HD brings XR1200 Sportster to US

[camera56]

You saw it here first . .

Becuase I write a motorcycle blog (www.midliferider.com) I got an email from a colleague at Harley Davidson. Depending on when you read this, it's actually breaking news (and the photos are not on the HD website).

I wanted to let you in on the excitement at Harley-Davidson regarding the release of the XR1200 in the U.S.! Inspired by the legendary XR750, the XR1200 is the newest member of the Sportster family, and comes to the U.S. following its Europe-only release back in April.

As you may know, the XR750 was the most dominating American dirt track racing motorcycle of all-time, earning the Number One plate in an unprecedented 26 AMA flat track seasons. In fact, as a tribute to the XR750, there is a pre-sale of only 750 XR1200 models from 12/1 – 12/15.

This bike has gotten sensational reviews in the envious US press as well as "over there." After much bitching and moaning, it's coming home, though I imagine it will be a tall ask to actually park one in your garage.

 

[Bokerfork]

Gorgeous! Just freeking gorgeous!

 

[Bustanut joker]

An Overpriced under performing bike?? What all the buzz?

Guess I'll go buy a Hummer.

:jester:

 

[dcarver]

An Overpriced under performing bike?? What all the buzz?
Guess I'll go buy a Hummer.

:jester:

Bust - ride one and you'll understand. Yep, that's a dare..

 

[PapaUtah]

Probably the finest motorcycle from The Motor Company since the VRSC. Actually looks like something I could ride. Still saddled with the Sportster motor, but not a bad effort from the Beer Town Boys. Probably not the best time economically to launch it but if it's ready to go perhaps it will drag a few more souls into the vacant showrooms. On this I give The Motor Company one thumb up! The VRSC powerplant in there would have resulted in a big two thumbs up!

 

[dcarver]

Probably the finest motorcycle from The Motor Company since the VRSC. Actually looks like something I could ride. Still saddled with the Sportster motor, but not a bad effort from the Beer Town Boys. Probably not the best time economically to launch it but if it's ready to go perhaps it will drag a few more souls into the vacant showrooms. On this I give The Motor Company one thumb up! The VRSC powerplant in there would have resulted in a big two thumbs up!

Damn, this is the first thing I've EVER read from you positive about HD! Except of course how your HD stock is still good...

 

[snikr]

Finally a HD that I would really like to try out! Is the world coming to an end or something??

Tom

 

[wheatonFJR]

Probably the finest motorcycle from The Motor Company since the VRSC. Actually looks like something I could ride. Still saddled with the Sportster motor, but not a bad effort from the Beer Town Boys. Probably not the best time economically to launch it but if it's ready to go perhaps it will drag a few more souls into the vacant showrooms. On this I give The Motor Company one thumb up! The VRSC powerplant in there would have resulted in a big two thumbs up!

Damn, this is the first thing I've EVER read from you positive about HD! Except of course how your HD stock is still good...

Don,

I 'm surprized...John has always been completely objective...in his stock market and economic reports...

BTW, how is this different from a Buell...sincere question- fully showing my ignorance.

 

[kenporider]

Finally a HD that I would really like to try out! Is the world coming to an end or something??
Tom

According to the Mayan calendar you've still got a couple years.

 

[beemerdons]

https://www.xrdna.com/XR1200homepage/EN/ Good Morning and Happy Thanksgiving wheatonFJR, Since I am still active Harley Owners Group member and still a member of Chester's H-D HOG Chapter in Mesa, Arizona; I received a postcard on the XR1200 Monday.

That's why I'm buddies with Don Carver; he's also an H-D Big Twin Owner, also rides dual sports and a Cal-Poly SLO Guy!

Say, I'm going to be seeing your fraternal Wheaton, IL brother in a few hours time. Want me to jimmy kick him in the nuts?

