XR(X)1200 Harley

[Dave Swanson]

I thought I would try to flush out the XR1200 enthusiasts on WG.  I know there are a few on the forum that own, have owned, regret selling, or would like to own.   

I'll start off with a few pics of mine from last fall. My bike is a 2009 XR1200,   I added the full XRX kit to this bike; upgraded front and rear suspension, and full floating front rotors.   It also has the Vance and Hines header, Power Commander.   It is more fun than you should have on a Harley.  The engine is quite strong.  I always had a "serious" sport bike around until a few years ago.  This XR gives me no reason to miss my old CBR, or Ducati 916. 

[fotoguzzi]

Nice! I like that header..

sometimes I miss all that torq..

[Cool Runnings]

Why not just look for a used Buell?

[canuguzzi]

That is one good looking bike. There was a time including now that I wouldn't consider a HD my style but the Sportster and that right there, as done right are changing my mind.

When the Hawks came out I laughed, now I own one. I can see one next to the next to the Norge and stablemates in the future.

[LowRyter]

I'd like to ride XR and the Buell. 

[Kev m]

I rode one, liked, really thought about getting one.

There was a white denim XRX available about the ring my V7 Stone I'd ordered was coming in. I had to choose one and went with the V7.

I didn't regret it, but often wondered if I would, till the new CX (Roadster) can't out weeks ago and I realized it's a much better fit for me ergonomically and I prefer it stylistically.

But I totally get the XR/XRX!

[Dave Swanson]

I didn't regret it, but often wondered if I would, till the new CX (Roadster) can't out weeks ago and I realized it's a much better fit for me ergonomically and I prefer it stylistically.

Kev, the new Roadster is very cool.   Brad Richards (took Willie G's job after retirement) and his team did a nice job!  Brad is the most down to earth, bike crazy guy you will ever meet. 

[Darren Williams]

Shortly after trading in a 1200 Sport for a Stelvio, I test rode a XR1200X.  Loved the concept but...

Ergos were very similar to my old 1200 Sport. Motor was very powerful and torquey but felt like it didn't like to rev like the Guzzi, even with similar red lines. Brakes felt about the same to me.  Steering was way heavier, so slow speed handling not nearly as good as the Sport. I didn't get a chance to really hit any hard core twisties but the turns/curves I did hit felt less capable than my Sport. Harley seat was in proportion to the small capacity tank verses the Sport's much better seat and 6.1 gallon tank.

My view was I had just traded off a better riders bike, and picking up a Griso would have made me more happy.  In the end I went another direction and got a Thruxton. Aren't choices wonderful!

[kingoffleece]

I looked for on of those for a year and a half.  never found what I wanted at a price I was willing to pay.
I'll add one one day to the stable.  I'm really stoked on how those XR Sportsters look.  I could care less if there are "better" bikes that are similar.  She's a head turner and sometimes that's enough.

[bigbikerrick]

Thats a beautiful Harley! The "sportsters"  are the only harleys that have pulled on my heartstrings,  in the last 10 years, and the XRX is the sweetest of the bunch. I bet it sounds intoxicating with that nice exhaust system !
Rick.

[BillinPA]

great bike, I am disappointed it is no longer in production.

[Tom]

Cool bike.  Should take care of the need for "hooligan" riding.  My S3 Thunderbolt fulfills that need for me.

[Lcarlson]

Cool bike.  Should take care of the need for "hooligan" riding.  My S3 Thunderbolt fulfills that need for me.

I often regret that I sold my M2 Cyclone.

[Tom]

Para-phrasing their late ads.  "Own the curves!"

[Adk.IBO]

Always liked the XR but that self retracting side stand was an immediate deal breaker for me. I lived with one for 4-5 years with my R100RT and swore never again! Nice bike though. And I like the new 2016 Roadster minus the fenders and small tank.

[Kev m]

Always liked the XR but that self retracting side stand was an immediate deal breaker for me. I lived with one for 4-5 years with my R100RT and swore never again! Nice bike though. And I like the new 2016 Roadster minus the fenders and small tank.

That sidestand is really pretty different from the BMW one.

It doesn't self-retract UNLESS it hits something.

It doesn't just pop up cause you unloaded it.

