XR1200s?

[Edbear]

Back in about 2008 HD brought out the XR1200 which was fairly well raved over in the press. However it seemed to fade away and was quietly dropped due to slower than expected sales.

Personally I liked it and owners seemed to be very happy too. Has anyone still got one?

[AllanB]

Often spy a few running around CHCH - nice rides. Bombed in the USA apparently. Questionably the best Harley ever - but that depends on your definition of a Harley. Obviously the USA buying public did not consider it a true one.

Buy one, look after it as it will probably be worth a fortune in 20 years.

[mossy1200]

I like this one.

[unstuck]

Mate has one and loves it, I rode it a couple of years ago when he first got it and enjoyed it. Was pissing down too, but didn't care I had a ball.:Punk::Punk:

[James Deuce]

It sold like gangbusters actually. When Harley Davidson stuck a spike up Eric Buell's arse and left him slowly spinning on it, they decided that sporty motormacycles weren't their thang and melted the XR1200 tooling.

Their best bike ever remains the Street Rod. However the faithful were lairy of that foreign Porsche-engined muck and left it the hell alone. It is one of the best UJM's ever made. Ironic, eh?

[rocketman1]

I really cannot get to grips with its looks, sort of not a harley as typical harleys go.
Sort of a half way harley, I think that they are good bike, apparently one of the best handling harleys.
Harley do not seem interested in safe handling bikes though.
I agree with the other blogger that the V rod Harleys are on of the best looking bikes ever made.
Pity they dont handle very well. So I am told by those that own one or two.
Wish Harley would narrow the tires a bit, steepen the steering geometry, and give it to a track specialist for an afternoon to tweak a little and make the vRod a good handling bike, and I would buy one.
I guess in country that has no corners, you dont need a good handling bike aye.

[James Deuce]

You Just described a Street Rod rocketman. Which was what I was talking about.

[rustyrobot]

the V rod Harleys are on of the best looking bikes ever made.
Pity they dont handle very well. So I am told by those that own one or two.

Interesting. I reckon they look great too. Rode a couple of times with a guy who had a night rod and he carved up the rimutakas with a bunch of sprotsbikers no worries. Well, except for his brakelight falling off and and being turned into road pizza. A tonne more clearance than most cruisers I've ridden with. Sometimes I cringe watch them trying to scrape around the corners.

[James Deuce]

Interesting. I reckon they look great too. Rode a couple of times with a guy who had a night rod and he carved up the rimutakas with a bunch of sprotsbikers no worries. Well, except for his brakelight falling and and being turned into road pizza. A tonne more clearance than most cruisers I've ridden with. Sometimes I cringe watch them trying to scrape around the corners.

Street Rod is much better than a V-Rod. No one seems to know about them.

[AllanB]

2008 Europe only model to start with. Don't know if Buell had anything to do with it possibly as it was a hot-rod sporty compared to the stock 1200

Why did they dump it?



The V-rod has always looked weird to me. What is it trying to be?

[James Deuce]

2008 Europe only model to start with. Don't know if Buell had anything to do with it possibly as it was a hot-rod sporty compared to the stock 1200

Why did they dump it?



The V-rod has always looked weird to me. What is it trying to be?

Buell had everything to do with it. Harley made a deliberate and conscious effort to distance themselves from anything sporty at the same time they wound Buell up.

Look at the Street Rod instead. Less rake, smaller tyres, wonderful ergos and the best engine ever for that particular type of relaxed street bike. Goes like stink too.

http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/moto_gallery/HARLEYDAVIDSONVRSCRStreetRod-219_9.jpg

[BMWST?]

the only harley i would consider .period

[skippa1]

Harley do not seem interested in safe handling bikes though.
I agree with the other blogger that the V rod Harleys are on of the best looking bikes ever made.
Pity they dont handle very well. .............make the vRod a good handling bike, and I would buy one.
I guess in country that has no corners, you dont need a good handling bike aye.

Typical comment from someone who doesnt know shit from clay. Ridden one have you?
come for a ride with me some time, i have no trouble keeping up

[Mike.Gayner]

Typical comment from someone who doesnt know shit from clay. Ridden one have you?
come for a ride with me some time, i have no trouble keeping up

Jeez you're a fucking blowhard. Every time I see you post I roll my eyes and think a what a fucking dick you must be in person.

