Prototype Sportster (Nice!!!) - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

**intimid8er** · 10-12-2006, 12:35 PM

Harley-Davidson revealed a prototype Sportster XR 1200 motorcycle aimed at the European market today at the INTERMOT International Motorcycle Show in Cologne, Germany. The XR 1200 prototype places an emphasis on performance and handling with styling inspired by the Motor Company’s legendary XR 750 dirt track racer.

Created with the demands of the European market in mind, the XR 1200 prototype’s development goals include a powerful air-cooled V-Twin engine, agile handling, and high performance suspension and brakes.

"As Harley-Davidson seeks to further grow its presence and sales in Europe, INTERMOT and subsequent major European events will be used to carefully evaluate media and public reaction to the XR 1200 prototype," said John Russell, Vice President, Harley-Davidson Europe. "If the prototype is well received, we hope to bring the XR 1200 to Europe in 2007."

The Sportster XR 1200 Prototype features:

* XR 750-inspired styling
* 1200cc air-cooled V-Twin with downdraft fuel injection (85-90 HP target)
* Specially tuned Showa suspension with 43mm inverted front forks
* High performance four-piston caliper Nissin brakes
* Unique lightweight cast wheels with dirt track-inspired design
* Specially developed Dunlop Qualifier tires:
* Front 120/70ZR18
* Rear 180/55ZR17

(Aside: I wish they'd realize that would sell here in the U.S.)

Apertureguy · 10-12-2006, 12:57 PM

That does look pretty sweet.

Funkmon · 10-12-2006, 01:15 PM

I'll disagree. That's an UGLY bike.

**drgibson** · 10-12-2006, 01:36 PM

Wow! how cool! it's like nothing I've ever seen! Man why Europe get all the cool stuff. I wonder where they got their inspiration for somehing like that? It looks fast even sitting still. Very different... yet somehow very familiar.

Could it be, surely not.

They've been making Flattrackers outta the XR750s for years now Harley is copying the style. It is an American racing clasic and yet Harly isn't offering up. The Flattrackers are chompng at the bit for Harley to produce it here.

**Louis** · 10-12-2006, 01:36 PM

I think it's better than it was.

viper94bite · 10-12-2006, 01:39 PM

better then the ones we have.

bajaraider · 10-12-2006, 04:32 PM

I like it!

Shea · 10-12-2006, 04:36 PM

Very cool

DrBob · 10-12-2006, 07:08 PM

Harley has a website about it:

harley-davidson XR1200

LCA_koolaid37 · 10-12-2006, 07:45 PM

No mas... No, no mas...

Bowtie18 · 10-12-2006, 07:57 PM

Interesting. Not my thing, but I think it could have a market if it performs well and is prices right! We shall see.

dcstrng · 10-13-2006, 06:17 AM

Although to make it handle as well as it’ll run might take some after-market shox/forks (a not uncommon mod) the Sportster has long been the under-rated scoot in the single-crankpin genre, and even among so-called Harley aficionados (Johnny-come-lately RUBs) often gets little respect... at least until recent years was one of the lightest full-sized (liter and up) V-Twins, but for some strange reason has put on about fifty pounds in the past dozen years...

Guess this model is new, sorta, but they’ve been building a low-volume street “XR750” (actually a 883) in typical orange for some years – the chase bike AMA uses at the flat-track events is essentially stock... `cept for pipes, as I recall...

Clearly Harley is attempting to head-to-Europe as the American market seems to be topping out (probably as much a demographic situation as machine...). So in a few years we’ll see peace riots (errr... demonstrations) in front of the Harley dealerships “over there” just like McDonalds and the Coke plants... yippee, skippeee

Always liked the Sportster... haven’t really ridden one since Ironhead days, but am seriously thinking about putting together a back-to-basics Ironhead kicker in sorta the XR750 motif (with some serious stroker wheels hidden inside... some winter...).

Jip · 10-16-2006, 10:05 AM

STORZ PERFORMANCE MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES

the aftermarket has been building this bike for a while

**drgibson** · 10-16-2006, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jip

STORZ PERFORMANCE MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES

the aftermarket has been building this bike for a while

Yeah Baby!!

