A little bird told me, and I'm choosing to believe, that the XR1200 is really going to happen in the US for mid-year.

Of course, I've been disappointed before.

But I'm still holding onto hope.

Yeah, I tilt at windmills too, but time will tell.

Kev

Well with Buell coming out with the 1125r, I wouldn't be surprized.

Well with Buell coming out with the 1125r, I wouldn't be surprized.

Just read the write-up on the Buell in CycleWorld and the sporty won't be catchin' it anytime soon.....:geek:geek:geek

That's something worth believing and seeing..

Think it's too much to ask for an evo motor in that sucka :) !! :D :D

Just read the write-up on the Buell in CycleWorld and the sporty won't be catchin' it anytime soon.....:geek:geek:geek

I don't mean that the XR will keep up speed wise with the 1125r but for marketing sence, HD will release something to counter the Buell release.
They might be the same company but they do compete against each other from time to time.

There are only so many people willing to buy bikes every year and each company needs to do as much as they can to get your hard earned dollars.
So how many Buellers will be hitting the HD dealerships looking at the 1125r, but then see the XR and think well lets test drive that one just for fun?

CT, no way do Buell and the MoCo actively compete against each other, that would be insane.

I'm sure the powers that be are actively trying to minimize possible overlaps in products.

I think this is one of the reasons the Sportys aren't faster than they are, and why the XR can't be a full buell-spec motor (or couldn't be before the 1125), but maybe that could change now).

I would kill for an XR900, sub 500 lbs (preferably sub 450) with the short-stroke Buell motor!!!!

I bet that was their marketing plan all along. Get interest overseas and see how much interest there is here because we can't have one. Maybe pure genius on their part.

I kind of hope they don't come out this year , i'm thinking about the new fat bob but this might change my mind, either way my wife won't be happy.

I was under the impression that Buell had all the rights to the XR spec's ??

From reading here: http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=24307

Maybe I better go read it again...


EDIT:
My Missunderstanding, Re-read it just now. Eric bought the inventory of XR's from HD.
He bought the tooling/rights to the Barton.....

BUT MAN!!

Does this have FUN Written all over it or what ??

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n34/milmat1/genechurch.jpg

A little bird told me, and I'm choosing to believe, that the XR1200 is really going to happen in the US for mid-year.

Of course, I've been disappointed before.

I am not sure about being introduced this year, but another little birdie told me that they are test riding the pre-production models in Milwaukee. So it has to be a good sign. :banadanc

I am not sure about being introduced this year, but another little birdie told me that they are test riding the pre-production models in Milwaukee. So it has to be a good sign. :banadanc

I bet the test riders get jacked by some hardcore sporty rider.
But I know nothing... :banadanc

I am not sure about being introduced this year, but another little birdie told me that they are test riding the pre-production models in Milwaukee. So it has to be a good sign. :banadanc

Actually a little birdie that CT1200 also knows (but may not realize it) was doing an internship with Harley at one of their test facilities about 6 months ago and the test riders were riding them THEN.

The birdie I'm talking about on the intro dates is a Harley employee who has been riding one for 2 months.

:geek

Kev

But I know nothing... :banadanc

And thats my story!

The birdie I'm talking about on the intro dates is a Harley employee who has been riding one for 2 months.

Kev


Well tell us what he thinks of it. We know they are real and are going to Europe so getting someone's riding impressions is not leaking information. :D

Well tell us what he thinks of it. We know they are real and are going to Europe so getting someone's riding impressions is not leaking information. :D

Here's the funny thing.

Word is, that particular gentlemen LOVES IT.

However, word also is that the test riders at the particular facility where our bud was working HATED em.

HOWEVER, he did add that the test riders bitched about anything that they didn't find "comfortable" enough, so it's probably not an issue of brakes or suspension or power.

HOWEVER, he did add that the test riders bitched about anything that they didn't find "comfortable" enough

.

I guess after testing Electras and Road Kings an XR styled Sporty doesn't cut it for comfort.

I guess after testing Electras and Road Kings an XR styled Sporty doesn't cut it for comfort.

The same guy did say that the test riders were REAL RIDERS... meaning talented and could do things with an 883 that surprised him (the dude is a sportbike guy), but yeah, if you're pulling xx hour work shifts in a saddle, I guess the FLHs are a tad more forgiving on the body.

so wha'd these "real riders" think of the Nightster???? that made it to production and isn't a "comfy" bike out of the box.

so wha'd these "real riders" think of the Nightster???? that made it to production and isn't a "comfy" bike out of the box.