[Dave Swanson]

Adk, Kev is correct,  I don't believe there has ever been a Harley with a self retracting side stand.  The XR certainly does not. 

[zedXmick]

Sweet ride,love the stacked exhaust!

[mach1mustang351]

I want one. I got tired of looking. I ended up with a Nightster. I like the new sportster Roadster so I was considering lacing up a 18" wheel and changing my look a little. I was also considering an engine build this winter.

[Muzz]

Son has the last of the solid mount Sporties. Previous owner had put a Harris exhaust on it (locally made 2 in to 1;sounds real nice and gets rid of potato potato ) and modified carburation/breathing and set up on a dyno. Goes real nice and sounds good too. Probably has me on the fast sweepers (the Breva can get a bit twitchie) but when it comes to the twisties the Breva eats it. He loves it.

[Adk.IBO]

That sidestand is really pretty different from the BMW one.

It doesn't self-retract UNLESS it hits something.

It doesn't just pop up cause you unloaded it.

Hmm... It's been a few years since I sat on one in the dealership. Maybe it was just my excessively short legs not being able to retract it easily. I have a good memory- it's just short🤔.

[Kev m]

Hmm... It's been a few years since I sat on one in the dealership. Maybe it was just my excessively short legs not being able to retract it easily. I have a good memory- it's just short🤔.

Ha ha, me too.

To be clear, you CAN get it to pop up.

You see it locks when the bike's weight is on it. But when you stand it up it is no longer locked so if you stand it up part way, and push it forward, if it rubs on the ground it can pop up. Make sense?

[Rough Edge racing]

  Uh, the first thing you do when straddling the bike before starting the engine is retract the side stand. It's like finding neutral, the rider shouldn't have to look for the green light...

[Kev m]

  Uh, the first thing you do when straddling the bike before starting the engine is retract the side stand. It's like finding neutral, the rider shouldn't have to look for the green light...

That is assuming someone is standing a bike up to ride it and not in a dealership to try on the fit etc.

[jGuz]

That is a pretty sweet bike.  I've never seen an XR1200(X) in the flesh, but it always has been The One Harley I Would Ever Consider Owning.

At least, this was until I saw the 2016 Roadster.  It looks excellent in person, and seems well-made.  It's certainly a bike I would own, if I had $12K lying around.
It's a little too similar in mission to my R9T, though, so until I have an excess of money or a deficiency in self-control, I'll stick to dumping miles (and money) into the BMW.

[GZRPWR]

I lusted for one of these things for a long time.  Finally got a chance to test ride a used one at local HD dealer about a year ago.  Gotta admit, it was a rush.  But it was like two different bikes in one package.  Above 3K RPM it was outstanding, fast and smooth!
Below 3K rpm it was like sitting on a concrete mixer!  Vibrated so bad it made my vision blur.  Definite deal beaker there.  Got on the V11Sport and smiled all the way home. 

So, is that below 3K shake characteristic of the model or unique to the sample I got?

[Kev m]

I lusted for one of these things for a long time.  Finally got a chance to test ride a used one at local HD dealer about a year ago.  Gotta admit, it was a rush.  But it was like two different bikes in one package.  Above 3K RPM it was outstanding, fast and smooth!
Below 3K rpm it was like sitting on a concrete mixer!  Vibrated so bad it made my vision blur.  Definite deal beaker there.  Got on the V11Sport and smiled all the way home. 

So, is that below 3K shake characteristic of the model or unique to the sample I got?

Rubbermount Harleys shake at idle, but typically smooth right out when you pull away.

Thing is, the XL motors (as opposed to the big twins) are designed to run at a higher rpm than the BTs (whereas a BT is happy running down the road at 2k rpm, it's better to generally keep the motor above 3k).

I mean, under light load you can let it run down into the 2's, but really 3500-4000k is the happy place for a Sporty motor.

[Rough Edge racing]

That is assuming someone is standing a bike up to ride it and not in a dealership to try on the fit etc.

  Then it drops and both the dealer and the potential buyer have learned a lesson... 

[tiger_one]

I like the looks of the new Roadster, but would have to source the taillight/plate extension HD uses on the overseas model.



I like this custom by an owner also:

[rocker59]

I really liked the XR1200s.  Too bad the low volume couldn't be justified by HD's sales team...

Even a mega company should have some niche products...