Harley-Davidson has come up with a promising addition to the 2010 model year, the 2010 Harley-Davidson XR1200X motorcycle.
The motorcycle will be launched in the European, American and Middle Eastern markets, in 2010.
Harley-Davidson’s 2010 model line-up will also include an updated Electra Glide, Fat Boy, and an all-new Dyna Wide Glide model.
The Harley-Davidson XR1200 series was launched in 2008, and was inspired by the very popular Harley-Davidson XR750.
“Inspired by one of the world’s most successful racing machines, the iconic XR750, the XR1200X range was born out of a desire for a street smart Harley-Davidson motorcycle that is just as dominant through the twisties,” the company has said.
Combining American and European styles, the 2010 Harley-Davidson XR1200X motorcycle was designed to provide its riders with the sheer pleasure of riding.
Equipped with fuel-injected, high-torque 1202cc engines with precision-cooled cylinder heads and impressive torque via a 5 speed gearbox, the Harley-Davidson XR1200 series has been very popular.
The Harley-Davidson XR1200X motorcycle features blacked-out engine casing, fully-adjustable 43 mm upside-down forks, and a matte black tail, fully adjustable twin rear shock absorbers, tank and mudguards giving it an aggressive look.
It also features higher specification Showa suspension, powerful Nissin front brakes with 4 piston calipers and 292mm patented uniform expansion rotors, and superb rider ergonomics designed for an European male rider of average height.
The Harley-Davidson XR1200X motorcycle has an upswept, high-volume 2-1-2 Straight shot exhaust system finished in Black Denim.
In terms of style, the 2010 Harley-Davidson XR1200X motorcycle is an all-black model, with a completely black powertrain, exhaust and other components, giving it a mean look.
The motorcycle has wide low-rise handlebars, semi-rear seat footrests, a seat height of 795 mm, and standard pillion seat and passenger footrests.
The 2010 Harley-Davidson XR1200X motorcycle is equipped with a white-faced tachometer, digital speedometer, dual tripmeter, and clock.
The motorcycle also comes with a hands-free Smart Security System, hazard warning lights that can be operated by using turn signal controls, and an aluminium alloy fuel filler.
The motorcycle has Dunlop Qualifier D209 tyres (front 120/70ZR18; rear 180/55ZR17) exclusively developed for the 2010 Harley-Davidson XR1200X, lightweight cast wheels with a 3-spoke design and orange pinstripe.
Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Vice President said, “This new-product roll-out is simply an expression of our enthusiasm for motorcycling.”
“Like everyone, we are working and living in a challenging environment these days, but our passion for creating and riding great bikes is still at full throttle,” he added.
General information
Engine
The air-cooled 1202cc is all torque – 74ftlb of it – with not a lot more horsepower to top off the lowdown punt, but then it is based on the 1200 Sportster but with higher compression and upswept, high volume 2:1:2 exhausts.
Ride and Handling
The addition of Showa pig piston forks and piggyback shocks puts the accomplished XR1200 onto another rung of the handling ladder. There’s a lot more feedback from front and rear wheels and the front end feels considerably more settled on the brakes. At the same time it is supple enough to rubbish the Queen’s crumbling highways. This means you can actually wring every last drop of performance from the XR1200X and make use of it. Or simply enjoy the slow revving nature of the bike with an improved, polished even, ride quality.
Equipment
The XR1200 scores 2 out of 3 for equipment in its review because of its very basic spec. The 1200X nets another mark because of the very capable – very desirable – Showa suspension.
Quality and Reliability
The Harley-Davidson chassis range is slowly but surely getting updated. Better brakes and suspension figure highly, as per the XR1200 and XR1200X. But somewhere along the line H-D have forgotten about the simple things like why is the clutch cable flapping in the breeze; why are the footpegs and foot controls so chunky-ugly yet so loose, and so on?
