The chassis and suspension package was developed by lead suspension engineer Bill Weber and his henchmen at the H-D Vehicle Dynamics Group in Milwaukee, with the help of factory racers (Scott Parker), and test riders, and it shows. The bike turns and stops effortlessly on real world pavement, complete with bumps and dirt. This machine would be a lot of fun on a track day, especially if one added a little preload and compression damping in front, as well as more compression and less rebound damping at the back. This would firm up the front and let the back work more easily with the higher speeds and smooth bumps one finds on most tracks.

You can't miss it, coming or going.

The straight up riding position fits most sizes and allows for extended riding time, inasmuch as you need to stop often anyways to fill up the elegant but minuscule fuel tank.

The XR1200 shows very few shortcomings for it's intended purpose - short rides, quick or slow, and stylin' in town. Add a coupe of saddlebags, a windscreen and a larger fuel tank, and you have the makings of a fun touring machine. Add a high quality tapered bar to dampen vibrations a little more, and you are closing in on basic perfection.

I, along with everyone yelling at me in Daytona, loved the bike.


Looks
Brakes
Standard riding position
Small price premium over other Sportster 1200 models


Soft-ish suspension for serious sport riding




Canadian dealers are close to being sold out


Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux