What is the difference between the XR1200 and the Nightster 1200? It is like night and day! (Pun intended).
Since I recently rode a Nightster (see the test drive report) there will be some comparisons.
Today I rode an orange 2009 XR1200 at the local Harley dealership. Very nice people!
I had talked to one of the salesmen last week and he said, "Sure we have a couple XR1200s. Call me some morning and we will set you up for the afternoon."This was part of the Super Ride, test ride any bike on the floor promotion.
Unlike one of the other HD dealers that only allowed a ride on demo days and in a group, this deal lets you ride solo without any supervision.
I went about 11 miles. Mostly within the speed limit, but a couple secluded areas let me hit around 70 mph.
The seat is still low enough for my 30" inseam to fit and touch the ground with both feet. It is very comfortable, much better than the Nightster. It is taller than the other Sportsters but not too much. The pegs are right below you where they should be, in my opinion.
Fit and finish was typical HD, excellent!
The reach to the handlebars is less of a reach than on the Nightster. It has an analog tach and a digital speedo. Both are very easy to read even in bright sunlight. The turn signals are typical HD on both handles, but they are self-canceling.
The engine is fuel injected and starts up instantly and runs smooth. It vibrates a lot at idle, but I don't think it is as bad as the Nightster. As soon as the engine hits about 2200 rpm, it smooths out.
I did notice a few more vibes through the pegs on this one but only at lower RPMs. It is funny; while slowing, somewhere around 2200-2300 you notice the tingle, kind of like the bike is saying, "Ok, you can down shift now."
This bike is great! It is exactly the type of Harley that I would gladly own. It has amazing torque at any speed.
In fact, so much that it is a bit touchy at the throttle. Me, not being used to the turn signal switch on the right side, accidently twisted the throttle a touch while trying to turn on the signal. The kick about threw me off the bike. The 5-speed transmission was smooth as silk, just like the Nightster's.
The amazing thing: this bike LIKES to turn! It feels good leaning way over. And no scraping of miscellaneous parts when doing so.
Turn on the power mid-turn and it just hunkers down and tells you to lean a bit further.I also noticed the front brakes really work well. Not much front end dive when you hit them.I am used to riding a tallish 360 lb (wet) dual sport bike. I easily hopped on this much heavier bike and felt pretty comfortable in a few miles. I barely noticed the extra weight. It is wider but just felt right. The air filter doesn't seem to hammer your right knee like on the Nightster.
There is also much more rear suspension travel. Most normal bumps are absorbed. Some of the bigger ones are still a bit jarring. But, nothing like the Nightster.
Acceleration felt similar to the Nightster. My DR650 could probably stay right with this bike up to about 60, then that XR would leave me sitting.
Positives:
- Engine and tranny
- Seating position
- Handling and braking. Did I mention great handling?
Negatives:
- Throttle is a bit touchy
- Still a bit rough on very bumpy roads
- Price $10,799 in black and $11,079 in orange
| About the author | |
|---|---|
Dennis has been known to haunt various dual-sport websites under the nom de plume Ryde4Ever. He's ridden dirt bikes since emerging from the womb, and has owned everything from Ninjas to Vulcans to Chinese dirtbikes. He doesn't brag about his riding ability, but could quietly ride circles around most riders on the road, including yours truly, The ATGATT Rat. His current steed is a Suzuki DR650. |  |
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