I never bothered to specifically ask, but I canl next time if you want.

Suffice it to say he told me the test riders HATED ANYTHING that WASN'T COMFORTABLE, so I think I know what his answer would be.

K

Here's the funny thing.

Word is, that particular gentlemen LOVES IT.

However, word also is that the test riders at the particular facility where our bud was working HATED em.

HOWEVER, he did add that the test riders bitched about anything that they didn't find "comfortable" enough, so it's probably not an issue of brakes or suspension or power.

Well it's good to here that they apparently have decent (sport oriented)test riders on it. Probably don't like things like the highish bars once you start pushing it and hopefully they complain about the clumsy standard Harley hand controls that the prototype had on it. If they're gonna make us wait, might as well get some improvements.

"The flat tracker-style XR 1200 is one of the best looking Harley-Davidson prototypes ever and the good news is, Harley have finally decided they’re going to put the bike into production. The XR 1200 will hit showrooms by mid-2008 and H-D expect the bike to do very well in not only the US but also Europe. The bike is not likely to cost more than US$16-17,000 which is definitely a good thing."

"The flat tracker-style XR 1200 is one of the best looking Harley-Davidson prototypes ever and the good news is, Harley have finally decided they’re going to put the bike into production. The XR 1200 will hit showrooms by mid-2008 and H-D expect the bike to do very well in not only the US but also Europe. The bike is not likely to cost more than US$16-17,000 which is definitely a good thing."

Am i the only one who thinks $16-17k is pricey for that bike? I mean the thing looks bitchin but man that's a good chunk of change.

Put a bitchin motor like 90-100 rwhp and the moco maybe on to something, other than that, it will be just another sporty,
kinda like the N, only stop and brake just a little better, or atleast lets hope so!!:doh :laugh

Cautionly optimistic???:o

Am i the only one who thinks $16-17k is pricey for that bike? I mean the thing looks bitchin but man that's a good chunk of change.

DUDE, you CANNOT COMPARE Harley pricing overseas with domestic Harley pricing PERIOD.

Too many F@#$^@#^ up variables.

It's not as simple as comparing ever-changing exchange rates.

Or stated another way, it's not going to sell for near that here.

Kev

Put a bitchin motor like 90-100 rwhp and the moco maybe on to something, other than that, it will be just another sporty,
kinda like the N, only stop and brake just a little better, or atleast lets hope so!!:doh :laugh

Cautionly optimistic???:o

Actually I'm told from people who have ridden them they are the ABSOLUTE best stopping and handling Sportys eva!

And that the go isn't bad either.

So, a lot more differentiated than just an N or L or C....

Did they ever give a good weight estimate?

Did they ever give a good weight estimate?

Nope, I still haven't seen any other specs.

Not sure if this is old news but found this link

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2006_Campaigns/XR1200_minisite/XR1200.jsp?locale=en_GB&swfxrdna=1

Not sure if this is old news but found this link

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2006_Campaigns/XR1200_minisite/XR1200.jsp?locale=en_GB&swfxrdna=1

lol, yeah, about a year or so... ;)

kinda like the N, only stop and brake just a little better, or atleast lets hope so!!:doh :laugh

Cautionly optimistic???:o


Are we looking at the same bike ??

The XR will be NOTHING like the N......:frownthre

One look at the running gear on the bike should tell you that.

Are we looking at the same bike ??

The XR will be NOTHING like the N......:frownthre

One look at the running gear on the bike should tell you that.

Yep, just cause you dress it up, don't mean it will dance!!!


like i said, Cautionly optimistic???:o

I hear what Xllent is saying, he's hoping that it is NOT just a styling exercise.

I'm saying that I HEAR it is NOT, that the running gear alone may justify it.

HOWEVER, it also appears they ARE using the Downdraft injection and that is also giving it a little performance boost over it's Sportster Cousins, so it SHOULD differentiate nicely from the current sportster lineup.

(guess I'm still cautiously optimistic, even if I did give up waiting for it).

Kev

The suspension,brakes and wheel dimensions alone will make it a far superior performer than an N........If ya can't see that....:doh

If they can pull 80 + hp out of the engine it'll be a great bike......:)

<sarcasm>I really hope HD doesn't release the XR1200...the forum can't take another new model, we are just getting adjusted to the 1200N's...</sarcasm>

I wonder how difficult it would be to import one from Europe (or where ever they decide to release it first)? (And yes, importing a bike automatically make you a rub...even if it's a Sporty...)

