Wildguzzi.com

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dave Swanson on May 15, 2016, 10:48:33 AM

Title: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 15, 2016, 10:48:33 AM
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. 

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/dswansbiker/xr1200/014_zps2d5e07df.jpg) (http://s233.photobucket.com/user/dswansbiker/media/xr1200/014_zps2d5e07df.jpg.html)


(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/dswansbiker/xr1200/007_zps6a7960fb.jpg) (http://s233.photobucket.com/user/dswansbiker/media/xr1200/007_zps6a7960fb.jpg.html)

(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/dswansbiker/022_zps33a78880.jpg) (http://s233.photobucket.com/user/dswansbiker/media/022_zps33a78880.jpg.html)

Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: fotoguzzi on May 15, 2016, 10:54:12 AM
Nice! I like that header..

sometimes I miss all that torq..
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Cool Runnings on May 15, 2016, 10:59:43 AM
Why not just look for a used Buell?

(http://images.craigslist.org/00I0I_fqSDUBVyaDv_600x450.jpg)
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: canuguzzi on May 15, 2016, 11:03:40 AM
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.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: LowRyter on May 15, 2016, 11:19:44 AM
I'd like to ride XR and the Buell. 
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Kev m on May 15, 2016, 12:07:04 PM
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!
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 15, 2016, 12:25:07 PM


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. 
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Darren Williams on May 15, 2016, 01:40:21 PM
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!
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: kingoffleece on May 15, 2016, 01:47:13 PM
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.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: bigbikerrick on May 15, 2016, 02:56:23 PM
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.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: BillinPA on May 15, 2016, 04:19:34 PM
great bike, I am disappointed it is no longer in production.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Tom on May 15, 2016, 04:34:08 PM
Cool bike.  Should take care of the need for "hooligan" riding.  My S3 Thunderbolt fulfills that need for me.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Lcarlson on May 15, 2016, 04:52:29 PM
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.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Tom on May 15, 2016, 04:56:45 PM
Para-phrasing their late ads.  "Own the curves!"
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Adk.IBO on May 15, 2016, 06:58:58 PM
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.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Kev m on May 15, 2016, 07:41:25 PM
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.

Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 15, 2016, 08:18:19 PM
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. 
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: zedXmick on May 15, 2016, 08:33:44 PM
Sweet ride,love the stacked exhaust!
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: mach1mustang351 on May 15, 2016, 11:02:43 PM
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.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Muzz on May 16, 2016, 12:25:47 AM
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 :thumb:) 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.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Adk.IBO on May 16, 2016, 06:40:24 AM
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🤔.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Kev m on May 16, 2016, 07:30:49 AM
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?
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Rough Edge racing on May 16, 2016, 08:33:00 AM
  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...
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Kev m on May 16, 2016, 08:38:36 AM
  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.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: jGuz on May 16, 2016, 08:50:52 AM
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.

Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: GZRPWR on May 16, 2016, 08:59:05 AM
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?
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Kev m on May 16, 2016, 09:13:49 AM
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.

Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Rough Edge racing on May 16, 2016, 11:33:54 AM
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...  :thumb:
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: tiger_one on May 16, 2016, 01:52:40 PM
I like the looks of the new Roadster, but would have to source the taillight/plate extension HD uses on the overseas model.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v87/caneyforkoutfitters/HD_L2615-r50-2_zpspjdft03j.jpg)

I like this custom by an owner also:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v87/caneyforkoutfitters/IMG_2617_zpspftdpijd.jpg)
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: rocker59 on May 16, 2016, 02:10:59 PM
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...
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: cruzziguzzi on May 16, 2016, 06:35:16 PM
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...

I should think keeping it, if only as a place holder between Buell and whatever they'll use to counter an Indian attack in the V-twin "sport" segment, would have been a no-brainer. I guess ultimately HD is deathly afraid of potential head-on competition.

A race series with the XR, a Triumph and a Guzzi of two would have been pretty cool. The Vance & Hines series grew a little IROC stale.

But then too, I decried the decision to cut XR1000 production. Silly bike but I loved mine!


Todd.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: mjptexas on May 21, 2016, 09:27:59 PM
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.

The Roadster's ergos are very different than those of the XR1200.  They are closer to those of my Ducati Monster:

(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/HD%20Roadster/3AD394C5-F8D0-4120-B2E5-90DE0795A27E_zps0csblaop.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/HD%20Roadster/3AD394C5-F8D0-4120-B2E5-90DE0795A27E_zps0csblaop.jpg.html)

If you're expecting the Roadster to be the second coming of the XR1200 you will be sorely disappointed.

If you're expecting the Roadster to be a competent handling Sportster with real cornering clearance, very good suspension, super brakes and aggressive ergonomics, you will be happy. 

