The Greatest Sportster EVER MADE (The XR 1200)

[@donhathaway3234]

I’ve always thought the XR 750 was the best looking motorcycle built by anyone at any time. Just perfection on 2 wheels.

[@scotteric8711]

XRTT highboy for me.

[@Camaroguy69]

I'm with you on that, "perfection on 2 wheels" !! To be honest, I was never much of a Harley guy. They always seemed too big and heavy and slow. By the way does the girl that sits on the back of them all come with the bike or do you have to free lance on that? lol Anyway this Harley to me is the ultimate motorcycle of any brand, of all time!!! A no nonsense tough looking fun motorcycle! That's why motorcycles exist, it has always been about FUN! If your not having fun then why are you on one. You should be in an SUV, just saying. Love this bike! Where can I get one? I'd feel like Jay Springsteen on the street LOL I followed his early years in the late 70's. One of the best flat trackers of all time!

[@jagdpanther6327]

Had a 04 Buell XB 12s from new. One of the best handling and looking bikes I've ever owned cornered like it was on rails. No chicken strips on the Pirelli Diablos. Eric new his stuff, mass centralisation of weight. The best sportster Harley never built

[@Dev07]

I have had my XR for 6 years now, and agree entirely with everything you have said. I have seen only 2 other XR1200 in person in many many years of riding. Also the confusion of other riders both Harley owners and Rocket owners is cool too. It's always head scratch "what is that?". As a multi bike owner I've always said my XR would be the last I would ever part with. I often wish it had a 6th, but I used to own rockets and have multiple legal issues so I'm ok with that, it's a great bike in the twisties. I let my friends ride it often too and they always say it's one of the easiest bikes they have ever hopped on to ride.

[@frankcastle5294]

If you have the required tools and skills, pick up a used 29T front belt pulley and swap it for the factory installed 28T. Makes a really nice difference and calms the motor down at faster highway speeds. Ebay has tons of them on the cheap.

[@swilson7674]

I worked at the KC assembly plant and remember making those. I worked in the wheel area.

[@keeperofthebonessean2872]

Man, this is a bike that I wouldnt even bother with a test drive after watching your vid. I could viscerally experience everything about its handling, feel, speed and solidity. Its an absolute beauty. You have all the power you need amd no complaints without that 6th gear. Just perfect for me. Only thing missing...... the cash brother.

[@gregorsamsa1364]

I mean, you definitely can't actually viscerally experience anything about the handling or the way it feels just by watching this video. A test drive would be a very good idea before buying one

[@joaocesarayres6979]

Finally a video of this bike here! One of the fastest stock Harley in straight line, and THE fastest Harley ever in cornering! For me, the best HD ever that represents the brand history in races

[@TheHomeExpert5]

The V-Rod is much faster.

[@joaocesarayres137]

And it sucks at cornering

[@TheHomeExpert5]

@@joaocesarayres137 you have obviously never ridden one. They actually handle extremely well and are terrific in the corners.

[@frankcastle5294]

These guys are on the west side of Lancaster County. I'm on the east side and own 3 XR1200's. These were all hand built at the now-shuttered Kansas City plant and the drivelines were hand built on a dedicated assembly line at the Pilgrim Road powertrain plant. They are clearly the fastest production sportster in history and easily make 105HP at the crank with decent exhaust and a V&H tuner. Problem now here in Harley crazy PA, is that the prices have shot to the moon. Coolest H-D ever built.

[@mityt2064]

Ya know when it comes to Sporty's the Twin Carb XR 1000 just a smidge cooler just a smidge

[@joaocesarayres6979]

Hi can I get in touch with you in some way? I own a XR 1200x in Brazil and we don’t get much info about the bike model down here.

[@frankcastle5294]

@@joaocesarayres6979 sure. Send your email address and i'll be in touch.

[@chrismartin6544]

Wish I never sold mine but at the time I couldn’t turn down the money I was offered

[@justinriley8651]

I wasn't aware the punisher was into bikes?