[Motu]

The only Harley I'd want too. Handling sorted by Scott Parker, you just know you got some backup when you need it. The XR Harley has been winning races since the early '70's, a racing history anyone would be proud off....but it seems HD couldn't care less.

http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/halloffame/hofimages/Parker1.jpg

http://www.ashonbikes.com/sites/default/files/images/Harley_XR750_04.jpg

[GrayWolf]

Typical comment from someone who doesnt know shit from clay. Ridden one have you?
come for a ride with me some time, i have no trouble keeping up

I've ridden with M109, V-rod, XR1200, over the 'taka's and round the 'rapa....

M109.. quicker than my bike for sure, but handles like a whale on the really tight stuff.
V-rod.... better handling than the 109,and pretty good overall, till you hit the really tight stuff, then it started to lose it. Again quicker than my bike, but both it and the 109 are 'power cruisers' and a different type of engine performance.

XR1200.. performance VERY similar to the MT-01, just go about it differently, XR loves to rev, the MT is a big block low revver, and uses torque over rev/HP. Handling quite similar, both weigh the same within a couple of KG,the MT is taller and carries it's weight higher with that huge engine, but is 'short' and has a steep sporty fork angle, described by a HD mechanic who rode mine as a 'big boy's Beull'.
V-rod may be faster but in my opinion, I'd have the XR regardless.

PS: I havent ridden with, or tried the street rod, so for now that's an 'unknown'.

[jasonu]

I guess in country that has no corners, you dont need a good handling bike aye.

Here's a couple of corners for ya.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nywcpgiXw5A

[skippa1]

I've ridden with M109, V-rod, XR1200, over the 'taka's and round the 'rapa....

M109.. quicker than my bike for sure, but handles like a whale on the really tight stuff.
V-rod.... better handling than the 109,and pretty good overall, till you hit the really tight stuff, then it started to lose it. Again quicker than my bike, but both it and the 109 are 'power cruisers' and a different type of engine performance.

XR1200.. performance VERY similar to the MT-01, just go about it differently, XR loves to rev, the MT is a big block low revver, and uses torque over rev/HP. Handling quite similar, both weigh the same within a couple of KG,the MT is taller and carries it's weight higher with that huge engine, but is 'short' and has a steep sporty fork angle, described by a HD mechanic who rode mine as a 'big boy's Beull'.
V-rod may be faster but in my opinion, I'd have the XR regardless.

PS: I havent ridden with, or tried the street rod, so for now that's an 'unknown'.
Fair call, the rod won for me because of the fuel range, the xr couldnt do enough kms between fills otherwise i would have got one. Range was ok for 90% of the country, just made it touch and go in a few places

[skippa1]

Jeez you're a fucking blowhard. Every time I see you post I roll my eyes and think a what a fucking dick you must be in person.
Im picking youve seen a few dicks mr gay more

[Mike.Gayner]

Im picking youve seen a few dicks mr gay more

Do you have done kind of problem with gay people? Wouldn't be surprising I suppose - 50 year old technology, 50 year old attitudes.

[unstuck]

And yet another thread turning into an abuse fest. Good job I have the mind of a child and find it all so amusing.:lol::lol:

See what you started Ed.:innocent:

[BuzzardNZ]

And yet another EDthread turning into an abuse fest. Good job I have the mind of a child and find it all so amusing.:lol::lol:

See what you started Ed.:innocent:


Funny how that always seems to happen :facepalm: :shit: :laugh:

[Edbear]

Funny how that always seems to happen :facepalm: :shit: :laugh:

Ah well, KB is as KB does...

[James Deuce]

PS: I havent ridden with, or tried the street rod, so for now that's an 'unknown'.


Comfortably owns all of the other bikes you mentioned without the need for outrageous farkling.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Listen here you poolicks...XR1200's are fucking cool. Next.

[GrayWolf]

Fair call, the rod won for me because of the fuel range, the xr couldnt do enough kms between fills otherwise i would have got one. Range was ok for 90% of the country, just made it touch and go in a few places

Yeh have to admit that's a b'stard with the MT too, 15ltr tank on a 1700cc? :( :mad: like the XR, ok for 80%+ of the country, but as I found on the 1000 miler, when all but the major fuel stops are closed, have to carry a 'can'. However, on roads like the forgotten highway? :niceone::niceone::niceone:




Comfortably owns all of the other bikes you mentioned without the need for outrageous farkling.

