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By Basem Wasef, About.com Guide to Motorcycles

Harley Sparks Rumors by Purchasing U.S. Trademark for "XR 1200"

Thursday June 19, 2008
Harley XR1200

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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Comments

June 25, 2008 at 11:35 am
(1) bob says:

It is probably the only HD product I would be really excited about buying.

June 25, 2008 at 11:51 am
(2) Ted says:

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?

June 25, 2008 at 12:05 pm
(3) Kbear says:

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.

June 25, 2008 at 3:02 pm
(4) phoghat says:

One thing only: If the tranny makes that “klunk” sound when you shift, I’m out of here for good.

June 25, 2008 at 6:13 pm
(5) Jim Hamilton says:

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 !!

June 25, 2008 at 7:21 pm
(6) FrankG says:

With a Evolution / VRod engine?…
Well then maaaaaaaybe I’d get one…
But with that old iron ..forget it!

June 26, 2008 at 12:09 am
(7) Doug says:

The HD that could make me join their club !

June 26, 2008 at 1:11 pm
(8) Russell Miller says:

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.

June 27, 2008 at 8:31 am
(9) gary venturino says:

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

July 14, 2008 at 7:53 am
(10) Pete says:

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.

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