[@SuzanDreyford]

I love the plastic gas tank that never rusts! Plus the unique oil cooler and intake is awesome! Bring it back Harley!!!!

[@twistofthethrottle]

This and the VR1000 are the coolest Harley’s ever made, in my opinion. Both are such cool bikes that step away from the traditional “low and slow” of the normal Harley. It’s a shame HD moved away from that market, and discontinued Buell. Glad Indian decided to not to go down that same path of mistakes by releasing the FTR 1200. I bought one last fall and couldn’t be happier. It’s such a fun bike, easy to get in a lot of trouble on, and it never ceases to start a conversation with people. Hopefully HD can make something cool out of the new revolution max 1250 engine. Another VR or XR inspired bike would be so cool.

[@frankcastle5294]

The original unmolested XR1000 was pretty damn awesome but the driveline wasn't very refined. Still to this day, really cool to look at and ride.

[@PatricioGarcia1973]

I love the FTR 1200, it left Harley way behind in the performance and looks department.

[@KevXRDuke]

@@PatricioGarcia1973...I have never seen one on the road here in Florida. I own a XR1200 and was going to purchase the Indian. I was told by numerous people not to buy it until they get the throttle by wire issue fixed. I heard that when you twist the throttle the lag is incredibly slow. I guess that is why I haven't seen any. I will wait and see what happens.

[@theelmo41]

I just picked up a stock 2012 XR1200x with 1000 miles on it about a month ago. Best Sportster I’ve ridden.

[@exzackt]

Mind me asking how much you spent? I'm in the market for one myself

[@theelmo41]

@@exzackt your looking at 6,000-9,000 depending on condition.

[@nunaalsoknownasohare6388]

As a sport bike enjoyer I rarely care for anything Harley related, but man even I would love this thing! Wish they didn't stop making these, at least Buell's back, we're seriously lacking in American sport bikes

[@justinhayden9374]

A heavily modded 883 would be very similar to this bike.

[@davidleonard8369]

I have been riding sportsters for many years. I have owned four speeds and five speeds and both will work fine for what you want. If the stock gearing don't suit you there are many final drive options, even with a belt drive. My current 1997 883 with a hammer performance top end uses 883 gearing and is converted to a 520 super bike chain. Even with the 883 gearing I run 96 mph in 3rd gear through the traps in the eighth and 116 mph through the traps in 4th in the quarter. Fifth gear is fine for me on the highway.

[@fearsomename4517]

Back in the '90's I had an XR750, I put brakes on it and rode full throttle. I now have a stock '39 Knucklehead and a '99 Heritage Springer, love the fact they're 60 years apart.

[@TheKingsapostle]

It didn't come with brakes?

[@fearsomename4517]

@@TheKingsapostle None of them did.

[@rjdgreek]

Not an HD fan but I fell in love with this one when I first saw it in the showroom!

[@mityt2064]

Scaring Mail Men speeding through town got to luv it

[@mosmotorcyclejourney9067]

Lol. I seen that too and thought tge same.

[@davidinghram2494]

I like mine, going to go ride it in about an hour. It has 5,200 miles on it. I also have a Buell Millenium with 6K on it. The XR does run pretty good, but the Buell will run away and leave it for dead, is smoother, shifts better, and stops better. Thanks Eric!

[@matthewfailla3391]

the bike so nice, I bought it twice! I had a 2010 and sold it. I missed it so much I bought a 2009 that I will hopefully keep forever

[@timothyqueen7286]

That made 90hp at the rear wheel box stock. I put vance and Hines exhaust with Screaming Eagle race tuner, dyno by HD . Tuned her in the middle for thee street. That put it at 100 at the wheel. its got mnre if ya wanna remap for more.. Cool video.

[@thomasmotorcycleman1175]

I have a stock one....16 other bikes around it .5 buells..a livewire..2 roadster's ( my favorites)...but yes, the Best handling Harley sportster....the livewire is wicked....the roadster is..the funest!!....it is cool when on the XR that most other motorcycle riders don't know when it was even made....

