Total Motorcycle Community Forums

2007 Harley-Davidson XR 1200 Motorcycle Prototype released
October 17, 2006 - Harley-Davidson Press Release - http://www.totalmotorcycle.com






See the new XR1200 prototype in our Big Book of Concept Bikes:
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/p ... /index.htm


HARLEY-DAVIDSON PROTOTYPE DEBUTS AT INTERMOT

Cologne, Germany (October 17, 2006) - Harley-Davidson revealed a prototype Sportster XR 1200 motorcycle aimed at the European market today at the INTERMOT International Motorcycle Show in Cologne, Germany. The XR 1200 prototype places an emphasis on performance and handling with styling inspired by the Motor Company's legendary XR 750 dirt track racer.

Created with the demands of the European market in mind, the XR 1200 prototype's development goals include a powerful air-cooled V-Twin engine, agile handling, and high performance suspension and brakes.

"As Harley-Davidson seeks to further grow its presence and sales in Europe, INTERMOT and subsequent major European events will be used to carefully evaluate media and public reaction to the XR 1200 prototype," said John Russell, Vice President, Harley-Davidson Europe. "If the prototype is well received, we hope to bring the XR 1200 to Europe in 2007."




The Sportster XR 1200 Prototype features:

- XR 750-inspired styling
- 1200cc air-cooled V-Twin with downdraft fuel injection (85-90 HP target)
- Specially tuned Showa suspension with 43mm inverted front forks
- High performance four-piston caliper Nissin brakes
- Unique lightweight cast wheels with dirt track-inspired design


Specially developed Dunlop Qualifier tires:
Front 120/70ZR18
Rear 180/55ZR17



Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight street, custom and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport motorcycles in addition to motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs to Harley-Davidson/Buell dealers and customers.

I like it and its a good direction for the company, but the question I have is, is it too close to their Buell offerings?

Mike.

It looks like a great little nimble bike to me! Its nice that Harley is finally offering something other than a cruiser. Buell has the sportbike share, but only the meager starter-bike Blast for the standards. But um...why is Harley making it for the "European" market? Does this mean they don't intend to sell them in the US? Arg...you can't find ANY good Standards in the US...they are all sportbikes and cruisers

It's 'bout time they did something like this to the old sportster. Reminisent of the old XR1000

this is a much better atempt to associate the dirt track performance of an XR750 then the 883r. That bikes performance is pathetic. This bike looks like they took a buell motor tune and put it in with very nice 70s iron head sportster cam and primary covers. looks much better but still really cant see a dirt tracker out of it. Harley has good style, name and fit and finish but their performance has been lacking the last couple of years. The brakes and suspension on almost all harleys are very behind the times, not to mention the weight. As a H-D mechanic im amazed at how much they can make something weigh. A rear wheel with tire, rotor and disc must weigh at least 60 lbs. Its not hard to try harder. Buell shows they can do it.

crazy5dave wrote:this is a much better atempt to associate the dirt track performance of an XR750 then the 883r. That bikes performance is pathetic. This bike looks like they took a buell motor tune and put it in with very nice 70s iron head sportster cam and primary covers. looks much better but still really cant see a dirt tracker out of it. Harley has good style, name and fit and finish but their performance has been lacking the last couple of years. The brakes and suspension on almost all harleys are very behind the times, not to mention the weight. As a H-D mechanic im amazed at how much they can make something weigh. A rear wheel with tire, rotor and disc must weigh at least 60 lbs. Its not hard to try harder. Buell shows they can do it.

I dont know about the performance, I just like the style. With a 90hp engine I can't see how you could complain about the performance. None of the production bikes will probably ever see a dirt track, 'inspired', not built for. It looks like a GREAT classically styled street commuter bike to me. But that doesn't mean I'd take it on a dirt race track, anymore than I'd take a Jeep Compass on the Rubicon.

Need an option for "Looks all right, just needs some aesthetic tweaks".

Some blacked-out pipes from the aftermarket and a new headlight would do wonders for that bike.

can you turn the handlebars upside down on those?

if not... then just some AM clip-ons would satisfy me.

but still... there're so many bikes i'd buy 1st over that.

The Crimson Rider® wrote:can you turn the handlebars upside down on those?

if not... then just some AM clip-ons would satisfy me.

but still... there're so many bikes i'd buy 1st over that.

That would be insanely ugly. You are way too into sportbikes

That is a very sexy looking bike, I can see some slight reseblance to the old dirttrackers. Seeing as though dirt track racing is extremly popular in Europe this is a good move on their part. I think you could make one hell or a cafe racer out or it.

As for what crazy5dave said judging by th pictures theose rims look alumnium so there is some definite weight savings there. Too bad it is not over here at the moment as I would consider buying something like that.