2011 Harley Davidson XR1200X

For many years while living in southern California I would spend Friday or Saturday nights at the speedway watching the motorcycles races.  With the sound of motorcycle’s ringing in your ears and the smell of two-stroke fuel wafting through the air; night at the races were always fun.  Between races it was fun to sit and people watch as the spectators moved around the stands.  With that in mind this is the image that the 2011 Harley-Davidson XR1200X is inspired by the XR750 flat-track racer that has dominated the Grand National Twins.  Some critics say that this bike will not please the die-hard Harley enthusiast and others are excited about this bike since it reminds them of the good times spent at the races.   This motorcycle has done well in the European market but has had a hard time finding its niche here in the states.  For me I don’t understand why but that is what the numbers say about this concept.  In 09, the XR1200 only saw 750 units sold in the US.  The Europeans were introduced to the X model in 2010 but was only an upgrade here for around $1600.  So for 2011 we will get the XR1200X which gives you an upgraded suspension with the Showa shocks which has easy access to the rebound damping adjustment screw found at the bottom of the shock.  Be forewarned that the exhaust impedes access to the right-side shock’s rebound adjuster.  Guess we can’t have it all when it comes to easy suspension setup but having updated suspension front and rear outweighs this issue.

Harley kept the powerful dual, four-piston Nissin calipers from the previous XR model, the 292mm front brake rotors are now of the floating variety.   Then throw in the dual upswept exhaust system that’s reminiscent of the XR750’s high pipes, blacked out powertrain and exhaust gives it the flat track racer look.  Another feature reminiscent of the XR750 are the wide flat-track bars and rear set foot pegs position for the aggressive active rider and for those that like to get down to business when out riding.  A day at the track when it’s opened to the public to come have a turn or two around the track if you are lucky to live in an area that does that.

This bike offers up 1200cc V Twin power with its high performance camshafts, and fuel injection smoothness.  With a few cosmetic updates like the orange pinstripes for the three spoke aluminum wheels round off the look for the XR1200X. 

The MSRP for this Harley Davidson $11,799.

Engine: Air-cooled V-Twin
Displacement: 1200cc
Bore x Stroke: 88.9mm x 96.8mm
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Fueling: Fuel Injection
Ignition: Electronic
Transmission: 5-speed
Final Drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet
Front Suspension: 43mm Showa fork, fully adj.
Rear Suspension: Dual 36mm Showa shocks, fully adj.
Frame: Steel
Front Brake: Dual 292mm dual discs
Rear Brake: Single 220mm single disc
Front Tire: 120/70-18 Dunlop Qualifier
Rear Tire: 180/55-17 Dunlop Qualifier
Wheelbase: 59.8 in.
Seat Height: 30.5 in.
Wet Weight: 580 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 3.5 gallon
Available Colors: Denim Black, Hot Denim White

The reviews on the XR1200X have been good and one friend said it surprised him how much fun this motorcycle was to ride.  This is one motorcycle that might be worth throwing your leg over and taking this baby for a spin.

Visit Harley Davidson's website for the XR1200X