| | | | First look: Harley Davidson XR1200 |  Written: 11/10/2006 : 12:31. Read 12788 times (22/day). | | The integrality of this filed article is for Premium Members. | In an unprecedented signal of its commitment and possible direction in Europe, Harley-Davidson has chosen the Intermot motorcycle show in Köln, Germany for the world premiere of its new, high performance XR 1200 Prototype motorcycle.
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The Harley-Davidson XR 1200 Prototype has been developed beyond the concept and design stages, and debuts at Europe’s biggest motorcycle show in order to gauge media and public reaction to a new kind of Harley-Davidson, with an emphasis on performance, handling and sporting style. Development goals include Harley-Davidson’s most powerful regular production, European specification, air-cooled V-Twin engine; excellent handling, suspension and braking, all fine-tuned for European roads; and styling inspired by the Motor Company’s legendary XR 750 dirt track race bike.
The XR 1200 Prototype is the result of a close collaboration between the Motor Company’s Milwaukee-based product development team and Harley-Davidson’s Product Planning Europe (PPE) team. An example of their earlier work is the recently introduced and currently sold-out VRSCDX Night Rod® Special.
Reflecting the growing importance of the European market, the PPE team played a significant role in defining the specifications and ergonomics of the XR 1200 Prototype, and worked with the US Ride and Handling engineers on suspension and handling development.
The result points to the most powerful air-cooled European specification Harley-Davidson yet seen, with around 85-90hp expected from the 1200cc, downdraft fuel injected engine. With a generous lean angle; specially tuned Showa® sports suspension, including 43mm inverted front forks; high performance Nissin® brakes; and specially developed Dunlop® Qualifier tyres, the XR 1200 Prototype could become the best handling Harley-Davidson regular production machine ever seen.
Developed with new European customers in mind
It’s no coincidence that Intermot was chosen to expose the XR 1200™ Prototype to public and media scrutiny. John Russell, Vice President, Harley-Davidson Europe explains:
“We are experiencing strong growth in Europe and we anticipate that the XR 1200 Prototype will appeal to new customers, including younger riders currently using competitive brand standard and sports motorcycles. They probably like and admire the Harley-Davidson brand, but are not cu ...
The integrality of this filed article is for Premium Members.
(4 pictures - 867 words. remaining).
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| Comments | |
 Odar (11-10-2006): WOW WOW Look forward to see this bike in real, this is going to be something to ride.
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 HiVel (11-10-2006): Hope it is available in the USA!
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