A HD even I could like :)

[slparry]

http://www.bikeexif.com/harley-xr1200

now just why can't HD produce something like this instead of the tedious 1950's styled tacky things?

[eyore]

I was about to say that no Harley ever produced could or would appeal to me, but...........................................................well, err, ummmm,just maybe.

[cornishflat]

I like this concept, old motor spruced, improved frame and suspension. With 100 bhp at the wheel it should be quick too with plenty of torque. The only iffy area for me being the exhaust system, not mad on the style and the route looks a little low....very nice though, would love a blip around the car park.

[Twinspark]

Too shiny for my liking.

But XR1200s are brilliant hooligan machines.

[bikesnbones]

now just why can't HD produce something like this instead of the tedious 1950's styled tacky things?

But that's the appeal of Harleys.
It's a formula that works for them.
As was mentioned, they bought out a roadster based on the Sportster 1200,.
I have ridden an XR1200 and it was a riot.
It was a sales flop, and has now been discontinued
Who can blame them for sticking to what they know.

[eyore]

A certain parallel between the XR 1200 and the R12s perhaps with the latter being outside the comfort zone of the typical BMW R buyer and not appealing to anyone else.
Although as time has gone on I think more people are starting to realise that a sporty boxer may actually make sense .

[Twinspark]

I bike journo. friend has described the 11S as 'a little bit naughty'. Can't say I disagree with that.

The XR1200, I agree, is kind of a Harley 'little bit naughty' bike.

I really want one - but I just can't justify any more toys!

[bikesnbones]

I bike journo. friend has described the 11S as 'a little bit naughty'. Can't say I disagree with that.

The XR1200, I agree, is kind of a Harley 'little bit naughty' bike.

I really want one - but I just can't justify any more toys!

The XR to go for is the "X" version.
All black and very mean looking.
It was in the running when I bought my 12S, but at £7,500, was just a little rich for me.
The 12S I bought was 2 grand cheaper, and, well, just better.
The XR12 is a nice bike though, and not at all like the Sportster it is based on.
It's sooooooo smooth and refined with hardly any vibration on the move, although like all Harleys, it looks and feels like it's going to shake itself to bits at idle.
I've ridden loads of Harleys and am a bit of a closset fan, and the XR as far as I'm concerned is the best riders machine they've ever made.

[Dai wiskers]

Steve being totally honest with you out that K and get a Harley

You would be surprised at the mileage you can do in a day when we were getting John ready for his iron butt run I was better after the day's on the harley than the bm the harley is so comfy it really is like sitting in a sofa now I've changed the seat i was a bit too far back with the standard seat but now it fits me great

I've been a harley hater since the 70's but now they make sense a big motor in a simple twin shoc frame (i really don't like the softtail frame to me they don't feel right they seem to wallow )

Buy something sorted and you'll be okay preferably from someone desperate for the cash

EDIT. I was out a couple of weeks ago on the harley with two other harley owners one was a 1976 shovel one was a 1987 evo we were joined by another mate on his streetfightered Triumph triple (not sure of model ) we called into a bar on the way home the lad on the Triumph turned round and said FFS you lot don't hang around i was expecting a bimble not a thrash

[slparry]

When they style them like the one above Dai I'd consider it, while they're obsessed with faux 50's styling no

[bikesnbones]

Steve being totally honest with you out that K and get a Harley

You would be surprised at the mileage you can do in a day when we were getting John ready for his iron butt run I was better after the day's on the harley than the bm the harley is so comfy it really is like sitting in a sofa now I've changed the seat i was a bit too far back with the standard seat but now it fits me great

I've been a harley hater since the 70's but now they make sense a big motor in a simple twin shoc frame (i really don't like the softtail frame to me they don't feel right they seem to wallow )

Buy something sorted and you'll be okay preferably from someone desperate for the cash

EDIT. I was out a couple of weeks ago on the harley with two other harley owners one was a 1976 shovel one was a 1987 evo we were joined by another mate on his streetfightered Triumph triple (not sure of model ) we called into a bar on the way home the lad on the Triumph turned round and said FFS you lot don't hang around i was expecting a bimble not a thrash

Totally agree.
I rode Sportster 883 a while back and it was one of the sweetest bikes I've ever ridden.
Sadly, some people simply cannot get passed their blinkered preconceptions.
Same goes for BMW's.
I know people who will never see BMW as anything other than a bike for doddering old farts.
Their loss, (as I guess a lot of Harley owners also say)

[slparry]

Steve being totally honest with you out that K and get a Harley

You would be surprised at the mileage you can do in a day when we were getting John ready for his iron butt run I was better after the day's on the harley than the bm the harley is so comfy it really is like sitting in a sofa now I've changed the seat i was a bit too far back with the standard seat but now it fits me great

I've been a harley hater since the 70's but now they make sense a big motor in a simple twin shoc frame (i really don't like the softtail frame to me they don't feel right they seem to wallow )

Buy something sorted and you'll be okay preferably from someone desperate for the cash

EDIT. I was out a couple of weeks ago on the harley with two other harley owners one was a 1976 shovel one was a 1987 evo we were joined by another mate on his streetfightered Triumph triple (not sure of model ) we called into a bar on the way home the lad on the Triumph turned round and said FFS you lot don't hang around i was expecting a bimble not a thrash

Totally agree.
I rode Sportster 883 a while back and it was one of the sweetest bikes I've ever ridden.
Sadly, some people simply cannot get passed their blinkered preconceptions.
Same goes for BMW's.
I know people who will never see BMW as anything other than a bike for doddering old farts.
Their loss, (as I guess a lot of Harley owners also say)

I hired a 1600cc HD in the USA for a weekend once, it and a previously ridden 1981 Triumph Bonneville, were the worst two bikes I've ridden in 40 years of riding, both were truely hideous. The HD was just plain gultess and ill handling, the Triumph had no redeeming features whatever and shook the fingers off my watch!

[Dai wiskers]

You have to remember the one you hired was a hire bike as it left the factory and set up for fat Americans that don't own a bike try one that has been sorted and you may well change your mind
The only one that I've ridden and not liked was a 1200 sportster a mate of mine has a 883 with 1200 barrels and pistons that's one sweet bike but the 1200 factory bike was a letdown possibly it hadn't been run in properly but i thought it felt course

Let's just say that i like mine it goes well handles fine and feels a lot lighter than it is
did i mention that it's far better on fuel than the R11

[Boxered]

This is one Harley-ish bike that caught my eye in Germany this year, A bit cheeky with the name on the tank though!



Steve

[slparry]

not to mention the "made in England" text on the swing arm Steve ... still looks good tho'

Dai, thing is, and I don't doubt you a sorted one probably is fantastic, but I can go and buy a BMW or Japanese bike and it'll do what I want, without having to throw a couple of grand at it for a fancy screaming eagle exhaust and intake etc. I just wish they'd design modern bikes instead of hanging on to the 1950's lookalikey all the time. Sure keep those in the range, but have other market segments, they almost did it with Buells but sadly killed that off I just find the whole US 50's thing a bit cheesy