I have to give Harley credit for making a serious effort to build something other than a cruiser.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: fossil on May 22, 2016, 03:50:31 AM
One of our German magazines (called MO - their main characteristic is they LOVE Guzzis) just test-rode the new Roadster. And they were really surprised: they said this bike can corners - and not only "for a Harley".
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Kev m on May 22, 2016, 07:46:14 AM
The Roadster's ergos are very different than those of the XR1200.  They are closer to those of my Ducati Monster:

(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/HD%20Roadster/3AD394C5-F8D0-4120-B2E5-90DE0795A27E_zps0csblaop.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/HD%20Roadster/3AD394C5-F8D0-4120-B2E5-90DE0795A27E_zps0csblaop.jpg.html)

If you're expecting the Roadster to be the second coming of the XR1200 you will be sorely disappointed.

If you're expecting the Roadster to be a competent handling Sportster with real cornering clearance, very good suspension, super brakes and aggressive ergonomics, you will be happy. 

I have to give Harley credit for making a serious effort to build something other than a cruiser.

It's that ergo difference that makes the new Roadster so much more attractive to me than the XR.  :thumb:
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: cruzziguzzi on May 22, 2016, 11:06:06 AM
It's that ergo difference that makes the new Roadster so much more attractive to me than the XR.  :thumb:

Hear, hear.. Same here!

I had an XR1000 and loved it ion spite of its sporting paradox. When the 1200 came out I was quite excited until I sat one, as with the Buel I had for a short time, something did not ring true with me in its ergo-ration.

The Roadster now... That seems to be a fine mix of what I liked about my XR, what I currently love about my "Hugger" and what I wanted to like about the 1200.

Now, give me dual carbs and left side exhaust and I'm a buy-in at twice the price!

Todd.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: oldbike54 on May 22, 2016, 11:11:13 AM
 In the interest of fair play , some of you Harley folks need to start a Moto Guzzi thread on an HD forum and speak of how wonderful they are . Go ahead , we dare you  :rolleyes:

 Dusty
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: drlapo on May 22, 2016, 11:25:15 AM
The fuel tank doesn't fit
Half of the rear mudguard is missing
The foot pegs are too far forward.
Nope HD still doesn't make a bike that interests me
Not even at half the price
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: cruzziguzzi on May 22, 2016, 11:40:43 AM
In the interest of fair play , some of you Harley folks need to start a Moto Guzzi thread on an HD forum and speak of how wonderful they are . Go ahead , we dare you  :rolleyes:

 Dusty

Done that before on the XL forum. Generally positive responses too.

Harley in general though, with the big-twin koolaide drinkers in particular, probably wouldn't play so softly - but Sportster specific guys are far more like Guzzi guys than one would normally think.


Todd.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: oldbike54 on May 22, 2016, 11:47:11 AM
Done that before on the XL forum. Generally positive responses too.

Harley in general though, with the big-twin koolaide drinkers in particular, probably wouldn't play so softly - but Sportster specific guys are far more like Guzzi guys than one would normally think.


Todd.

 So as long as we tip toe around the "real" HD owners and only mix with the Sportster types everything will be fine ? :rolleyes:

 Dusty
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Kev m on May 22, 2016, 11:57:48 AM
Ha ha, I was gonna say I regularly interject content and have started Guzzi threads on an HD forum, but alas yes it's the XL Forum and they are generally much more open and accepting to other brands than the more stereotypical BT types.

I've started Triumph threads there too!  :evil:
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: cruzziguzzi on May 22, 2016, 12:25:43 PM
So as long as we tip toe around the "real" HD owners and only mix with the Sportster types everything will be fine ? :rolleyes:

 Dusty

Don't really have to "tip toe" on the XL forum. Most of them are more about the motorcycle for what it is and what it can be than how it presents or represents them as with the big twins.

An even greater example is the derision heaped upon Xls by the true-believers. Watching them abort a road-going wave when they ID a Sportster is tons of fun!


Todd.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: mjptexas on May 22, 2016, 06:14:28 PM
In the interest of fair play , some of you Harley folks need to start a Moto Guzzi thread on an HD forum and speak of how wonderful they are . Go ahead , we dare you  :rolleyes:

 Dusty

'Harley folks'?  Son, down here in Texas that kind of rude conversation ain't tolerated in proper company.  :violent1:

Guess I need to post an XL1200 Roadster vs. Griso comparison in this thread to add a little Guzzi content.

Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: oldbike54 on May 22, 2016, 06:30:47 PM
'Harley folks'?  Son, down here in Texas that kind of rude conversation ain't tolerated in proper company.  :violent1:

Guess I need to post an XL1200 Roadster vs. Griso comparison in this thread to add a little Guzzi content.

