XR1200 Prototype

2007/8 Harley-Davidson XR1200:
updated 10.10.06

I'm going to do this as bullet points more than a wordy piece, because time is tight but it is important that this gets out as early as possible, to get the best possible chance of early positive feedback to Harley-Davidson - always assuming it is going to be positive, that is.

What you are looking at is a reworked Sportster generating between 85 and 90hp - and when was the last time you heard Harley bandying horsepower figures around - offering a proper tribute to the all-conquering XR750 on the road courtesy of:

XR750 inspired bodywork and livery.
Restyled cases distinguish it from the XL.
Restyled tank with aircraft filler.
Under-tank airbox beneath leaving the OHV V-twin engine exposed.
Downdraft EFI with electronic active air intake system.
Night-Rod Special style twin silencers.
Tacho-dominated instrumentation, possibly with digitalspeedo.
Sport-tuned Showa suspension, including 43mm inverted/Upside-down forks.
Rearset foot controls.
Lightweight cast swing-arm.
Model-specific lightweight wheels.
Twin high-performance 4-piston Nissin discs up front.
Specially designed ZR-rated low profile Dunlop Qualifier tyres (127/70x18 front, 180/55x17 rear).
A bucketful of attitude.

Style oozing out of every detail.

European ergonomics (built to better suit the European body shape)

If you get the impression that I'm enthusiastic, you're right. The XR1200 is the model that will bridge Harley and Buell model ranges and I'll be surprised if Erik's team hasn't had a hand in this somewhere, but if they did Harley really should be shouting that from the rooftops, to the benefit of both companies.

Do I want one? I know that I've never wanted to ride any Sportster more than I want to ride this one and wonder whether the prototype will be available for press review ... in which case I hope we get to swing a leg over it before the shaved apes of the mainstream press destroy it, trying to prove that it isn't an R1. Whether I'd then want one would depend on how it stacks up against my Buell Cyclone: could be interesting.

Do you want one? if so, make sure you let Harley-Davidson Europe know: it's their baby. In fact it remains to be seen whether it'll be offered in the US - assuming it makes the grade in Europe - so any Yanks who are salivating at the thought of a sporty Sportster had better make your feelings known locally or emigrate. The prototypes shown at the NEC are very highly advanced, and there are many rumours suggesting that if reaction was very positive they could be on dealers' floors by early 2007.