Harley Davidson XR1200 - The Fast Harley?

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[@CCitis]

The bronx was the only bike that actually looked like I would ride it. Buells are pretty awesome though, and what a mistake that was letting Erik go.

[@A_Ride_To]

@Jeremy and then Erik made a Supersport and a Naked bike under the company name EBR But guess what? Nobody bought them and EBR went down.

[@dukecraig2402]

I was dying for the Bronx to come out, I was going to be the first one in line to buy one, but if course...

[@CCitis]

@@dukecraig2402 buy a Buell!

[@dukecraig2402]

@@CCitis Already own an XB9.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

@@A_Ride_To EBR was a small Company that did not have the Capital they needed.. Economy of scale ..

[@motoknivesandgunsbyjt]

I’ve had my 09 XR1200 for a few years and I love it. I just don’t understand why they haven’t updated it to directly compete with the Indian FTR1200 instead of reinventing the wheel with bikes like the Bronx.

[@twistofthethrottle]

I bought an FTR 1200 last fall for exactly what you’re getting at. It’s a beast and such a blast, probably much like the XR would’ve been when it first came out. It would’ve been cool to see a Harley that competes directly against the FTR. What’s really crazy is that all the XR1200s for sale are nearly the price of what I paid for my FTR base model with all of 1 mile. Just ridiculous to think about. Hopefully Harley will develop something moving forward though. The new revolution engine should be cool to see in the lineup, and maybe they’ll finally bring the Bronx out or even better, a new XR1200. Until then, Indian will keep winning in that segment.

[@motoknivesandgunsbyjt]

@@twistofthethrottle really!?? If that’s the case I’m gonna sell my XR to pay off the FTR1200 that I bought two months ago! Lol. I love it but it has some downfalls. Hot engine, high seat and it’s not a quick release, has some mapping issues, and fuel range. I have about 2,000 miles on it…

[@jamespolucha8790]

I sold mine and bought the Indian FTR and love it had my ECU remapped by Lloyd’s and no hot motor and rus even stronger, I’m a retired Harley mechanic and got tired of waiting for them to come out with something other than a 900 pound bagger

[@motoknivesandgunsbyjt]

@@jamespolucha8790 since my last post I sold my FTR but still have my XR1200. The FTR was a great bike, lots of modern amenities but the nostalgia and the rawness of the XR still lights my fire.

[@ryderhook7438]

I drove it for a couple of weeks in Singapore and Malaysia. It‘s right to say it‘s the unharleyist Harley. Nice handling, nice engine output, sound and look.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for sharing.

[@sujendrannairtheywaharen2230]

Cool... Most bikes over 400cc are pretty rare around the Singapore and Malaysian penisular.

[@raoulraoulsen4716]

Honest and unbiased review as one knows and appreciates your channel for. Thank you and keep 'em coming! You and Brooke take care and have fun with the T7!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I appreciate that! I'm still waiting for a few accessories before I take that T7 for some serious fun. I need to armor that thing up!

[@kriskirby1387]

BUELL, just thought id mention it.

[@glickmpb]

Out of business!

[@jasonstrickland5251]

@@glickmpb Thats cause Eric Buell go bent over by HD. They crapped on him while he worked for them and obviously after as well!

[@gvs5318]

I own three, Ulysses, 1125 and 1190, wohoo and who cares if they're out of business. Parts are plentiful and cheap

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Naw Bro let's spend $125 Million to shut down Buell and just sell overpriced Cruisers..

[@KevXRDuke]

The XR used some of the old Buell parts in the motor.

[@hoofhearted1955]

Nice video, thanks! I think HRD/Vincent might have something to say about the original Sporster being the first superbike though. 👍

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Good point!

[@bradwilliams5770]

I have two XRs a 2009 and a 2012 XR1200X,have both kind of by accident, but also have a Ducati 999S a BMW R1200GS Rallye, a Suzuki SV1000S. I will tell you the brake performance is dependent on pad selection, the suspension on the X is lightyears better than the 2009, but the brakes on the 2009 are a one finger pull, despite the 2012 X model having full floating rotors. They are not fast, the 2009 is a little soggy for my weight, but they sure are fun. The irreverent bouncing around at idle is what makes them cool.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for the info. I wish I could have ridden a 2012 to compare.

[@bobcornford3637]

In UK the XR1200X was introduced in 2009. As pointed out above, brakes on the X model are very good, almost up to Ducati standard. Vibration isn't normally a problem.... I've had 2 XRs and my current X version. They are heavy old lump for sure. I wouldn't say the throttle action causes any low speed problems. My suspicion would be that the test model has a fueller of some sort, especially seeing it has a loud exhaust, which would have involved some fuelling mods. The only answer to the seat is a Corbin. Spend some money on dyno time and you'll find a big improvement in performance. It has Buell motor, rather than the Harley XL. The suspension of the X models is a league better than the ordinary XR with decent adjustable forks. None of these had 17" front wheels as stock, being 18". Many long term owners have fitted 17s, some with BST carbon fibre. With decent Sato rear seats it's a pretty quick old thing, and with decent stiffer engine mounts, it actually handles and doesn't weave!

[@gerardmontgomery280]

I live in England, 90% of HD's I see are XR1200s.

[@bradwilliams5770]

Makes sense. They were intended for Europe. They weren't even supposed to be sold in North America.

[@gerardmontgomery280]

Never realised that but it makes sense. It's sportier and looks 'cleaner' and more flowing than most HD's. Out of HD's current range the Breakout is really the only one that does it for me because it has clean and simple lines not unlike the XR1200. The problem is it's also a raked out behemoth, at least from the point of view of someone who rides rural British roads. I can't see anyone hustling a Breakout like you could hustle an XR.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Harley should have kept making them even if they only sent them to Europe. Although I'd love to see a new one in Canada.

