Well, I gave it a shot and went to my outstanding, local dealer (the Washington D.C. area) to put down a deposit on the XR1200 for whenever it will arrive. But alas! they wouldn't take. I was told that they can't take a deposit for a bike that's not yet officially for sale. (But on the side, suggested that I not run out and spend my money. Patience was the key word - and I would be rewarded.) I'm not a big fan of waiting but...some things are certainly worth it.

LOL,

Even back in the days of year long waiting lists, my dealer would not take a deposit for ANY bike he didn't already have production data for.

He only took deposits every quarter, the morning after Harley sent him the paperwork on what to expect for the upcoming 3 months of deliveries.

Stand up guy.

I'll be calling him as soon as it becomes available.

Kev

I've already gotten in line at my local dealer (Oslo, Norway). They say that if/when it comes I'll be the firt to know.:laugh

Hopefully there will be a new ride for me next summer. The riding season came to an end this week.

2005 1200R, Stage 1, Ohlins rear shocks, RaceTech progressive springs and valve emulator

I had a bunch of fun with this yesterday at my local dealer. Conversation turned to up and coming bikes-I asked their opinion of the XR1200R...Got a blank stare. I started to describe the bike to them and got met with the "oh, you mean that 'liquid-cooled Sportster' that's all over the 'net? I said, no-the one that's being shown in Germany...now. Good guys that they are, were all flustered. They just got back from the dealers meeting in July and there was nothing mentioned about an XR1200. I gave them the forum's address and told them of Bert and his contributions. A few minutes later, one of the sales folks came up to me...he had gone to the HDUK site...and there she was.
It still confounds them that I scoop them on every up and coming bike. I always credit the Forum.

Kim

Local dealer here had never heard of it either. The owner told me it would be something that they would never bring in anyway. "Not a real Harley" to quote him. And he wonders why I won't spend any money there anymore.

whats an xr 1200?

I just went to the UK site and did not see an XR

For those of you who missed all the chatter a week or so ago...

The Official XR1200 Thread (http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=39445&highlight=xr1200)

XR1200 Prototype Poll (http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=39502&highlight=xr1200)

XR1200 Prototype - Intermot Report (http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=39851&highlight=xr1200)

xr1200 Bert ride poll [update page 4] (http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=39888&highlight=xr1200)

:doh

First rides for the press corps are scheduled for July 2007.

I gave them the forum's address and told them of Bert and his contributions. A few minutes later, one of the sales folks came up to me...he had gone to the HDUK site...and there she was.
It still confounds them that I scoop them on every up and coming bike. I always credit the Forum.


:clap :clap :clap :clap

:xlrocks

...for the XR883L...:p

LOL,

Even back in the days of year long waiting lists, my dealer would not take a deposit for ANY bike he didn't already have production data for.

He only took deposits every quarter, the morning after Harley sent him the paperwork on what to expect for the upcoming 3 months of deliveries.

Stand up guy.

I'll be calling him as soon as it becomes available.

Kev

Who is your dealer Kev? I live in York but I do my business at Battlefield HD unless I really need something quick then I go to Laugherman's. I'm always looking for good folks to buy from.

Sam

I went into the dealer also and commented about the prototype XR1200.The sporster/buell expert said it does'nt exist and don't believe everthing you read on the internet.He was sitting behind the counter in front of a computer and i said if he wanted to see one to go to the France web site.You should have seen the look on his face when he saw the XR1200.He was pissed off I scooped him.

Its great gettin the scoop before anyone else :D

I showed it to my local dealer, and the sales manager is trying to get one.......for himself!

He thinks that he can sale 10 to 12 a year, and he wants them.

Who is your dealer Kev? I live in York but I do my business at Battlefield HD unless I really need something quick then I go to Laugherman's. I'm always looking for good folks to buy from.

Sam

Stretch Smaltz, of Smaltz's HD.

I still remember when he bought the place.