[@FJ80Coop]

Sean hasn't ridden a Buell 1200 swapped sporty apparently...104hp and revs fast and pulls and tops out higher than any other HD.. Hands full of fun..

[@ADRRUSH]

I drove this bike, one of my team members has a white one. we are adding it to the channel. It's a fun bike to ride.

[@davidmacgregor5193]

For Me the 1977 XLCR 1000 was the coolest Sportster ever made, they didn't sell well when they were brand new but collector's will pay over $20k today for an excellent original XLCR 1000. All black and moody looking as hell, H-D's "Cafe Racer" was absolutely gorgeous and it typified the word "Cool"

[@frankcastle5294]

You're right about sales floor flop. Lancaster HD had a 78 XLCR and were stuck with it until the mid 80's.

[@KevXRDuke]

You are a little optimistic on that price. Maybe museum quality. My friend from the local vintage club who sold his got $13. It was in perfect condition. He buys and sells bikes. They are definitely collectable. He bought it for $8. He cleaned it up and does what he does to get them back to the original condition.

[@SuperStorybot]

Dreamt of owning one since I saw it the first time back in 2009 at a dealer here in Belgium. Fast forward to 2017 and I bought myself a used XR1200X with only 8oookm on it. Now it's standing in my garage as an investment waiting till 2040 when it is probably in the same value range as the XR750 is now.

[@BikingChap]

I'm not a big Harley fan but i love these, an MT-01 is close. They will certainly go up in value going forward.

[@1990-t1j]

I have always been a fan of this bike, although people in GB used to regard it as an overweight Buell. I own a Buell Ulysses. Nice mods to this bike.

[@DanTheMailman330]

Erik Buell: I EXISTED, AND COULD HAVE DONE THIS EVEN BETTER FOR YOU, HD...

[@mikejohnson5491]

Buell is in with HD has been because they wanted to go bigger and needed a bigger company backing them. They were using the HD motor

[@BigDaddy-rg8gb]

Yeah. Always wondered about that

[@mikejohnson5491]

@@BigDaddy-rg8gb yes Buell was buying the 1200 motors and building race bikes. But to open up and get big teamed up with HD and added different models and a factor and dealerships to sell them in

[@rcbrooks5062]

They did Buell wrong. I tried to buy a buell back when they were new. The dealerships around here laughed at them and it was hard to even get someone to talk to you about them. I went in to buy one. Spent an hour and a half waiting while the sales people were laughing it up in their office. Left and bought a Yamaha. HD put themselves in their current straits.

[@mikejohnson5491]

@@rcbrooks5062 yes they did when they were starting up the Harley Davidson dealers were not involved so they didn't want anyone buying Buell. After they grew and needed to expand Harley Davidson was selling them motors and had world wide dealerships. Still sell the name brand first.

[@peterdoingthings7263]

Finally, saw it on your site and have been waiting for you to do the review! I have a 2012 XR1200x and the more I ride it the more I love it, wish I had the orange. Guess I may have 2

[@harleybigdadbiker9503]

Loved the XR750,I would compare it to my old 2007 Triumph 900 Speed master,a great handling bike.Really enjoy my current 2017 1200 Sportster Custom.

[@Kevin24Seven]

This is the only Harley I would buy assuming it would be priced under 12 - 13k or so to compete with the other high end naked bikes. IDK why but it just seems so simple for HD to pull themselves up out of the gutter, PLEASE MAKE MORE STUFF LIKE THIS!

[@barriler1]

This is one of my all time favs up there with the fj 1200 and the xjr 1300

[@normanparthiban4383]

Sean’s never ridden a Buell

[@mikejohnson5491]

Buell basically went through the HD motor fixing everything

[@johnnyisahermit]

love that i was able to swing by while i was doing some work in PA, now everytime you cruise out and around i have a real feel for the area

[@ToddSloanIAAN]

It's working I just drove this 6:56 when it was new at the dealership and I didn't like how high it was and it did not haul donkey. Being new to my Dyna it was a no way great feel for me to trade-in toward.... But now 11:22 a different story. Back when I had a 1970 Triumph Daytona 500 4 speed this is what it felt like in fourth gear 12:30 It was great Style around Cape Cod!