Had a read on the VRSCR James, yeh ok, I have to admit it looks an impressive bike. Guess as they were a short run not popular model, kinda like the MT; a hidden gem (if you 'get' the bikes idea). Sadly I guess by the time my MT is waved goodbye, it's unlikely there will be many low Km street rod's around. Yes I think I would have a serious look at one. OMG I need professional help, that's now the SECOND HD I'd consider owning, heeeeeeeeellllllllllllllllllppppppp :baby:
Has Pete been putting his coffee in the water supply? :(

[Crasherfromwayback]

Has Pete been putting his coffee in the water supply? :(

I've just traded an MT01. Looking forward to riding it I must say.

[James Deuce]

Sadly I guess by the time my MT is waved goodbye, it's unlikely there will be many low Km street rod's around. Yes I think I would have a serious look at one. OMG I need professional help, that's now the SECOND HD I'd consider owning,

Sub-10,000km ones come through from Japan all the time. Just keep an eye on TM.

[unstuck]

Anyone looking for a change of pace? :2thumbsup http://riderwanted.harley-davidson.com/

[HenryDorsetCase]

It looks for about what fuckwits want for second hand XR1200's you could have this:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=845955316


I know which would hold its value better-er. Or at least I think I do. And would be willing to put my money where my mouth is, had I any money. :(

If you must have an XR1200 don't fuck about, you need to phone Richard Pollock, give him between $30 and $40k US, and get an actual functional and fast properly proportioned motorcycle, on the correct size wheels and with the "the more you pay the less you get" ethos writ large.

http://www.mulemotorcycles.net/

[AllanB]

XR1200 released in 2008 in Europe. Buell killed off by HD in what 2009? (correct as required) ......

HD set to kick off Buell but wanted a sporty HD on their books still?


Pass the tinfoil hat Allan?

[lakedaemonian]

XR1200 released in 2008 in Europe. Buell killed off by HD in what 2009? (correct as required) ......

HD set to kick off Buell but wanted a sporty HD on their books still?


Pass the tinfoil hat Allan?

The XR1200 was the first Harley-Davidson model NOT introduced in it's first model year in the US market.

Which was a big thing at the time as the North American market was organized as the mother ship, with smaller global markets viewed as satellite markets(now all markets are on an equal footing within the Motor Co.)

The US dealers went nuts because they didn't get it first. And when they got it the following year it sold well, but then sales fell off pretty quickly.

The XR1200 was introduced into Europe and OZ/NZ concurrently.

I had the first one on the road in the country :)

I shouldn't have sold it, but I was riding it a bit too hard, too often. "There are old pilots and there are bold pilots, but there are no old and bold pilots" kind of thing.

Fantastic bike. Low geared, great hooligan bike. Short range, 150km of hard riding and you're pushing it to the petrol station. It feels lighter than it is, but under very heavy braking you can start to feel the weight.

The bike could go on a diet, especially the pipes.

The XR1200X is even better.

They will hold their value pretty well I reckon. Great platform for affordable-ish and reliable BEARS racing.

Buell was dropped by Harley exactly 1 year after I got my XR1200.

Several months earlier there was a definite "dead man walking" kind of vibe happening when Erik Buell was out amongst the product.

I know a lot of people are quite passionate about Erik Buell's product, and he definitely had some product/design innovation in a watered down version of what John Britton did.

The problem was that Buell motorcycles only made an operating profit for HD for 1 year. There simply wasn't enough critical sales mass.

Hopefully he has better luck with Indian money.

[skippa1]

Do you have done kind of problem with gay people? Wouldn't be surprising I suppose - 50 year old technology, 50 year old attitudes.
Just making the observation.........penis is your specialist subject

[James Deuce]

XR1200 released in 2008 in Europe. Buell killed off by HD in what 2009? (correct as required) ......

HD set to kick off Buell but wanted a sporty HD on their books still?


Pass the tinfoil hat Allan?

I think you'll find the XR1200's engine development was done in a Buell building.

[Drew]

I think you'll find the XR1200's engine development was done in a Buell building.

I don't think so. Harley have been making go fast bits for sporty motors for decades, they don't need outside help.

[James Deuce]

I don't think so. Harley have been making go fast bits for sporty motors for decades, they don't need outside help.

The specific outputs for the XR1200 were pretty close to Buell figures. Engines don't spring from being non-existent to production guise in a year.

But then of course, you're just arguing for the sake of it, because.

[AllanB]

Bit of trivia I dragged up tonight off the net - the XR1200 produces 10 hp less than Buells equivalent engine. All down to the reduced airbox size on the XR. A styling thing you understand.

[Drew]

The specific outputs for the XR1200 were pretty close to Buell figures. Engines don't spring from being non-existent to production guise in a year.

