We Smell a Ringer: Vance & Hines XR1200 spec series set for 2010 debut
If you're into going too fast on two wheels, chances are the name Terry Vance has crossed your radar a time or two. The pilot of Need-for-Speed Duo Vance & Hines spread the word recently from Daytona International Speedway that a new spec series featuring the Harley Davidson XR-1200 will run this year along with select AMA road racing events.
The Vance & Hines XR-1200 Series, as it is officially being called, will kick off at Road America this June in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, coincidentally, very close to Harley Davidson's headquarters. Hmm. Question: How can one guarantee a Harley clad in Vance & Hines goodies will win races this year? Answer: You guessed it, the above-mentioned series is born. Looking on the bright side, at least the current economic state was taken into account when pricing the race kit.
For a mere $3,500, potential racers will get full exhaust and fuel management systems and race body work that includes a number plate, solo-seat and tail section, as well as the belly-pan valance. But wait, that's not all. A 17-inch front wheel and matching front fender, steering damper, oil cooler relocation package and race graphics is also on the menu. Now that's what we call a deal! Of course it will be available to the public as a street legal kit as well. The claim to fame is that anyone with an XR and a dream can get involved without significant investment.
Fact is, some top talent has made its way through the ranks as the result of spec class racing. Add to that, who doesn't like to watch a good Boxer Cup from time to time? It can be fun when the playing field is leveled a bit. Let's hope the action is strong and the series spreads beyond it's slated current boundaries (east of the Mississippi only) to give everyone a chance to hear the ever pleasant sounds of a big twin bouncing off the rev limiter at race-track near you.
[Source: AMA Pro Racing]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
AlO 6:40PM (3/10/2010)
decent looking bike.
Reply
Hazdaz 7:01PM (3/10/2010)
Sounds like a hell of a deal and a hell of an opportunity for those with racing aspirations.
It's too bad that Buell is gone - would seem to have made more sense with them, but still, pretty cool.
Reply
BoxerFanatic 7:17PM (3/10/2010)
Boxer Cup FTW over this.
I would buy an R1200S over a 1200 sportster any day of the week, and twice on saturday. (saturday being a good day to ride.)
An HP2 Sport DOHC boxer would make all the more mince-meat out of this.
I'd buy a nice Moto Guzzi LeMans or similar, over this thing, too.
Why aren't they using a variant of VRod engine built into a sport bike?
Reply
Loren 7:44PM (3/10/2010)
Strange..............
Do away with Buell, then bring out a race replica????
Reply
Polarstar 7:50PM (3/10/2010)
HD is trying to recapture some of its racing heritage. Their riders are getting older and the younger generation isn't as enamored with HD as their fathers and grandfathers.
I think its a good move to inject some vitality into the Motor Company.
Reply
MiniMe 9:46PM (3/10/2010)
And in-line with these wonderful dreams, HD discontinued Buell.
Willute 7:59PM (3/10/2010)
A flat tracker replica racer with it's own road race spec series. I don't know if that's ironic, pathetic, or brilliant.
Reply
orangedog 8:07PM (3/10/2010)
Spec racing with underpowered, overweight bikes - sounds pretty boring. Not to mention you have to buy the $11,000 bike first, then the reasonably priced race kit.
The big question is why would any truly talented racer try this route instead of club racing to work their way up (WERA, AFM, etc.). A slightly used, decently built Japanese 600cc race bike would be cheaper.
"...the ever pleasant sounds of a big twin bouncing off the rev limiter at race-track near you."
Sure, if it's a Ducati or the old Honda RC51... those are what race-tuned big twins are supposed to sound like.
Reply
JIMBO 8:28PM (3/10/2010)
MAN !
35 years ago I would've killed for something like that .
Harley should bring back their old cafe-racer model but with this Vance & Hines equipment .
Reply
Polarstar 10:01PM (3/10/2010)
IMO this will at least put HD and racing in the same thought...maybe.
This should be a good publicity move for HD but it won't do much to further race tech to filter down into their street models because the racing will be too distilled.
Reply
Epyx 10:13AM (3/11/2010)
I am not sure you understand the purpose of spec racing. There is no intent to develop new tech, it has nothing to do with that. IIn this case, t is about inexpensive and accesable racing for consumers, the spec requirments may keep costs low and generally keep competition about riding and not the machinery (keeps the bikes fairly consistent from rider to rider). I wont deny the marking angle as well.
4Cammer 10:07PM (3/10/2010)
OrangeDog, you must have never heard the sound of a tuned Sportster (or better yet Buell Thunderstorm) engine at full boil. Does sound quite nice, and not like a "big twin", at least not a HD big twin. If you have the opportunity see a flat track mile race and let us know how the XR-750's sound. You might be impressed.
As a Buell owner and huge fan I do find it amusing that HD is doing this after killing a brand that won the #1 plate just last year and ran in the top 10 in SuperBike.
Reply
orangedog 10:18PM (3/10/2010)
I have heard the flat tracker 750s... I can admit those sound pretty bad ass.
Davin Black 2:28PM (3/11/2010)
...they killed Buell because no one was buying them lol.
philross001 1:15AM (3/11/2010)
Because the V-rod engine is a heavy lump. You might be amazed how light the pushrod engine is.
Serious move in the right direction for H-D. They have a lot of maneuver room now that their sporting stuff won't be branded "Buell."
Reply
cdwrx 2:14PM (3/11/2010)
I would be amazed because the bike as a whole is anywhere from 60-150lbs heavier than the competition, as documented here.
http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/03/by-the-numbers-retro-roadster.html
There simply isn't a category where Harley or Buell could compete on performance without skewing the rules heavily in their favor.
Chivo 5:24AM (3/11/2010)
They need to get a serious sport bike contender. No bike in HD's lineup will make me trade in my ZX6R. They need to get a liquid cooled sport bike in their lineup. I can't see them bringing in younger customers into their showrooms without a real sport bike.
Reply
Redline 9:37AM (3/11/2010)
BWAHAHAHAHA HARLEY RACE BIKE HAHAHAHA!
Reply
JIMBO 10:29AM (3/11/2010)
Gentleman ! Harley does have a race bike . It's call the champion pro-stock & is available from the factory as a complete ready to ride or race motorcycle . And I might add holds numerous records . Just ask the Suzuki boys over at NHRA .
Reply
cdwrx 12:29PM (3/11/2010)
Should we ask them about how NHRA had to change the rules to favor H-D so they would stay in the series?