[@eddierags720]

This and the nightster lineup got me into bikes.

[@gavinnelson7743]

I own this bike and everything this man said is true

[@joechowderhead4590]

I hope your girl rides it. It's a chick bike.

[@thefreedomwarrior]

Want to sell it?

[@c0jonz]

While my Sporty was getting routine service, the sales manager would let me borrow any of the preowned bikes. Twice I chose XR1200s. My initial complaints were the tiny fuel tank & the low gearing. My hunch was correct that it had lower primary gearing like most 883s. The 2nd XR1200 I borrowed got up to an indicated 124mph.

[@frankcastle5294]

They hold 3.75 gallons and stock US spec is 28T front pulley. Everyone who knows about it and has the skills, changes it to a 29T. Makes a world of difference.

[@c0jonz]

Primary gearing... the belt pulley isn't as significant. The fuel light came on twice in one day, I'm used to 4.5 gallon tank.

[@frankcastle5294]

@@c0jonz Huh? The pulleys determine the final drive gearing. Going up 1 tooth on the front lowers it numerically and is an inexpensive worthwhile change. Much simpler and cheaper than dipping into the primary. Most aren't capable of doing that.

[@c0jonz]

Changing the primary gearing doesn't affect speedometer, belt tension or wheelbase. After 100,000 miles, I have no issues.

[@frankcastle5294]

@@c0jonz The speedo easily recalibrated or simply replace the VSS...belt tension is always checked and adjusted even during a simple rear tire change...the wheelbase change is approx 0.120 of an inch. We can keep this argument going forever, Bub.

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

My Army buddy in 1975 had a real XR750. It wasn't street legal and he didn't race but he cherished it.

[@graze105]

FINALLY! I just bought my 2009 XR1200 in November and I love it! And he's right about the janky stand. Can't stand it on a decline.

[@motoknivesandgunsbyjt]

I have this bike also in orange and with Ohlin suspension front and back with A Two Brothers slip on and I loooove it. Wherever I park it I always have a couple people standing around and talking about it. A couple thing you forgot to mention; it was the first HD with dual rotors and also an oil cooler.

[@frankcastle5294]

Same thing here in southern PA and my XR's. Ride one anywhere and park it and the crowds go wild.

[@garrettdellinger4286]

Definitely not the first harley with dual rotors. There are a lot of dynas significantly older than this bike with dual rotors

[@straycat62]

Older XL, FXR and Dynas with dual rotors.

[@brandonwright6659]

Dealers around here couldn't give them away. I remember seeing a few of them languish at the dealer for a couple years, even discounted, buyers didn't want them. Reminds me of the FXR. HD diehards didn't take to those either...now folks are giving big $ for them. I think the VROD will be the next popular HD.

[@frankcastle5294]

True. Exactly the same thing that happened to the XR1000 in the 80's. People just didn't "get them" and they were pricey. When it comes to reliability, comfort, smoothness, styling and exclusivity...the XR's have it all in spades.

[@graze105]

Also, 2009 wasn't exactly the best year to release a very different Harley. 2009 was the best year for sales then they dropped way off until 2012 when it was dropped. Only about 4200 TOTAL were ever sold in the US in four model years.

[@spartanx169x]

Its clear to me that HD has a piss poor marketing Department or did., maybe still does. I just learned of this bike today and I watch TV, surf the net etc. Never heard of it. In addition, they should have made a 750 or 650 model at a lower price point. HD Management have been idiots for decades. If they had punt this bike in a movie say the Avengers, the bike would have sold like crazy.

[@gm16v149]

I’ve got a 1991 1200 Sportster I’ve owned since near new, but the vibration! I’ve also got a 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS I bought new and the poor HD sits in the shed now. I’ll never sell it though, and I believe the XR1200 had a rubber mounted engine so vibration wouldn’t be so bad.

[@bs0351]

Companies stopped making 6 speeds for them in 03. I looked when I got my 13 48. I love it

[@Glizzmissile]

Literally heartbroken when I saw one at a Harley dealership for 5.5k and didn’t have the money for it and a it was sitting for a good month before so the week after I came back with the money and it was sold. Man it hurt more than a breakup

[@adamlannerd1408]

Now you have a mission to complete.

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

I finally learned to just let the sales guy work the financing and they will make it happen. Pay later, refinance or pay early. Once you get the bike in possession, the bargain leverage is in your favor.

[@kurtfoulke5130]

Great job on the review. It's easy to see the difference between you trying to sell a bike and you truly enjoying yourself riding it. I love that bike so, please don't keep it in your inventory for too long.

[@pault4513]

Storz Performance I used to look at their catalog at lunch time every day till i retired then I got a 2002 hugger with 2400 miles for $1800 brought it home proceeded to order a bunch of storz performance parts (tank sub frame refender other odds ends) super trap exhaust revolution performance 1250 kit mikuni carb ported flowed 883 head for low end torque works performance rear shocks 19"did up the forks front wheel for the rear DT tires Lots of fun building and riding

[@Tonympiotrowski]

I been watching your vids for a while, every bike you get on and ride is the best bike ever made, I guess when you sell bike for a living you have to say that, love your channel, it's the best channel ever made, lol.

[@moustachio334]

Today I found out these made 90hp at 7,000rpm. I really think it’s amazing that a Harley can rev that high. It must be a very exciting engine with a broad powerband.

[@vector6977]

why do you find it amazing?

[@MultiJohnmike]

My exact bike. I love it! But a Tuner and 2 into1 with bmx bars and xr1200x suspension , I have zero issues out running most up to 100 mph.

[@scurtiousthecurtious696]

When I used to work at Harley and the xr1200 first came out. I used to gawk at them all day long. Best looking and handling Harley EVER

[@enlightenedidiot9552]

I would love a street fighter with that new 1250 motor...Build it!

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

The Yamaha MT-01, the XR1200 and the Buell bikes. All my favorites.

[@TheVaughnster69]

I've got an 89 xl1200 & I have a great time when I'm out on the road with it !

[@squiddly-diddly]

I just got me a Suzi GSX1400 naked .. absolute mint 2008 35,000 km .... looked back and don't think you've ridden one ... huge following down here in NZ and Oz ..

[@guly]

Im looking at a model here in Norway with 90 000 k Kilometers. Whats your thoughts on that km?

[@staurheimib]

Kjør på

[@jasonstrickland5251]

I got the feeling that the new bike being revealed tomorrow is gonna be a new version of this!

[@jackmurphy828]

You saw the future

[@Carado5150]

This bike needs to be remade with the Revo Max 1250.

[@Jay-bw3fl]

It is. They are revealing it this Tuesday. It’s been called the 1250 custom so far but official name is unknown

[@user-wj6kq3xw2g]

They made it its called the sportster s. With the revolution max engine

[@Hagrid15SYLO]

the nightster is as close as it gets 975cc almost 100hp same motor just a little less cc

[@Hagrid15SYLO]

​@@user-wj6kq3xw2gthe Sportster s is disrespectful to this bike and every other Sportster it's a hipster rocket and it's repulsive

[@TwoAMBlacktop]

I saw this on the website and wondered when this was happening.

[@ablebaker1275]

I like it, like to have one with modifications. Like to make it like a dual sport. 21 front 18 rear street legal knobby ,Have the seat longer to haul two. Also a tank like the 70’s SX enduro. Pegs like MX bike, fenders up high. Turn signals, horn etc…like a dr 400 …That’s my dream bar hopper.