 

[wheatonFJR]

https://www.xrdna.com/XR1200homepage/EN/ Good Morning and Happy Thanksgiving wheatonFJR, Since I am still active Harley Owners Group member and still a member of Chester's H-D HOG Chapter in Mesa, Arizona; I received a postcard on the XR1200 Monday.
That's why I'm buddies with Don Carver; he's also an H-D Big Twin Owner, also rides dual sports and a Cal-Poly SLO Guy!

Say, I'm going to be seeing your fraternal Wheaton, IL brother in a few hours time. Want me to jimmy kick him in the nuts?

That's the traditional Wheaton greeting...jes don't warn him first...keep that lil secret to ourselves.

Oh und Happy Thanksgiving to you as well Don, mein AZBeemer bruder.

 

[kurt]

BTW, how is this different from a Buell...sincere question- fully showing my ignorance.

Buell uses a similar engine, but very little is interchangable right down to the oil filter. From there nothing is even close. Buell uses an aluminum frame that acts as a fuel tank, Harley uses a tubualar steel frame and a separate fuel tank, Buell uses a swing arm that acts as an oil tank as well. Harley uses a square frame swing arm and a separate oil tank. Buell uses a perimeter front brake rotor, Harley, a standard disc rotor configuration. There are more, but you get the idea.

 

[wheatonFJR]

-dbl post-

 

[wheatonFJR]

BTW, how is this different from a Buell...sincere question- fully showing my ignorance.

Buell uses a similar engine, but very little is interchangable right down to the oil filter. From there nothing is even close. Buell uses an aluminum frame that acts as a fuel tank, Harley uses a tubualar steel frame and a separate fuel tank, Buell uses a swing arm that acts as an oil tank as well. Harley uses a square frame swing arm and a separate oil tank. Buell uses a perimeter front brake rotor, Harley, a standard disc rotor configuration. There are more, but you get the idea.

And what do these mean to the bike over all? I get the sense that the Buell is a nekkid street fighting machine and the XR wants to be. Obviously ignorant on the subject, but does the buell geometry differ alot? Is the Buell a good handling bike?

 

[lnewlf]

In '89, with cash burning a hole in my pocket, I test rode a 1200 sportster at Lake George Americade. Then I went next door to Yamaha and rode a FJ 1200. That was easy. Same today. Sportster is pretty tho.

 

[airboss]

Finally a HD that I would really like to try out! Is the world coming to an end or something??
Tom

According to the Mayan calendar you've still got a couple years.

Well, it's not the end of days.........................but overcoats in hell are selling out fast.

I like it. finally something from the Motor Company.

 

[kurt]

BTW, how is this different from a Buell...sincere question- fully showing my ignorance.

Buell uses a similar engine, but very little is interchangable right down to the oil filter. From there nothing is even close. Buell uses an aluminum frame that acts as a fuel tank, Harley uses a tubualar steel frame and a separate fuel tank, Buell uses a swing arm that acts as an oil tank as well. Harley uses a square frame swing arm and a separate oil tank. Buell uses a perimeter front brake rotor, Harley, a standard disc rotor configuration. There are more, but you get the idea.

And what do these mean to the bike over all? I get the sense that the Buell is a nekkid street fighting machine and the XR wants to be. Obviously ignorant on the subject, but does the buell geometry differ alot? Is the Buell a good handling bike?

The Buell has a much shorter, therefore quicker steering chassis. Your streetfighter label is pretty accurate.

 

[artistic rider]

I like. Hmmmm......I have to figure which one would have to go, the Ural, the Yamaha, or the wife. All 3 can't exist at my house and there be peace.

But at $11,179 and only 750 to sell thats makes my decision a little easier. :angry:

 

[MotorToad]

Yeah, I don't get selling 750 of them. The first Harley I'd consider buying (though not realistically to be honest) since they raced on banked 2X4s, and they're shorting us. The people have pretty much spoken on their want of the bike and I don't think 750 of them is going to meet demand, even with the flat economy. "Thanks for telling us you want it, we're going to sell it in the States, but you're probably not going to be able to get one anyway." :angry: