Does anyone think that HD will release the XR1200 for 2008 here in the USA?

I've heard that's the plan (then again it could have been 2009). I'm not sure where I heard it from. I'll try to find a reliable source as a referance.

I ask this question weekly, if not daily.

Have not had a solid answer yet, all speculation.

I think those that know for sure are not talking OR the decision hasn't been made yet.

I'm not too concerned about when it arrives. Sure, I'd like to see one, but they look too big and clunky to be my idea of a street-legal XR. :p

I think we will have an idea once they start selling in Europe. Once demand or lack of (whatever the case maybe) is satisified then they'll probally start here.

I just hope they announce something before my head explodes!

2008 - no
2009 - no
2010 - no
2011 - no
2012 - no
2013 - no
2014 - no
2015 - no

In other words, don't hold your breath. You may never see one for sale in the states.

2008 - no
2009 - no
2010 - no
2011 - no
2012 - no
2013 - no
2014 - no
2015 - no

In other words, don't hold your breath. You may never see one for sale in the states.

HD Marketing?!?!? Hmmm... lots of "no's" there, Kev.

I just hope they announce something before my head explodes!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m96/clarinetcat1/Smilies/explode.gif

As a complete motorcycle it's fine but I don't think I would want any of the parts if they didn't sell it here.

Just as soon as they work it into a new Creed video............

Proggress Report

Instead of giving me the usual BS answer to my questions I am now getting [I]different[I] BS answers. Could something be happening?

Maybe I'm ignorant, but do you really think they would not sell this bike here?
Seeing that it is already EU certified (and probably DOT certified since EU is stricter), why would they not sell it here to possibly recoup development cost and make some more profit on it even if it isn't a huge seller? Is their Euro market that big that they can do that? I doubt it.Not to mention the fact that it would be a major slap in the face to us(US) if they said "no, we're not going to sell it here, it's not what our market research tells us you want", and I for one would go elsewhere for my non-cruiser needs. I can't believe they would actually think we all want slammed cruisers with no cornering clearance just because they look cool. I would be totally disillusioned if they didn't sell it here.

2008 - no
2009 - no
2010 - no
2011 - no
2012 - no
2013 - no
2014 - no
2015 - no

In other words, don't hold your breath. You may never see one for sale in the states.

TROLL!!!!

:frownthre

lots of "no's" there, Kev.



http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m96/clarinetcat1/Smilies/explode.gif

:doh :laugh :laugh

Proggress Report

Instead of giving me the usual BS answer to my questions I am now getting [I]different[I] BS answers. Could something be happening?


Do tell, do tell????

What are you hearing????

Bert's dealer certainly thinks it's coming...

Maybe I'm ignorant, but do you really think they would not sell this bike here?
Seeing that it is already EU certified (and probably DOT certified since EU is stricter), why would they not sell it here to possibly recoup development cost and make some more profit on it even if it isn't a huge seller? Is their Euro market that big that they can do that? I doubt it.Not to mention the fact that it would be a major slap in the face to us(US) if they said "no, we're not going to sell it here, it's not what our market research tells us you want", and I for one would go elsewhere for my non-cruiser needs. I can't believe they would actually think we all want slammed cruisers with no cornering clearance just because they look cool. I would be totally disillusioned if they didn't sell it here.

:clap :clap :clap

My view is that if they DID get it "euro certified" as many claim, then the decision to produce it was made long ago, as that's a very spendy process to go through just to test market waters with prototypes. Emissions certification should be one of the last tasks done to a vehicle that IS going into production. The company knows well in advance if it can pass, after all they do their own R&D testing well up-front so money doesn't get pissed down the pipe. I'm not so certain that numbers stamped on mufflers mean the vehicle has actually passed the tests, but may be pre-assigned prior to vehicle submission for testing.

I don't think slammed bikes look kewl. I think they look stupid,scrunched down like a dog that got caught crapping on the rug. More on topic,though, predicting what H-D will do is impossible. Certainly the XR1200 is less of a leap than the V-rod. What worries me is Harley's Creed creedo. Look at their recent direction: The FXDX and XL1200S are history and the only performance stuff they are selling is big-inch motor stuff. The ONLY suspension parts in their '07 crapalog is LOWERING kits.

To some degree, the market you sell to is the one you cultivate. Time will tell. Fuggit,I ain't buyin any more Sportsters with plastic oil tanks and no trapdoors anyway. Want an a XR style bike? Build a solid mount XL with a 90HP mill and stripped down to about 470 lbs. It's EASY.

It's kinda cool, especially the fact they even considered it. But I wouldn't worry about when or if. You can build a better bike for the same or less money. Now if the XR1200 had 100HP and weighed about 400 lbs that would be worth salivating over. H-D could VERY WELL have done that 20 years ago. Perhaps they do not want to dilute Buell's image by coming too close to the XB12's performance level. Why compete with yourself?

