Picked mine up yesterday, have about 50 miles on it. Definitely quicker than the Roadster I traded in with better brakes and suspension. I find it too quiet though, gonna have to look for some slip-ons to wake up the motor.

 

Yes, great bike. Great handling.

 

Got a chance to ride my new XR last weekend with my sportbike friends. BTW, this is the first Harley I've shown up on that they were all genuinely interested in. A couple of them ride Buells and a BMW or two but the majority are into the fast, light Japanese bikes. Even though I'm breaking it in, keeping the revs under 5 grand, I was able to keep them in sight, something I found I just could not do on the Roadster I had. The XR is a blast to ride, hard to believe it actually shares the frame with the Roadster and other sportsters. The engine is definitely more Buell like than traditional sportster feeling.

 

Hey, this one's for you guys that own or have ridden the XR1200.

I'm looking for my first bike and I'm interested in the XR1200. The bike was comfortable for me in the showroom (6'3" 230 lbs), but I haven't ridden it. I liked the standard-esque seating position.

A lot of the reviews I've read say it's not a full-on sports bike, which is good for me, as I don't have any desire to ride something like a Ninja or R1.

I know the XR1200 is the sportiest Sporster, but is it too much for a first timer? Will it be happy to ride at my non-limit-pushing pace or is it always waiting to unleash (ala Hayabusa or the like)? I'm looking for this -> , not this ->

 

Unleash like a Busa? Haha. Well.........Kinda. Cause the bike is great through the twisties and is decent off the line. But, its not a straight liner by any means. I bought mine after riding two Suzukis, with one being a SV650 and it would still beat the XR in a straight line run.

But, for the fun factor you can't beat the XR. For me, it handles better than my previous bikes. I just can't stand to lean over on a bike anymore.

I'm short and the bike is very comfortable. I have heard from some taller fellows that they are not real comfortable.

If you are just starting out then the peg position may or may not bother you. I personally hate putting my feet out in front of me when I am riding. I just don't feel safe, reaction time slows.

There are many naked bikes in this class to choose from the Kaw, Triumph, Suzuki, Honda, Ducati, you name it.

However, the XR really turns the heads of HD and non-HD riders.

 

I find it hideous looking...but I'm not judgin ;]

 

Speaking of hideous... that pic in your sig sure isn't. That seat looks awesome with the silver paint.

 

hmmm, do i detect a "hint" of sarcasm in there? mwamph.

well, you know. my opinion is about a valuable as yours...

oh, and the paint isnt "silver". it's pewter pearl.

come on dude, i'm just screwin with ya.

 

No sarcasm. I dig the seat with the pewter pearl.

 

hehe. my bad. i suppose i assume everyone is as much of a smart *** as i. well then. i dig it too. thanks.