Harley XR1200 test ride
Discussion
Well, it certainly looks the part. Unfortunately they only had the black one in though. I suspect the orange would look better.
With a quick glance it looks like just another sportster, but closer inspection reveals the big bakes, upside down forks and rearset pegs that suggest something a little more sporty.
With a 1200cc lump it’s quite a big bike but it has a thin Sportster style tank so is quite thin. The bars are quite wide though and could do with losing a few inches.
As soon as I sat it things felt more natural than the feet-forward Sportster and it felt pretty comfy. Once I pressed the button it burbled into life and it shook like no other make at about 900rpm. Not a bad think, just strange.
It went into first easily and the cable clutch wasn’t too heavy. We then made smooth progress up the smooth box into Kings Road traffic.
It actually felt OK. The bars definitely need to meet a hacksaw though because they do restrict the gaps you can for when filtering. The noise of thing seemed to part traffic though, as if to compromise for the wide bars.
Once free of the dense traffic I opened it up. In second gear I whacked the throttle open and instead of ripping my arms off or launching the front wheel skywards (as the press release hype would have you believe), it just propelled itself forward in a Harley kind of way, but slightly quicker. It could pull a tree down though with that addictive torque.
It didn’t take long before I needed the brakes and I was impressed. They stopped the heavy lump of iron very quickly.
Before long I came upon every Harley rider’s worst nightmare, a corner. I threw caution to the wind and chucked it in at nearly the same speed I’d take the corner on the VFR and waited for the scraping of metal and wallowing suspension. To my amazement, it just went round the corner with no fuss at all. I tried a few others and it took them all with consummate ease. Before you think it’s a great handling bike, I was in central London, so was hardly pushing the limits. I do think it’ll be capable on the twisties though.
After riding for 20 minutes I started to get the hang of it and it rode very smoothly and could be pushed along at speed.
My only gripes were the width of the bars and the footpegs. Every time I stopped and put my feet down, I would catch my foot on the pegs where they were still slightly forward of where they’d be on a “normal” bike. Oh, and the side stand is almost impossible to operate as it needs to be pushed forward about 2 inches further than your leg can reach or it springs back up again.
I dropped it off feeling impressed, but fully aware that it’s no sports bike. That’s pretty much what I’m after though. I need to slow down and would want a bike with character which the XR has in the bucketload.
It was only when I got back on the VFR that I realised how much character the XR actually had, or how little the VFR had.
In summary, it’s very sporty for a Harley, but it’s no Buell. Compared to Japanese bikes though, it would not fair well. That’s not what they’re about though.
Will I buy one? I think I might. I need to do the maths, so will have a think about it over the next week or so.
I also need to test ride a Moto Guzzi Griso as that’s the other option, but doubt a Guzzi would be as reliable.
With a quick glance it looks like just another sportster, but closer inspection reveals the big bakes, upside down forks and rearset pegs that suggest something a little more sporty.
With a 1200cc lump it’s quite a big bike but it has a thin Sportster style tank so is quite thin. The bars are quite wide though and could do with losing a few inches.
As soon as I sat it things felt more natural than the feet-forward Sportster and it felt pretty comfy. Once I pressed the button it burbled into life and it shook like no other make at about 900rpm. Not a bad think, just strange.
It went into first easily and the cable clutch wasn’t too heavy. We then made smooth progress up the smooth box into Kings Road traffic.
It actually felt OK. The bars definitely need to meet a hacksaw though because they do restrict the gaps you can for when filtering. The noise of thing seemed to part traffic though, as if to compromise for the wide bars.
Once free of the dense traffic I opened it up. In second gear I whacked the throttle open and instead of ripping my arms off or launching the front wheel skywards (as the press release hype would have you believe), it just propelled itself forward in a Harley kind of way, but slightly quicker. It could pull a tree down though with that addictive torque.
It didn’t take long before I needed the brakes and I was impressed. They stopped the heavy lump of iron very quickly.
Before long I came upon every Harley rider’s worst nightmare, a corner. I threw caution to the wind and chucked it in at nearly the same speed I’d take the corner on the VFR and waited for the scraping of metal and wallowing suspension. To my amazement, it just went round the corner with no fuss at all. I tried a few others and it took them all with consummate ease. Before you think it’s a great handling bike, I was in central London, so was hardly pushing the limits. I do think it’ll be capable on the twisties though.
After riding for 20 minutes I started to get the hang of it and it rode very smoothly and could be pushed along at speed.
