HARLEY DAVIDSON TURNS ITS BACK ON THE USA [Archive]

DarthRider

05-30-2008, 05:53 PM

R4R&R

05-30-2008, 06:20 PM

I heard about that last year and was bummed. If they decided to sell this in America, I'd be about ready to add another bike to the garage, and that could very easily be it! Too bad, I'll probably end up spending my money on some import bike. Again.

DarthRider

05-30-2008, 06:26 PM

John, if you get one, I wanta ride !

Wild Will

05-30-2008, 09:00 PM

Too bad the Vee in the engine is the wrong angle. I've always liked Sportsters, but the shaking annoys me more than the priviledge of having a Harley would thrill me. So you're correct, Sage of canyon country; I wouldn't buy one - but it's by far the best looking Sportster I've seen. And I thought HD was all about America? Another myth busted. Yeah, Storz makes some compelling machines!

supermotoC

05-31-2008, 07:59 AM

like, duh.

supermotoC

05-31-2008, 08:01 AM

Like most things H-D, I believe we'll find out that the Euro-only XR-look bike is exactly that - a look. It's a true H-D, more about the show than the get-up & go. Heavy, loud, looks the part, but fails to impress when the going gets either quick or rough. The Europeans will think they've really got something special, and maybe they do, but it's no Multistrada or Monster or Tiger or.... you get the picture.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYGfe4OZlss

DarthRider

05-31-2008, 10:22 AM

Of course it's just a "look". But we should remember, that bike is not an imitation anything. It is a gen-yew-ine Harley Effin' Davidson styled to resemble a bike most Euros have never seen except in pictures...the legendary XR 750 flat-track battle iron.

And it's more affordable than a Big Hog. Most HD craving Euros are not so hung up on that image that they have forgotten their shared legacy of smaller, taught, nimble, fast roadsters.

This bike is really right up their alley, but despite a few of us liking the styling to the point of considering one, it would not do well here at all, for many reasons. American HD devotees have consistently turned their backs on the Sportster "chick bikes" for decades now. Never mind the fact that, until the V-Rod, it was the fastest, best handling, best stopping street bike ever to appear in their catalog.

Remember the early 80's XLCR 1000 (I *think* I have that designation right) ? Hot-rod XR 750 barrels & heads on a Sporty bottom end with similar styling to this bike ? Or the XR 1000 of the early 70's ? I'm really guessing at the designations...no time to check them, but I can later if anyone cares. It was a really pretty "flat track styled" roadster, black only.
And what did they have in common ? NO ONE bought them. Most gathered dust in the back of dealer's showrooms until some forward thinking guy who could see the collector status just waiting to bloom, snapped them up for a song. Try to buy one of them now ! If anything, it's even more that way now, the good Sporty having unfortunately seized up in the "chick bike" status inferred not so much by the old guard Harley faithful who know better, but the Kool-Aid swilling yuppies who are both driving and financing the HD juggernaut.

The other thing is, HD is *huge* in Europe. Go figure. I learned a lot about this at Tucker Rocky/Biker's Choice when I did marketing for the HD parts division and was trying to pry open the Euro HD market. Custom HD's are plentiful, but the difference is they go-stop-handle much better than most of the butt-jewelry built here. Exceptions like Roland Sands, Jesse Rooke and Roger Goldhammer notwithstanding. Some of those Euro builders are sure to turn this new Sporty into what we lowly 'Murcans can only fantasize about.

My prediction is that this bike will be very successful in Europe where they are smart enough to know it is not a "chick bike". Maybe we're getting what we deserve over here ?

Wild Will

05-31-2008, 10:28 AM

You mean the exquisite offerings from KTM? I'd agree. Europe can have the dinosaurs; I'll take a 690 Duke, A Super Duke R, and a pile of sticky rubber!

DarthRider

05-31-2008, 10:40 AM

Well, I firmly believe we can and should take what we like...no HDs in my shop.
I also believe in not dismissing what we don't like or understand based only on prejudices and "wink-wink" inside knowledge shared amongst those *really* in the know.
They're all good Bro, and no one is trying to change your mind about what lives in your shop.
I think you started the thread on these...lamenting their non-availability here ?

isiahstites

05-31-2008, 11:16 AM

Finally the Milwaukee Cretins make an interesting machine and it's only for Europe. Fie! Sounds like a sports team, doesn't it! No disrespect meant to our HD-loving brethren. And Scott, the check's in the mail, Bro!

http://www.motorcycle.com/news/hd-xr1200-rolls-off-the-line-80200.html

Will thanks for your support and I will be watching the box outside.

No disrepect taken! Most of you here on the cafe have more loyalty and love for BMW's than I will ever have for an HD. My wife loves Harleys and she had always wanted one so after her having a few smaller cruiser bikes and one sport bike I bought her, her dream bike and it was awesome! So after I bought her one I thought what the hell and got one myself, we had a great times on those bikes!

As far as my land speed bike I could of bought a Busa and gone over 225 mph by now with that, but everyone had one out there and I wanted a challenge. I wanted to make something that was not suppose to be fast go fast! Hind sight being 20/20 it was the right thing to do as there is a learning curve in LSR and just jumping on a 200 mph Busa will get you hurt or killed.

So again, I am not your average got have an HD t-shirt from every dealership in America guy, I just love all bikes and HD just happens to be what is parked in the garage today.

Scott

DarthRider

05-31-2008, 11:29 AM

Here's a pic of the XLCR 1000 "Cafe Racer" that no body bought. It was actually late 70's, made for 3 years. Triple discs ! But underneath is was pretty much basic Sportster...not that there's anything wrong with that ! Worth a small bundle today.
http://www.ironharley.com/racepics/xlcr/richxlcrc.jpg

And the XR 1000. Actually mid-80's, made for 2 years. This was a real-deal hotrod, with race bike top end, twin DelOrtos, etc. Nobody bought 'em, the few that did often blew them up. Some people don't know how to treat a hot motor that doesn't have a rev limiter for the ham-fisted. Worth a large bundle today. Many people believe this was the finest motorcycle HD ever built.
http://www.ironharley.com/racepics/xr1000/XR1000CP2.jpg

http://www.ironharley.com/racepics/xr1000tbig.jpg

http://www.ironharley.com/racepics/xr1000/xr1000streettrackerlsmatz.jpg

I don't know if they were sold in Europe or not, but I doubt it. They were designed for and miserably failed in the US market. This was before HD wrote "The Marketing Book".

Randy & Scotty, you guys know a hell of a lot more than I do about HD's...what do you think of the new Euro-Sporty ? Think it would sell here ?

isiahstites

05-31-2008, 11:36 AM

It will sell, there are a lot of flat trackers out there who would love to have that bike. Just ask Randy he lives in the flat track capitol.

There are a lot of die hards out there who can't wait to get there hands on that bike. And while most think the HD line is heavy and sluggish and most of them are, I still think this bike would be a blast to ride!

Scott

DarthRider

05-31-2008, 11:45 AM

Only problem is, if every flat tracker in America bought one, that's still not so many. I'm not crazy about the styling though...looks like a Storz XR1200 mated with a Honda.
But it sure has possibilities...better exhaust, different tail, smaller tank, bigger cams, etc...

Interesting update...at least one Internet source says HD has decided to sell the XR1200 in the US too ? They can't say it on the Internet if it's not true, can they ?
Either way, it will be interesting to watch...

What they built:
http://bp1.blogger.com/_Mvhjidbvdzc/RpRKygwBYoI/AAAAAAAABNY/AY9u84jDM3k/s400/xr+2.jpg

What they could have built:
http://firstcoastphoto.smugmug.com/photos/304613861_JP9Za-L.jpg

Rchop

05-31-2008, 02:30 PM

This is what they are selling here...

http://www.frsengineering.com/nightster.jpg

One of the best looking Harleys' recently made IMHO

DarthRider

05-31-2008, 02:48 PM

This is what they are selling here...

One of the best looking Harleys' recently made IMHO

+1 on that !
That would make good platform for a little "sleeper" hotrod, for sure.

Tripton

05-31-2008, 06:39 PM

Hard as it is to admit, that little Nightster is a sharp bike!

I really like the concept of the XR1200, but the execution looks silly. IMHO they need to redo all the body work and the exhaust. (and motor...)

jamming

05-31-2008, 07:51 PM

http://z.about.com/d/motorcycles/1/7/i/F/-/-/08_FLSTSB_16.jpg
HD Crossbones

Loose the apehangers...a set of dragbars....mid pegs...I'd buy it. I love the retro look.

I've said before, I'd buy a Storz Sporty conversion TOfreakingDay. If I could. I'm a huge flattrack fan.

DarthRider

05-31-2008, 08:44 PM

I've said before, I'd buy a Storz Sporty conversion TOfreakingDay. If I could. I'm a huge flattrack fan.

Wonder what we could build 2 of them for...?
Or 3 ! Ride 2, sell 1...

isiahstites

05-31-2008, 08:53 PM

Wonder what we could build 2 of them for...?
Or 3 ! Ride 2, sell 1...

Guys, if you bought the parts I could build the bikes!

DarthRider

05-31-2008, 10:45 PM

Guys, if you bought the parts I could build the bikes!

OK then...let's build 5, ride 3, sell 2...we'll be freakin' rich !

JCsman

05-31-2008, 11:12 PM

This is what they are selling here...

http://www.frsengineering.com/nightster.jpg

One of the best looking Harleys' recently made IMHO

Best looking? I agree. When I first saw a photo I was intrigued. H-D added a bunch of trick items like the sideways plate and small tail lights. A real minimalist look. Of course, adding me on top would negate most of the bad azz factor, but, I digress.

Unfortunately.....a great deal of the bad boy "look" is from the "slammed" suspension (somewhere around 1/8 inch rear shock travel:076:) and a dished out seat some 25 inches above mother earth (dwarfs in leather unite).

Add those two together and concerns about disc compression will not be related to the front brakes.

Other visual pluses? Oh yeah, do wire wheels float your boat? A single disc? Way cool looking. But a PITA and lowered stopping performance... :thumbs_down:

Sorry, they'll sell a brazillion of 'em, just not to me.

And I like the Sportster. Used to ride a 1200R. It's performance probably matched mine pretty closely :icon_redface: at the time (although I'm a bit better now). It had a raw, elemental feel. And I liked it as an around town bike. (But with the pre-rubber mounted engines it did, by all that is holy, shake way too much).

I think that's where I ultimately come down on WW's original post. Go ahead, bring the (much better from my perspective) Euro Sportster to America. I doubt they sell many. I know a lot of cruiser/H-D types. Most - no, not all - could give a ratz rump about cornering clearance and performance outside the decibel envelope. (They very much do care about the "chick bike stigma, sheesh).

And guys that DO care about such things as cornering clearance? H-D barely reaches their radar and even then the (performance) bang-for-the-buck needle doesn't begin to move. They'll applaud the H-D decision to bring this bike to American dealers, then go elsewhere to buy.

Of course when that lotto ticket comes in.....the XR-1200 might make my new list.

Big Papa

05-31-2008, 11:37 PM

I am gonna buy a Fat Bob used next year...

http://www.gesamtbild.com/_private_img/sig-storm8732.jpg

Slam it and cruise it around, that's what they are for...

Wild Will

06-01-2008, 10:34 AM

I like the way that Nightster looks, but I don't like not having my feet under my seat, so I can stand up and stretch or take the pressure off my body when on a holed or bumpy stretch of road. Our friend Bones has a new Nightster and he loves it. If I lived somewhere else where the highways were straight, I'd have a bobbed, retro and de-badged big Yamaha. There's something to be said for progress, and their engine is a real looker and performer.

rivi

06-07-2008, 04:22 PM

fitted with accessories:

http://www.archantmail.co.uk/aem/clients/ARC001/images/hdmay08/xr1200mainpic.jpg

socalrob

06-07-2008, 06:51 PM

I was reading the specs on the Euro Sportster last night and I recall a dry weight of 551 lbs.

Good god, we thought the R1150R's were heavy at 525. Whats a new R1200R, 480? Seems to me that HD is still a generation behind.

The new sportster is getting great press reviews though, I will say that.

DarthRider

06-07-2008, 07:52 PM

Robby, that's why I'm so nuts about building a Storz conversion 1200 Sporty. Among many other good things, it loses over 80 lbs. in the conversion process !
Harley makes only a token effort to build their bikes lighter. Light costs money to build and most of their customer base doesn't know the difference...or care.
HD doesn't build one single bike that I would want to replace my Speedy, but I'd swap for a Storz in a heartbeat !

Here's a little piece from Kneeslider.com about the Storz...
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/05/10/storz-xr1200-conversion-kit/

Don't go stickin' any luggage or shields on *this* bad boy ! No rotting fringe or rusty conchos either...
http://www.storzperf.com/images/07XR1200show.jpg

http://www.storzperf.com/images/07XR1200show2.jpg

http://www.storzperf.com/images/07XR1200show3.jpg

http://www.storzperf.com/images/07XR1200show5.jpg

http://www.storzperf.com/images/07XR1200show6.jpg

http://www.storzperf.com/images/07XR1200show4.jpg

http://firstcoastphoto.smugmug.com/photos/304613861_JP9Za-L.jpg

TorqueMonsterMT-01

06-07-2008, 09:46 PM

The Harley's alright, the Storz is cool but I prefer this

http://www.rotax.net/Photos/Yamaha450_lg.jpg

but I settled for this.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/2480064708_d0a4f5b43a.jpg?v=0

The WRX will run circles around sportsters until I hit the highway and run out of gears. In fact, sportbikes don’t stay close in the tight stuff.

It's not what you have; it's what you do with it.

I like bikes…………period.

Gord

06-07-2008, 10:53 PM

Eff Me. I'm just not buying into Harley. I don't get it. They all look the same to me. And tart them up anyway you want, and they are still the ugliest tart on the street corner. But man, talk about a cult that can sell after market accessories...

DarthRider

06-07-2008, 11:09 PM

"For every saddle there is an ass,
for every ass there is a saddle."

Sure would be boring if all the asses had the same saddles...

Wild Will

06-07-2008, 11:47 PM

I have never owned a Harley. I wanted one once, in the late 80's, but then I rode one and it behaved very poorly during my preferred manner of riding. In fact, it was horrible, inept, vibrated like hell and had shiite power output. I'd be willing to ride a Storz due to my respect for Danger Dave, but I doubt if the Harley would fill my needs. I'm just not a Harley guy. Curious, when you think about it, until you see the vast majority of HD believers; they are more cult oriented than I, for one thing. Their engineering is also archaic and not what I'm looking for personally. Maybe if I lived in the land of straight roads, and everyone else rode them...nope! I'd still want something that was very nimble, even if all I got to ride on was a power company back lot where I was damned to doing eternal doughnuts and wheelies.

DarthRider

06-08-2008, 12:22 AM

Gord & Will...Is it OK if *I* understand it and like it ?
Cults & "Harley guys" ?
A Storz tracker won't do donuts & wheelies ?!
Can't you just not personally care for something without needing all that to justify not caring for it ?
When was it not enough for a motorcycle to be highly capable, and FUN ?
Does it just have to be tomorrow's technology, Euro badged and virtually stock to be worthy ?
Sorry, I come from a different universe than that.

Arby

06-08-2008, 04:31 AM

http://www.storzperf.com/images/07XR1200show2.jpg

I like it. You buy one Dave, and when you get tired of it, I'll take it off your hands.:003:

RB

socalrob

06-08-2008, 04:47 AM

Dave,

Looking at the Storz site it looks like the full kit would run about $11,000 (I just added up round numbers in my head) and a HD Sportster 1200 runs about $10,000, so thats $21,000 kit bike, with, I assume a voided warranty.

HD lists the dry weight of the Sportster 1200 Roadster at 565 lbs. So if the Storz kit cuts 85 lbs off that, its still a 480 dry weight bike.

Now, just today I was by a KTM dealer who happened to have a 990 Super Duke R model sitting on the floor. Dry weight is is 410.05 lbs (those KTM boys are precise), and the KTM sales guy claimed that is ready to ride (fluids & battery) but without fuel. He was also mentioning 120 HP.

I'll say that the bike was stunning, fancy bits here & there including things like a steering damper, aprovik cans & carbon bits included for the $15K ish price.

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/443/cl47405gi4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Oops, this picture is of the standard SuperDuke.

Of course if I was really in the market for a new sporty bike I'd be looking at something more my speed, a BMW R1200S with ABS & heated grips, 122 HP, 419 lbs dry, & about $16K. Somewhere down the road I'm getting a hankering for a gentleman's bike with clipons. Skinny is fun while spliting traffic.

I guess in all fairness what you would want to do is find a Sportster that had the front forks folded up a bit & written off, then build your Storz from that. If you could pick up a damaged sportster for $2,500 if would make a pretty cool bike. That $2,500 may be a dream though.

DarthRider

06-08-2008, 08:10 AM

Rob, the thing is...I don't want a KTM, or any other "sporty bike", I want the Storz.
I know about the costs, the weight and all that. That's not what it's about.
I want to build a bike, not buy a bike...anybody with the money can write the check, but they will end up with a "bike X" just exactly like the next guy who can write the check.
I want something different, something "more". It's nothing against KTM, Ducati, Aprilia, etc. and the cost, weight, acceleration, and lap times don't matter one whit. And I don't think *everyone* should have, want, or even like the Storz. If they did I'd be looking somewhere else anyway.
It has nothing to do with "Harley", "Sportster", "cults", or being a "Harley guy". It's all about high-end street trackers, it's a Storz "thang". Very few get that and want to bury bikes like the Storz or the Lawill under stereotypes about Harleys and Harley riders. True or not, those things have 100% of nothing to do with this.
Steve Storz' show bike, the one in the photos, is for sale...he is asking $25,500. It's a one-off, "nth degree" show bike. I wouldn't pay that if I had it but someone will. I wouldn't pay that for an HP2 either, or even half that amount, but I appreciate that some will and be happy.
High-tech in a motorcycle is a means to an end, not an end, at least for me. If I can get to where I want to be without it I would be happier.
What I would do is build a Storz on a used and/or wrecked donor Sporty. And the thing about the Storz bits is you can do a little or a lot, depending on the budget & what you want.
To me, motorcycles have never been about money, it's all about the bike.
Right now it's a fantasy bike anyway, so it really doesn't matter. I would have the money for the Storz, had the new house not over-run so badly, but it did and I don't so my next bike will likely be a little "special" based on the Versys.
But I will always dream of a Storz and understand it's not about the numbers. And I will not shy from that because of other people's biases & stereotypes.

supermotoC

06-08-2008, 09:01 AM

You mean this?

http://collyer.smugmug.com/photos/309219255_4jELn-XL.jpg

Even though the specs on the R1200S are close to the SD, you'd be surprised how different the two perform. The SD-R has about 12 more HP (than the SD), a plank for a seat (no passenger pegs), crash bobbins standard, the steering damper (unnecessary), and different spring rates. You owe yourself a ride on the R or the standard SD before you spend your mula. BTW, track days & racing the SDR does NOT void the warranty. Race ready indeed.

Wild Will

06-08-2008, 09:31 AM

I celebrate your love of the Storz, etc. I'm just not part of the crowd that rides HD in packs, wears the same black colors, etc. It's more about lifestyle for them, or so it seems to me. They ride in packs and go slow and don't pull over for CARS that want to ride faster, etc. I appreciate your feelings, Dave. I'd never buy a motor that was the wrong Vee, making it shake. American made doesn't wash anymore; we're just too far gone at this point and inundated with foreign goods. The Storz is a beauty, but not my style. I also care about the money; I'm a blue collar guy, unlike many who don't have to care about price.
Now go out there and have fun, no matter what bike you love. It doesn't matter. But omigod, that Superduke R would be my first choice if I could afford a Storz, since I've no interest in building my own bike, nor the time. I just want to play.

