Harley-Davidson, that most quintessentially American Motor Company, has gone and released a bike in Europe before releasing it in America. What is the world coming to? The XR 1200, based on the Sportster model range, is a streetbike that's inspired by the XR750 dirt track racing bikes that Harley has been campaigning so successfully -- on racetracks in America. This is the first time that Harley-Davidson has ever released a bike first in any country other than America. In fact, the bike will be available in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, starting in the Spring of '08.
Here in the States, the best selling bikes are cruisers, and the XR 1200 is a bike that's being marketed towards the sporting standard crowd -- a popular one in Europe. We like the idea of a nice, solid handling bike with the classic "sit up and beg" riding position. If there is one brand that could make a positive impact on the slow-selling standard genre in America, though, it is likely Harley-Davidson. Here's hoping that the XR 1200 does not stay a European import forever.
[Source: Harley-Davidson, Motoblog]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Opposite Lock @ Oct 12th 2007 7:02PM
That is probably the most attractive Harley that I've ever seen, to me at least.
Very cool
jjmcubed @ Oct 12th 2007 7:15PM
Could be the first HD that I would have ever considered buying and it isn't available here. Please don't do what Ford is doing!
John P @ Oct 12th 2007 7:20PM
I agree with you guys. I own a Harley Sportster and this one is the only Harley I'd replace it with,... oh, that's if they sold it here.
Sounds like Harley and Ford share more than the F150. Blah.
AR @ Oct 12th 2007 7:23PM
It's "attractive" because it has 70s styling: a step up from the 50s.
Seeing "Harley Davidson" and "racetrack" in one sentence I thought I missed something, so I clicked on the XR750 link and it's a 1972 model. Sorry, I'm just young and arrogant. I didn't bother to educate myself on the glorious past, and never been to a motorcycle museum.
But with all due respect: that thing is being sold as 2008 model. It's kinda symbolic posted on an automotive blog where everyone talks about the fall of Detroit. I wonder how much more time it'd take for American motorcycle industry. It's different mentality, different values, and don't forget, motorcycles are not everyday transportation, but mostly recreation vehicles. But still... comparing a modern mainstream sportbike with drive by wire dual-throttle, dual-FI, high- and low-speed compression damping, etc. etc. to that dinosaur... which probably costs twice as much not to mention constant maintenance. I'm not even talking about aesthetics or performance... it's in the eyes of beholder.
So the Big Three's product got rejected being outdated 10 to 15 years both looks- and technology-wise, and successful HD product is outdated how? 25-50 years? Tell me one good reason to buy that thing.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Oct 12th 2007 8:35PM
Oh yeah, absolutely. Go get a Ducati and run it for a while and then you can talk again about how the Harley probably requires too much maintenance.
Jim @ Oct 12th 2007 8:53PM
"But still... comparing a modern mainstream sportbike with drive by wire dual-throttle, dual-FI, high- and low-speed compression damping, etc. etc. to that dinosaur..."
While you're comparing apples to bananas, why not throw a Gold Wing in the mix and tell us how much it sucks compared to your beloved sport-bikes. Or maybe you are young and arrogant enough to actually believe that what you like should be all that anyone ever needs.
steve @ Oct 12th 2007 9:49PM
it looks nice compared to the rest of the garbage harley makes. And the motors are actually low maintainance. Hydraulic valves apparently don't need adjustment . But if they are going to sell a bike based on performance here good luck. It's a different crowd that wont go for faux speed. Run of the mill bandit 1250 would leave it for dead and a fazer... And the harley crowd seems to only like one thing so it would be a tough market. It looks very cool and if they could lighten it up and get it over a hundred horsepower.... oh forget it this is harley
Blacknimbus @ Oct 12th 2007 10:06PM
Bla, bla, bla...it's a lovely bike.
HAWC1506 @ Oct 12th 2007 11:04PM
It's Et toi, not et tu.
Jay @ Oct 13th 2007 1:40AM
Someone needs to brush up on his or her Shakespeare (or Latin).
HAWC1506 @ Oct 13th 2007 1:42AM
it's French.
wettlaufer @ Oct 13th 2007 10:17AM
It's not French, it was what Caesar said to Brutus upon the latter's assassination. Brutus was one of the conspirators and Caesar's last words to his friend were "et tu, Brute," or "you as well, Brutus."
HAWC1506 @ Oct 13th 2007 6:42PM
Ah then I give in on that one. I saw it as French, not as old Latin or whatever lol :P Mah baaaddddd
Mattias @ Oct 13th 2007 2:54AM
Why not? The engines where designed in Zuffenhausen, the injection systems are Italian. Harley has a European heart no, o it's just natural to release them in Europe first.
Frogwhistle @ Oct 13th 2007 2:31PM
That's exactly what the Sportsters should have looked like for the last forty years...
Calebe @ Oct 15th 2007 9:32AM
Sweet. It actually looks good. I'd buy one over any thing they have now.