Harley-Davidson XR1200X - Rode Test
Maverick - Oct 7, 2010

 Intro and First Impressions:

The XR1200x is an efficient, uncomplicated motorcycle with excellent power and torque through out the power band.   This motorcycle is at home in the neighborhood, on city streets, carving canyons, and on the highway with the big boys. That is exactly where we rode this little gem! 

Simple does not suggest deficient in any way. Motorcycles which withstand the test of time, are bikes designed, manufactured, remanufactured, or copied, and that have several things in common: they are simple, easy to operate, appeal to rugged emotion in motorcyclists, and they are fun. Vintage bikes currently have tremendous appeal among motorcycle enthusiasts. 

Proof lies in the myriad of custom bike builders where the mantra seems to be: have parts…build a motorcycle. The coolest custom motorcycles are those that are actually road worthy, simple, look like a motorcycle, are reliably functional, and they are fun to ride.

The XR1200x connects with the past and sets a standard for contemporary motorcycling.

The motorcycle used in this Rode Test was made available by Sun Harley-Davidson and Harley-Davidson.  

With its blacked out look, the XR1200x is inviting and looks like a working man’s and woman’s motorcycle. Have motorcycle, will travel! Go anywhere, do anything! 

Few wires and cables are perceptible from the outside, all being routed behind the tank, engine and other key parts of the bike. What you see is the brawny engine, suspension, and tires. What more do you need?! 

The white and silver on our test model is just enough to increase visual interest and symmetry. Harley-Davidson owners walk away from and back to H-D motorcycles with pride, partially because they look like motorcycles. This model is no exception.

• Three-spoke lightweight cast-aluminum wheels, 18-inch front / 17-inch rear are finished in gloss black with an orange pinstripe on the rim
• Blacked-out powertrain
• Upswept, high-volume 2-1-2 straight-shot exhaust system with satin black finish
• Revised tank graphics
  

Instrumentation and controls:

This motorcycle is designed with minimal instrumentation and controls needed to operate the motorcycle and that do not distract from the operation of the motorcycle.

The rider is left to focus on the ride and the road ahead. The instrument configuration is compact providing a tachometer, speedometer, dual trip meter, and clock. Also, light indicators for right and left turn signals, high beam, neutral and oil pressure are located in the center of the handlebar and instrument mounting brackets. Generally, nothing competes for the operator’s attention.

The instrumentation provides sufficient feedback to support the operation of the motorcycle.

Controls are very intuitive. There are three switches on each side of the handle bar. The left handlebar switches operate turn left, horn, and high/low beam. The right handlebar switches operate turn right, kill switch, and starter. That’s it! 

Turn signals are self-canceling unlike many motorcycles. The XR1200X turn signal technology senses speed of travel, rate of acceleration, and lean angle as variables to determine when to cancel the signal. The system is impressive in that it provides surrounding motorists with very accurate information about the motorcyclist’s intentions.

Instrumentation Features

• Compact instrument display with white-faced analog tachometer,
• Digital speedometer
• Dual trip meter
• Clock.

The XR1200x engine with 1200cc outputs a claimed 90 horsepower and 74 ft. lbs. of torque at 4000 RPMs. The bike’s curb weight is 551 lbs. Not a sportbike: e.g., to be measured against Moto GP, AMA Pro Racings, Superbikes and Sportbikes, but small and mighty! It is quick and agile, well balanced, and will get you to your destination fast or slow and easy...rider’s choice.

Suspension is fully adjustable and can be dialed in to match rider’s weight, riding style, and road conditions. 

Add suspension’s custom set up to the heavy lifting brakes and you are ready to roll and stop. 

The XR1200x ride is smooth, aggressive, in control, balanced, and agile. You will be riding at highway speeds with out a windscreen; wind buffeting can be neutralized by a full-faced helmet, and we highly recommend it.