He's a vietnam vet and a lifetime rider who realized his dream back in the early 90s when he bought this tiny hole in the wall dealership in the shadow of the PA tpke (at the Exton/Downingtown exit).

He used to handle all sales personally.

I once witnessed him turn down business. This wealthy looking couple came in and wanted to buy 2 bikes he had on the floor (used ones) and so he talked to them for a little bit, figured out they had never ridden before so he gave them some info on the MSF, said go take the course, get licenses and come back, he'd be happy to sell them something.

When I bought my RK from him back in 96 I had an idea of stuff I wanted to put on it (not much, mostly functional) and he said "Kev, do what you want, but I always advise people not to buy too much and put it on right away cause I don't want you to wind up with a bunch of chrome that you decide you don't like in a month and hang it on the garage wall. Instead, buy it, ride it for a while, then come back and I'll still give you 2 hours free labor for installation"

He's still real involved even though the place has grown.

And, like I said, he's a stand up guy.

Kev

Stretch Smaltz, of Smaltz's HD.

I still remember when he bought the place.

He's a vietnam vet and a lifetime rider who realized his dream back in the early 90s when he bought this tiny hole in the wall dealership in the shadow of the PA tpke (at the Exton/Downingtown exit).

He used to handle all sales personally.

I once witnessed him turn down business. This wealthy looking couple came in and wanted to buy 2 bikes he had on the floor (used ones) and so he talked to them for a little bit, figured out they had never ridden before so he gave them some info on the MSF, said go take the course, get licenses and come back, he'd be happy to sell them something.

When I bought my RK from him back in 96 I had an idea of stuff I wanted to put on it (not much, mostly functional) and he said "Kev, do what you want, but I always advise people not to buy too much and put it on right away cause I don't want you to wind up with a bunch of chrome that you decide you don't like in a month and hang it on the garage wall. Instead, buy it, ride it for a while, then come back and I'll still give you 2 hours free labor for installation"

He's still real involved even though the place has grown.

And, like I said, he's a stand up guy.

Kev

Wish I had guys like that near here...

I too today went to my loacl dealer and asked to place a deposit.. Got blank stares too 'XR? You mean XL'.. 'No... XR'.. 'Doesn't exist...'... sigh...

I had a bunch of fun with this yesterday at my local dealer. Conversation turned to up and coming bikes-I asked their opinion of the XR1200R...Got a blank stare. I started to describe the bike to them and got met with the "oh, you mean that 'liquid-cooled Sportster' that's all over the 'net? I said, no-the one that's being shown in Germany...now. Good guys that they are, were all flustered. They just got back from the dealers meeting in July and there was nothing mentioned about an XR1200. I gave them the forum's address and told them of Bert and his contributions. A few minutes later, one of the sales folks came up to me...he had gone to the HDUK site...and there she was.
It still confounds them that I scoop them on every up and coming bike. I always credit the Forum.

Kim

SCOOP!!! You own them!
:smoke

Well, the guys at my dealership knew about it! Even had the site bookmarked, so they could show folks the pics.:)

Easy site to remeber for the non believers:
www.xrdna.com. even shows a few going through their paces.
Erie dealer is having its customer appreciation day this Saturday. I should bring in a 8X11 pic of it and ask when they are getting them.

Went to another dealer today, he knew what it was, but couldn't confirm it would be available.. He did confirm though that it was listed on the stock lists, but they could not order it yet.. but would be happy to take my deposit! :banana

His suspicion was it would go into production once the XL50 was finished up (free production line) and that it would be released at the winter m/c show in January..

I'd put a depost down, but I need to know a price..

Went to another dealer today, he knew what it was, but couldn't confirm it would be available.. He did confirm though that it was listed on the stock lists, but they could not order it yet.. but would be happy to take my deposit! :banana

His suspicion was it would go into production once the XL50 was finished up (free production line) and that it would be released at the winter m/c show in January..

I'd put a depost down, but I need to know a price..

You can always get a deposit refunded. I'd give him $500 to hold for me if I were you...

You can always get a deposit refunded. I'd give him $500 to hold for me if I were you...

