HD's XR 1200 Gets Cool Café Racer Treatment
Sportiest Sportster gets worked over by Spanish custom shop.
Café Dreams
The XR1200 was the sportiest and best handling Sportster Harley-Davidson ever built, but its tall stance and styling were considered awkward. Madrid-based Café Racer Dreams (CRD) recently took on the task of correcting the XR1200's styling problem. The result is this mean-looking street-machine that pulls cues from the 1977 XLCR — the Motor Company's only attempt at a café racer.
Racing Class
Originally designed for the European market, the XR1200 was introduced to America in 2009. Despite rave press reviews and a special AMA racing class, XR1200 sales lagged. European sales were not much better as the XR1200 was almost immediately out-classed by lighter machines such as the Ducati Hypermotard 1100S. At the end of 2012, Harley-Davidson halted production of the XR1200.
>>Join the conversation about the XR 1200 right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Patina Performer
At the heart of the XR1200 is a unique 1202cc Sportster Evolution engine. The stock, high compression cammed engine was a performer right off the showroom floor, putting out a claimed 91 horsepower. Like most boutique-builds, this XR1200's internals were left untouched. The huge under-tank EFI throttle body has been removed in favor of a K&N intake, and the engine coated in a questionable 'dirty' patina finish.
>>Join the conversation about the XR 1200 right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Remus PowerCone
In good European café racer form, the exhaust is vented through a Remus PowerCone muffler produced by REMUS Sportexhaust of Bärnbach, Austria. Tucked behind the high-end muffler are a set of preload-adjustable Öhlins shocks attached to the beefy cast-aluminum stock swingarm. In an odd styling choice, the stock matte black XR1200 oil reservoir covers were retained in favor of fabricating custom covers.
>>Join the conversation about the XR 1200 right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
AMF Art
The standout feature on CRD's build is the aluminum gas tank, replete with AMF-era decals. The tank is a collaboration with the Valtorón foundry, located in the tiny hamlet of Valdetorres de Jarama, Spain. Established by the Delgado brothers in 1995, the foundry is unusual as it produces both fine artworks, as well as metalwork for vintage and custom motorcycles.
>>Join the conversation about the XR 1200 right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Functional Intentions
A digital speedometer unit is located on the left-hand fork leg. In what is possibly the most non-functional position, the location is presumably to keep in compliance with vehicle modification laws. Reinforcing the XR1200's racing intentions, the stock tachometer now occupies the speedometer's original location on the handlebar top clamp. Not visible in this image is a compact Ducati Monster headlight tucked under the tachometer.
>>Join the conversation about the XR 1200 right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Retro Cool
Even though the stock XR1200's styling has been called 'goofy,' its the handling and performance were exceptional. Over the years the XR1200 has earned a cult-like status among enthusiasts. Original examples in good running order are now rare. At risk of irritating the purists, Café Racer Dreams has succeeded in chopping down the top-heavy design and applying a bit of 'cool' with their retro-design effort.
>>Join the conversation about the XR 1200 right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
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