[@A_Ride_To]

When I lived in Germany I always thought they were kind of rare. At least I did not see that many XRs (even at the online market) but when I moved to Japan I saw them at almost every Motorcycle dealership that sells all brands. I always liked the sporty aspect but then I sat on one and was a bit disappointed by what felt to me as a extremely wide Seat and foot controls that were somewhat in between Harley mids and a rear set. If I’d buy a city Harley I’d probably go with a 883 Iron. For a retro bike in the city it would have enough power and comfy.

[@KevXRDuke]

I read the stats on a forum. They made around 10,000 XR's. 6000 went to Europe and beyond. 4000 stayed here over 4 rears. A lot of those went straight to the track. To be honest it not the greatest street bike. It is a blast to ride around for fun. But on the highway in 5th gear... at 85mph my tach is almost touch in touching 5000. I changed my redline to 7200. Most Harley's are under 3000 at that speed. I read in the forums they some mod to diffuse that situation. I don't want to change it.

[@mikegreenfield5102]

Mine was orange. Seven (!) previous owners 5,000 miles. Great engine. Great looks and image. Terrible handling. Front end much too heavy. Very difficult to control when at very high speeds. Considered putting the engine in a Norton Featherbed frame because I loved the engine. Currently I have a year 2000 Hugger, 14,000 miles. No electronics, carburettor and a first gear select problem. A very common Sporster fault. H-D missed a trick with the XR. Should have made a Cal Rayburn copy road racer for the streets here in the U.K. My all time favourite bike which I should never have sold? Laverda 3CE 1000 bought new in 1976. I rode it for 30 years.

[@andypants1000]

I have a 2009 and I agree with most points! It actually came down to it or the roadster for me specifically because of the suspension and brakes. I LOVE the sound of it, but the seat is appallingly bad (fixed) and my girlfriend has finally shown interest in riding pillion and I think its be easier to put her on a 600RR. It is heavy, a bit wallowy, and at low speeds and rpms the power jumps around like a Jack rabbit on crack, but on the right day on the right road, I prefer it to my old ZX6R

[@My347LX]

I was a co-op with HD while pursuing an engineering degree in general and a die engineer specifically. I learned a lot about the company, but they are circling the drain this time.

[@My347LX]

@@naps3386 I think if they had developed Buell or rebranded it as a Harley-Davidson, it would have given younger riders a opportunity to join the HD fold on a bike that they wanted to ride. I am still amazed at hearing a barky HD V-Twin at a stop light and looking around and seeing a Buell...they really missed a chance to grow.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, they should have built the Bronx fifteen years ago with a V-Rod engine.

[@borntorule2872]

i have a 2018 Roadster1200.. fun to ride,, before it i have an R1.. cheers from INDIA

[@Quepasaaqui718]

I got my Roadglide but want this as a bar hopper I’ve always loved sportsters but the XR1200 is one I’ve always wanted even for a collection bike lol

[@himydad1499]

Not realy a HarleyFan. Just watched this because you’r an excellent storyteller.

[@mikeskidmore6754]

XR-1200 90 HP how did they get that much HP did Buell modify that engine for HD like he did for some of them ?

[@bradwilliams5770]

The XR engine is very similar to a Buell. Hotter cams, bespoke oil cooled heads, downdraft EFI with ram air intake insert below the tank. Higher compression pistons, much higher RPM red line, etc.

[@davidgallop654]

I had one for 5 years seat filled with gell sold it for t120 Triumph lot better but every one has this bike, still fun and you don’t burn your leg on the exhaust!

[@brucesanborn7484]

" this is an old bike", the narrator says 😳 two of the scooters,XL's, in my stable are 28 year old and run like a stripped ape,both customized and fun to ride! They might not be the most comfortable or the best handling but neither am I at 69 years old but they certainly are cool looking scooters! Maranatha, Greetings from Tampa Florida 😎

[@martincvitkovich724]

Harleys rule. They don't scream at 12,000 RPMS to go 80, the HD don't break a sweat at 2400 rpms

[@olemissjim]

Great review. I love the Sportster 1200, the XR is really nice with the dual disk... I agree the setup should be mid controls with forward foot rest for cruising down the freeway

[@burneyvisser]

Owned one and loved it

[@REDCLAYHOMESTEAD]

I wanted one of these so bad when they came out, i was too young then but I just knew I would get a used one day, and then they didn't sell...

[@dmedina6835]

I do love those sportys but you hit all good points - rock on

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks, appreciate it.

[@robertpolkamp]

I hemmed and hawed about buying the XR but the 3 gallon plastic fuel tank just doesn't make for appropriate fuel storage on any motorcycle.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes. The airbox takes a chunk of the room where the fuel should be.

[@karlbishop7481]

You should get Brooke a Moto Guzzi V7lll. I just recently bought one to compliment my Audace. The V7 is a great bike, easy to ride and looks great.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks for the tip! I love the V7 but we're moving to a town that is very far away from any MG dealer and that will make owning another MG inconvenient. She might trade in her Honda CB300F for a crf250L and then I might get a Harley after that. We'll see how it goes.

[@kfshman]

@@DifferentSpokesTV have your wife take a look at the cbx500. Great motorcycle that does it all with a great tamed friendly power

[@davidmacgregor5193]

The XR1200 wasn't the first stock Harley-Davidson with rear set controls, the XLCR1000 "Cafe Racer" from 1977 was the first stock H-D with rear sets.