Its miiiiiiighty tempting!! Put it this way, I was about to buy a new exhaust for my 883... But now all parts are on hold!
Next pay I might just do that..

Found this website with a video of the XR1200 .
search for raptorsandrockets ,,,, not allowed to put up the full web site as I have not made 15 posts yet .

www.xrdna.com (http://www.xrdna.com)

I FINALLY got off my butt and talked to my dealer's sales manager about an XR.

He pretty much confirmed what little we've heard here, that he now sees some info about the XR in their system, but has no ability to order one.

His guess was that IF it becomes available it wouldn't be until June with the 08 models.

But was happy to make some notes to contact me as soon as he hears something.

I told him I'd be down to put a despit on one as soon as he finds out he can take one.

Kev

I FINALLY got off my butt and talked to my dealer's sales manager about an XR.

He pretty much confirmed what little we've heard here, that he now sees some info about the XR in their system, but has no ability to order one.

His guess was that IF it becomes available it wouldn't be until June with the 08 models.

But was happy to make some notes to contact me as soon as he hears something.

I told him I'd be down to put a despit on one as soon as he finds out he can take one.

Kev
Thanks Kev. That good up to date info for us. June is a long time away though. I cant wait that long!:frownthre

oh s:censor t! if word gets back to the MoCo that people are dying to put down a deposit on one.......................there goes the MSRP! :shhhh

SRT, that would probably be the ABSOLUTE soonest they'd built/market it.

And in the US, heck, I could expect it to actually be worse (i.e. that they'd build/sell it in Europe only for 08 and we might not see it here until 09).

No biggie to me, as we have bikes, so that would just mean another year with only our two (give me some time to save some $$$, but if it comes sooner, I'll find a way).

oh s:censor t! if word gets back to the MoCo that people are dying to put down a deposit on one.......................there goes the MSRP! :shhhh

No, no, no... that means they might actually consider BUILDING IT in the first place!!! They need that feedback if we're going to see it for real!


Kev

No, no, no... that means they might actually consider BUILDING IT in the first place!!! They need that feedback if we're going to see it for real!


Kev[/QUOTE]



Do we really think that we might not get this? I personally think that they have already decided. MSRP and everything. Just putting the final touches on the ad campaign and big release.Yes, it will be here. They just like watching us squirm.
I really can't fathom them putting all that effort (web site and all) into it and not bringing it to the US market. That would just be idiotic. How much would they really have to lose if it didn't sell well? And the fact that the exhaust already has EPA approval stampings on it (even if it's euro only approval) is just the icing on the cake. (I still can't understand the Euro release aspect)
Ironically enough, I too asked about it at my local dealer yesterday, and I could hardly find anybody that even knew about it. One of the service/parts guys said a lot of dealers are way down the line in the need to know department and don't find out about the latest and greatest, until their "dealer meetings"(ie:6 speed big twins, etc.). BS or not, I don't know, but it seemed like "XR1200" was like speaking Greek to them.
Needless to say, I didn't try putting a deposit down on one. I still need a definate OK for a $9k trade in credit for my current "883" money pit :laugh

Do we really think that we might not get this? I personally think that they have already decided. MSRP and everything. Just putting the final touches on the ad campaign and big release.Yes, it will be here. They just like watching us squirm.
I really can't fathom them putting all that effort (web site and all) into it and not bringing it to the US market. That would just be idiotic. How much would they really have to lose if it didn't sell well? And the fact that the exhaust already has EPA approval stampings on it (even if it's euro only approval) is just the icing on the cake.

You make some damn good points, but I'm not banking on anything until it happens.

As for the EPA stampings, if it is EPA, then that IS US, I believe the European stamping are EU.

But again, you make good points!!!

Kev

Well, I gave it a shot and went to my outstanding, local dealer (the Washington D.C. area) to put down a deposit on the XR1200 for whenever it will arrive. But alas! they wouldn't take. I was told that they can't take a deposit for a bike that's not yet officially for sale. (But on the side, suggested that I not run out and spend my money. Patience was the key word - and I would be rewarded.) I'm not a big fan of waiting but...some things are certainly worth it.

