If you weren’t at least mildly excited by news of Harley-Davidson’s XR1200 sport-standard, then, in the words of Louis Jordan, Jack, you’re dead. With a souped-up 1204cc Evolution motor, sporty suspension, four-piston brakes, radial rubber and nouveau-flattrack styling, it’s reportedly an entertaining bike and was well-received by the media and motorcycle public.
Except in the USA, where in a twist of delicious and frustrating irony, the XR1200 is unavailable. Even after all the hype, buzz and attention this model received, H-D didn’t seem to trust American consumers to actually pony up and buy these bikes. After all, they buy less than 10,000 Buells a year, motorcycles with a similar (actually more powerful) engine and better chassis than the XR, and naked standards from all manufacturers make up less than 2% of the total unit sales in the USA. Small potato-potatoes…
Still, the outcry from the public on chatrooms and internet forums must have reached the chrome-paneled boardrooms on Juneau Ave., so on November 21st Harley-Davidson told its dealers they could take orders for 750 U.S.-market XR1200s. Only the bike pictured above (Orange Pearl) will be available initially. The MSRP is $11,079 ($11,179 for California models). After the initial units are sold, there will be limitied availability, with more color options: Vivid Black (priced at $10,799/10,899) and Denim Pewter (priced like the Pearl version). Sounds like H-D is really testing the waters before they commit whole (ahem) hog to the XR 1200. Despite their rectitude, if you want one, I’m guessing you should act fast.