[@LoganMaclaren]

Thanks for another great video!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

My pleasure! Glad you're enjoying the content.

[@robertscarlotto1376]

If it’s got the right pipe like the one I had it was a lighter pipe that was made out of titanium and carbon fiber which is a great pipe

[@shano81]

Learned a lot! Subscribed!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Welcome aboard!

[@nuruddin1991]

To me... Harley is good because they stick to their root like Ducati still used their old unreliable desmodromic valve, but Harley push-rod valve is more robust and simple but, this is the future... Harley need to step up their game just like what triumph did....

[@paulmarion7578]

They should have put the dual carbs on it and pipes coming out the left side like they did on the 1983 & 1984 XR 1000s street bikes . They should do it one more time but make it look like a real XR 750 but a 1200 for the street something like the Indian but better ! Yes dual carbs and then the pipes coming out on the left !

[@Redvirus187]

Just bought one 😃

[@coolkatz9012]

Vrod could of been a absolute winner Harley FKd it up,chassis fwd controls ect ect .

[@sergeantmasson3669]

I have a 2010 HD XR1200. I like it better than my 1987 Honda 1000 Interceptor. The Honda is top-heavy, wide, and rider position is not very comfortable.

[@rasecoaoj]

Try the Xr 1200x. It was the latest models, with better front floating disk breaks and better suspension

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes, one commenter had two of them, a 2009 and a 2012, and said the 2012 was much improved. The 2009 that I rode was still a good bike though.

[@blipco5]

The poor sales of the xr1200 is probably the reason Harley cancelled the Bronx. Which is a shame because the Bronx looked like a winner.

[@Steven-bh6oi]

It’s a good Bike 🏍

[@tlares5589]

XR s rule!!!!!

[@jackwood2328]

Buy an XR1200 while you can. Do not miss out.

[@floridamankyle5461]

I have an 09 XR1200 in HD Racing Orange, and its easily the best Sportster HD ever made, HD denied customers their amazing racing history and killed Buell while it was getting good, now they are hurting bad because of it, HD deserves it, and now that Indian is running rings around HD in Flat Track, I want to trade up to an Indian FTR1200S, been waiting for an american company to make a fun bike that is a flat track road bike. HD decided to cater to rich, sweating, leather daddies wearing skull ball gags and black assless chaps using their $30,000 Road Kings as Highway Vibrators, if HD riders hate it, it's a good bike.

[@coachron3524]

I had the unicorn! The last year they made em with upgraded suspension and blacked out engine. The best looking one of the 4 year life. I sold it last year, should have kept it but oh well. They were a great bike.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Super nice bike. The Bronx would have been the next logical step.

[@graze105]

So, the moral of the story is "Don't buy a bike unless your wife can ride it too". LOL!

[@johnludmon7419]

Harley are appalling at selling bikes outside of what their core buyers want the last 40 plus years are littered with failed models. There is the XLCR which was possibly the worst of them a cafe racer that was heavier than the bike it was based on and was slow ,badly braked and was largely ignored by the buying public. These days it is collectible and goes for a premium price to people who most probably don’t ride the thing. The XR1000 which sold less than 1500 but was for me the best version of the iron head sportster once you got over the £4500 price tag it cost more than £1500 more than a moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans or a BMW R100RS . You then have Buel the later bikes especially those with the rotax engine were really good bikes left field yes but the bugs and the build quality had been sorted they are still worth a punt now . The V-ROD a sports cruiser that was largely ignored buy the core buyers and again didn’t attract new customers from other brands . Then there is the XR1200 in this clip again a swing and a miss with both Harley buyers and with none Harley buyers . I am hoping that they do release the Bronx and not just the Pan America adventure thing as it actually looks like it could attract buyers from other brands it looks cool and is the type of bike that is selling at the moment.

[@johnharris7353]

I like the way it looks but I don't like Harley motors...everything about a Harley motor is...wrong, imo...just wrong, not for me.

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

Remember the British bike dominance? It died. Same happening with harley?

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

@John Conquest I remember. I bought a 1983 750 interceptor and then the 1984's were only 700cc.

[@invinciblevettel5]

It's somewhat ridiculous using your wifes' size and riding ability as one of the criterion as to whether the XR is a good bike or not. Here's a newsflash ...... The XR was never intended for novice riders of any gender of slight physical stature.

[@dennism103]

When it king of the hill theres always someone trying to knock u down.

[@gvs5318]

Yadi yadi ya, it's still a 1200, just think if you spent time energy and money on a 114" motor, lots of HP and torque

[@danielc5205]

My 120 lbs. sister rides my 145 h.p Yamaha Vmax around with any problems. Lastly, Harley-Davidson motorcycle are overrated and grossly overpriced.

[@billscott1601]

Harley? Wait, I was expecting more T7 videos, who cares about Harleys. Good luck with the move.

[@paulrose6359]

I went to the local HD dealer when the XR came out and got good reviews in the non-Harley bike magazines and took a test ride. I liked it a lot and after riding for for a while I went back to the dealer to seal a deal,....well. When I got back the "salesman" told me that a "Sporty" was a "Chick's" bike and what I really wanted was this springer with fringe on the bars and soft bags. It hit me right there that along with buying the bike I will have to buy the HD image. I walked out and never went back. That dealer went under not long after.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, sometimes it seems that Harley lives in its own world. A lot of Harley riders have no idea how good other manufacturers' machines are. The Roadster is considered sporty by Harley standards, but if you look at motorcycling as a whole it's heavy and slow. I really like the bike, but if I were to get one It'd be for cruising. If I want to ride sporty my Tenere 700, which isn't a particularly sporty bike, is still infinitely sportier than the sportiest Harley.