Jip · 10-16-2006, 10:55 AM

yeah the Storz XR1200 is sweat but did you check out the price, it's outrageous, 25,000 for a turn-key

S83 · 10-22-2006, 10:52 AM

2008 Watercooled Sportster

A prototype VRODDED Sportster

Bowtie18 · 10-22-2006, 11:48 AM

I like the looks of that water cooled Sporty! Not sure about the other one!

dcstrng · 10-27-2006, 06:42 AM

Liquid cooling is a pretty good idea in some cases, but I keep waiting for the appearance of that VRod engine to grow on me – so far, to me it still looks like the orphan offspring of an incestuous union between a Lycoming and a Onan generator... but it was ostensibly designed for the Euro market more than here, so I suppose HD knows what they were up to... in any case, either looks better stuffed in a Sportster-esque structure...

d_m50 · 10-28-2006, 08:05 AM

I like it....
its up there w/ one of my favorite lookin bikes.

not a fan of the vrod though.

although I would prefer a watercooled bike.

dragbar · 10-29-2006, 12:51 PM

I sat on the Street rod this week at a Tulsa Dealer. I personally like some points they have. With the pegs more rearward (which I like) my knees were actually showing above the tank...big nope for me. Maybe if the seat wasn't so low with those rear pegs then my knees might of fallen in a more natural mid to low tank setting. Bummer.

10-12-2006, 12:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 30 41'47.99" N 83 11'26.54" W Hold My Beer Posts: 9,568	Prototype Sportster (Nice!!!) Harley-Davidson revealed a prototype Sportster XR 1200 motorcycle aimed at the European market today at the INTERMOT International Motorcycle Show in Cologne, Germany. The XR 1200 prototype places an emphasis on performance and handling with styling inspired by the Motor Company’s legendary XR 750 dirt track racer. Created with the demands of the European market in mind, the XR 1200 prototype’s development goals include a powerful air-cooled V-Twin engine, agile handling, and high performance suspension and brakes. "As Harley-Davidson seeks to further grow its presence and sales in Europe, INTERMOT and subsequent major European events will be used to carefully evaluate media and public reaction to the XR 1200 prototype," said John Russell, Vice President, Harley-Davidson Europe. "If the prototype is well received, we hope to bring the XR 1200 to Europe in 2007." The Sportster XR 1200 Prototype features: * XR 750-inspired styling * 1200cc air-cooled V-Twin with downdraft fuel injection (85-90 HP target) * Specially tuned Showa suspension with 43mm inverted front forks * High performance four-piston caliper Nissin brakes * Unique lightweight cast wheels with dirt track-inspired design * Specially developed Dunlop Qualifier tires: * Front 120/70ZR18 * Rear 180/55ZR17 (Aside: I wish they'd realize that would sell here in the U.S.) __________________ Song Pick of the Week 09/03 Buckcherry - Too Drunk To F..... (NSFW) <Insert nothing original in this space>

10-12-2006, 01:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
drgibson Thumper Mod Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 Location: Dallas, Texas Directly above the center of the earth. Posts: 10,476	Wow! how cool! it's like nothing I've ever seen! Man why Europe get all the cool stuff. I wonder where they got their inspiration for somehing like that? It looks fast even sitting still. Very different... yet somehow very familiar. Could it be, surely not. They've been making Flattrackers outta the XR750s for years now Harley is copying the style. It is an American racing clasic and yet Harly isn't offering up. The Flattrackers are chompng at the bit for Harley to produce it here. __________________ “The only difference between a Pit Bull and a Hockey Mom is lipstick.” Sarah Palin “Note this is in no way a political endorsement; I’m just quotin’ the funny stuff.” drgibson Last edited by drgibson; 10-12-2006 at 01:39 PM.

10-12-2006, 01:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,652	I think it's better than it was. __________________ Louis

10-12-2006, 01:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
viper94bite Sit speling cheker Joined: Jan 2005 Bike: 2008 Yamaha FZ6 Location: omaha, ne Posts: 1,792	better then the ones we have. __________________ *yippee*

10-12-2006, 04:32 PM	#7 (permalink)
bajaraider U.B's LoveChild Joined: Sep 2005 Bike: 2005 M50, 1970 TC120 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 1,030	I like it! __________________ RED M50 - 2005 "only a motorcycle rider understands why a dog hangs its head out the window" My Toys

10-12-2006, 12:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
Apertureguy Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: New York Posts: 3,071	That does look pretty sweet.

10-12-2006, 01:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
Funkmon Ditch Magnet Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: Honda VTX1300S Location: Detroit Posts: 158	I'll disagree. That's an UGLY bike.

10-12-2006, 04:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
Shea Third gear and cruising Joined: Feb 2006 Bike: Buell XB12Ss Lightning Location: York, Pa Posts: 521	Very cool

10-12-2006, 07:08 PM	#9 (permalink)
DrBob In The Zone Joined: May 2004 Bike: several Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 2,635	Harley has a website about it: harley-davidson XR1200 __________________ Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die tomorrow. You MUST obey the pug dog!

