World Exclusive: Harley-Davidson XR1200 gets go ahead for production

Harley-Davidson has just announced that the XR1200 sports bike is to be made a full production bike.

The XR1200 is based loosely around the XR750 race bike that dominates US flat track racing, but set up to give a sporty road ride. Quality suspension, sporty geometry and sticky road tyres make this the best handling Harley yet, according to development rider and nine-time AMA flat track champion Scott Parker. He told MCN earlier this year:

“When we test rode the bike it was able to corner and drag the foot pegs like any sports bike – on twisty and bendy back roads is where this bike is most fun at. It accelerates real fast when you come out of corners – it just goes.” John Lewis, Marketing Director for Harley-Davidson Europe said:

“We are delighted to announce that the XR 1200 will go into production in Spring 2008, having worked closely with our colleagues in the U.S. to create a great handling, high performance Harley-Davidson street bike that looks great and is fun to ride.  Feedback from European customers and the motorcycle media has been overwhelmingly positive so we think the XR 1200 will be well received in Europe.”

The best bit is that Harley expects the bike to cost around £8000 when it arrives in the UK.