My only gripes were the width of the bars and the footpegs. Every time I stopped and put my feet down, I would catch my foot on the pegs where they were still slightly forward of where they’d be on a “normal” bike. Oh, and the side stand is almost impossible to operate as it needs to be pushed forward about 2 inches further than your leg can reach or it springs back up again.
I dropped it off feeling impressed, but fully aware that it’s no sports bike. That’s pretty much what I’m after though. I need to slow down and would want a bike with character which the XR has in the bucketload.
It was only when I got back on the VFR that I realised how much character the XR actually had, or how little the VFR had.
In summary, it’s very sporty for a Harley, but it’s no Buell. Compared to Japanese bikes though, it would not fair well. That’s not what they’re about though.
Will I buy one? I think I might. I need to do the maths, so will have a think about it over the next week or so.
I also need to test ride a Moto Guzzi Griso as that’s the other option, but doubt a Guzzi would be as reliable.
ninjaboy said:
looks like harley are starting to make proper bikes now, looks smart. Has it got a rev counter and proper tyres? if so i would love something like that.
It's a step towards proper bikes, but still has Harley quirkyness. I be dissapointed if it felt like a Japanese or even an Italian bike though.It has a bike rev counter and small digital speedo and very sticky tyres. Not sure how long they'd last though.
hmmm, interesting, how much are they?
I wouldn't even consider thinking about a Guzzi, bags of style/nostalgia backed up with god awful dynamics and centuries old engineering. A very good friend of mine was heartbroken when he had to sell his, he was distraught that it wasn't the bike he always imagined it would be.
I wouldn't even consider thinking about a Guzzi, bags of style/nostalgia backed up with god awful dynamics and centuries old engineering. A very good friend of mine was heartbroken when he had to sell his, he was distraught that it wasn't the bike he always imagined it would be.
pat_y said:
hmmm, interesting, how much are they?
I wouldn't even consider thinking about a Guzzi, bags of style/nostalgia backed up with god awful dynamics and centuries old engineering. A very good friend of mine was heartbroken when he had to sell his, he was distraught that it wasn't the bike he always imagined it would be.
They're £7,655 on the road.I wouldn't even consider thinking about a Guzzi, bags of style/nostalgia backed up with god awful dynamics and centuries old engineering. A very good friend of mine was heartbroken when he had to sell his, he was distraught that it wasn't the bike he always imagined it would be.
I keep hearing bad things about Guzzi's and everyone warns me off. I'd like to ride one though to see what all the fuss is about. They must have something or nobody would buy one.
Alarm bells did ring though when a Guzzi forum advised me against commuting 20k miles per year on one.
If you do get one, I'd love to hear how you get on living with it.
I've nearly always ridden Japanese IL4s and mostly sports bikes, and am considering getting a road bike with a little bit more character so I can slow down and concentrate on the scenery without it going past at warp speed.
I did enjoy a 1050 Speed Triple for a while, but as I'm short I found it very tall and top heavy so didn't really get on with it all that well. It was a great bike, and if I was just a little bit taller it would have been a keeper. Mind you, the Speed Triple didn't really slow me down that much either as I just got used to the wind blast eventually
I keep thinking of trying out something like a Harley or other cruiser, as the big twin character seems to be part of the take it easy attitude of these bikes, but I'm not keen on losing chunk of change if I find character is too much of a pain in the ass to put up with in the real world outside the sun drenched marketing material.
The other thing is that I'm not totally convinced British roads are the best place to ride these types of bike. Maybe I should just save my money for a trip round California on a rental bike
Thanks for posting up your impressions of the bike anyways
I've nearly always ridden Japanese IL4s and mostly sports bikes, and am considering getting a road bike with a little bit more character so I can slow down and concentrate on the scenery without it going past at warp speed.
I did enjoy a 1050 Speed Triple for a while, but as I'm short I found it very tall and top heavy so didn't really get on with it all that well. It was a great bike, and if I was just a little bit taller it would have been a keeper. Mind you, the Speed Triple didn't really slow me down that much either as I just got used to the wind blast eventually
I keep thinking of trying out something like a Harley or other cruiser, as the big twin character seems to be part of the take it easy attitude of these bikes, but I'm not keen on losing chunk of change if I find character is too much of a pain in the ass to put up with in the real world outside the sun drenched marketing material.
