In the end of 2008, The Harley Davidson released motorcycle sportster platform in Europe which called as Harley-Davidson Sportster XR1200. But it didn't take Harley long to mend its ways and announce the release of the XR1200 in the U.S at early 2009, the company is banking on the enthusiasm of the hardcore nostalgic motorcycle fans.
The Harley-Davidson Sportster XR1200, listed with an MSRP of $11,179, wears a brawny 90 horsepower, air-cooled V-twin, beefy brakes, and a dry weight of 551 lbs. Many costumer has said that the Sportsters, for the most part, don't quite convey as much bravado as a Dyna or Road Glide.
The 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster XR1200 injects some steroids into the lineup with a more powerful engine and aggressive suspension setup. Starting with the traditional air-cooled pushrod 1,200 cc V-twin, Harley has bumped the compression ratio to 10:1, added performance cams, precision-cooled cylinder heads, a large capacity oil cooler and downdraft electronic fuel injection.
The combination of quality rubber, lightened rolling inertia courtesy the wheels, 59-inch wheelbase and stout fork, the Harley-Davidson Sportster XR1200 turns in easily and stays on target all the way through your chosen corner arc with stability and confidence. The Harley-Davidson Sportster XR1200 available in three colors :
Actually, the Harley-Davidson Sportster XR 1200 is based on race-winning XR 750 dirt trackers that were popularized, ironically, on U.S. soil. It's 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.
The XR1200's Nissin brakes are significantly upgraded from standard-issue Sportsters, with four-piston 292 mm dual discs up front and a single-piston 260 mm disc at the rear. In running order, the Harley-Davidson Sportster XR 1200 tips the scales at 580 pounds. These brakes are nothing short of spectacular and should be grasped with caution should you take advantage of an XR 1200 demo ride and are expecting the usual Harley brake.
If you see the instruments on the Harley-Davidson Sportster XR 1200 are minimal. Watching the needle bounce around on the good-sized, round, white-faced tach is what you’ll mainly see. A compact digital speedo on Sportster XR 1200 body is centered next to it on the handlebars and the digital display makes it easy to know exactly how fast you’re going. A dual trip meter and clock have been thrown in for good measure.
