Enter the Rumormill: Harley-Davidson quietly launches XR1200 in US?
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Nov 24th 2008 at 10:27AM 
Click above for high-res image gallery of the Harley-Davidson XR1200
We haven't yet gotten any official word from Harley-Davidson regarding the imminent U.S. launch of its XR1200, a thoroughly modern take on the old XR750 made famous on various dirt tracks across the United States. Oddly, despite this profound racing heritage in America, HD at first decided to send the revived XR to European dealerships only while suggesting that the U.S. may also get the bike at some point if demand proved strong. It seems that enough Americans were interested for the company to investigate its home market further, as rumors now indicate that an initial run of 750 XRs are being set aside for U.S. consumption. If you want one of these first XRs, you'll need to have your order in by December 15.
We have not been able to confirm this launch with the powers-that-be at HD, but at least one dealership in Westminster California is taking deposits for orange XR1200s with a price of $11,179 and a due date before the end of the year. Black and silver models will apparently be made available early next year. We made a quick call to Westminster Harley-Davidson and got confirmation that an email was sent just yesterday informing dealers of the news. Still, until we see an official announcement from Harley, which certainly wouldn't be entirely unexpected, this one's not quite officially official. Stay tuned... we may finally get the chance to ride the Sportster as God and Mr. Davidson himself intended.
Gallery: Harley Davidson XR 1200
[Source: Chopper Daves]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
lester 12:26PM (11/24/2008)
Being the youngster that I am, I'd buy it over one of their typical bikes. I like it when traditional companies like HD go out on a limb with designs like this.
Reply
Ray Malzo 11:20AM (11/24/2008)
WE are the largest dealer in Orange County Ca. and yes this bike is a reality. We are taking deposits for this great bike that will be delivered before the end of the year. Hurry there will only be 750 pre orders for this special bike. Call today 949-727-4464
Reply
Razor 11:24PM (11/25/2008)
Okay Ray, you've put enough ads in this post, we get the message. Finally something a "little" different from HD.
djfooboo 11:20AM (11/24/2008)
If someone said "pick any Harley you want for free", this would be it. At that price point I don't see anybody buying these besides for the name.
Reply
ray Malzo 1:20PM (11/24/2008)
WE have taken five deposits as soon as this bike hit the internet. The first 750 won't last. 11000.00 is not expensive for this great bike as most Harley's sell for double that.
Doug 2:01PM (11/24/2008)
Rays' right. Harley's are very desireable bikes. Their desireability is directly reflected in their Brand Value and, as seen in the follwing list, they are 64th in the world for brand value.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.millwardbrown.com%2FSites%2Foptimor%2FMedia%2FPdfs%2Fen%2FBrandZ%2FBrandZ-2007-RankingReport.pdf&ei=WvkqSebRKpGYsAPX6ZykAg&usg=AFQjCNGU7OLnTS4r9l4qENVkzQOa0Kc6jw&sig2=hhKymoYc9cFVynWg6WmUNg
John P. 12:04PM (11/24/2008)
easily my favorite current harley.
Reply
George 12:09PM (11/24/2008)
For about the same price, you can purchase a Ducati
Monster 1100, with adjustable fronk fork and adjustable rear monoshock. It weighs about 100 lbs
less than the HD. So which do you think handles
better and is faster???
Reply
Epyx 12:17PM (11/24/2008)
Price is good and the bike is cool but isnt this stepping on the toes of Buell a bit?
Is Harley developing a division with-in the HD brand for more sporting bikes, like this one and the V-Rod series? Possibly adding sport oriented models to the other model families. A sports Dyna or Softail maybe?
Reply
Alex 12:48PM (11/24/2008)
Not at all going to step on Buell's toes. Buell makes modern sport and street bikes. This is more of a "modern classic" like Triumph's Bonneville or Ducati's GT 1000. Today's technology on yesterday's frame.
I'm no fan of HD but this is a good looking cafe racer.
pmiddle5 1:54PM (11/24/2008)
It is NOT a cafe racer. This is a throw back to the dirt track bikes big time. Completely different seating position and general idea. The exhausts are up high on the right side even because you turn left on flat tracks
cwj 4:44AM (11/26/2008)
This is far more a standard than anything Buell does save for the Ulysses (dual sport) and the Blast (beginner bike). Buell is basically a boutique brand. I like the idea of HD broadening its base; way past due in my opinion.
I'd like to see an XR883. Actually, I'd like to see a 500-600cc, V2, H/D beginner/commuter bike and see the Blast dropped, but that's a different story/rant.
Can anyone tell me why H/D's tranny cases are so big?
and don't say genetics.
Alan44 12:54PM (11/24/2008)
Looks really good, but really slooooooowwwww.
Reply
Ray Malzo 1:17PM (11/24/2008)
sloooooow, not at all. This bike has almost the same motor as the Buell lightening with over 90HP and over one hundred pounds of torque. It is not slow by any means. Take a test ride and you will be impressed. Really.
Alan44 1:27PM (11/24/2008)
Well my bike has 127 HP, so to me this bike is a bit slow. Probably quick compared to most cars, but nothing fast when it comes to bikes.
Davin Black 1:42PM (11/24/2008)
Meh, this is basically a naked bike, so even if it had a higher hp the wind buffering would make going any faster uncomfortable...
I thought it was insane when HD didn't want to sell this in the States. Glad they've seem to come to their senses.
pmiddle5 6:22PM (11/24/2008)
Sorry it wont run 10's in the mile but that doesnt mean its slow. In that case your bike is slow compared to many many other things. 90hp and 500lbs isnt a sport bike but ITS NOT SUPPOSE TO BE. Bet its more fun to ride then most bikes out there
Razor 11:20PM (11/25/2008)
Sorry Ray, I know you are a HD dealer and all but put this thing up against a Ducati Monster 1100, Triumph Speed Triple, or BMW R1200R, all in the same ballpark dollar-wise, and the HD doesn't stand a chance. You won't be able to ride with the big boys and all of the asses that ride "real HD's" won't have any part of you on a Sportster.
This by far is the neatest HD in a long time, but not worth $11K. Price it about the same, or maybe a little more than a Bonneville and you got me thinking.
jim 1:16PM (11/24/2008)
Holy knee bend, set back pegs and a 29.1" seat height. Other wise a sharp looking bike. But it does need a 32" seat height.
Probably the only Harley I'd even give a second look to.
Reply
pmiddle5 1:55PM (11/24/2008)
my bikes a 31'' and I can sit completely flat footed and I'm only 5'10''. That does seem REAL low