But then of course, you're just arguing for the sake of it, because.
Not true, I'm not arguing at all. I am pointing out that screaming eagle parts have been available for sporties since Eric Buell was still swinging in daddy's ball bag. Light cranks, rods, flowed heads with roller rockers, sport pack clutches, decent carb, the list is endless. Mind, Buell only ever had the evo engine so he was well out of the sack when that came along.

Bit of trivia I dragged up tonight off the net - the XR1200 produces 10 hp less than Buells equivalent engine. All down to the reduced airbox size on the XR. A styling thing you understand.
Are you saying 10 ponies can be unleashed by increasing the inlet plenum size?

[F5 Dave]

Buell should have stuck with the Barton. At least it would have sounded better than a ditch pump And weighed less than Kansas. And banned anything with more than 23degrees rake (dirt bikes get special dispensation).

[AllanB]

Are you saying 10 ponies can be unleashed by increasing the inlet plenum size?


Web search for XR1200 took me to a site noting the 10 hp variance and put it down to the smaller volume inlet airbox on the XR. Smaller due to HD's styling requirements - not something MR Buell was concerned about.

Kind of makes sense when a box standard HD can release decent HP with simple intake/exhale modifications to allow them to breathe.

Be worth checking out the Europe forums or web sites to see if the aftermarket has produced a spiffy carbon fiber larger air box for the XR

[BIG DOUG]

I have had an xr1200 since new, it has just clicked over 92k's. It has a few mods like ohlins shocks and the xr1200x forks 2-1 I made with a yoshi muffler,niterod bars, carbon fr guard, bigger front discs and a pro tuner.The only things that have gone wrong was a reg/rec ,ign switch,clutch basket (due to trackdays) and the throttle body butterfly shaft broke and I had to make a new one,but apart from that all I have done is change fluids and ride it.Its been damm reliable.

[AllanB]

Here is a rather long article on the development of a larger airbox that gained good results.

http://www.twinmotorcycles.com/artikelen.asp?cid=5&aid=186

[GrayWolf]

I've just traded an MT01. Looking forward to riding it I must say.

they are like a big block HD Pete, strangled.... depending on 'year' the 'ecu' was altered to deal with Euro 3 & 4 noise/pollution regs... if its a 4 pot caliper, it'll be euro 3, if a 6 pot, euro 4. = You'll find a power step at 3k rpm, the bike is 'strangled' in the first 3 gears to get it through euro 4 noise regs.... you'll see the exup valve 'close' under hard acceleration in 3rd... the German tuning guys reckoned around a 20% power drop off.... it'll feel 'flat' like an evo big block up top.
the stage 1 improves it some (pipes, air fliter)... but the stage 2 (ECU + mods) wakes it up, and gives it a noticeable 'snap' on throttle response.

[rocketman1]

Jeez you're a fucking blowhard. Every time I see you post I roll my eyes and think a what a fucking dick you must be in person.

I tend to agree, skippa must be a nasty prick. Hope the rest of vrod owners are nicer.

[rocketman1]

You Just described a Street Rod rocketman. Which was what I was talking about.

I dont know Street Rod's. I would like to ride one.
Some friends have vrods and they say no way would they keep up with my GS in the tight stuff, from guys that know.
What one person thinks is good handling depends on what bikes they have ridden i guess.
Must say that the street rod is more my liking than the vrod.

[skippa1]

I tend to agree, skippa must be a nasty prick. Hope the rest of vrod owners are nicer.
A nasty prick because i say a vrod can handle......? You wanna get out more......fucken pussy

[skippa1]

I dont know Street Rod's. I would like to ride one.
Some friends have vrods and they say no way would they keep up with my GS in the tight stuff, from guys that know.
What one person thinks is good handling depends on what bikes they have ridden i guess.
Must say that the street rod is more my liking than the vrod.
be honest, you dont have any friends


and, oh yes, your GS is a real hot rod in the tight stuff......

[pritch]

I was quite excited by the first road tests for the Street Rod and got quite keen. Then I read about a test where it rained and the rider continually felt in danger of losing the front end in the wet. Since too many of my rides have turned wet I decided I could do without that.

Then I saw this lovely looking Ducati...

[skippa1]

I was quite excited by the first road tests for the Street Rod and got quite keen. Then I read about a test where it rained and the rider continually felt in danger of losing the front end in the wet. Since too many of my rides have turned wet I decided I could do without that.

Then I saw this lovely looking Ducati...
Nothing wrong with falling in love with a duc.....theres a couple i wouldnt mind...