The other thing is that I'm not totally convinced British roads are the best place to ride these types of bike. Maybe I should just save my money for a trip round California on a rental bike
Thanks for posting up your impressions of the bike anyways
Having just purchased a Harley I can attest to one thing; they make bloody awful motorcyles - but brilliant Harley Davidsons!
.
That dear friends is the whole point, they are what they are and that is the charm. No use comapring them, saying things like my Hoyamazuki does this or that much better. Of course they do, but that is akin to comparing a cheese sandwich to a bunch of roses.
I have never relaxed, enjoyed perambulating so much since I cannot remember when. Never known a bike that goes so slowly so serenly as well as pottering along at motorway speeds so smoothly.
The trouble with motorcycles is that one needs a garage full of the things, a Hayabusa, Harley Bagger, Guzzi big Twin, GS, 1098R and of course one of my all time favourites - Gilera Nexus. Now there's one to piss of sports bike riders
I am looking forward to a go on the 1200.
.That dear friends is the whole point, they are what they are and that is the charm. No use comapring them, saying things like my Hoyamazuki does this or that much better. Of course they do, but that is akin to comparing a cheese sandwich to a bunch of roses.
I have never relaxed, enjoyed perambulating so much since I cannot remember when. Never known a bike that goes so slowly so serenly as well as pottering along at motorway speeds so smoothly.
The trouble with motorcycles is that one needs a garage full of the things, a Hayabusa, Harley Bagger, Guzzi big Twin, GS, 1098R and of course one of my all time favourites - Gilera Nexus. Now there's one to piss of sports bike riders
I am looking forward to a go on the 1200.
sjwb said:
Having just purchased a Harley I can attest to one thing; they make bloody awful motorcyles - but brilliant Harley Davidsons!.
That dear friends is the whole point, they are what they are and that is the charm. No use comapring them, saying things like my Hoyamazuki does this or that much better. Of course they do, but that is akin to comparing a cheese sandwich to a bunch of roses.
I have never relaxed, enjoyed perambulating so much since I cannot remember when. Never known a bike that goes so slowly so serenly as well as pottering along at motorway speeds so smoothly.
Well said that man......That dear friends is the whole point, they are what they are and that is the charm. No use comapring them, saying things like my Hoyamazuki does this or that much better. Of course they do, but that is akin to comparing a cheese sandwich to a bunch of roses.
I have never relaxed, enjoyed perambulating so much since I cannot remember when. Never known a bike that goes so slowly so serenly as well as pottering along at motorway speeds so smoothly.
sjwb said:
The trouble with motorcycles is that one needs a garage full of the things, a Hayabusa, Harley Bagger, Guzzi big Twin, GS, 1098R and of course one of my all time favourites - Gilera Nexus. Now there's one to piss of sports bike riders
I am looking forward to a go on the 1200.
I am looking forward to a go on the 1200.
I'll take the Harley (maybe not the one I've got but a different one) plus I'd have another Ducati Monster in a heartbeat
And then it would be vintage stuff, a BSA RGS in Clubmans trim and an early '60's ISDT spec TR6
I think you've hit the nail on head by not comparing them to other bikes. They are a different animal.
I have riden literally thousands of bikes in my time and even old british singles or big italian twins don't have the same feel as a Harley.
My next bike needs to meet 4 criteria;
1. be slow (I don't have the self control to do it on my own)
2. handle and stop (still has to be fun and safe)
3. have character (to compensate for the lack of speed)
4. be reliable (I've gone past the stage where constant fettling is fun)
I think the XR ticks all of those boxes. Just need to get the funds now.
I have riden literally thousands of bikes in my time and even old british singles or big italian twins don't have the same feel as a Harley.
My next bike needs to meet 4 criteria;
1. be slow (I don't have the self control to do it on my own)
2. handle and stop (still has to be fun and safe)
3. have character (to compensate for the lack of speed)
4. be reliable (I've gone past the stage where constant fettling is fun)
I think the XR ticks all of those boxes. Just need to get the funds now.
m3psm said:
I think you've hit the nail on head by not comparing them to other bikes. They are a different animal.
I have riden literally thousands of bikes in my time and even old british singles or big italian twins don't have the same feel as a Harley.
My next bike needs to meet 4 criteria;
1. be slow (I don't have the self control to do it on my own)
2. handle and stop (still has to be fun and safe)
3. have character (to compensate for the lack of speed)
4. be reliable (I've gone past the stage where constant fettling is fun)
I think the XR ticks all of those boxes. Just need to get the funds now.
