After publicly pleading for some XR 1200 lovin' I had all but given up on seeing Harley's Europe-only bike stateside, but a recent Motorcycle.com news item sparked a glint of hope. The article indicates that Harley-Davidson has purchased U.S. trademark # 77/048680 from Storz Performance Inc., which covers a flat track kit for Sportsters entitled XR 1200.*
With second quarter results due next month and positive reviews abounding for the real XR 1200, one can't help but wonder if Harley is really considering bringing the Sportster-based bike to America. Do you think adding the bike to the U.S. lineup would be a smart step for the Motor Company?
* Incidentally, Storz/BUB offers some sweet aftermarket pipes for the Nightster.
Photo © Harley-Davidson
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It is probably the only HD product I would be really excited about buying.
It’s beyond me why Harley would put out a flat track racing style bike and make it only available in Europe! Particularly having just laid off a bunch of people. Americans will love this bike! WTF Harley?
Yes I like the XR1200 and I think it would be a popular addition. Harley sometimes gets the head in a dark place about certain things. Flat track hell yeah.
One thing only: If the tranny makes that “klunk” sound when you shift, I’m out of here for good.
The XR1200 “Sporty” is the best looking and apparently the best(?)performing, Harley ever. I liked the “Street Rod” but the XR combines the practicality plus the “Street Flat Tracker” look ! Bring it to North America !!
With a Evolution / VRod engine?…
Well then maaaaaaaybe I’d get one…
But with that old iron ..forget it!
The HD that could make me join their club !
This is the Harley I wanted, but I bought a Euro bike when it was announced the U.S.market would not be favored with it.
I WOULD LIKE NOTHING BETTER SINCE I RIDE A XL1200 CUSTOM ALREADY.THEY ARE THE MOST FUN AND AGGRESSIVE BIKE HARLEY MAKES AND THE XR1200 TO ME WOULD BE THE PINNACLE OF FUN RIDING FROM HARLEY
The XR is a blast. I’ve just managed to get my hands on one (they are in short supply over here in the UK)as an alternative to my Heritage. It is like no other Harley I’ve ridden, certainly completely unlike my earlier 1200C Sportster.You guys in the States would love it – it’s got loads of poke, fantastic turning capability and you can keep up with the fast guys, no problem. H-D are nuts in not marketing it in the US (yet?); it would help revitalise a stagnant market.
I really like this bike
and I really hope they bring it over stateside!