2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster XR1200 Review

[Kenneth_Moore]

Originally Posted by bmwclay

Hey, when we first saw this bike last summer we were screaming mad that it was not offered here. We wrote letters and emails demanding that Harley bring it here. Now that it is here, everyone's saying 'it's just a Sportster' or 'I rather rebuild a 1500 dollar junker, no way I buying that bike'. Time will tell, but maybe we should put our money where our mouth is.

Actually if you read my posts on the first article on the XR, I said the same thing then that I'm saying now: it's just a warmed over Sporty. In fact, I was pretty sarcastic, pointing out that Harley flew all the motojournos over to Europe to test it, and that writing it up as this "fantastic machine" had as much to do with a free trip as it did creating a "buzz" bike to draw readers. Cuddy was highly critical too; pointing out that it didn't even have fake styling elements like the dual carbs etc.

Don't get me wrong, I like Sportys. I've ridden some that are fast as **** and an absolute blast to ride. And, you can buy a XL1200R Roadster with trick heads, upgraded suspension and brakes, and more, at any HD dealer; so the XR just isn't that big a deal.

I really like the MT01; it's a *****in bike. But if were in the market for an air-cooled, pushrod twin, "naked standard" I'd go buy a Dyna.

[pplassm]

Originally Posted by seruzawa

Another excellent review of another attractive bike that tops the list of bikes I'll never buy. I'm with longride. It'd be more fun to pick up an 883 and upgrade it. I'm just waiting for those $1500 used 883s that need rebuilds.

I just saw a late 90's 1200 for $2500 on Craigslist. Had about 20k miles, but looked good.

Want it?

[anrajala]

>our moto-loving broheims overseas allegedly have
>a greater passion for naked bikes, in particular,
>those influenced by American flat-track racing.

We have a great passion for American flat-track racing influence? Its amazing what kind of un-foggen-believable crap is going around. What's next, Europeans crazy about Midwestern scrotum warts?

- cruiz-euro

[pplassm]

Originally Posted by anrajala

We have a great passion for American flat-track racing influence? Its amazing what kind of un-foggen-believable crap is going around. What's next, Europeans crazy about Midwestern scrotum warts?

- cruiz-euro

I thought you guys like EVERYBODY'S scrotum warts!

[anrajala]

Originally Posted by pplassm

I thought you guys like EVERYBODY'S scrotum warts!

We like bunghole warts. As any fule knows.

- cruiz-euro

[sarnali2]

Disgusting bunch o'cretins......

I checked out the new Sporty at the IMS and I'd say I'm a believer. That's a fine lookin' motorsikkle there from USD forks, alloys with triple discs and aluminum swingarm to decent aggressive ergos, wide flat bars and upswept pipes the whole package flat works. Guess I'm really going to have to sell the kids this time.

[Dr_Sprocket]

Did you get a chance to sit on it, or just gawk?

[sarnali2]

Originally Posted by Dr_Sprocket

Did you get a chance to sit on it, or just gawk?

Yup sat on it wheeled it around and made motor noises.....great ergos, even for a larger rider...If it runs as good as it feels it's a winner.

[seruzawa]

Originally Posted by sarnali2

Yup sat on it wheeled it around and made motor noises.....great ergos, even for a larger rider...If it runs as good as it feels it's a winner.

Well, I'm not surprised. After all it looks the way a Sportster is freaking supposed to look. Enough of the freaking chopper look, please.

[sarnali2]

Originally Posted by seruzawa

Well, I'm not surprised. After all it looks the way a Sportster is freaking supposed to look. Enough of the freaking chopper look, please.

That really is played out... Funny thing though except for this one the Sporties were all "Low" models. Hopefully that's all they had to show and not all they're going to make.

One of the best looking bikes in the show was a Cross Bones with upswept Samson fishtails, excellent look with a one piece upswept shotgun rear pipe and a low upswept front- f'n tight man I tell ya' totally made the bike. If I had one that's the first thing I'd do.