December 2008 Archives

After dominating the touring and cruising markets for decades, Harley Davidson has shown their hand for attacking the sports bike market with their 2009 XR1200.  This introduces Harley Davidson into a market with a whole new list of competitors from around the world.  One major competitor in the sports bike market is the Kawasaki Z1000.

 

Drivetrain

The 2009 Harley Davidson XR1200 is powered by the familiar air-cooled Evolution engine, measuring 73.40 cubic inches and making 90 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft of torque.  The Kawasaki Z1000 is powered by a liquid cooler dual overhead camshaft 4-cylinder engine.  This 58.15 cubic inch engine makes a reported 123 horsepower, and 72.8 pounds.  However, the Harley Davidson makes its peak torque at 4,000 rpm, where the Kawasaki does so at 8,200 rpm (and 10,000 for its peak horsepower).

The 2009 XR1200 brings a sports bike back to the American Harley Davidson lineup.  Harley Davidson has dominated the touring and cruising markets for decades, but the XR1200 introduces the company into a new market with new competitors around the globe.  One of their higher-end opponents in the sports bike market is BMW, with their K1200R.

 

Drivetrain

The 2009 Harley Davidson XR1200 uses an air-cooled Evolution engine measuring 73.40 cubic inches to make its 90 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft of torque.  The BMW K1200R is powered by a duel overhead camshaft, liquid cooled inline 4-cyclinder.  This 70.6 cubic inch engine makes a whopping 163 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque.  This difference in power gives the BMW a defined advantage, although the K1200R makes its peak torque at 8,250 rpm, whereas the XR1200 has the heart of a Harley Davidson, making its peak power at a more cruising-friendly 4000rpm.

The 2009 XR1200 brings a complete sports bike back to Harley Davidson's lineup.  Harley Davidson has dominated motorcycle cruising and touring market for decades, but the XR1200 pushes the company into a new market with major competitors from all around the world.  One of the most notable competitors will be the Ducati Monster 1100S.

 

Drivetrain

The 2009 Harley Davidson XR1200 is powered by the familiar air-cooled Evolution engine, measuring 73.40 cubic inches and making 90 horsepower and 73.8 lb-ft of torque.  The Ducati Monster 1100S is fitted with an air-cooled Desmodromic L-Twin cylinder engine, measuring 65.78 cubic inches and making 95 horsepower and 75.9 lb-ft of torque.  This gives a slight edge in both horsepower and torque to the Ducati, although the Monster 1100S makes its peak torque at 6000rpm, where the XR1200 makes its peak torque at just 4000rpm.

The 2009 Harley Davidson XR1200 motorcycle is bringing a whole new style to the Sportster family by departing from the sport cruiser look.  Its styling is based on the race-built XR750 designed for flat track and street performance.  The result is a motorcycle that has the form of a sports bike with the heart of a Harley Davidson.

 

Drivetrain

The similarities between the XR1200 and the Sportster 1200 Custom begin and end with its engine.  Both motorcycles are powered by an air cooled 73.4 cubic inch Evolution engine while the 1200 Custom boasts more torque with 79 lb-ft compared to the 73.8 lb-ft made by the XR1200.  The big difference in the two engines is in horsepower.  Although Harley doesn't publish horsepower numbers for many of their bikes, the XR1200 generates an advertised 90 horsepower.  In comparison, the Sportster 1200 Custom typically measures in the low 70-75 horsepower range. The difference in power is due to the addition of a larger air box, downdraft fuel injection, and a higher flowing exhaust system along with an increased compression ratio.

Eight months after its initial European launch, the 2008 Harley Davidson XR1200 motorcycle makes its debut in the United States.  Interest in the motorcycle has grown domestically, thanks to its strong pedigree and positive reviews overseas.  The XR1200 is Harley Davidson's attempt to bring one of its classic motorcycles to the current generation of riders.

 

Styling

The XR1200 is arguably the closest thing to a sports bike to be badged as a Harley Davidson. The motorcycle is fairly short and low, as was the 1972 XR750 that it calls upon for its styling, with seat offering more of a forward position and the foot rests more towards the rear of the bike.  In the design process, the motor company's goal was to make a production bike that could be raced while maintaining comfort for daily riding.  The result is a motorcycle that very well may be one of the best handling Harley Davidson has ever offered.

Although Harley Davidson stock has remained fairly low, the prices have steadied out a bit amidst this rocky market.  The  closing price two weeks ago were looking to drop below ten dollars a share as HOG neared it lowest point in decades, but the drop appears to have ceased for the time being.  The steady decline had begun to attract new players to the market, and this small surge in sales allowed prices during the Thanksgiving week were creeping up near the 18 dollar mark at times on "Black Friday".  HOG closed at 17.01 for the week of November 28^th, marking the highest point for a full week this month, and last week was the first week in some time that the price saw a steady incline.

Tesla has faced quite a bit of feedback, both positive and negative, around its electric powered sports car.  During their existence, they have dealt with some internal turmoil, losing Darryl Siry, but with his departure comes the addition of an experienced leader in the marketing and sales department.  Tesla has hired former Harley Davidson executive Michael van der Sande.  Mr. van der Sande began his time with HD in 1996 and in 2007 he was named the managing director of European operations, which included overseeing 370 dealerships throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. 

Fresh off the announcement that the XR1200 would be available in the United States, Harley Davidson has announced a partnership with Henderson Insurance Brokers to hold the Henderson Harley Davidson XR1200 Trophy series.  This marks Harley Davidson's official entry into the British Superbike Championship (BSB), and the new program was announced on November 27, 2008, at the National Motorcycle and Scooter Show.

The new XR1200 Trophy Series will rely on the 35 Harley Davidson dealerships around the country to support the series, and the riders are expected to range from experienced professionals to up-and-coming young riders.  The rules and class restrictions are setup in such a manner to make the Henderson Harley Davidson XR1200 Trophy a budget series, and along those same lines, the series will have just 10 events spread over 9 of the BSB events.