A deposit on a bike that is not in production and would take many months to get into production, doesn't make a lick of sense. Factories build concept cars and bikes every single year to attract customer interest. Putting up $50,000 for a "one off" XR1200, is a WHOLE bunch different from a full production run of special parts like the swingarm and setting up a dedicated assembly line and hiring and training more employees, etc. - several hundred thousand dollars would need to be invested at a minimum. Then, the bike has to be sold at a profit level to earn that money back. If it's a limited production for a limited market potential, the cost soars significantly. There is NO WAY this machine will come in at under $13,000. Like the H-D rep at the show said, H-D KNOWS the bike has a huge response in Europe - but that response MUST EQUATE TO OPEN WALLETS, PERIOD! And only a small minority of current H-D owners are in a position to immediately dump their current ride to hop on the latest fashion statement. They need several thousand NEW H-D riders to ride off into the sunset on the XR1200.

A deposit on a bike that is not in production and would take many months to get into production, doesn't make a lick of sense. Factories build concept cars and bikes every single year to attract customer interest.

the bike has to be sold at a profit level to earn that money back. If it's a limited production for a limited market potential, the cost soars significantly. There is NO WAY this machine will come in at under $13,000. Like the H-D rep at the show said, H-D KNOWS the bike has a huge response in Europe - but that response MUST EQUATE TO OPEN WALLETS, PERIOD! And only a small minority of current H-D owners are in a position to immediately dump their current ride to hop on the latest fashion statement. They need several thousand NEW H-D riders to ride off into the sunset on the XR1200.

Wow you make a whole lot of ASSumptions that I think are wrong.

1. Would take many months to get in production? Not according to various magazines that examed the prototype on display. As evidenced by the highly finished characteristics, including the fact they've gone so far as to include the reflectors and other DOT/EU requirements. Even the EPA and EU stamping on the muffler.

2. The motorcycle industry doesn't see NEARLY the amount of "concept" vehicles that are built by the automotive industry. And it is an almost unprecedented move for Harley to show a concept. I daresay this "concept" is a HECK of a lot different than say the space-ship like concept that Victory showed last year. This is a HECK of a lot closer to production (see #1).

3. No-one has said that it is THAT much a "limited" market or "limited" production. It has been unveiled to more positive reception than any "new model" from Harley or Buell in the last decade or more. And the market isn't necessarily "limited" to current Harley customers which leads to point #4. But I'll go on record and say NO WAY it is going to sell in the US for $13k or more. Time will tell if I'm right or wrong on this one.

4. Why would current owners have "to dump" their current rides to buy it? I'm a current owner who'd be keeping my current rides AND adding it to my stable. And Harley is constantly attracting first time buyers (of either the brand or the motorcycle). This bike is designed to attract some that HD might not have before.

So sir, I say "poppycock to your preposterous position"!

;)

Having a completely finished concept vehicle and saying it is near production ready because it is "complete", has little to do with production manufacturing. If H-D wants accurate marketing assessment, it better be a near clone of reality. Punching out 2,500 copies of the new swingarm and other specialized components is a lot more complex than pushing buttons and watching them jump onto the shelves. Training the additional workforce to assemble it all and the setting up the new assembly line can not be done overnight and requires months of advance preparation. None of that gets a green light to begin until H-D has had the chance to prove it has a winner. Since the evaluations are STILL ongoing at this time, it will be MONTHS before it can hit production and become finished assemblies. If H-D or it's suppliers require some additional machines/tooling for manufacturing, they typically require at least two months lead time for delivery and set-up. Will they need to install a line of additional paint booths? How long to set up the additional jigs required for production welding and to place additional welding machines and hire/train qualified operators? What about the extra molds required for more castings and furnaces to make the extra pours? Lowe's does not stock $250,000 HAAS CNC machining centers and HAAS does not keep dozens of them on the shelf either. The list of additional equipment and personnel goes on and on. If H-D decides to green light production in January, you won't see the first batch until at least June at the earliest.

