Rare XR1200 Undergoes Total Transformation Project

Corner Carver

It's safe to say that the Harley XR1200 is unlike just about anything MoCo ever built. It was the anti-Sportster Sportster, a bike that carved up corners like some sort of expert surgeon. So we were obviously thrilled to see that Harley-Davidson Forums member shrini23 recently finished fixing up his own XR1200 here in the forums.

Photos: Harley-Davidson Forums

Enduring Obsession

"These bikes are as rare as it gets," the OP said. "Turns head wherever I go and folks ask me if it's an H-D for real. Truly one of the best ever Harleys made, but production was cut short since it never fit the cruiser bill or sports bike segment since it was top heavy. I'm one of the lucky and rare people who still owns and loves my XR." 

Photos: Harley-Davidson Forums

>>Join the conversation about this custom XR1200 right here in HD Forum!

Pure Magic

That magic can be attributed to an interesting combination of characteristics. The first, a design based on the XR750 tracker of the 1970s. This was just part of the reason why it both looked awesome and handled so well. 

Photos: Harley-Davidson Forums

>>Join the conversation about this custom XR1200 right here in HD Forum!

Lean With It

Lean angle isn't typically something that you associate with Harleys, but the XR1200 was rated at an impressive 39 degrees to the right and 40 degrees to the left. 

Photos: Harley-Davidson Forums

>>Join the conversation about this custom XR1200 right here in HD Forum!

Light and Flickable

Also greatly aiding the handling was a fairly light dry weight of just 562 pounds. This helped make the XR a rather "flickable" motorcycle, again not really a characteristic you normally associate with traditional Harleys.

Photos: Harley-Davidson Forums

>>Join the conversation about this custom XR1200 right here in HD Forum!

Perfect Balance

Dunlop Qualifier radial tires gave the XR plenty of grip, and the seating position was a nice compromise between being overly sporty and too laid back.

Photos: Harley-Davidson Forums

>>Join the conversation about this custom XR1200 right here in HD Forum!

Low End Grunt

When it comes to power delivery, however, the XR1200 is pretty much pure classic Harley-Davidson. Torque down low is pretty menacing, making this one thrilling bike to tool around the canyons on. 

Photos: Harley-Davidson Forums

>>Join the conversation about this custom XR1200 right here in HD Forum!

Nice Cruiser

Despite its sporty nature, however, the XR is also similar to its H-D brethren in the fact that it's a great bike to simply cruise on. It's comfy, and all the controls are nearby and easy to use. 

Photos: Harley-Davidson Forums

>>Join the conversation about this custom XR1200 right here in HD Forum!

Slow Down

Throw in the V-Twin's excellent engine braking and the powerful brakes of the XR, and you've got a bike that'll slow down in a hurry, too. That is if you feel the need to stop riding it. 

Photos: Harley-Davidson Forums

>>Join the conversation about this custom XR1200 right here in HD Forum!

All-Rounder

Overall, the XR1200 is easily one of the finest all-around bikes that Harley has ever produced. So be sure and check out all the cool pics our members have shared here, and if you own one, be sure and upload yours as well! 

Photos: Harley-Davidson Forums

>>Join the conversation about this custom XR1200 right here in HD Forum!

For help with routine maintenance and repairs, visit the HD Forums How-To section.