[@bobcornford3637]

This is one of the problems that Harley never addressed. The whole concept that Sportsters are entry level. When you're a grown up you can get a bigger and more expensive one, culminating in an CVO Electra Glide, when of course you get to be 90!

[@bobcornford3637]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Yes it is a big overweight lump. Everything is heavy and crude really.

[@usmcvet0313]

I mean that is crappy, but I'll never let anyone else determine what I buy. I have a Road King, not because I want any image, but because I really like it. In your case, I would have told the salesman he's an idiot and needs to learn how to do his job better, then proceeded on buying my XR1200.

[@guzzijack9714]

Yeah, back when, I went into local Harley dealership to look at Buells. Looked at them for about 10 minutes and no one came to talk to me until I got too close to the T-shirt dept. and then the clothing girl asked if I needed help but by then was completely cold on the kind of service I'd get if I bought a Buell. Very sad. Ended up buying a BMW.

[@rasecoaoj]

The XR is the best Harley EVER

[@peterlafrenz5220]

Sorry! You,er missing a F&S. The best HD is the FXRS 😊

[@jeepstertj556]

@@peterlafrenz5220 xr will run circles around an fxrs

[@peterlafrenz5220]

Funny! All of our examples includes HD from the past. Guess we can agree on the fact that HD has a great future behind them.

[@dukecraig2402]

@David Miatke I owned a Buell XB9 and it eat would eat my CBR929RR Honda alive on the twisty mountain roads where I live, only on long straightaways could the CBR stand a chance against that Buell. This videos full of misinformation about some things because the maker of it doesn't know some things about the history of Harley. First off it wasn't Harley that canceled the Nova motorcycle back in the late 70's, it was the new CEO of AMF that did that, the reason AMF bought Harley in the first place back in 1969 is because the CEO of AMF in 1969 was a motorcycle enthusiast and didn't want to see Harley Davidson bought by a foreign company, so he raised enough support at AMF to purchase Harley, in 1976 Harley/AMF contracted Porsche to develop the engine for the motorcycle that was to be the Nova, in 1978/79 AMF got a new CEO, when he was reviewing their books he said "Someone please explain to me why we're paying Porsche all this money", when the Nova project for Harley thing was explained to him he said "Scrap the program, we can't afford that kind of expenditure", it is a shame that the Nova didn't come to fruition, it would have changed the course of motorcycle history and put Harley 10 years ahead of everyone else, but it wasn't Harley's call or their fault that it got cancelled, that one was on the new CEO of AMF, not them. And as far as the V-Rod he doesn't know the true backstory behind the reason it came to be either, the V-Rod engine was designed by Porsche and was supposed to be the engine for the new XB series Buell's, but when the engine was done Buell didn't want it because he said it was too big and heavy, so Harley after having paid all that money to have it developed had to do something with it so they designed the V-rod chassis, that's the true story of how it came to be despite Harley's "official" story. Most likely that's what sealed Buell's fate with Harley, they paid to have that engine developed at his behest and then not only didn't he use it he wound up having Rotax development the engine that he really wanted for the 1125R, I'm sure it pissed off the right people at Harley and that was it for him. Most people don't know that Eric Buell worked as an engineer for Harley back in the 70's and that he's the one that designed the 5 speed rubber mount frame that debuted in late 1979 and lasted up to just a few years ago. I was waiting for the Bronx to come out, I was going to be the first one in line to get one, but oh well, I guess it's another victim of this coronavirus BS, and I'm going to have to wait a couple more years to get one.

[@KevXRDuke]

Apples to oranges. I own a XR. An XR is a beefed up Sportster. It totally different from a Buell. Buell just used HD motors.

[@leftymike8730]

This is another great video! You rode it and gave an honest opinion. I think that’s all most of us ever ask for.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I appreciate that!

[@thevtadventure1062]

Love my XR1200! And every time I ride it people always ask me what it is. Especially when I fly by them or drag knee in the corners! 🤘🏻 getting harder to find and they have so much character!!!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

They're appreciating in value as time passes and Harleys get smoother and more polished.

[@usmcvet0313]

A trask turbo kit would be awesome on one of these

[@bryanduncan1640]

Drag your knee.....! - what did you do, fall off?

[@thevtadventure1062]

@@bryanduncan1640 No falling just ripping through the corners keeping up with the sport bikes and leaving some behind. Watch some videos. They used to have a circuit race series with XR1200’s

[@bryanduncan1640]

@@thevtadventure1062 - not without some serious work on the Harley to give it any form of ground clearance and anyway, should you be picking on 50cc mopeds at your age?

[@michaelhayward7572]

Less than a minute in... "Dominated the race tracks"... Er, in America. Not in Europe. Until the 50-60's. Then they made the AMA make rules up as they went along. 500 OHV vs 750 SV etc etc.

[@bryanduncan1640]

Yeah, restricted competition to only 500cc and Triumph still stuffed ‘em!

[@cmhighway6215]

Best Harley ever.. The one you traded off for a truly reliable TRIUMPH.

[@BerserkerRider94]

Hahaha I'm with you on that one. Have both bikes though. XR1200 And a BONNEVILLE Speed Twin speed twin is honestly a great buy and torquey.

[@shimon1166]

I just bought one with 3000 miles on it. Fun bike!