It's a NICE motorcycle and a real surprise from H-D. BUT it isn't THAT big of a deal as far as production logistics. No quantum leap, as they say. Just a few nice components, some styling that is fresh and a little juice for the engine.

So,with all the facility H-D has at it's disposal, not to mention money, producing the XR1200 is very easy. You want 10,000 alloy swingarms? CAD 'em up and call a foundry. Trick forks? Hello,Showa, WP, Ohlins,etc. Roto mold some body parts and hold the chrome. It's not exactly a parts bin special but it's far from exotic. I imagine most of the H-D employees could figure out how to screw it together with a modicum of S.H.I.T. (special high intensity training). We went from Buicks to B-17s pretty quick in '42. All sliderules,then. It's not liquid cooled, so hold the phone calls to Porsche.

Unlike a CBR or YZF it don't need any real or current race credentials or technology. It just has to look good, which it does, pipes and all and perform pretty well. Easy. Scotty P. doing wheelies on a Harley streetbike promo. That's it! My money says it's a 10 grand deal all the way. Any takers?

Duane if the captains of industry followed your can't-do line of thought we'd all be waiting for the introduction of the 1993 models.

Having a completely finished concept vehicle and saying it is near production ready because it is "complete", has little to do with production manufacturing. If H-D wants accurate marketing assessment, it better be a near clone of reality. Punching out 2,500 copies of the new swingarm and other specialized components is a lot more complex than pushing buttons and watching them jump onto the shelves. Training the additional workforce to assemble it all and the setting up the new assembly line can not be done overnight and requires months of advance preparation. None of that gets a green light to begin until H-D has had the chance to prove it has a winner. Since the evaluations are STILL ongoing at this time, it will be MONTHS before it can hit production and become finished assemblies. If H-D or it's suppliers require some additional machines/tooling for manufacturing, they typically require at least two months lead time for delivery and set-up. Will they need to install a line of additional paint booths? How long to set up the additional jigs required for production welding and to place additional welding machines and hire/train qualified operators? What about the extra molds required for more castings and furnaces to make the extra pours? Lowe's does not stock $250,000 HAAS CNC machining centers and HAAS does not keep dozens of them on the shelf either. The list of additional equipment and personnel goes on and on. If H-D decides to green light production in January, you won't see the first batch until at least June at the earliest.


I was talking to a local dealer about this, he is the dealer who has the bike on his order sheet. He was suggesting Jaunuary would be about right as that is when the 50th Anniversary model ends production, freeing up that "off range model" assembly line

I was talking to a local dealer about this, he is the dealer who has the bike on his order sheet. He was suggesting Jaunuary would be about right as that is when the 50th Anniversary model ends production, freeing up that "off range model" assembly line

Good catch on the timing of the 50Th. That indeed takes pressure off production of the same basic chassis and other current components and personnel issues.

I stick to my guns you won't see a production bike at any dealer before June (mostly due to lead time for "special" components) and that they will have an MSRP of over $10,000.

It's a NICE motorcycle and a real surprise from H-D. BUT it isn't THAT big of a deal as far as production logistics. No quantum leap, as they say. Just a few nice components, some styling that is fresh and a little juice for the engine.

So,with all the facility H-D has at it's disposal, not to mention money, producing the XR1200 is very easy. You want 10,000 alloy swingarms? CAD 'em up and call a foundry. Trick forks? Hello,Showa, WP, Ohlins,etc. Roto mold some body parts and hold the chrome. It's not exactly a parts bin special but it's far from exotic. I imagine most of the H-D employees could figure out how to screw it together with a modicum of S.H.I.T. (special high intensity training). We went from Buicks to B-17s pretty quick in '42. All sliderules,then. It's not liquid cooled, so hold the phone calls to Porsche.


:clap :clap :clap

But I'll buy Duane a beer if we're wrong!

k