[@devistheone1]

I grew up in Landisville and I currently live in Mountville. I love watchin ya drive around all the familiar roads to me. I’m sure we have passed each other many times out there 😂 safe riding.

[@grabir01]

The 2004-2006 XL1200C also makes 80-90hp as it has the Buell Heads with Bee Hive springs and 512 cam. All stock from Harley.

[@SS-vt6by]

I miss my Sportster, my first and only bike. Just got it a couple of years ago when I turned 22 and it got stolen last month from the parking lot of my apartment complex. Worst part is I still owe HD money on the loan. Gonna try and save some more though and maybe try to get into something bigger after I finish paying it off though

[@GriddleMeThis]

Look forward to you riding and reviewing the sportster S

[@jojomafia214]

YES

[@natanpierce495]

I own one...looks neat with my Ducati. I live a little north of you in Lebanon PA, so if you see one around there, it is me.

[@TheWanderingGeezer]

I picked up a XR a couple years ago, it's good fun.

[@yayagazab4449]

Watch out for the gas tank. On some models it warps because it is made out of fiberglass or plastic with a cover. I think there is a recall for this defect.

[@graze105]

That's true but it's not a big deal really.

[@scotteric8711]

Somewhere Eric Buell is laughing.

[@radamson1]

Eric had nothing to do with the Sportster, I.m one of the few Harley guys who like the Sportster and the Buell. My Buell was the best handling bike I ever rode, and since I used to own a motorcycle shop, I have ridden a lot. I love motorcycles. all motorcycles, from the 125 Honda Cub to the big bore Boss Hoss.

[@scotteric8711]

@@radamson1 I'm aware. I was referring to the video of them saying the xr1200 was the best Harley or whatever.. Hands down, EBR was well into prototyping with Harley in the race room before this bike was ever realized. Harley is slowly back peddling.. I know you remember the xlcr and xr1000. Sought after now, but people hated them on the sales floor. Now Harley went back to those design aesthetics with the street 500/750. But the sportster we know now wouldn't be where it is without Eric Buell's involvement in their racing program. I also love all bikes, metric and Harley- I just feel this video was a bit over zealous about the xr1200. It's great, but not the best.

[@brookcampbell2940]

Eric and Castalogli family (MV Augusta). If H-D releases the 1250 Rev Max Cafe Racer they teased in 2020, game over. I will be at dealership next day with deposit. Give us the XlCR replica!

[@truantray]

The Eric Buell who went broke again with EBR? He's now selling electric bicycles.

[@cletusclem8758]

I ride a v rod muscle, imo the v rod is the best bike harley made. Test rode a 48 for shits and giggles and was actually pleasantly surprised with how fun it was! I imagine this to be similar but more refined from a performance perspective. V twin sport bikes are my jam, this is on my short list of bikes to get.

[@jddroogan]

Great review. First time I saw this at a bike show in 2009 and it was eye candy to me

[@kawikakilawana7250]

I had TWO 2009 XR 1200's, one black and one orange. Raced the orange and road the black on the street. Loved them a lot, but always felt Buells were better.

[@GoBears1313]

I love this bike and would be great to add one to the stable. Years ago I had a Sportster 1200S with the dual plug head configuration. That was my favorite Sportster and I wonder how that one compares to this one?

[@johnelaschat2462]

In my opinion the coolest Harley ever built besides the xr750, and most typical harley people probably dont even know this bike exists

[@rusty-ole-boomstick1268]

I have a 30" inseam and I fit comfortable on this bike. Only draw back is very uneven ground. Wish I still owed it, very fun naked bike.

[@natanpierce495]

I say all of us central Pa people with XR's get together and start a club...be kinda neat. Except instead of riding a few miles and going to a bar and getting fat, we could ride in the twisties smiling all day long and pulling into a bistro or coffee shop and hang. haha

[@ROTV-DanLockhart]

Looks (and sounds) like fun. Thanks Sean!