[@gplipp6489]

I own an ‘09 XR. Best un-Harley Harley. Absolutely love it Turns heads and confuses the old Harley guard. Goes like hell and works the corners like no Harley ever has off the showroom floor. Have no intention to give it up. Ride in 12 months a year up here in Canada 🇨🇦

[@jonnymac8925]

You must be in Vancouver? I am jealous! I am in Cape Breton and it is snowing out right now :(

[@gplipp6489]

@@jonnymac8925 Yes

[@marco-58]

There was also a problem with the plastic gas tank swelling, so the outer cover didn't fit back over it. XRs that were modified for the racing series look fantastic.

[@KevXRDuke]

I own a XR1200 and I am on my 3rd tank.

[@alexwilsonpottery3733]

Had that problem with my S3 Buell; the tank became ‘porous’, blistering the paint. Wish they’d just used a metal tank. I like the shaking, but all my early bikes were singles.

[@mueckenhoeffer]

OK, so bottom line question is whether the 2020 XR1200 will outrun a 1968 Honda CB750 (which was the original rice-burner to put HD to shame IIRC)?

[@jerryandnancywertzbaugher7778]

Or lets try that question out on a 5 year old Honda CB500X like Noraly rides on "Itchy Boots"😎.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

That XR1200 was actually pretty fast. Definitely faster than an CB500X. As for the 750, it might be a photo finish. If you want a modern, fast, American bike the FTR1200 is the one.

[@bradwilliams5770]

Actually, the FTR1200 is the reason I'm in the mess I am, owning two XRs. The FTR had my interest, but weirdly enough, it almost looks too good, too modern, to be the soulful cool, second or third motorcycle. So it reminded me of the XRs and next thing I know, I've got a 2009 and still chasing an X, which I ended up finding......

[@thevtadventure1062]

Brad Williams FTRs are cool but also heavy and don’t handle as good as the XR. The XR is almost the same thing just 10 years earlier but not many people bought them. I get more questions and looks on my XR because nobody knows what they are.

[@donniebaker5984]

The Curmudgeon the CB750 Honda didn't come out until 1969 .... and there where no XR1200 sold in the united states after 2012 ....but you can still get a new XR1200X today in Japan as they are the most popular bike ridden by the Japanese ...the 1969 CB750 Honda had a top speed of 123mph ...13.7. Sec @ 100 mph in the 1/4 mile and weighed 512 pounds ..the XR1200X top speed average is around 130mph ..makes 95 HP stock does the 1/4 mile in about 13 secs @ around 100 mph and weights around 550 pounds... .

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Harley spent $125 Million to shut down the new Buell Factory and eliminated 200 American Jobs.. Back in 2006 Harley Davidson sold 100,000 Buell Motorcycles they were reasonbly priced.. Then the Economy crashed in 2008.. So the Great Wisdom of HD shut down the new Buell Factory at a cost of $125 Million.. The Creativity and Genius of Eric Buell who started as an Engineer at HD then left to form his own Company.. He built American made bikes that were competrative on the road course.. It's not that HD is not capable of building great bikes it's that they don't want to .. HD answeres to their Stock Holders not to their Customers.. The Big 4 in Japan all manufacture good V-Twin Cruisers too.. Will this race series be open to American made only or will they invite the Big 4 Brands to compete. Sounds like this event was a big sucess and Aftermarket manufactures are already developing high performance parts for these Baggers.

[@donniebaker5984]

apparently like 99& of Harley know it alls Don t have a clue that Harley was the NHRA Pro Stock u.s. national champion for 10 consecutive years in a row and the first pro stock bike to ever run in the 6 es in the 1320 @ over 197 miles per hour ..and just last year a girl riding a new FXDRS won the NHRA us nationals at Indy against the new Suzuki hayabusa ...so tell me again how slow they are and how they were never made for racing ..and then ill tell you about the 1500HP top fuel harleys

[@jimcockburn4652]

If Harley Davidson was serious about performance motorcycles they would not have discontinued the V-rod range.The rest of them are sloppy handling, shitty stopping and the most archaic bikes ever built.

[@czarekp3552]

Choosing best Harley is like choosing least favourite tooth to have pulled out

[@MrWhat-ef1xr]

Give a 2007 HD Vrod or newer a try. Big horsepower, awesome handling, and very comfortable. Plus, you will kick a lot of ass on the road straight or road courses. 3 of my friends bought V rods , so they could stay with me.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

HD Vrods are FUGLY though.

[@jfro5867]

I test rode one while my Dyna was being serviced. It was a nice bike.

[@budwizer2197]

I think the XR1200x is the best Harley ever built. I thought my super duke was a hoon bike but the XR is something else. Especially when you have a power commander, pipes and a carbon fiber clutch. Only Harley I will ever own

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yes. It’s not just about peak power numbers. The XR is better Dyno charts indicate.

[@WD-sr8qz]

What about Buell?

[@budwizer2197]

@@WD-sr8qz not very Harley like

[@mikehagan4320]

You should buy that white Adventure bike at the Harley dealer.

[@alejandrojoyacruz]

This video it’s one of your best review. That go pro made us a favor, your voice in of and narrative are quite interesting than try to be another motovlog

[@painsrides3616]

I was stopped at an overlooking on some very twisty road in North Carolina.... when I heard this wailing growl of an exhaust note getting closer and closer. The rider whipped in where we were stopped on an XR1200. We talked a bit, I don't remember what about, but I knew, no matter what, he was leaving first so I could hear that snorting beast rip away 😎

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, the Harley sound is pretty special.

