Taking Sportster® Performance to a New Level

By Regina Allen

The XR1200X is Harley-Davidson® Sportster performance honed to its finest edge. Introduced this year for export markets only, the XR1200X will be available through Harley-Davidson dealers in the United States as a 2011 model. Equipped with fully-adjustable Showa® front and rear suspension components, the 2011 XR1200X can be dialed in to match rider weight, riding style and road conditions. Talk about personalizing your ride! The XR1200X combines this premium suspension with enhanced front brakes and the responsive punch of a high-compression, 1200cc Evolution® V-Twin engine in a dynamic, street-performance motorcycle.

With a tank and tail section designed to evoke the legendary Harley-Davidson XR750 ~ the all-time king of the gritty American flat-track scene ~ the XR1200X isn’t shy about putting its mechanical character on display. Wide flat-track bars and rearset footpegs position an assertive rider for active control. The XR1200X has a blacked-out powertrain and exhaust, revised tank graphics, and black wheels with an orange rim pinstripe and will be offered in two colors: Black Denim and White Hot Denim.

Key XR1200X Features (for the true gearheads among us)

• 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 an 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 footpegs 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 footpegs.

• Optional Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System.

For more information, visit Harley-Davidson on-line at
www.harley-davidson.com.