[@HM-zk6rb]

Its the best bike I have ever owned. I have never seen another one in the wild. The guy I bought it from had it imported from Spain! It will whealie like a monster too!! If you buy one you have to put the vance pipes on it! It sounds like a monster!!!!

[@shawnbauman5463]

I owned a 2011 XR1200X amazing bike. Loved it but I moved on. Need a Buell in my life.

[@mrobb90]

I almost bought one of these in 2013-2014 when i was looking for a bagger... was really tempting.

[@paulfitzpatrick9231]

I've got one here in the U.K. and I love it!

[@JonBlondell]

I always enjoy your reviews!

[@seebarry4068]

10:10 because our roads have bends. Bends are when the road changes direction, not just left.

[@twister4489]

I don’t think I have ever seen one in person. Looks like a blast….

[@browngreen933]

Cool Sportster. How many XR1200 did HD make?

[@graze105]

Best info I can find is a little over 4000 sold domestically '09-'12 and another 8000 or so internationally starting in '08.

[@browngreen933]

@@graze105 Fairly low production then, especially here. If a guy finds a nice one it would pay to keep it as original as possible IMO. As least visibly on the outside. Or keep the original parts so it can be restored to stock. These are definitely future collector bikes, especially if the traditional Sportster engine gets the axe.

[@_AndromedaGalaxy_]

I would love to see you guys review one of these: M1030M1 JP8/DIESEL MILITARY MOTORCYCLE ENGINE Type: 4-Stroke, IDI, single cylinder, liquid cooled. Displacement: 611cc Power: 30 PS @ 5700 RPM Torque: 33 ft-lbs @ 4200 RPM Lubrication: Wet sump, compatible with MIL-L-2104 lubricant. Air Filtration: High capacity, 3-stage, oiled foam, reusable Transmission: 5-speed, constant mesh, return shift. Final Drive: Self lubricated, sealed, O-ring roller chain. ELECTRICAL Battery: 12 volt, 625 CCA “Dry Cell” Maintenance Free Alternator: 14 amp, 14 volt, AC, Three Phase Standard Lighting: DOT approved lighting system. Blackout Lighting: Driving, Marker & Tail/Stop lights meeting MIL- STD-1179. IR Driving Light Optional CONTROLS & INSTRUMENTATION Handlebar & Controls: Heavy duty with integral hand and control guard. Throttle: Dual cable with auto & manual return, water & dust resistant. Cables: Nylon lined, water & dust resistant. Speedometer: Calibrated in MPH & KPH with resettable odometer, illuminated. Instruments: Illuminated speedometer, calibrated in mile/hr & km/hr, with resettable odometer. Tachometer and Engine coolant temperature gauge. Glow plug, neutral, high beam, and turn signal warning lights CHASSIS Frame: Welded steel mainframe with removable rear section. Front Suspension: Telescopic forks, hydraulic damped & sealed with non-reflective boots. Rear Suspension: Swing arm with single shock AUni-Trak@ multi-link system, sealed needle bearings at all pivot points. Engine Guards: Skid plate with tubular engine & radiator guard. Foot Pegs: Safety folding, spring return. Fuel Tank: Rotationally molded plastic, 4.2 gallon capacity. Wheels: Heavy duty, spoked with high tensile alloy rims. Tires: Dunlop D606, Dual-Purpose (on/off-road) tires, DOT approved. Brakes: Front, hydraulic disc. Rear, hydraulic disc. Plastics: Headlight cover Air filter box Fenders Seat base Side panels Chain guard Tools: Full operator tool kit. Equipment Rack: Heavy Duty, rear equipment rack with 50 lb capacity standard. Equipment Case: Side mounted, hard side equipment cases optional. WEIGHTS & MEASUREMENTS: Dry Weight: 369 lbs Max Width: 35.75 inches Max Length: 85 inches Wheel Base: 57 inches Ground Clearance: 10.7 inches FUEL: Diesel/Aviation Kerosene (JP8)/ Biodiesel PERFORMANCE: Acceleration: 0-30 mph (53 kph), 3.3 sec 0-60 mph (106 kph), 9.7 sec Gradeability: 60% (32E) Turning Radius: Less than 7 feet Maximum Speed: In excess of 90 mph. Minimum Constant Speed: Less than 3 mph. Fording Depth: 24 inches Fuel Mileage: 96 mpg @ 55 mph (Tested) Range: 408 miles @ 55 mph HDT USA Attn: Fred Hayes 10844 “E” Ave, Suite A1 Hesperia, CA 92345 USA [phone] FAX [phone] www.dieselmotorcycles.com [e-mail] © Hayes Diversified Technologies 2005