[@vferdman]

I am a very happy Sportster owner and rider. Have owned my '04 Sportster since new and have put over 55K miles on it so far. It is a VERY reliable bike. I am saying this having come from Honda (I owned and rode an '83 Magna 750 V4 for years before Sportster). It is trivially simple and inexpensive to maintain. Yes, it's old tech, yes, it's not super fast, yes, it leaves some to be desired in handling. But it puts a smile on my face every time I ride it. And that's almost every day it's nice out for the past 16 years. I am in my 50's and get just enough fun out of my 883 Sportster to enjoy it a lot. However, I do want for better handling and a bit more power and those brakes are kind of pathetic. So, I test rode the XR1200 when it first showed up in my dealership. I absolutely loved it! But was not in a position to buy a new bike at the time. I really wish HD developed the XR1200 idea further, but alas, they are all about bloated couches on wheels with loud pipes and loud radios. For me Sportster is the only Harley even worth considering, but that's me. Lately I have been really interested in finding a used Buell to try. It would be so awesome if some Buell models got some love on this channel. A tube framed one and the later versions with the Sportster engine. Eric Buell is a genius that comes around rarely in humankind. He performed magic with the limitations of these engines and created motorcycle platforms worthy of note. I would love to see videos about some of the Buell models. Thank you for great content!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks! I love Sportsters and made a video on them a few months back. I'd really like to buy a Roadster but just bought a bike and will have to wait till next year. If you want an American bike with performance the Indian FTR1200 is awesome. It's expensive but the base model is affordable and wicked fun.

[@vferdman]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Any thoughts on Buell bikes? Both tube frame ones and more modern. I am very curious about those on the used market. It seems like a very fast Sportster that handles and brakes extremely well. Eric Buell is a genius, IMO. And I would love to try one of those bikes with the handicapped pushrod air cooled engine.

[@yayagazab4449]

This moto is too high for a person 5’ 6” or shorter. You’ll be on your tippy toes or holding the bike up with one foot planted on the ground only. I agree with everything you said. Better to get a regular Sportster for the reasons you mentioned.

[@michaelhayward7572]

I always liked the XR1200, but looking at that market segment today, i'd go for an air cooled Ducati Monster 800, 1000, 796, or top 'o the range 1100. All day long Same class, better performance in every dept, and still an iconic motorcycle. The 1100 even out torques the XR.

[@A_Ride_To]

Michael Hayward id rather maintain a Harley engine then a Desmo, this is definitely a point where simplicity is king. Also I need to mention that from all my friends who rode a Duc (2) one switched to a Triumph and one to a Harley because of problems with the engine and electric. (And they are by no means people who ignore service) I myself love all types of motorcycle and brands and I always try to not prejudge a Brand. But when time came to buy a bike I said to myself those Ducs are beautiful machines, but if I get my hands on the wrong one then that would be somewhat problematic.

[@michaelhayward7572]

@@A_Ride_To the air cooled 2 valvers are easy to work on, and have relatively few known problems, and there are examples out there with huge mileages. The watercooled 4 valvers, er, less so, and yeah, certainly not so easy to work on. HD's with hydraulic valve lifters, and easy to work on primaries, yeah, i'll give you that. Simple. Reliable.

[@tommy605]

My Ninja is from Two Wheel Motorsport in Guelph. Knew right away when I saw the red paint and the motorcycle parking spaces at the front door.

[@SuperStorybot]

My honest opinion owning an XR1200X is that: The sitting position is actually quite comfortable once you are used to it. The brakes are actually okay but not the best true that. The handling is really good compared to an XL or XLR (which I both owned as well) Remove the back seat you don't want to have somebody on the back of the XR or XR1200X. The original exhaust is actually really quite although very big and make the bike quite heavy. The top speed is actually quite high for an older Harley with it's 210 kmph The standard XR1200X produces 100 hp ;) The XR1200X has rear and front shocks compared to the XR. But It isn't a race bike if you want a race bike the XR is not for you, to be really honest I love my XR1200X and probably will keep it as long as possible.

[@spaceflight1019]

It's like this: what do you need? My 2005 1200 Roadster is the best 1982 GS850G you can get. The Suzuki has a better seat, the Harley gets 12 more miles per gallon. Equal quality and reliability. Both bikes are point at the horizon and ride until you can't bikes. I've done 600 mile days on both. That said, HD has a reputation for putting out bikes that the Japanese sold 20 years prior. The V-Rod was an echo of Kawasaki's 900 Eliminator from 1985. The Nova V4 was developed in response to Honda's famed motors, once found in cruisers and sportbikes almost 40 years ago. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the Magna the last V4 Honda? Honda learned that V4s are expensive to produce. Kawasaki never went down that road like Suzuki and Yamaha did. Think of the XR1200 as a salute to the XR1000, nothing more. It's a unique Sportster model.

[@timkis64]

the only harley that ever caught my interest.but the price forced me to keep my old magna.those old magnas are hard to give up when they been nearly perfect for so many years.it runs like a deer with its ass on fire & can get 50 mpg when taking it easy.a good combo for my needs.

[@Bigfoot1955]

I owned an 09 XR. My first day on it was murder. The seat is hideous. I replaced it immediately with one from Saddleman. Totally transformed the bike. I rode it everywhere. I am a bit bigger than your wife but I found it very comfortable. In a moment of insanity I traded it for a Road Glide. Nothing wrong with the Road Glide for long distance riding but that was only about 5% of my riding. I'm shopping for another one now.

[@mchristr]

Test rode an XR1200 a few years back and was astounded how good it was. The midrange punch was huge, the chassis stable, and the brakes surprisingly strong.