DarthRider

06-08-2008, 11:26 AM

I celebrate your love of the Storz, etc. I'm just not part of the crowd that rides HD in packs, wears the same black colors, etc. It's more about lifestyle for them, or so it seems to me. They ride in packs and go slow and don't pull over for CARS that want to ride faster, etc.

And therein lies the rub...why does all that infinitely regurgitated Harley bashing, stereotyped crap keep showing up in discussions about a bike like the Storz ? Do you really think anyone with a bike like that is going to ride in those packs...of course you don't.
I think you're just trying too hard to make a point that doesn't exist.

socalrob

06-08-2008, 01:13 PM

Dave,

I see your point about Building a Storz. You are right, if thats what interests you its a whole nuther ball game. The thing is that while what you end up with is yours and built by you, it won't compete on an economic level with a modern mass produced bike. But thats just economics. I also agree that a Storz owner/rider is not likely to be caught in a bar hopping pack of HD riders.

Supermoto, that is indeed the pix I was looking for. The orange frame in the black bike just looks outstanding.

DarthRider

06-08-2008, 01:53 PM

Rob, you are absolutely right.
A nice Storz won't compete economically with mass produced bikes, or performance-wise with many of them. It doesn't need to as it offers pleasures & rewards they do not, can not.
Most folks seemed to like my custom/hotrod Norton and were able to see past the irrelevant comparisons to current motorcycles, or even more irrelevant stereotyped life-style associations as put-downs. For some reason, it was easy to see, feel, understand & accept what it was, I suppose because it never had the "HD" word on the tank. I sure hope I never get that myopic.

A quick Nort pic...the Storz is dead-centered in this genre of motorcycle, like it or not. The Storz and this Norton are *very* similar motorcycles, but the Storz will outperform the Nort in every way, except possibly aesthetics, depending on one's tastes.
http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/54340077_uUn5h-L-1.jpg

Sometime I'll write about life on a hand built hot-rod motorcycle and why some people prefer them to "store bought", but right now I'm tired of this meaningless thread that is doomed to be yet another inward facing, "wink-wink, nod-nod" celebration of how little we choose to understand about motorcycles in other folks' garages.

Sorry for the rant, and thanks Rob, for bringing a little reality to the table.

Wild Will

06-09-2008, 10:03 AM

When that Norton was new and shone in its original sheen, there was not a single Sportster that could keep it in sight. If Storz made his bike with a VR1000 mill, killed by HD before its time, I'd be very interested.

And I understand your desire for a Storz, DD. I hope you can pull off your dream; after all, you pulled off that mansion in the canyon!

DarthRider

06-09-2008, 03:11 PM

And I understand your desire for a Storz, DD. I hope you can pull off your dream; after all, you pulled off that mansion in the canyon!

Well...that "mansion in the canyon" is really just a nice house, a little larger than we wanted due to a home owners association with a rule book printed only in hard-back.
But the house is why I should be dreaming about a Chengshin scooter instead of a Storz hot-rod.
Maybe I'll get a great big raise from Social Security...:linzi:

Rchop

06-09-2008, 06:53 PM

Well...that "mansion in the canyon" is really just a nice house, a little larger than we wanted due to a home owners association with a rule book printed only in hard-back.
But the house is why I should be dreaming about a Chengshin scooter instead of a Storz hot-rod.
Maybe I'll get a great big raise from Social Security...:linzi:

Maybe you should turn that pristine shop into a working enterprise Dave. I have found out that "HD" is definitely where the money is at. With your skills, and contacts, you could put a couple of "Storz" type bikes out a year while still keeping one for yourself.
I did the same for many years with my surfboard business in SoCal. It kept me in several new boards a year, was a tax right-off and got my name known well enough to be invited to all the "coolest" surf happenings. The write-off was alot more than the out-of-pocket expenses.
Then I started the BMW restoration business. While it was a labor of love...the only money I ever made was in tax write-offs. I will always keep my hands on the old air-heads, but I just bought 2 sportsters out the back door of my local HD dealer for lower than wholesale. One is a 1000cc ironhead that I will keep for a future "bobber" project that I always wanted to build and the other is a 1200 EVO sporty that probably end up as a flat track replica. There is money in this market around here and I think I just got my foot in the door.

