Harley-Davidson XR1200R (2008-current)

Basically, perhaps very basically, the Harley-Davidson XR1200R is a good bike. Dynamically the XR1200R performs and handles better than any Harley before. It’s brisk (if not exactly fast), fun to throw around and looks good, too. The main disappointment is that it’s finish and spec is pretty crude and the XR1200R looks like its engineering came out of a Polish shipyard. That said, for Harley it’s a massive, hugely welcome and very significant accomplishment. Whatever it’s fault, because of the XR1200R, the motorcycling world is suddenly a better place.

Watch the Harley-Davidson XR1200R take on the Ducati GT1000 and the Moto Guzzi Griso

Engine

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The Harley-Davidson XR1200R’s engine is a familiar pushrod V-twin based on that of XL1200 Sportster but with high compression 10.0:1 pistons a raised rev ceiling of 7000rpm, an all-new downdraught electronic sequential port fuel injection system and an upswept, high volume 2:1:2 exhausts. The result is 90bhp and 74ftlbs, compared to the Sportster’s 60-odd, and although suffering slightly from a slack throttle at low revs, it is, in the midrange up to the 7000rpm redline, brisk enough for an old school V-twin with a certain hunger to be thrashed.

Ride and Handling

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The Harley-Davidson XR1200R’s riding position is upright but comfortably neutral and the steering is sweet and true (helped by decent Dunlops and the fact that all that weight is carried low). The suspension is set firm and the ride is purposeful rather than classy (the forks and shock may be sporting but they’re by no means sophisticated).

Equipment

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As it’s inspired by a racing bike, the XR750 flat tracker, it’s no real surprise that Harley-Davidson’s XR1200R road version is pretty basic, too. Clocks are a slightly disappointing standard Harley fare tacho with a fairly tacky LCD speedo tacked on the side. Switchgear is Harley’s usual, bulky cruiser stuff, complete with oddball separate-switch-on each-bar indicators. The mirrors are crude and barely passable, there’s a grab strap but no rail for pillions and the much trumpeted aircraft fuel filler was probably from a Sopwith Camel rather than a stealth fighter. Otherwise, that’s yer lot.

Quality and Reliability

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For a Harley-Davidson, the XR1200R has simply horrid build quality and detailing. With a Ducati Sport Classic you can lose yourself for hours in the garage just gazing and admiring the detailing and quality. With the XR1200 the opposite is true. There’s little to admire and the more you look the more you find that offends. It’s as if it was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The pegs, sidestand and exhaust bracket look like offcuts from a shipyard. The cable and wiring routing is, to be blunt, appalling and only Harley could make a new, lightweight aluminium swing arm or wheels look so heavy. Should be reliable, though.

Value

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For £7600-odd, the Harley-Davidson XR1200R is pretty much on the money to compete with logical rivals from Ducati (GT1000, £6995), Guzzi (Griso £7499) and BMW (R1200R £8295). The poor quality is a disappointment, but overall the XR1200R is a Harley, and a pretty good one at that, which makes it fair value.

Model History

2008: Harley-Davidson XR1200R launched.

Other Versions

None.

Specifications

Top speed	125 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	12.42 secs
Max power	90 bhp
Max torque	74 ft-lb
Weight	250 kg
Seat height	775 mm
Fuel capacity	13.3 litres
Average fuel consumption	45 mpg
Tank range	120 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	14 of 17

Engine size	1202 cc
Engine specification	Air-cooled pushrod, 2v V-twin. Fuel injected, five gears
Frame	Tubular steel double cradle
Front suspension adjustment	43mm Showa, USD forks, no adjust
Rear suspension adjustment	Twin rear shocks, adjustable for preload only
Front brakes	2 x 292mm front discs with Nissin four-piston calipers
Rear brake	260mm rear disc with single piston caliper
Front tyre size	120/70 ZR18
Rear tyre size	180/55 ZR17