[@EngineeringGoneWrong]

Yea, my 05 Sporty Roadster has slightly worse brakes then this technically and it still stops HARD and will do it over and over...so I wonder if the bike he rode just needed some new pads/fluid/rotors...something

[@kylew4678]

This video is horrible. Absolutely horrible. Can this guy say every single trendy childish untrue H-D myth in 12 minutes? I dunno but it’s close.

[@lawrencedavidson296]

I have this bike and my 2013 1200 sportster xl with stage 1 is just as fast and has more tourqe

[@mikeskidmore6754]

Wow 90 HP I had no Idea that HD put out a bike with an Evo motor with 90 HP my 2008 Buell has 103 HP ..with a 1203 Evo Based Thunderstorm motor .

[@natanpierce495]

I like your videos. This one is special because I own an XR. I also own a Ducati, Kawasaki and Honda. All sport. My XR is a very different bike for me. For the record, I generally hate Harley's. Maybe the culture more than the bike. I liked Buell, but, well there you go. So I agree with most things you stated. Except rider ergonomics and braking. The rear sets I have to say, at least for me are choice. Maybe my height and weight, (I have a smaller European frame) but it fits me quite perfectly so I disagree with your synopsis on the rear sets. My brakes? Well, this heavier than it needs to be bike stops on a dime with the full frontal floaters I have. Stock in back, but this keeps up and stops very well with my friends on liter bikes. Do I like it? Well, I love the darn thing. It's not Harley enough for my Harley peers. And my sporty buds? Well, they really don't know how I do it. They think I am that good of a rider. Which may be a tiny bit true since I raced in the 80-90's, but no way is it all me. This is the best Harley Harley ever made. The Bronx? I was looking forward to that. The Live Wire? Someday maybe. But for now, I just like it when people see the darn thing, and walk away scratching their heads.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, often people look at them and they don't know how special they are. You have a collector's item there that will only appreciate in value, especially now that Harley only makes battleships.

[@geraldf1463]

I have a 2010, black one. I like riding the bike it handles decent. I've put a Corbin seat on it, carrying rack on the back, skid plate and oil cooler guard other than that its stock. I replaced the front brake pads, stop good now. The off throttle is abrupt, and you better have both hands on the bars. The fuel tank is too small. It's a around town bike, i didn't find the slow speed handling a problem at all. The parts are hard to find now, but the prices on the bikes are a good value for what get, would i buy it again, sure, I've had a lot of fun on it. I've had zero problems with it for the 10 yrs. I've had it.

[@dgratale]

This is the second vid I watched tonight giving Harley shit for ditching the Bronx. I like sportys and Dynas and softtails, but the last Harley that really made me excited about spending money was the V Rod. And I am thinking about getting a 2nd bike. I ride a V Rod. I am thinking about a retro bike...leaning towards a cafe racer. I was considering a Roadster...and then rumors HD is ditching it. When the Bronx news came out, I liked what I saw and was eagerly waiting for them to hit dealerships so I see it for myself and sit on it, even though its not the type of bike I was really thinking about. I really thought it is an awesome looking bike that would sound cool and hopefully would have good performance (for an over weight bike because HDs always come in around 600 lbs bare minimum). A bike that would bring in new buyers for HD. But then HD ditches the Bronx and keeps the Pan America...the Pan America is straight up FUGLY. I can't believe it will sell. Who wants to be seen sitting on that?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

It's all about selling the most expensive bike for the largest price. HD thinks it will make the largest profit on the Pan America so that's where they're going. I'd go for the Cafe Racer or the Flat Tracker they teased before. But fat chance of seeing either one of those concepts now.

[@BadazzShovelhead]

Why do many sport bike or metric riders think that if a bike doesn't look, act, ride a certain way it isn't good? You don't see that in the car world well not a lot. I don't think cars that can't keep up with my AMG GTR with stage 3 Renntech or my Ferrari F12 are awful or outdated cars. I buy Harleys (and sport bikes BMW SS 1000R) because I can roll it into my home shop and make it my own. I get bigger jugs, better cams, better electronics, etc and if I do it right I end up I end up with squared Hp/Tq at around 140/143 and that is about as efficient as you can get. The new M8 motor is incredibly tough. with a bit of bottom end work and a turbo the HP is pushed to I think around 160. Not many people will hop on a 800 lb bike and go max speed with 140/143 or 160 HP under them. And with aftermarket suspension it handles really well plus with the air ride I pull up- drop the bike on the center pedestals that come out of the bottom and chicks dig it :) Get your wife more experience riding. My gal is a British lawyer Cambridge grad who is way more into fashion and looking amazing but she is 5'9 in great shape and she drives my rigid with the 120R and the BMW. We have a great time riding together. I have an old pre unit Triumph bobber I am building for her. And to really blow a Canadian mind she is a Brit in America with a concealed carry license and carries a Glock in 45ACP. :) Trust me when I say she is brilliant, loves to wreck maritime companies in court and looks really good doing it.

[@FFL-vg9ro]

Getting really tired of people criticizing Harleys’ single front disk brakes. Check Bret Tkacs rider training videos. Here’s what he actually measured for stopping distance for various bikes from a set speed. BMW R1200GS. 116 ft Kawasaki Ninga 650. 116 ft Ducati 1098. 115 ft Harley Davidson Dyna Switchback. 114 ft. So the single disk Harley stopped better than all the other dual disk bikes. The Harley also pulled in excess of of one G in stopping force. Greater than any of the other bikes tested. If you have some actual data to back up your opinion on single disk brakes, please share it with us.

