Harley Davidson XR1200X

 

Harley-Davidson is putting more sport in its Sportster line of motorcycles with the release of the 2011 XR1200X. Its progenitor, the 2010 XR1200, has been upgraded with fully-adjustable front and rear Showa suspension and improved front brakes that now feature full floating rotors. The

 

Adjustable Showa suspension front and back and improved Nissin brakes with full-floating rotors highlight the upgrades to Harley's performance-based Sportster, the 2011 XR1200X.

suspension upgrades will allow riders to dial in the XR1200X depending on their weight, riding style and road conditions. The Nissin dual front brakes with 292mm full-floating rotors and four-piston calipers will help pull the reins on the output of its high-compression, 1200cc Evolution V-Twin.
The Showa Big Piston fork has fewer components than a cartridge-style fork and is therefore lighter. The large diameter of the BPF internal piston is claimed to reduce damping pressure for ‘outstanding feedback and smooth action.’ Rebound and compression damping can be honed in via adjuster screws on the top of the fork bolts.
The rear suspension set-up features 36mm pistons with piggy-back nitrogen-charged reservoirs and compression damping can be adjusted by a knob on the top of the reservoir. Rebound can by dialed in by a thumb wheel on the lower clevis, and both front and back are adjustable for spring pre-load.
At the heart of the XR1200X is an isolation-mounted XL Evolution 1200cc V-Twin with high-performance camshafts, precision oil-cooled cylinder heads and large-capacity oil cooler. It boasts a 10:1 compression ratio and puts out a claimed 74 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. Harley has blacked-out the engine to complement the aggressive nature of its performance-oriented Sportster.
The XR1200X’s tank and tail section will continue to carry styling traits inspired by Harley’s legendary flat-tracker, the XR750, with the tank sporting revised graphics. Wide flat-track style bars and rearset footpegs contribute to its racing stance. It also features lightweight three-spoke cast-aluminum wheels with a gloss black finish and a new orange pinstripe on the rim. It will be offered in either Black Denim or White Hot Denim and has an MSRP of $11,799.
The XR1200 initially was only offered overseas until public demand helped bring it here to the States. In conjunction with introduction of the XR1200 to the American market, a new race series to support the platform kicks off this weekend. The AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series starts today at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Motorcycle USA’s resident speed demon, Steve Atlas, is in Wisconsin right now and is getting an opportunity to turn laps at Road America on the race-bred XR1200, so stay tuned for a full report in the coming weeks.

Key XR1200X Features -
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.
Showa rear shocks feature 36mm pistons with piggy-back 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.

Nissin dual front brakes feature 292mm full-floating rotors and four-piston calipers.
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 a large-capacity oil cooler. Compression ratio is 10:1. The engine is rated at 74 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 4000 rpm (per SAE J1349).

Upswept, high-volume 2-1-2 straight-shot exhaust system with satin black finish offers extra cornering clearance.
Chassis features a high-performance designed tubular mild steel frame. The rigid, cast-aluminum swingarm is engineered to enhance handling.
Dunlop Qualifier D209 tires were designed specifically for the XR1200X.
Three-spoke lightweight cast-aluminum wheels, 18-inch front / 17-inch rear, are finished in gloss black with an orange pinstripe on the rim.

Wide, black dirt-track handlebar for enhanced steering leverage and comfort.
Rearset foot pegs for additional cornering clearance.
Compact instrument display with white-faced analog tachometer, digital speedometer, dual trip meter and clock.
3.5-gallon fuel tank with aircraft-style aluminum alloy fuel filler.
29.2-inch seat height with standard passenger pillion and foot pegs.
Optional Harley-Davidson Smart Security System.