I don't think slammed bikes look kewl. I think they look stupid,scrunched down like a dog that got caught crapping on the rug. More on topic,though, predicting what H-D will do is impossible. Certainly the XR1200 is less of a leap than the V-rod. What worries me is Harley's Creed creedo. Look at their recent direction: The FXDX and XL1200S are history and the only performance stuff they are selling is big-inch motor stuff. The ONLY suspension parts in their '07 crapalog is LOWERING kits.


Well, actually, I think the death of the FXDX kinda made some sense, I mean they're trying to steer those more interested in sporting rides to other platforms, like the Street Rod and Buells.

Death of the 1200S was for the 1200R, which, I am predicting is now going to evolve into the XR1200, which looks like it is going to have a better suspension than the current 1200R... so a step in the right direction again.

Time will tell though,

Kev

3 steps back, 2 steps forward. My '68 Bridgestone 250 had better suspension than the 1200R. Really.

They are still negotiating the cost of shipping, from CHINA! HA!

My view is that if they DID get it "euro certified" as many claim, then the decision to produce it was made long ago, as that's a very spendy process to go through just to test market waters with prototypes. Emissions certification should be one of the last tasks done to a vehicle that IS going into production. The company knows well in advance if it can pass, after all they do their own R&D testing well up-front so money doesn't get pissed down the pipe. I'm not so certain that numbers stamped on mufflers mean the vehicle has actually passed the tests, but may be pre-assigned prior to vehicle submission for testing.

Guys....look at this photo:

http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/727/medium/20061015-XR1200-PROTOTPYE51.JPG

Link for full size photo if you can not read this one. http://xlforum.net/photopost/data/727/20061015-XR1200-PROTOTPYE51.JPG

You will see that that exhaust is stamped EPA compliant. Why would HD stamp EPA compliant on the bike if there is no plan to sell this bike in the US. The bike in the photo is a prototype and there was, at the time this photo was taken, no decision to release the XR-1200 in the EU, North America, or anywhere else in the world. Why would HD care about US Federal law if the bike was never to be sold in the US?

Also you see that the exhaust also has a stamp indicating the type of bike it is allowed to go on. This, I believe, is a EU thing. HD covered all the bases with this one.

The title of this thread is correct. The question is not "IF" the XR-1200 is coming to the USA, the question is "WHEN?"

This might be out of left field but...

Do you think that Buell's recent announcment to build a bike "specificallly designed for closed-course competition" could be an indicator to an XR1200 release?

This might be out of left field but...

Do you think that Buell's recent announcment to build a bike "specificallly designed for closed-course competition" could be an indicator to an XR1200 release?

????

The announcement I saw was for 4-stroke, motorcross bikes. I.E. 450cc or so.

Was there another announcement I missed?

K

I'm not sure Kev,
This is what I read, Maybe I missed something

http://www.buell.com/en_us/news_events/newsdetail.asp?news_id=1149

"BUELL MOTORCYCLE COMPANY ANNOUNCES INTENT TO ENTER NEW MOTORCYCLE MARKET SEGMENT
Buell to Build Off-Road Competition Motorcycles Within Two Years
EAST TROY, WI -- (Friday, March 09, 2007) Buell Motorcycle Company recently announced its intent to bring an off-road motorcycle to market, specifically designed for closed-course competition.
“We’ve told our dealers about our plans to bring an off-road, closed-course competition motorcycle to market within the next two years,” said Chairman and Chief Technical Officer Erik Buell. “This will allow Buell dealers the time needed to make plans to meet the needs of this new market and customer.”
“Harley-Davidson and Buell are highly committed to broadening the range of products we offer and reaching out to new groups of customers,” said Buell President and Chief Operating Officer Jon Flickinger. “We’re always looking at new market opportunities, but this one is particularly exciting.”
No details about the new Buell motorcycle have been released.
Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com. "

I'm not sure Kev,

This is what I read, Maybe I missed something


http://www.buell.com/en_us/news_events/newsdetail.asp?news_id=1149

"BUELL MOTORCYCLE COMPANY ANNOUNCES INTENT TO ENTER NEW MOTORCYCLE MARKET SEGMENT
Buell to Build Off-Road Competition Motorcycles Within Two Years
EAST TROY, WI -- (Friday, March 09, 2007) Buell Motorcycle Company recently announced its intent to bring an off-road motorcycle to market, specifically designed for closed-course competition."


:laugh Yup, call it forest through the trees. I hope I've now pointed out the forest. ;)

Kev,
I'm in the middle of rebuilding my back deck, so in between my knuckle skinnings, I'm surfing the forum... Dont have time for research view on the topic....,
SO, paint it black and white for me..
You feel the announcement would indicate a 4 stroke, 450's style of bike, or the possible "off road, closed course" being an XR something another.