Harley XR1200. Any good?

**Omega1** · 29th January 2010, 07:28

HI Guys,

Anyone got a XR1200? or has ridden one? , if so what did you think of it? I'm thinkin I might grab one as my next bike.

Cheers
O1

**Big Dave** · 29th January 2010, 08:27

YEah - we've done several Kiwi Rider tests on it and the Jan (last) issue has a spin by Racing Dave. I rate it highly.

It's considered blasphemy in the Buell camp, but I reckon part of the reason H-D nixed Buell is because they can 'pretty much' make them with H-D badges now. XR1200 still doesn't handle as well or have the ground clearance of a Buell, but engine performance is getting close-ish. The Sporty is a nicer road bike engine, manners and shake wise, to compensate.

**crazyhorse** · 29th January 2010, 08:33

Only as good as the person riding them

**240** · 29th January 2010, 16:43

Iv'e only heard good things about them.

**Pussy** · 29th January 2010, 17:25

I've YET to ride one.... I like what I've heard about them

**White trash** · 29th January 2010, 18:25

I've got a fantastic idea.

You buy it mate, then let me have a go and I'll tell ya what it's like

**mattian** · 29th January 2010, 18:34

I saw one today, parked up outside Glengarrys on Jervois road. they look very cool in orange

**Pussy** · 29th January 2010, 19:39

Originally Posted by mattian

they look very cool in orange

Don't they ever!
Something REALLY appealing about the XR1200

**trumpy** · 29th January 2010, 19:41

Took an XR1200 and a Moto Guzzi Griso for a test ride(s) a couple of days ago.
Both bikes vastly different from my little Speed Four. After 4 years of riding a bike which goes pretty much wherever you point your knee with only "guidence" on the bars both bikes required a lot more physical input than I am used to. Once I had adapted though, both bikes were nice to ride. The Guzzi has a more forward leaning position and nice leg position, similar but more relaxed than what I am used to. The motor is probably best described as "relaxed" although I must admit I didn't get a chance to really wind her up. This is a bike I could ride a long way.
The Xr1200 was quite different. The motor is a gem, acceleration was crisp and clean right through the range and quite linear. For me, the ergos didn't work quite so well. I didn't find the seat particularly comfortable and the position was a little too upright for me. I wasn't really able to brace my outside knee on the tank as it sits quite high and my knee tended to slip underneath it which left me feeling a bit insecure. Bearing in mind though that I have short legs and someone with normal length pins might fit perfectly well. The handling was surprisingly good within the limits of my riding and the desire not to have to explain to my wife that I now owned a new but slightly damaged Harley. All in all, not my particular thing but probably a good alternative for those wanting a Harley but preferring a lighter more sporty feel and look than the cruiser models. Try one, it might just be your thing.

**martybabe** · 29th January 2010, 20:15

I may very well be giving Mr Davidson a wad of my cash for a XR1200R before the end of Feb but I've got to try one first. A few people have mentioned the ergos being a bit odd. Does any one know of a dealer with a demonstrator not too far from New Plymouth please?

If I do like it I will be getting one of these exhausts too, sounds sweet to me

**Pussy** · 29th January 2010, 20:19

Originally Posted by martybabe

I may very well be giving Mr Davidson a wad of my cash for a XR1200R before the end of Feb but I've got to try one first. A few people have mentioned the ergos being a bit odd. Does any one know of a dealer with a demonstrator not too far from New Plymouth please?

Take a trip to Wellington and see Pete at WMCC... or shoot up to Hamilton to Road and Sport Motorcycles, Mart...

In fact, we should BOTH go and test ride one!