Performance & Handling Features:

• Isolation-mounted XL Evolution 1200 cc V-Twin engine with black powdercoat finish features downdraft Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), high-performance camshafts, precision oil-cooled cylinder heads and large-capacity oil cooler. Compression ratio is 10:1.  The engine is rated at 74 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 4000 rpm (per SAE J1349).
  • Cylinders: 2
  • Engine Stroke: 4-Stroke
  • Bore & Stroke: 88.9 mm x 96.8 mm
  • Cooling: Air
  • Valves: 4
  • Valves Per Cylinder: 2
  • Valve Configuration: OHV
  • Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
  • Ignition: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
  • Starting System: 1.2 Kw Electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
  • Fuel Requirements: Premium
  • Fuel Type: Gas

• Showa Big Piston Front fork (BPF) eliminates many of the internal components used in a cartridge-type fork, resulting in lighter overall fork weight. The large-diameter of the BPF internal piston allows a reduction in damping pressure for outstanding feedback and smooth action. Rebound and compression damping may be fine tuned with adjuster screws located on top of the fork bolts. The spring pre-load is adjusted with a M5 hex screw on the axle holders.
  • Front suspension travel is 4.92 inches

• Showa rear shocks feature 36mm pistons with piggyback nitrogen charged reservoirs. The compression damping may be adjusted with a knob on top of the reservoir. Rebound is adjusted with a thumb wheel on the lower clevis. Rear spring pre-load is also adjustable.
  • Rear Suspension travel is 3.5 inches

• Nissin® dual front brakes feature 292mm full-floating rotors and four-piston calipers
• Nissin® one piston rear brake with 260mm uniform floating rotors

• Transmission Type: Manual
• Number Of Speeds: 5
• Final Drive: Belt, 68/29 ratio

• Dunlop® Qualifier D209 tires were designed specifically for the XR1200X.
  • Front Tire (Full Spec): Dunlop® Qualifier 120/70 ZR18
  • Rear Tire (Full Spec): Dunlop® Qualifier 180/55 ZR17

• Upswept, high-volume 2-1-2 straight-shot exhaust system offers extra cornering clearance

Technical specifications:

• Rake and Trail 29 degrees 5.2 in.
• Chassis features a high-performance designed tubular mild steel frame
• Rigid, cast-aluminum swingarm engineered to enhance handling
• Wheelbase (in/mm): 60 / 1524
• 3.5-gallon fuel tank with aircraft-style aluminum alloy fuel filler
• Dry Weight: 551 lbs

Wide handle bars, a comfortable but firm seat, and rear set foot pegs, this Sportster model is set up for aggressive riding. This is a sporty bike! While iron butts can and will set mileage records with this motorcycle based on operational capacity, most riders will be content with day rides and jaunts to local venues and meet ups. The point being that reasonably placed breaks will only add to the adventure. 

Comfort Features:

• Wide, black dirt-track handlebar for enhanced steering leverage and comfort
• Rear set foot pegs for additional cornering clearance
• 29.2-inch seat height with standard passenger pillion and foot pegs

Final Comment:

The XR1200x is manufactured to be a racing bike as evidenced by the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series initiated at Road America and concluding at Barber Motorsports Park in 2010. 

However, this does not mean everyone who owns one has to race it. The XR1200x is at home on roadways as it is racing. At $11,799, Harley-Davidson enthusiasts who want a high performance and sporty street bike will purchase more of these motorcycles. There are many H-D owners of cruisers or tour bikes that own, or intend to own, a second bike and this could be just the ticket.

Their intention will not be to ride it from LA to NY. But, a day in the hills of anywhere, or meeting up with other bikers at a local rodeo to show off the agility, versatility, and sophistication of this motorcycle may be just the ticket. 

Younger riders will love it too. It’s a Harley-Davidson. It exudes a v-twin sound. The XR1200x is a simple and reliable ride. Doesn’t take up much space and requires little oats…in other words; “an easy keeper.”

The Harley-Davidson Smart Security System is optional for the XR1200x.

Harley-Davidson’s standard 2-year warranty covers this bike.