10-12-2006, 07:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
LCA_koolaid37 Eternal Vigilante Joined: Sep 2006 Bike: 2001 VZ800 Location: MO Posts: 1,272	No mas... No, no mas... __________________

10-12-2006, 07:57 PM	#11 (permalink)
Bowtie18 Third gear and cruising Joined: Oct 2004 Bike: 2006 Yamaha Road Star Midnight Location: Smyrna, DE Posts: 509	Interesting. Not my thing, but I think it could have a market if it performs well and is prices right! We shall see.

10-13-2006, 06:17 AM	#12 (permalink)
dcstrng Ditch Magnet Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: `99 Nomad`96 FLHT Location: Colonial Beach, VA Posts: 181	Although to make it handle as well as it’ll run might take some after-market shox/forks (a not uncommon mod) the Sportster has long been the under-rated scoot in the single-crankpin genre, and even among so-called Harley aficionados (Johnny-come-lately RUBs) often gets little respect... at least until recent years was one of the lightest full-sized (liter and up) V-Twins, but for some strange reason has put on about fifty pounds in the past dozen years... Guess this model is new, sorta, but they’ve been building a low-volume street “XR750” (actually a 883) in typical orange for some years – the chase bike AMA uses at the flat-track events is essentially stock... `cept for pipes, as I recall... Clearly Harley is attempting to head-to-Europe as the American market seems to be topping out (probably as much a demographic situation as machine...). So in a few years we’ll see peace riots (errr... demonstrations) in front of the Harley dealerships “over there” just like McDonalds and the Coke plants... yippee, skippeee Always liked the Sportster... haven’t really ridden one since Ironhead days, but am seriously thinking about putting together a back-to-basics Ironhead kicker in sorta the XR750 motif (with some serious stroker wheels hidden inside... some winter...). __________________ Larry VROC -- IBA Milwaukee & Metric

10-16-2006, 10:05 AM	#13 (permalink)
Jip Where Am I ? Joined: May 2005 Bike: 03' VL800 Location: Hamilton ON Posts: 49	STORZ PERFORMANCE MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES the aftermarket has been building this bike for a while

10-16-2006, 10:55 AM	#15 (permalink)
Jip Where Am I ? Joined: May 2005 Bike: 03' VL800 Location: Hamilton ON Posts: 49	yeah the Storz XR1200 is sweat but did you check out the price, it's outrageous, 25,000 for a turn-key

10-22-2006, 10:52 AM	#16 (permalink)
S83 Handlebar Consultant Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 613	2008 Sportster will be watercooled 2008 Watercooled Sportster A prototype VRODDED Sportster Last edited by S83; 10-22-2006 at 10:59 AM.

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10-22-2006, 11:48 AM	#17 (permalink)
Bowtie18 Third gear and cruising Joined: Oct 2004 Bike: 2006 Yamaha Road Star Midnight Location: Smyrna, DE Posts: 509	I like the looks of that water cooled Sporty! Not sure about the other one!

10-27-2006, 06:42 AM	#18 (permalink)
dcstrng Ditch Magnet Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: `99 Nomad`96 FLHT Location: Colonial Beach, VA Posts: 181	Liquid cooling is a pretty good idea in some cases, but I keep waiting for the appearance of that VRod engine to grow on me – so far, to me it still looks like the orphan offspring of an incestuous union between a Lycoming and a Onan generator... but it was ostensibly designed for the Euro market more than here, so I suppose HD knows what they were up to... in any case, either looks better stuffed in a Sportster-esque structure... __________________ Larry VROC -- IBA Milwaukee & Metric

10-28-2006, 08:05 AM	#19 (permalink)
d_m50 Clunked into first gear Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: Kawasaki ZR750 & Suzuki M50 Location: Sterling, VA Posts: 244	I like it.... its up there w/ one of my favorite lookin bikes. not a fan of the vrod though. although I would prefer a watercooled bike. __________________

10-29-2006, 12:51 PM	#20 (permalink)
dragbar Fifth gear streak Joined: May 2005 Bike: M50 Location: SE Missouri Posts: 1,375	I sat on the Street rod this week at a Tulsa Dealer. I personally like some points they have. With the pegs more rearward (which I like) my knees were actually showing above the tank...big nope for me. Maybe if the seat wasn't so low with those rear pegs then my knees might of fallen in a more natural mid to low tank setting. Bummer. __________________ I ate Chinese last night..........should of seen her struggle when i put her in the van. Доверя́й, но проверя́й.