Harley decided to offer it in America. Now it’s up to sales to see if this was a good move.
The Motor Company beefed up the stock Sportster 1200cc Evolution engine by bumping the compression from 9.7 to 10.0:1 and adding the camshafts from the Buell XB12R Firebolt for additional lift and a longer duration. Never one to release horsepower figures, Harley says the bike has 74 ft-lbs of torque, which is five ft-lbs less than the stock Sportster. But power cravers don’t worry; horsepower is supposed to be much higher than the average Sportster.
The XR-1200 has inverted forks, a first ever for a production Harley (provided by Showa), and dual Nissin four-piston calipers on 292mm disks in front, with a single 260mm disk mounted on a two-piston caliper out rear. Harley also worked with Dunlop to produce a variant of their famed Qualifier tire, using a 120/70ZR18 front and a 180/55ZR17 rear, mounted on lightweight, cast aluminum alloy wheels.
The Vivid Black edition will go for $10,799, and the Mirage Orange Pearl will sell for $11,179. And as a tribute to the XR-750, the first 750 people to place a cash deposit on this bike will also receive a commemorative number one number plate.
So will the U.S. market respond? Reviews have been positive so far, although you shouldn’t expect to drag a knee at your favorite track (although Harley’s press materials showed some knee dragging!). But it’s something to attract the sport riders to the all-American company, especially during this economic malady. If customers respond, the XR-1200 may be the platform for future sport, or better yet, sporty Harleys.