Have you tried a 'new' Triumph Bonnie...??I have riden literally thousands of bikes in my time and even old british singles or big italian twins don't have the same feel as a Harley.
My next bike needs to meet 4 criteria;
1. be slow (I don't have the self control to do it on my own)
2. handle and stop (still has to be fun and safe)
3. have character (to compensate for the lack of speed)
4. be reliable (I've gone past the stage where constant fettling is fun)
I think the XR ticks all of those boxes. Just need to get the funds now.
Rode one a few weeks back...........ticked all those criteria above......I rather liked it...
aeropilot said:
Have you tried a 'new' Triumph Bonnie...??
Rode one a few weeks back...........ticked all those criteria above......I rather liked it...
I haven't yet but it's a good call. The Triumph Scambler looks cool to. Saw (and heard) one the other day and it certainly had presence Rode one a few weeks back...........ticked all those criteria above......I rather liked it...
I think there's a dealer in London near where I work, so I'll pop in there one lunchtime and arrange a test ride or two
I guess they're a bit harder to get hold of, but the Victory cruisers look pretty cool as well.
Mind you, you might not want to trust my taste as I'm also drooling over the new VMAX, not that I'll be paying Yamaha 16 grand for one though
I'm not sure the Bonnie will slow you down that much, unless you are wanting to be slowed down from well into three figures that is.
I followed someone riding one of those with reasonable enthusiasm recently and if shifted fairly well...the rider was getting it properly cranked over
Mind you, you might not want to trust my taste as I'm also drooling over the new VMAX, not that I'll be paying Yamaha 16 grand for one though
I'm not sure the Bonnie will slow you down that much, unless you are wanting to be slowed down from well into three figures that is.
I followed someone riding one of those with reasonable enthusiasm recently and if shifted fairly well...the rider was getting it properly cranked over
Can't do cruisers. Someone might see me
Just taking away the ability to sit at 3 figures will help in slowing me down.
I used a kwak W650 for a while and although it was a little slow and the brakes were pants, I liked the riding position and it slowed me down a lot. A bit too slow though for motorway riding which makes up about 20 of my riding a day. It also lacked overtaking punch. The Triumph or Harley would be much better with the torque they have.
Just taking away the ability to sit at 3 figures will help in slowing me down.
I used a kwak W650 for a while and although it was a little slow and the brakes were pants, I liked the riding position and it slowed me down a lot. A bit too slow though for motorway riding which makes up about 20 of my riding a day. It also lacked overtaking punch. The Triumph or Harley would be much better with the torque they have.
sjwb said:
Having just purchased a Harley I can attest to one thing; they make bloody awful motorcyles - but brilliant Harley Davidsons!.
That dear friends is the whole point, they are what they are and that is the charm. No use comapring them, saying things like my Hoyamazuki does this or that much better. Of course they do, but that is akin to comparing a cheese sandwich to a bunch of roses.
I have never relaxed, enjoyed perambulating so much since I cannot remember when. Never known a bike that goes so slowly so serenly as well as pottering along at motorway speeds so smoothly.
The trouble with motorcycles is that one needs a garage full of the things, a Hayabusa, Harley Bagger, Guzzi big Twin, GS, 1098R and of course one of my all time favourites - Gilera Nexus. Now there's one to piss of sports bike riders
I am looking forward to a go on the 1200.
I just spent a week riding a Fatboy around Nevada, Utah, Arizona and California and while the bike makes a lot of sense over there and added that nice touch of Americana, I think it'd be totally useless/wasted over here. Bad brakes, handling, gets too hot, too wide and is slow - so nice to pose and potter on, but not good for the daily conditions oyu face on our tight crowded little island. If I lived in the US, I'd have one for sure..That dear friends is the whole point, they are what they are and that is the charm. No use comapring them, saying things like my Hoyamazuki does this or that much better. Of course they do, but that is akin to comparing a cheese sandwich to a bunch of roses.
I have never relaxed, enjoyed perambulating so much since I cannot remember when. Never known a bike that goes so slowly so serenly as well as pottering along at motorway speeds so smoothly.
The trouble with motorcycles is that one needs a garage full of the things, a Hayabusa, Harley Bagger, Guzzi big Twin, GS, 1098R and of course one of my all time favourites - Gilera Nexus. Now there's one to piss of sports bike riders
I am looking forward to a go on the 1200.
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