[8D]
Ready to race: Harley-Davidson XR1200 Trophy
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Ready to race: Harley-Davidson XR1200 Trophy
Harley-Davidson XR 1200 to Hit Europe,
U.S. Market Left Empty-Handed
Take a good look at this shot of the new Harley XR 1200 (and click for a larger view), because unless you live in Europe you probably won't get to see it in person. The first bike in the company's 104 year history to be released exclusively outside of the United States, the XR 1200 is based on race-winning XR 750 dirt trackers that were popularized, ironically, on U.S. soil.
The XR 1200 was first unveiled as a prototype in October 2006, and should be available to European consumers in the Spring of 2008. Though off-road inspired, the Sportster-based bike is configured for spirited on-road riding and includes:
[ul][*]A 1,200cc high-performance V-twin powertrain finished in as-cast silver powdercoat[*]Satin Chrome-finished exhaust system[*]Downdraft fuel injection and electronically controlled active air intake system[*]Specially developed Dunlop Qualifier tyres (front 120/70ZR18; rear 180/55ZR17)[*]Lightweight cast wheels with dirt track-inspired design[*]Specially developed sports-tuned suspension with 43mm inverted front forks[*]Agile handling and ample cornering clearance, with wide handlebars and semi-rearset footpegs[*]High performance brakes[*]A large white-faced tachometer and digital speedo[/ul]
Harley-Davidson press materials state that its ergonomics are designed to fit the average height European customer, but we can't help but wonder if this market-specific model would ever be modified for sale in North America.[/align]
U.S. Market Left Empty-Handed
Take a good look at this shot of the new Harley XR 1200 (and click for a larger view), because unless you live in Europe you probably won't get to see it in person. The first bike in the company's 104 year history to be released exclusively outside of the United States, the XR 1200 is based on race-winning XR 750 dirt trackers that were popularized, ironically, on U.S. soil.
The XR 1200 was first unveiled as a prototype in October 2006, and should be available to European consumers in the Spring of 2008. Though off-road inspired, the Sportster-based bike is configured for spirited on-road riding and includes:
[ul][*]A 1,200cc high-performance V-twin powertrain finished in as-cast silver powdercoat[*]Satin Chrome-finished exhaust system[*]Downdraft fuel injection and electronically controlled active air intake system[*]Specially developed Dunlop Qualifier tyres (front 120/70ZR18; rear 180/55ZR17)[*]Lightweight cast wheels with dirt track-inspired design[*]Specially developed sports-tuned suspension with 43mm inverted front forks[*]Agile handling and ample cornering clearance, with wide handlebars and semi-rearset footpegs[*]High performance brakes[*]A large white-faced tachometer and digital speedo[/ul]
Harley-Davidson press materials state that its ergonomics are designed to fit the average height European customer, but we can't help but wonder if this market-specific model would ever be modified for sale in North America.[/align]
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 6
RE: Ready to race: Harley-Davidson XR1200 Trophy
Not to mention an ACTIVE buyer... one pocket full of money, pre-approval letter in the other pocket and a soon to be empty spot in his garage. I have a deposit on a 1200R, but I'd be more than happy to talk them into switching it to an XR1200.
Idiots. And I thought Honda was making some idiotic buisness decisions lately....
Idiots. And I thought Honda was making some idiotic buisness decisions lately....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,067
Likes: 394
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
RE: Ready to race: Harley-Davidson XR1200 Trophy
You think HD didn't doa lot ofmarket research before making this decision? Euro HD customers are completely different than American.
If they had releaseda sport bike in the Statesmost would have said "Harley failed at producing a sport bike that's faster than the metrics" and it would have been a failure everywhere.
By releasing it in Europe with a race series to promote it it's going toget great reviews and they will sell tons of them, then they can release them in the States if the demand is there.
If they had releaseda sport bike in the Statesmost would have said "Harley failed at producing a sport bike that's faster than the metrics" and it would have been a failure everywhere.
By releasing it in Europe with a race series to promote it it's going toget great reviews and they will sell tons of them, then they can release them in the States if the demand is there.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Ready to race: Harley-Davidson XR1200 Trophy
ORIGINAL: HOTLAP
You think HD didn't doa lot ofmarket research before making this decision? Euro HD customers are completely different than American.
If they had releaseda sport bike in the Statesmost would have said "Harley failed at producing a sport bike that's faster than the metrics" and it would have been a failure everywhere.
By releasing it in Europe with a race series to promote it it's going toget great reviews and they will sell tons of them, then they can release them in the States if the demand is there.
You think HD didn't doa lot ofmarket research before making this decision? Euro HD customers are completely different than American.
If they had releaseda sport bike in the Statesmost would have said "Harley failed at producing a sport bike that's faster than the metrics" and it would have been a failure everywhere.
By releasing it in Europe with a race series to promote it it's going toget great reviews and they will sell tons of them, then they can release them in the States if the demand is there.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 286
Likes: 0
From: rhode island
RE: Ready to race: Harley-Davidson XR1200 Trophy
i would kill to own this bike...ive wanted an xr750 since i was a kid, i wouldnt even think twice about thebacklash from the wife either,,,,i NEED this motorcyle. if its ever available here illbuy it first and worry later...brian
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: Southeast Wisconsin
RE: Ready to race: Harley-Davidson XR1200 Trophy
ORIGINAL: HOTLAP
You think HD didn't doa lot ofmarket research before making this decision? Euro HD customers are completely different than American.
If they had releaseda sport bike in the Statesmost would have said "Harley failed at producing a sport bike that's faster than the metrics" and it would have been a failure everywhere.
By releasing it in Europe with a race series to promote it it's going toget great reviews and they will sell tons of them, then they can release them in the States if the demand is there.
You think HD didn't doa lot ofmarket research before making this decision? Euro HD customers are completely different than American.
If they had releaseda sport bike in the Statesmost would have said "Harley failed at producing a sport bike that's faster than the metrics" and it would have been a failure everywhere.
By releasing it in Europe with a race series to promote it it's going toget great reviews and they will sell tons of them, then they can release them in the States if the demand is there.