[@Mr100asd]

I have a 2012 XR 1200X . Added Bassani road rage exhaust AND Dobeck AFR adjustable fuel programmer. Became a different bike! Then purchased my dream bike, a new 2017 Ducati Panigale 1299 S .. Now the XR is not acceptable, in my opinion. Forget the 120 horse difference. The XR does not stop or handle well , too the point, I feel unsafe. I love the XR ,, but do not ride it. Up for sale and a Ducati Street Fighter V4 S on it's way . As a former Harley Dealer, breaks my heart they can't get there act together. Purchased the XR 3 years ago with 3,400 miles , second owner , now 7,700 miles. The Ducati bought new February 2019 , has 21,000 trouble free miles . the 1299 is my everyday transportation, rain or shine. Ride safe everyone ..

[@SouravAcharya9444]

Harley is all for Bankers & Rich gyes only for now not for dudes like me, where i want an all in one bike which has features in at at that prize point

[@larunaaxthemischievous9762]

I want one of these it is a REAL HARLEY worthy of its PROUD RACING HERITAGE (for when it was manufactured) ! seriously, i want to cry knowing that Harley Davidson is slowly hanging from the noose of its own blind pretentious "heritage" even now they stopped the production of the bike that was supposed to save their sorry middle aged asses, instead they tossed it aside to get shredded along with the XL1200 Roadster, the only sportster bike worth its salt in usability, i wouldn't be surprised that Harley kills the Fat Bob too for being a decent handling and very usable bike too its disgusting that that they are slowly going to let the brand continue to sell nothing but high priced, large, heavy status symbol bikes, after all nothing tells somebody how boring you are owning a motorcycle you barely ride because your weak aging legs can't hold it up at a stop and are far too afraid of getting the tiniest chip or smudge of dirt which will cost you far too much money to fix. Keep in mind i own a 2018 Fat Bob and i still find that despite it being much more usable and very fun, i can't stay with a slowly dying brand that refuses to branch out where I KNOW they can succeed!

[@thomasmotorcycleman1175]

I have an xr and an xrx....+ 14 more, mostly Harley's and buells...livewire is the newest and coolest...letting my xrx go..the only of 16 I'm not wanting to keep ....the sportster roadster is not close to the xr in preference...but is way fun to ride!..you feel like your railing!!...if you want to go fast.( for a Harley)....get an xr or xrx....if you want to feel fast!!...get the roadster!!!....if you want to get in trouble and maybe die!!...get any of the superbikes..200mph!!?....be careful, it gets addictive!

[@KevXRDuke]

I own an XR1200. It is the only Harley I would ride. For me it is perfect South Florida bike. The roads are perfectly straight north to south and east to west because we live on top of a giant swamp. In turn we live with a series of canals. Unlike my old state of GA. The mountains of North GA is some of the best riding in the country. I can still do trackdays with my XR and I go to HD and sport bike nights. I ride with everybody. I have had top of the line supersports and a supermoto. They are easy to ride fast. The XR tops out around 130. But it pulls like train. The bike is not for novices and it likes to be ridden fast. Also my guy found out that my throttle was able to turn another 1/4 more. I think HD did that on purpose because if I do twist it all the way it really moves. I have problems with the plastic gas tank. The Harley dealerships near me suck ass. Horrific is a good description. I am never going to sell it because I will give it to my son.

[@betruly7894]

Believed or not the best Sportster is the XL1200T unknown by the American 🤣, however a king in Europe. It have much better front and back suspension then any Sportster out there. It is beefy and a large bike, comfortable ride for sure. It hold all sportster character but with confort 😎 for a small price. 2 up is easy !

[@pinslayer4579]

XR 750's need re built after every national (60) miles at most Honda kicked their ass with the 750 ascot and HD cried to the AMA until the Honda was forced to run intake restricted and Honda kicked their ass AGAIN . Honda proved their point and two years later Ricky Graham kicked Harley's ass as a privateer. History is very full of stories fake ones about HD.

[@iamtheoffenderofall]

What???? No other company had success with a V4 engine? Venture Royale, Vmax, Magna....I can go on and on and on with companies that had GREAT success. Jesus....blatant lies from here and only 3 minutes in.

[@MartyMcFlyV]

80 horsepower? Thats it? My KZ 750 had that 37 years ago.

[@shuacliff_7029]

It's amazing that HD used to build popular motorcycles and it made them the american king. Look at their designs and models from the 20s to the late 40s. Now they just don't care. All they sell are cruisers with absurd vibration. Most are way way too expensive and excessive for the majority of the riding market. Their refusal to listen and adapt to the market is why I welcome their demise and disappearance.

[@robbyclark6915]

Harley Davidson is what happens when your desire for money far outweighs your desire to achieve! The Japanese manufacturers would lose money just to prove they can do something BETTER than you can do it! They probably have already? Eventually, that kind of shortsightedness catches up with you!

[@petefenn676]

Yea agree just purchased one and never went and rode it . delivered it here and had a play around the complex throttle wizzing off was a worrier, its to responsive for my like . Had full face helmet on took off, put my feet up to where i thought it all happened .Turns out from video had my foot on the brake the whole time . When i looked down couldn't see shit. More work to do obviously mid glides would be the go, or master the current. Its a bit of a beast at 63 . But if in the end all this mask stuff settles down may make more than the bank .As this has fkd all the bike shop stuff and cars

[@tlares5589]

Absolutely correct , but I love it ,I call it , Cafe racer , Harley Davidson Lost it when they stopped making Cafe racer's ,and scramblers , Evil is turning in his grave.

[@amitdwivedi8791]

Harley do not make good sports bike. Thats all, why people keep on giving eccuses of 5 pages, I want to buy naked, comfortable bike ,i bouth yamaha or honda, as they have the bike, which i want, what do i do with this expensive harley, Just take it easy.