To my knowledge, never before Harley-Davidson launched a new motorcycle exclusively for the first time in Europe. In Valencia, Spain, and have made Harley XR1200 launched in style for almost everyone who can walk and talk in the European automotive press.
The XR1200 is as close to a real sport bike, Harley-Davidson will never do (except for the ill-fated VR1000 Superbike-Ed.). It is air-cooled, 1203cc V45 evolution with a custom Sportster range. Since it is more powerful than the rest, the XR1200 features a larger air box, fuel injection downdraft and a performance exhaust polarization. The result is a claimed 90 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 73.8 lb-ft of torque at very low above 3700 rpm.
The enlightened knows that Buell has more power than those with similar technology. The reason the XR1200 is not a 100 horsepower was explained to me one of the engineers in Milwaukee for a lower air intake and exhaust volume different. Harley-Davidson never completely sacrifice style and performance that's why.
The XR1200 sure makes a presence different to most other engines. It is unique in the Motor Company, and the only vehicle on the market you can find some kind of comparison would be the only Euro-Yamaha MT01!
At the same time, if not for the 1970 launch of the 90 horsepower for XR750 flat track, would not have seen the XR1200. That the new 1200 makes the same power as a bicycle 38 years of age, must be forgiven, like the modern sound and emission regulations there is no room for more.
"The XR1200 is definitely a presence unlike most other engines."
This morning, in early April, I have the privilege of following Wrecking number one crew Scott Parker in the mountains of the XR1200. Parker is 9 times AMA champion and the most successful driver in the most successful racing bike flat track ever.
Not long after, Scott Parker and Craig Brommie monkey trick monkey Jones deserves a gold medal in the mountains. There is no doubt in my mind after doing some of my own, this is the best Harley-Davidson Harley I've ridden! Therefore, horses, but more impressive is the ability to move quickly through the tight corners in the Spanish mountains. It is true that the XR1200 is much harder than any other European motorcycle brand is supposed to compete. But once in motion that is bright and monstrous torque curve is just a pleasure to use.
This Harley has links to their full capabilities in the game Dunlop Qualifiers. Using a 18-inch flat-screen satellite-style wheel, the qualifiers are designed for the big Harley. With a 551-pound claimed dry weight, the unit is probably a bit heavier than the score was designed to be used in the first place. But no matter, they stick like glue to the road and only the footrests touched the ground antennas. For me, stirrups and antennas are the most annoying thing about the package XR1200. In a stalemate, I touch my ankles antennas, and again in motion, I drag the pegs and have no spring action for them back. Harley engineers I spoke to said this is the first question that lead to mass production scheduled for this spring suits.
The seat is quite thin and athletic, and 29.2 inch seat height is low. The direction is very strong and this makes it easier to fight with the XR on the sides. The slope is very good, but although it seems that the right side exhaust pipe touching the ground first, it is actually the typical Harley easel to the left of the first touch. The clutch cable is very exposed and when they will start to grind the XR supported by his extreme left. You should not and did not, it just looks that way. Around the drain cover in the center right grinding. Although the XR1200 is the sportiest Harley ever, still has many commitments style.
Harley lovers will welcome the fact that a plastic tank and rear fairing on the XR1200. The lighthouse is a Sportster standard input, and rear suspension double-think of a Sportster. The trip is a short 3.5 inches and 4.9 inches in the back of the holder of 43 mm of dollars. Aluminum swingarm reminds me that Harleys are not found in other, however. It looks light and technique.
Mounted on 18-inch front wheel is a pair of 4-piston Nissin enough stopping power. I can not help but I am very pleased that Harley-Davidson Harley clutch levers and brake out if they feel so good to use. The gearbox 5 speed was bright and not difficult to use.
Riding the XR1200 as hard as I dare through the mountain passes and valleys was a very pleasant experience. I had to remind myself that I can start a Harley and Buell is not a release! Not that the XR 1200 feels anywhere remotely like a Buell. It's too big for him, but still manages so well. The XR1200 hard work under you, it's much easier to keep up with your friends on sportbikes. You will not go faster, but with the same speed in many places.
On my return from the mountain in Valencia and I to town riding skills test. The XR1200 Harley filters like no other, besides maybe the Nightster. One of the major differences that make the XR1200 is the fact that it has received the highest tire that gives you the added security a little faster everywhere, even in the city. A little heat is very much my only city driving complaint.
Finally, I asked Scott Parker, which he preferred, the XR750 or the XR1200? Of course, Parker is a businessman, so it did not give a clear answer on that. What became apparent during our trip was that almost everyone really enjoyed the XR. (Too bad Harley has not yet announced plans for the XR in North America to sell - Ed)
"The XR1200 hard work under you, it's much easier to keep up with your friends on sportbikes."
Conclusion
The Harley-Davidson XR1200 is a solid piece of work. The aura of the whole bike and XR750 heritage is nice. I am having one of these would be no problem at all - I would be satisfied in many ways, and not limited the use of a curve by dragging a 240 mm rear tire (the XR1200 has a / 180 55 - ZR17) later. The XR1200 can not compete on the border with other European Streetfighters, but it is a big step in the right direction should Harley ever want to do.