 Dunno Mike , wind gets just right we can hear the sound of all them de-mufflered HD's in Texas all the way to Muskogee  :shocked: :laugh:

 Dusty
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 22, 2016, 07:20:50 PM


Guess I need to post an XL1200 Roadster vs. Griso comparison in this thread to add a little Guzzi content.


Now that's a good idea!! Except I worry I might be throwing rocks at my XR afterwards. 
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Cool Runnings on May 22, 2016, 08:13:40 PM
The Roadster's ergos are very different than those of the XR1200.  They are closer to those of my Ducati Monster:

(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/HD%20Roadster/3AD394C5-F8D0-4120-B2E5-90DE0795A27E_zps0csblaop.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/HD%20Roadster/3AD394C5-F8D0-4120-B2E5-90DE0795A27E_zps0csblaop.jpg.html)

If you're expecting the Roadster to be the second coming of the XR1200 you will be sorely disappointed.

If you're expecting the Roadster to be a competent handling Sportster with real cornering clearance, very good suspension, super brakes and aggressive ergonomics, you will be happy. 

I have to give Harley credit for making a serious effort to build something other than a cruiser.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster is a line of motorcycles produced continuously since 1957   :evil:

(http://img.mecum.com/auctions/PM0714/PM0714-191535/images/PM0714-191535_2.jpg)
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Cool Runnings on May 22, 2016, 08:14:32 PM
In the interest of fair play , some of you Harley folks need to start a Moto Guzzi thread on an HD forum and speak of how wonderful they are . Go ahead , we dare you  :rolleyes:

 Dusty

an post the results here.  :evil:
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Kev m on May 23, 2016, 07:48:13 AM
an post the results here.  :evil:

Some threads I've started or seen over the years at the XLforum:


My V7 Stone:

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1572404

Old ones about my Jackal (and a funny encounter in the second one):

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=776491

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=779871


Guzzi Eldo 1400:

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1939545&highlight=Guzzi


New Triumph Bonnies:

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1932846&highlight=Guzzi

Ducati Scrambler:

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1824402

Jenn's Duc:

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1117585


What other bikes (non-Harley do you own):

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?t=1926311

Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Kev m on May 23, 2016, 11:37:31 AM
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/HD%20Roadster/3AD394C5-F8D0-4120-B2E5-90DE0795A27E_zps0csblaop.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/HD%20Roadster/3AD394C5-F8D0-4120-B2E5-90DE0795A27E_zps0csblaop.jpg.html)

Mike

'16 XL1200 Roadster

'15 V7 Custom
'15 Monster 821
'14 Cali Custom
'06 Griso
'04 Ballabio
'14 Vespa GTS300 Super


Mike you SNEAKY BASTID! I didn't even SEE YOU sneak that into your signature!


 :bow: :thumb: :bow:

Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: mjptexas on May 23, 2016, 05:06:26 PM

Mike you SNEAKY BASTID! I didn't even SEE YOU sneak that into your signature!


 :bow: :thumb: :bow:

 :cool:

Now we'll see how long it takes for the Missus to notice it.   :thewife:  (one advantage to having all black bikes).
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Kev m on May 23, 2016, 06:16:42 PM
:cool:

Now we'll see how long it takes for the Missus to notice it.   :thewife:  (one advantage to having all black bikes).

Ha ha good luck, hopefully yours isn't as much of a gear head as Jenn. I probably wouldn't get further then the first time she pulled her Jeep in the garage before she'd notice.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 23, 2016, 07:39:14 PM
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/mjptexas/HD%20Roadster/3AD394C5-F8D0-4120-B2E5-90DE0795A27E_zps0csblaop.jpg) (http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mjptexas/media/HD%20Roadster/3AD394C5-F8D0-4120-B2E5-90DE0795A27E_zps0csblaop.jpg.html)
(http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/dswansbiker/xr1200/033_zpsj1smagjm.jpg) (http://s233.photobucket.com/user/dswansbiker/media/xr1200/033_zpsj1smagjm.jpg.html)
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: jbell on May 23, 2016, 08:29:04 PM
Dunno Mike , wind gets just right we can hear the sound of all them de-mufflered HD's in Texas all the way to Muskogee  :shocked: :laugh:

 Dusty

Ya sure that's not the Batfish cranking up?  Dang it, I still need to put a book list together for you.
Title: Re: XR(X)1200 Harley
Post by: oldbike54 on May 23, 2016, 08:42:17 PM
Ya sure that's not the Batfish cranking up?  Dang it, I still need to put a book list together for you.

 Just bring it to the Okie John  :thumb:

 Dusty