2009 XR1200 versus the BMW K1200R-Can the XR1200 compete?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 4
From: fegfsg
there is no naked sport or naked sport touring bike that the XR1200 would compete with on fair grounds. the competition is using better engines and designs. harley is limited to V-twins and pushrods.
I think we could go the overhead cam route with 4 valve heads and hide the belt or chain in thicker pushrod looking tubes and get a similar look with better performace, but the cost of R&D and the risk of market failure prevent it.
I think we could go the overhead cam route with 4 valve heads and hide the belt or chain in thicker pushrod looking tubes and get a similar look with better performace, but the cost of R&D and the risk of market failure prevent it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,804
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
No doubt. The XR must appeal on an emotional level. Prospective buyers will pass if it does not speak to them. On a purely objective level, there are lower priced standard bikes that will outperform the XR.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 4
From: Lincoln, Nebraska
I agree that a comparison to the other sportsters would be the most fair, and telling.
On a side note Just as I was reading that, the new mummie movie trailer came on and someone in it said "Here we go again!" and it matched up perfect...
On a side note Just as I was reading that, the new mummie movie trailer came on and someone in it said "Here we go again!" and it matched up perfect...
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 6
From: Simpson County Kentucky
We're talking about a bike that has almost double the rear wheel horsepower (141.1) and I hope to shout it should be a better performer than the XR.
Lets compare it to a Buell Ulysses. The tires are roughly the same size, the Ulysses is up 10 horsepower, you can adjust the front fork preload on the Ulysses and the rear suspension is fully adjustable. The Ulysses weighs about 90 pounds less and the suspension overall has much more travel but hey, the comparison between the 2 bikes is pretty good overall. Tha sad part about all this is that the Ulysses is faster and it's a dual sport or super motard depending on how you look at it.
Lets compare it to a Buell Ulysses. The tires are roughly the same size, the Ulysses is up 10 horsepower, you can adjust the front fork preload on the Ulysses and the rear suspension is fully adjustable. The Ulysses weighs about 90 pounds less and the suspension overall has much more travel but hey, the comparison between the 2 bikes is pretty good overall. Tha sad part about all this is that the Ulysses is faster and it's a dual sport or super motard depending on how you look at it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
I don't see the point in that. It's like comparing a Escort LX to an Escort GT. They are both slow. The "sporty" one just isn't as slow as the other.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 6
From: Simpson County Kentucky
Yeah but neither is as slow as a Road King......LOL
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,225
Likes: 4
From: fegfsg
oh man i can go on and on about my escort lx.... just yesterday the automatic shoulder belt stopped working, and its stuck in the halfway position......
the suspension is permantly bottomed out
the engine mounts seem to all be broken....
i should stop now
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 6
From: Simpson County Kentucky
ROTFLMAO!!!! Now that was funny. Sounds like it needs a good thrashing....
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
If that's the case, your Road King is a dump truck with a full load of gravel.