DarthRider

06-09-2008, 07:35 PM

Hmmm...

Elsie Smith

06-10-2008, 07:11 AM

<snip>I did the same for many years with my surfboard business in SoCal. It kept me in several new boards a year, was a tax right-off and got my name known well enough to be invited to all the "coolest" surf happenings. The write-off was alot more than the out-of-pocket expenses.
Then I started the BMW restoration business. While it was a labor of love...the only money I ever made was in tax write-offs. <snip>

good advice for those with a passion to start their own business; tax laws are for business people
IMHO...everyone needs a business of their own

rivi

06-27-2008, 10:37 PM

Can't blame 'em...they'll sell in Europe.
Fault HD on anything you like except marketing, they do that pretty well. BMW & Triumph copy them freely.
Besides, you wouldn't buy one anyway !
Tell you what though, the 1200 Sporties of the last few years are very good motorcycles. Wish I had Dean's money and I'd build a Storz Special on a new 1200 !
If they were building *this* little baby for the Euros, I'd be pissed.
http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/55520092_3kXyz-L.jpg

Something may be coming our way:

http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=32973

Harley-Davidson Acquires 'XR 1200' Trademark Rights From Storz Performance
Jun 23, 2008, ©Copyright 2008, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

From a press release issued by Storz Performance:

Storz Performance, Inc. announced that Harley-Davidson, Inc. has reached agreement with Storz Performance, Inc. of Ventura, CA to acquire Storz' trademark rights for the mark "XR 1200" (U.S. Trademark application No. 77/048680). Specific terms of the agreement are confidential. Storz Performance introduced its XR 1200 dirt track style conversion kits for Sportster motorcycles in January of 2005.

Gord

06-27-2008, 11:09 PM

I have been hovering around this thread for a coon's age now. It's been gnawing at me, but I am not sure I have anything intelligent to add. Don't ask me why tonight I decide to comment! (*grin*)

Quite frankly, I don't get the problem with HD marketing a product in Europe that is not available in North America. American car companies have been doing it for years and I haven't heard a wimper about it. That might change given the price of gas these days though.

If I were to buy any sort of a cruiser, I would look to BMW K1200GT, Triumph Rocket III, or Goldwing (Yeah, I know there are others that are probably as good). The only Harley that turns my crank here is the Electraglide and that is only because Chicago did the soundtrack for the movie Electraglide in Blue!

The V-Rod rocks. If I was to own a Harley, this would be my choice.

Beyond the Electraglide or V-Rod, Harley gives me no wood. Having said that, I will be riding either a Sportster or a Low Rider when I go visit Frank Ganger in July. And I am wide open to Harley to winning me over (and at least I will be able to tell my Harley buddies that I have ridden both BMW and Harley!).

What was my point again? *grin*

SV Andy

06-28-2008, 05:33 PM

I'm not sure i should get involved in this but here goes, HD as a business you would like to hope, have asked European dealers what their customers want, i believe Triumph have done this in Europe and America which as far as i am aware has worked quite well, surely the name of the game is to sell as many bikes as possible. If you want to buy the bike at home seems to me you need to let HD know. Dave i love that Norton, like the Storz to, if i was to buy Amerian it would probably be a Buell Ullyses. Andy.

fnfalman

06-30-2008, 01:00 PM

Sir Limpsalot

06-30-2008, 02:58 PM

Yep, HD is in the business of making money. Only a handful of Americans would want to buy the XR1200. The rest are too busy gobbling up those caricactures of motorcycles that HD is now well known for. So, if I were a Harley business exac, I'd do the same thing too. Sell the Euros a good riding bike because that's what they want to own and ride. Sell the Americans the expensive chrome domes because that's what they want.

A fair point.

I'll tell you one thing guys, Harley are marketting that thing here. They have taken out big ads in the European bike press and done it well. They make that bike sound so good that even I might take a test ride..

Si.