I thought the current regulations made the days of gray (or is it grey ;) ) market vehicles all but gone.

At least for a $10k vehicle, maybe if you have the money for a $400k vehicle the red tape isn't as bad if you know what I mean.

K

<sarcasm>I really hope HD doesn't release the XR1200...the forum can't take another new model, we are just getting adjusted to the 1200N's...</sarcasm>

I wonder how difficult it would be to import one from Europe (or where ever they decide to release it first)? (And yes, importing a bike automatically make you a rub...even if it's a Sporty...)


One would think it would be cheaper from Europe with rising Euro and the falling US dollar $$:doh :doh

One would think it would be cheaper from Europe with rising Euro and the falling US dollar $$:doh :doh

HUH?

One would think A US bike, made here, paid to ship to Euro and then paid to ship back plus the resulting EPA cert fees would be cheaper than a bike built here to be sold here????

WTF you talkn' bout willis?

Ohh, as for bikes built IN EUROPE, it's getting even worse, where companies are slashing their prices for the US just to keep those bikes relatively competitive. But they gotta be loosing beaucoup margin.

:frownone

Go here and then watch it in action; FUN! anyone?
Swankster

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/2006_Campaigns/XR1200_minisite/XR1200_popup.jsp?locale=fr_FR

HUH?

One would think A US bike, made here, paid to ship to Euro and then paid to ship back plus the resulting EPA cert fees would be cheaper than a bike built here to be sold here????

WTF you talkn' bout willis?

Ohh, as for bikes built IN EUROPE, it's getting even worse, where companies are slashing their prices for the US just to keep those bikes relatively competitive. But they gotta be loosing beaucoup margin.

:frownone
How do you know it's made in America?? One would think the China plant would be closer!!:laugh :laugh Yes, it may not be cost effective, but the Euro is stonger than the weak US dollar at this point, even the Canadians can buy more then they could in the last 30 yrs!!
Brace yourself cause the US economy is getting ready to go on it's a$$!!!

How do you know it's made in America??

Cause I've got the spy photos from KS City :p :p :p

and I know you're just being difficult and using the opportunity to rant about the US economy (I don't actually disagree much), but that's another discussion for another day...

Well I was at the stealer here where I live in Germany and low and behold He has a XR 1200 sitting smack dab in the middle of the showroom.Very nice looking bike!!They Offically they wont be sold until spring of 08' but He also said if I was interested He would put my name on a already long list of potential buyers.Cost here in Germany is 9,990 Euro's.

Looks like I might have to get rid of the Kawa after all!!!!

Yes, I was told a week or two ago by an insider that 22 had recently left the factory, and that 17 of them were bound for overseas.

:shhhh

K

Well I was at the stealer here where I live in Germany and low and behold He has a XR 1200 sitting smack dab in the middle of the showroom.Very nice looking bike!!They Offically they wont be sold until spring of 08' but He also said if I was interested He would put my name on a already long list of potential buyers.Cost here in Germany is 9,990 Euro's.

Looks like I might have to get rid of the Kawa after all!!!!


AND; Where are the damn pictures man?!@?

:p

It makes sense that with the debut of the 1125R Buell, more of Buells production will eventualy shift to that motor and its future derivitives, leaving all that lovely Buell Spec XB engine tooling available for Sportster upgrades. The XR being the first to utilize the good bits now coming available.

Since Kev can't produce the photo's he said he's seen, i'd figure my eye in the sky could help him out with a couple of good spy pics of XR1200.

Atleast they would make for good wallpaper on your computer!!!:banana


http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/xr1200_3.jpg


http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/xr1200_4_a.jpg

Since Kev can't produce the photo's he said he's seen, i'd figure my eye in the sky could help him out with a couple of good spy pics of XR1200.

Atleast they would make for good wallpaper on your computer!!!:banana



I can produce em, but since they were taken on a camera phone they're not that great a quality.

And more importantly, they were taken by an employee and I'm not about to risk his job for sharing em with me.

However, I did show them in person to Ralphthe3rd from central PA goes by at the York open house, you can PM him and ask about em if you like. :p

And nice pics, but those are press shots, not spy shots... ;)