[size=2]The Harley-Davidson® XR 1200 Prototype has been developed beyond the concept and design stages, and debuts at Europe’s biggest motorcycle show in order to gauge media and public reaction to a new kind of Harley-Davidson, with an emphasis on performance, handling and sporting style. Development goals include Harley-Davidson’s most powerful regular production, European specification, air-cooled V-Twin engine; excellent handling, suspension and braking, all fine-tuned for European roads; and styling inspired by the Motor Company’s legendary XR 750 dirt track race bike.

The XR 1200 Prototype is the result of a close collaboration between the Motor Company’s Milwaukee-based product development team and Harley-Davidson’s Product Planning Europe (PPE) team. An example of their earlier work is the recently introduced and currently sold-out VRSCDX Night Rod® Special.

The result points to the most powerful air-cooled European specification Harley-Davidson yet seen, with around 85-90hp expected from the 1200cc, downdraft fuel injected engine. With a generous lean angle; specially tuned Showa® sports suspension, including 43mm inverted front forks; high performance Nissin® brakes; and specially developed Dunlop® Qualifier tyres, the XR 1200 Prototype could become the best handling Harley-Davidson regular production machine ever seen.

Pure Flat Track racing DNA
A quick glance tells you that the XR 1200 Prototype could only be a Harley-Davidson. Yet it is also unlike any current Harley-Davidson production motorcycle. The inspiration for the original concept came from the most successful racing machine in the history of motorcycle sport: the Harley-Davidson XR 750. Introduced in 1970, the XR 750 has notched up thousands of race wins in the hands of famous Flat Track riders such as nine-times Grand National Champion Scott Parker. Many of America’s top road racers including MotoGP championship front-runner Nicky Hayden have honed their skills drifting around oval dirt tracks in the US.

XR 1200 Prototype styling project manager, Frank Savage, explains how the design of the bike came about:

“The inspiration came from the XR 750 – a raw, simple motorcycle built like a tool for a specific job: Dirt Track racing. This results in unique proportions and features. For example, the fuel tank is a beautifully slender form. It was important the XR 1200 Prototype was laden with the DNA of the XR 750. And the engineering guys have also been working hard to ensure that the bike has the right performance, handling characteristics and feel to ensure the bike deserves to wear the XR badge.”

Matt Weber, ride and handling specialist for the XR 1200 Prototype project, added:

“My team and I have done extensive on-track ride and handling performance development, including working closely with our European product planning colleagues and Adrien Morillas, the French former GP and endurance racer.

“As a result, the bike really works – and it’s extremely easy and fun to ride fast. I have ridden, raced and benchmarked sports bikes most of my motorcycling life. This XR 1200 Prototype compares extremely favourably. It’s pretty cool that it looks like a flat tracker, but for me the great handling is the most important thing.”

XR 1200 Prototype features include*:
• XR 750-inspired styling and livery
• 1200cc high performance powertrain finished in as-cast silver
powdercoat
• Downdraft fuel injection and electronically controlled active air intake
system
• Specially developed Dunlop® Qualifier tyres (front 120/70ZR18; rear 180/55ZR17)
• Unique lightweight cast wheels with dirt track-inspired design
• Specially developed sports tuned Showa® suspension including 43mm inverted front forks
• High performance Nissin® brakes
• Ergonomics de

 

Why not leave that kinda thing to Buell?

 

Makes you wonder doesn't it? You would think it would be direct competition for the Buell.[/align]

 

This info has been out for awhile now. With the Nightster release, I don't think we're going to see this here in the States. Don't think there's a market for it.

 

I think it is great. I really love the old XR style bikes. I guess this is Buell's area, but I really like the idea of a nekkid sport oriented HD. However, it needs some REAL *****... like 140hp or so. [8D]

 

I like it. [sm=smiley20.gif][sm=smiley20.gif]

 

I always saw HD as something special... something unique... different... Now with Buell and this... What's HD trying to do??? Be like honda??

 

only really old geezers could not appreciate such a beautifull bike. fast, well balanced, with tons of usable torque instead of high end horsepower, high quality suspension, little plastic to break - only similar offering out there is KTM's Duke, and thids obviously, is way better!

that is one of the best examples of HD product development since the Bob, V-Rod Night-train and the 1200Nightster. Once again, HD is true to its roots, defining a niche, and daring other manufacturers to try and follow. Gamble on Honda coming out with a copycat in 08, or 09...

 

God I just puked a little seeing that. Should put some kinda disclaimer on threads like these.

So a regular sporty screwed a dirt bike and THIS is what we end up with? Kill me now.

 

For some reason, it looks too much like the old Honda Ascot 500cc single from the 80s. I'd rather have the Storz XR1200:
http://www.storzperf.com/xr1200.html