2008 Harley-Davidson XR1200 Preview

Harley-Davidson’s XR1200 delivers Flat Track heritage with a European twist

2008 Harley-Davidson XR1200

Harley-Davidson today introduces the new XR1200 to the roads of Europe, combining great street performance with purposeful motorcycling style and presence inspired by Harley-Davidson’s successful XR750 Flat Track racing bike.

XR1200 is the first Harley-Davidson which has been designed specifically for European customers. Harley-Davidson’s European Product Planning Team was involved from the beginning of the XR1200 project, resulting in a motorcycle which is built for the twists and turns of European roads, and one that represents the company’s commitment to the needs and desires of customers in the European market.

The bike’s original inspiration draws from the success of the XR750 racing bike, which has been dominant in the American Flat Track racing scene since its launch in 1970. However, the XR1200’s handling and performance characteristics are definitely street based. European expert riders and European roads played a crucial role in the ride and handling development of the bike. French former Endurance champion and GP racer Adrien Morillas participated in the development, as well as Flat Track aces Scott Parker and Rich King.

Since the launch of the XR1200 Prototype in Germany in October 2006 dealers and customers have been waiting to see the finished product with excited anticipation. To date, just under 600 future retail orders have been placed across Europe by enthusiastic customers who can’t wait to take delivery of their own Harley-Davidson XR1200.

"XR1200 is a new breed of Harley-Davidson motorcycle", commented John Lewis, Marketing & Product Planning Director of Harley-Davidson Europe. "As well as being a great looking and handling bike, XR1200 is also a clear demonstration of our ability and desire to create motorcycles aimed specifically at European riders. The response from the European bike media and future customers has already been very encouraging, so XR1200 looks set to pave the way for a new generation of European-oriented Harley-Davidson motorcycles", Lewis continued.

"The new Harley-Davidson XR1200 clearly demonstrates the Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s commitment to the European market and intent to attract new customers. Performance-oriented customers who aspire to owning a Harley-Davidson but who are seeking a fine handling Roadster with great street performance and tremendous character. XR1200 is very clearly a Harley-Davidson but one that draws on the company’s proud Flat Track racing heritage", Lewis continued.

Harley-Davidson intends to begin shipping XR1200 to its European dealerships during late Spring 2008; A further announcement will be made as soon as the production start date has been confirmed.

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