(warning: this may have been already been discussed, go easy on me)

Dear Harley:
Due to the recent uproar over the XR1200 prototype which is now slated for European release, I propose you take a different approach to the US market which seems so divided on the styling you chose. I say, don't, or limit the, release of the XR1200 in the US. Intstead, I think a XLCH1200(or 12??) would be far more welcomed.
I'm talking sparsely styled motorcycle made to perform (not neccessarily sport bike performance, but just all-around street performance). Lots of low end torque, REAL suspension (dosen't have to be anything trick or modern looking, just something that actually works out-of-the-box, DO NOT LOWER IT!!), Brakes (go ride some Japanese or Italian bikes), modern wheels that can fit, and benefit from, current tire technology, better ergonomics (I personally hate your hand controls, and rear-sets, in my opinion, just put you in better control).
Maybe I'm wrong or totally off base, or maybe it's just my personal preferences clouding what I think the Sportster has "lost", or what the buying public really wants. I look at how popular the Nightster has been and what a stir it has caused.. The past definately works. But some of us still desire peformance. How to pull that off is up to you(or else I require a big commision).
To sum it up, I've been dissappointed with the Sportster's lean toward cruiser, and I can see the XR1200 not being a huge seller just because of it's styling, even though it has tons of improvements and benefits. I think the old XLCHs have a lot of qualities and mysique that most of us favor. I could be wrong. Food for thought.

OR

As I posted elsewhere

Actually, in my mind, this is how they should proceed.

the show ponies - the L, N and C models should continue as is, current motors/chassis etc.

the R models should be deleted and REPLACED with the XR models.

Put the air-cooled Buell mills in the XRs - so you'd have 900cc and 1200cc versions, with real suspensions and brakes. And, if at all possible, change the frame for lighter weight. Get them just sub 500 lbs. and you're there. They won't be SPORTBIKES, but they'd be the Sportiest Sportys in decades!!!

Kev

It could work largely the way Chris is suggesting here, meaning that styling can remain more XL than XR...

but the key is the "R" line would be truly dilineated by the Buell mills, along with real suspensions/brakes.

IT would truly PERFORM more SPORTY...

For the record, I REALLY like the 1200N (still have trouble saying Nightster) styling(except it's lowered and has your same goofy wheel sizing combo) That could have been the new XLCH. With XR prototype wheels front and rear, real suspension, and brakes and controls equivalent of the industry performance standard (we know you have Brembos number on the rolodex now, CALL THEM!) ,and whatever you can do about the weight (as pointed out, Sportsters should be well below 500lbs, I'm no engineer, but that should be doable), that would have been the ticket. I think it would be less of a gamble than the XR.
I always here you guys research these things and ask "the people", well, listen, those of us not in the Starbucks crowd still want performance in
something we know as (or in the future, can define as) a Sportster.

I think the R is the CH

For the record, I REALLY like the 1200N (still have trouble saying Nightster) styling(except it's lowered and has your same goofy wheel sizing combo) That could have been the new XLCH. With XR prototype wheels front and rear, real suspension, and brakes and controls equivalent of the industry performance standard (we know you have Brembos number on the rolodex now, CALL THEM!) ,and whatever you can do about the weight (as pointed out, Sportsters should be well below 500lbs, I'm no engineer, but that should be doable), that would have been the ticket. I think it would be less of a gamble than the XR.
I always here you guys research these things and ask "the people", well, listen, those of us not in the Starbucks crowd still want performance in
something we know as (or in the future, can define as) a Sportster.

:clap :clap :clap