As you remember the Sportster XR 1200 was introduced last year as a 2010 model for export markets only. Today June 3rd, Harley-Davidson announced the launch in the US of the XR 1200X as a 2011 model.
A performance improved version of the XR1200, it is equipped with a Showa front and rear fully adjustable suspension that can be dialed in to match rider weight, riding style and road conditions. It is also features improved front brakes using full floating rotors.
The new XR1200X has a blacked-out powertrain and exhaust, revised tank graphics, and black wheels with an orange rim pinstripe. It is positioned as the modern version of the legendary XR750 and is supposed to attract bikers looking for performance in the spirit of the gritty American flat-track. It will be offered in two colors: Black Denim and White Hot Denim. Starting at $10,799. Harley-Davidson Sportster XR1200X.
Those MOCO morons are never going to give up on those boat tails until the thousands of them gathering dust are gone . . .
oh man!!! what the hec is going on over there? I like the gas tank and half the exhaust.
These updates are a good addition for those who intend to compete in the AMA Pro Racing Vance & Hines XR1200 Series, I believe the first race for the new class is this weekend.
Then there will be some parity in the class rather than racing Harley’s twice the size as the competition such as Buell did in the 600 cc class. Now Harley will be assured of a win that is legitimate.
A move in the right direction for sure. Good to see H-D expend some kind of effort to make performance improvements instead of just repackaging another bike as a ‘Dark Custom’. A small step forward, but a good start.
Not sure if there’s much of a market for them, but they look cool and didn’t cost much to tool up for. Thumbs up, and good luck !
Nice, but a Buell made 10 years ago will run rings around it…
Better late than never, good to see Harley working on something different.
It will provide the americans a better alternate to heavier bikes. Love the white color scheme.
Black denim & White hot denim??? Seriously. Explain where the denim is? Another rehash by Harley. $10k for a bike that looks like it was made in 1978. Maybe i just dont get it?
I don’t enjoy looking at bikes so much as riding them, so I’ll reserve comment ’til I ride one at the dealer. I can hope I’ll be pleasantly surprised. I’ve been surprised on rides before, including Buells. They ride more fun than they look. This one could be a hoot.
O.
There is a demand for this model. After all there was an outcry for the Factory offer this state side. For the money there are alot of good features on this model. I like the tac – speedo combination, better suspension, gas tank,,etc. The real test is the ride, ill have to ride this to know for sure. It looks fun to ride. I think its the best entry level motocycle HD has offered, $10K nice!
Yep HD is vvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyy slow on the uptake, but is nice to see that someone is making changes to their antiquated designs. Although it’s still similar to my 15 yr old son wearing eye liner and knee high S&M boots just wanting to be noticed.
Was at the event last night at the HD Musuem. Good crowd and lots of excitement. Nice looking bike.
the modern version of the legendary XR750 and is supposed to attract bikers looking for performance in the spirit of the gritty American flat-track.
Answer one question; Will a guy buy this over a hyabusa? It is in the same price range so I would say Probably not.
I think it is a cool looking bike but I would not buy one. and I don’t think you are going to attract the young riders wanting performance in a flat track bike with 1970’s styling and slightly improved performance. Being made in America is not enough anymore. The youth of today don’t seem to care about American made products like some of us older guys do.
Harley should stop trying to push the old styles and old technology onto the younger riders. Give them what they want, a bike that looks like a Japanese flat track racer with an engine that will go from 0 to holly shit in 3 seconds. I bet that sportster will top out at maybe 140 going down hill with the wind at its back. While a busa will do 200 right out of the crate. If performance is what they are selling I think they missed the mark. If it is style some will sell but probably not enough to pay for the tooling changes.
I hope they sell all they make but time will tell.
Big deal another overweight underpowered piece of shit. Harley needs to stick to cruisers.
Ok I have owned an xr 1200 with the xr1200x forks and ohlins shocks for 18 mths done 18.000miles ride it every day and here in new zealand we have these things called corners(have ridden in america no corners) and have to say it is one of the most fun bikes I have owned it has the best BRAKES fitted to a harley period and goes around corner’s fast it bring’s a smile to my dial every time I ride it.I also own a 99 dyna ,shovel bobber and 51 pan so I think I have all base’s covered
Now why don’t dont they stick that motor in a 48 or a nightster now that would be cool.
I like it – how can you knock a 1200CC American made sport performance twin because that’s exactly what it is? It won’t appeal to everyone but I’d LOVE to have one in my garage. I like that HD offers these one-offs every few years. I think this HD will appeal to a lot of sport bike riders who don’t necessarily need the fastest , latest greatest metric bike anymore. I hope they sell out.
RE:
“…positioned as the modern version of the legendary XR750 and is supposed to attract bikers looking for performance…”
If they’re trying to sell a classic it doesn’t have to perform like a “Busa.”
But it better look like a classic.
And this one still doesn’t …….Not without real XR heads.
-nicker-
The XR 750 weighs 325 lbs and has 100 hp @ the rear wheel.The dual carbs are on the right and the exhaust pipes are on the left. The shift lever is on the right too.Not one part of the XR750 will fit the XR 1200. I fail to see the resemblance in any way..Z