[Neal]

Re: Question?

They DID make it 20 years ago. It was called tyhe XR1000. Looked like a flatracker with trick heads,dual D'Allortos(sp?) and neat pipes. Put out more HP than any HD to that point. Didnt sell then......folk who had the cash didnt want it and folk that wanted it(me) didnt havre the cash. Dont think it would sell big now(at least in US). I like it ,but I can only swing one street bike and this doesnt fit my "one bike " needs. And if I DID buy a second street bike,it would probably be a dual purpose or a Ducati GT or a Bonneville scrambler. Or I 'd buy an old Ironhead Sporty for 3-4 grand and build my own street tracker Bottom line;even though Im a "Harley guy" and a dirt track guy who really likes the street tracker look,and likes this bike, i wont buy one. And thats,I believe ,the problem, its a nice bike but wont have a ready audience with cash in hand.

 

[Neal]

And Im afraid thats the point. Guys who already have a Sportster or who want one,may pony up the xtra cash for this one;,but i dont think it will steal many Euro riders or jap anese bike riders.

 

[Neal]

The 2007 XL1200 R goes for 8695 in black and 8955 in colors. The XL1200C goes for9695 in black and 9995 in colors. I cant see this new bike going for less than 9500 and more likely for over 10K. its performance will probably be compareable to the Ninja 750 or SV650 .

By the way my local dealer has 06 Sporties in the floor at 1000 below MSRP(7100 bucks for an XR1200R). For 3000 bucks (if you do your own work) you could roll your own street tracker.

 

[Neal]

I agree with you ...I like it and would prefer it over a VROD. But do you prefer it over a Monster or a Buell? If it comes out in 08 will you buy one? I really like the bike and hopes HD takes the chance,but I dont think it will draw many folk from other brands into Harleys.Hope i'm wrong.

 

[Neal]

I hope you're right;but remember the original Sportster(more so the second year XLCH) WAS a sportbike by 1950's standards. It was competitive with the fastest street bikes of the day and Harley was still king of American race tracks(remember dirt track was the big thing then). This bike will NOT be competitive with current sport bikes and Harley isnt a factor in big time road racing. I totally agree with you that its just as good (better?) for real world riding but that aint what tingles the dingles of the 20 something crowd. I dont see a lot of 40m plus folk buying a Sporty so that leaves the 30 something crowd....will they buy it? Hope so, but i dont thik so. I think it will mostly sell to folk who woulda bought a Sporty any way or maybe a Buell

 

[Neal]

Agree.....anything with more than 90 HP is way more than I need for my riding style. But HD doesnt need to get me. They need to get my power crazed 25 year old son. His GSX 6ooR wasnt enough so he got a 1000. I wnt out with him the other day on the 600 while he rode the 1000 on some back roads. He's a better rider and stupider but I could almost keep up with him(well almost almost"). I dont think he was any quicker on the 1000 than on th 600. And the 600 was WAY more than I needed to ride at my comfort level. I cant see him or any of his crazy friends buying this bike until the HP addiction is cured (if they live that long).

 

[Neal]

Interesting...got 40 k on my first beltdrive bike...sold it and belt was still good. Next 2 owners put about 10 grand on it.....belt still good when sold. Current bike has almost 40k...nary a problem with belt. Your buddies experience may fall under category of Shyte happens.? I think belts are much more durable than chains.

 

[Neal]

Interesting...totally different take than some MO "experts" who feel HD's sell here because we are buffoons as opposed to the more sophisticated Europeans.

 

[Neal]

Versatili5ty is absolutely better with a chain but for cruisers/tourers, how often do you change gearing? I dont have data but my anecdotal evidence and experience leads me to believe the average belt lasts longer than a chain(if its replaced when it should be). its funny,i dont know anyone (that i know of) whos had the rock puncture problem...i'll have to investigate. Veeeeeeelly intelesting.!!!

 

[Neal]

LOL....Im with ya Brotha. I hope you realize my tongue was firmly in my cheek!

 

[Neal]

Re: it's not a bike, it's a new customizing direction

Actually,I believe your prediction is already happening. A couple companies make customs that have HD clone motors in a "sportbike like" chassis. Roland Sands has made a few customs with a racebike theme. The street tracker look Sportster has never left us....Storz and Lawill have given it new life.

 

[Neal]

That may well be part of the reason HD is targeting europe for this model.