[Drew]

Nothing wrong with falling in love with a duc.....theres a couple i wouldnt mind...

Spend some time riding one before you buy one.

Unless you're talking about the current stuff, haven't ridden the latest couple models.

[BuzzardNZ]

What I want to know is why Ed starts a thread like this and then never responds to it :wacko:

[Crasherfromwayback]

What I want to know is why Ed starts a thread like this and then never responds to it :wacko:

Ed's dead, Baby.

[BuzzardNZ]

Ed's dead, Baby.

I take it u'll be joining Bogan, Madness and Katman in carrying the coffin?

[skippa1]

Spend some time riding one before you buy one.

Unless you're talking about the current stuff, haven't ridden the latest couple models.
I want to have a go on a new Diaval and the new Monster. The sports bikes aew way too uncomfortable for me, sat on a couple, theyre for a race track, not blatting around town or touring

[Drew]

I want to have a go on a new Diaval and the new Monster. The sports bikes aew way too uncomfortable for me, sat on a couple, theyre for a race track, not blatting around town or touring

Oh right. I forget that manufacturers make other models than litre sized race reps.

[Edbear]

What I want to know is why Ed starts a thread like this and then never responds to it :wacko:

Sorry, I am having a romantic long weekend with my better half. Taking in the goings on in Paeroa. Attended the show at the race course today and some nice machinery on display, including this original looking XR.

[Edbear]

Ed's dead, Baby.

Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated...

[rustyrobot]

Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated...

On the third day he has risen from the dead!

[Crasherfromwayback]

including this original looking XR.

Exhaust system is silver std. :msn-wink:

[Drew]

Exhaust system is silver std. :msn-wink:

They look best with twin pipes like that, and black looks cool.

That is the colour scheme I like on them.

Cool bikes.

[BMWST?]

is that one an xr1200X then?

[pzkpfw]

is that one an xr1200X then?

That would have the rear shocks with external reservoirs.

[Crasherfromwayback]

That would have the rear shocks with external reservoirs.

And Showa big piston forks and floating front disc rotors.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Here's what ya want.

http://www.bikeexif.com/xr-1200

[HenryDorsetCase]

Here's what I want:

http://www.bikeexif.com/sportster-sport

[F5 Dave]

Well at least HDCs one doesn't look like it's 300kg like Pete's. Still both have like 30degrees rake.

[F5 Dave]

Here's a better Buell but looks worse with the clothes he gave it. Rear pipes need a rethink.
16`` front wheel dates it.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/teamheronsuzuki/2392509896/in/photostream/

[HenryDorsetCase]

Here's a better Buell but looks worse with the clothes he gave it. Rear pipes need a rethink.
16`` front wheel dates it.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/teamheronsuzuki/2392509896/in/photostream/




Here is an interesting factoid: the guy who was behind Barton started Nova: http://www.novaracing.co.uk/


I learned that whilst sitting on the lav this morning reading PERFORMANCE BIKES.

[F5 Dave]

I did not know that. I'm yet to read that far and I've just let that subscription lapse.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I did not know that. I'm yet to read that far and I've just let that subscription lapse.

The cover is Panigale 1299 but the stuff I most enjoy in that mag is stuff like Guy Martin's Martek, the 360 degree garage, and the GS1100 special that Gary Inman built.

Though the Dooocati is quite nice, I'll never own one or ride one. Unless you lend me yours? gwan Mista! How fast does it go?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Here's a better Buell but looks worse with the clothes he gave it. Rear pipes need a rethink.
16`` front wheel dates it.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/teamheronsuzuki/2392509896/in/photostream/



Dear God! What have you been smoking?

[F5 Dave]

The cover is Panigale 1299 but the stuff I most enjoy in that mag is stuff like Guy Martin's Martek, the 360 degree garage, and the GS1100 special that Gary Inman built.

Though the Dooocati is quite nice, I'll never own one or ride one. Unless you lend me yours? gwan Mista! How fast does it go?
Yeah just read the article now. Pity Emma has gone, she wrote well, much better than Matt who I'm pretty sure is a gibbon in a man suit. Last copy after about 20 years unless I relent.

[F5 Dave]

Dear God! What have you been smoking?
Motul 800 when possible.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Motul 800 when possible.

Not a bad drop I must say. The Silkolene I've been running in the RM reminds me a bit of the old days of dope drinking smokers.

[Kickaha]

Here is an interesting factoid: the guy who was behind Barton started Nova:

He died 2-3 years ago

Still saving for my close ratio Nova BMW gearbox