[@Frankmjcsmm]

Cool all around bike….. I easily noticed that the bars/triple clamps are not pointing straight ahead. Not sure why that is but it’s very noticeable and probably affects the handling even with the modern Showa forks

[@hollowell427]

Got a modified 05 sporty has a 09 xr 1200 crank which is 4 lbs lighter than a standard sportster crank. 11:1 compression. hammer 600 cams. Ported heads and other goodies. She flies for a Harley.

[@c0jonz]

Sportsters don't really have a crankshaft. There's a single crankpin between 2 flywheels.

[@HarlemFingerboards]

i have a 86' sportster that was converted to a 1250cc engine, half of me feels the need to recommend a 1200 or 1250 conversion kit to anyone wanting more power out of their 883 sportster, but the other side of me has felt that difference in performance and honestly its too much power for that small and light of a bike. May as well buy a larger cc stock harley if youre looking for more torque. I purchased the bike converted so i cant complain, if you ride a stock 883 you can feel the difference in power and its pretty substantial.

[@BNatoAk]

The only thing I love more then Harleys and family are motivational prayer brother 🙏👊🤝

[@DennisTheMenace5150]

By far my favorite Harley-Davidson ever made

[@deeboy1321]

Quick question boss. Roadstar 1700 wint start took air filter off and m as in jet only squirts once when I turn the throttle. Is that normal.

[@elmancu]

LOVE FOR HD! GREETINGS FROM ARGENTINA!!!!

[@keithallen3119]

I had a 2010 that I got for a steal. Had if for 5 years, life was in the way and it only got 700 miles on it. I put the factory small side bags on it to carry a few things and it still looked great. Biggest regret, sold it cheap to a collector who "had to have it" and I was moving out of state. Dumb move....And you are right, most harley guys had no idea about the bike, nor Harley's dirt racing heritage. Might have to add it back to my collection.

[@mr.owenmaguire2028]

Agreed, I own this bike and it's an absolute blast! And you're 100% right about the kickstand, it blows.

[@KevXRDuke]

I have a 2010. I don't care about the stupid kickstand. I worry more about my gas tank expanding. I am on my third tank. Harley replaces them.

[@c0jonz]

Professional racer Chris Carr & my friend Mickey Ezell both used XR1200s for the Hoka Hey Challenge. Mickey put a 6.2 gallon CVO Road Glide tank on his.

[@NDN_FTR]

The best HD in my eyes

[@Steven91637]

I agree Fun to ride 😊

[@crazyeyez1502]

I dunno how different the gearing is on the xr1200, but my 09 883C is screaming at 70mph. And, according to the parts guy at M&S HD, there's no difference in sprocket part numbers from 883 to 1200 Custom.

[@carlosmunoz48]

You sold me on it! Looks a real joy to ride,

[@sergeantmasson3669]

I bought my 2010 XR1200 new and I still have it. I've never regretted buying it either. My '87 Honda 1000 interceptor is a bit faster but not as comfortable to ride, though.

[@sijonda]

I just found out you're in PA. My family is in York county and I live in Bethlehem. I'll have to stop by on a day I'm on vacation on my way to visit my parents.

[@jrmontoya4739]

I have a plain 2003 883 Sportster.. After seeing this. Getting a 1250 big bore kit and whatever parts I can find to get it to look like this bike.