XR1200 and XR1200x

[ducatilover]

Mwahahaha. I couldn't afford a nice bike once either.

I think one of mine is nice, I'd rather it than an XR1200.

[GrayWolf]

I just don't understand the aim of the XR1200. It's far from a traditional cruiser, and it sort of pretends to be a sports bike. It's not really good at either of those. It can't really decide what kind of bike it wants to be!



From watching an XR1200 race in the Formula Methven, it accelerated a lot slower than the 600cc bikes.

it's OK, when you grow up, you'll understand ...
As 'SLOW' as you think these bikes are 'V Twins'.. there's no traction control, they dont handle like a sprot bike, they are big, heavy, vibrate, need 'manhandling' through bends, (instead of point and squirt) It's more smiles per mile, and they actually NEED riding to get them to perform well. A MAN's bike.

[SMOKEU]

it's OK, when you grow up, you'll understand ...
As 'SLOW' as you think these bikes are 'V Twins'.. there's no traction control, they dont handle like a sprot bike, they are big, heavy, vibrate, need 'manhandling' through bends, (instead of point and squirt) It's more smiles per mile, and they actually NEED riding to get them to perform well. A MAN's bike.

I still don't understand how an archaic design with poor handling, excessive weight, bad vibration and an exorbitant price tag is appealing. Now, if it's a classic bike then that's fine (I own a 39 year old TS185 and it has a certain charm that modern bikes generally lack).

[Big Dave]

I still don't understand how an archaic design with poor handling, excessive weight, bad vibration and an exorbitant price tag is appealing.

And I don't understand how some people repeat sad internet clichés without riding the vehicles.

Lets start with 'archaic'.

A major service on a Harley engine was under $300 (last I had one done). My 'modern' triumph triple was closer to $1000 - and wasn't actually as pleasant for road use. Then there is longevity, replacement parts and aftermarket accessories to consider.

'Poor handling' is another internet myth - but don't let that stop you.

Brembo brakes - we all know how dodgy they are too hey.

[ducatilover]

it's OK, when you grow up, you'll understand ...
As 'SLOW' as you think these bikes are 'V Twins'.. there's no traction control, they dont handle like a sprot bike, they are big, heavy, vibrate, need 'manhandling' through bends, (instead of point and squirt) It's more smiles per mile, and they actually NEED riding to get them to perform well. A MAN's bike.

I really do need to get out on one, or an MT...hint hint.
I haven't even grown up and I can see the appeal of the XR, or pretty much anything with two wheels.

And I don't understand how some people repeat sad internet clichés without riding the vehicles.

Minez a Ninnnjaaaah bru!

My bike's "old", "heavy" and "out of date". Would be eaten by your Gixxer SMOKEU, but I still think it's brilliant.
Mind you, I'll put $5 on my old shitter weighing less than the SRAD.

[SMOKEU]

Mind you, I'll put $5 on my old shitter weighing less than the SRAD.

My TS185 is probably lighter than your ride, if we're making that comparison.

[ducatilover]

My TS185 is probably lighter than your ride, if we're making that comparison.

Damn, fucker's probably lighter than my GN too.
I'd probably rather an XR1200 over a TS or GN though.

[ratusratus]

My TS185 is probably lighter than your ride, if we're making that comparison.

well you would know then riding a TS185 silly us

[ratusratus]

And I don't understand how some people repeat sad internet clichés without riding the vehicles.

Lets start with 'archaic'.

A major service on a Harley engine was under $300 (last I had one done). My 'modern' triumph triple was closer to $1000 - and wasn't actually as pleasant for road use. Then there is longevity, replacement parts and aftermarket accessories to consider.

'Poor handling' is another internet myth - but don't let that stop you.

Brembo brakes - we all know how dodgy they are too hey.

Dave.....dont you get sick of internet bikies??

[Big Dave]

Dave.....dont you get sick of internet bikies??

Nah.
Unjust disapprobation and disparagement is oft the grist for the creative mill.


It's where I gets me angle like.

Personally - I dig my KLR.

[Flip]

I still don't understand how an archaic design with poor handling, excessive weight, bad vibration and an exorbitant price tag is appealing. Now, if it's a classic bike then that's fine (I own a 39 year old TS185 and it has a certain charm that modern bikes generally lack).

Well a jap TS185 is hardly a white mans bike, is it?

[oldguy]

Isn't that Buell's replacement ?

[SMOKEU]

Well a jap TS185 is hardly a white mans bike, is it?

I've only ever had Asian bikes and don't see a reason to change any time soon.

[Flip]

I've only ever had Asian bikes and don't see a reason to change any time soon.

So you don't know any better. One day you will.

[GrayWolf]

I still don't understand how an archaic design with poor handling, excessive weight, bad vibration and an exorbitant price tag is appealing. Now, if it's a classic bike then that's fine (I own a 39 year old TS185 and it has a certain charm that modern bikes generally lack).

TS 185 and classic' in the same sentance?? oh dear, oh dear.
I am not a HD aficionado in any sense, the XR1200 is the gem that HD has taken 100yrs to produce. Even I have openly admitted I would really have considered owning one, but I have the MT in my garage instead, and yes the MT was my preference. I am reffering to big V twins in general, Moto Guzzi, HD, Triumph (thunderbird), old BMW Boxer's, old Ducati's, HD, Victory, Hesketh etc etc. These are all bikes that are 'basic' bikes, frame, suspension, brakes, motor, no gimmick's. As much as I love my MT, 'it is and isn't the same', apart from no electronic anti lock, traction etc.. It's a modern take on the theme., same as the M109. The bikes do not 'flick' to change direction like a light sprot bike, you need to set the corners up BEFORE entry to get a good smooth line. They are heavy and dont brake as hard and can be a little 'squirmy' if you do change line rapidly.. even my MT which has a very modern frame, suspension and brakes can be a 'heavy mutha' to change direction mid corner at the same time it is quite 'flickable' .. an oxymoron. Thats the appeal of these big old school bikes, they require rider input, thought and by the need to think they are very rewarding to ride.. Even the cruisers which have limited cornering ability to a great extent, have the pleasure of a very flexible engine that you are not cog swapping through a series of bends.
I've ridden high performance bikes over the years both owning and 'ridden'. My ZZR is not considered 'cutting edge' but for top speed and acceleration, a 20yr old design will still give many a sprot bike a hurry up.. and its a sport/tourer not an out and out race rep'. I rode singles, V and flat twins for 25 yrs till I moved to Wellywood 7 yrs ago, I now am back on a big twin....
You either do, or dont as far as big inch twins are concerned.. I 'dont get it' why people buy very uncomfortable hard riding loon machines, but then my bike is my transport maybe that's the difference.