Harley Davidson XR1200 - Roadtest

Performance

Handling

Comfort

Looks

Equipment

Value

Overall

Technical summary

List Price:

£7,600

Insurance:

Group 14

Engine:

1202cc air cooled pushrod V-

Performance:

125mph top speed

Power:

90bhp @ 7000

Weight:

250kg

MPG:

45mpg

Range:

150

Review

They still bring out a boyish glee, do Harley Davidsons. When the latest XR1200R rolled out the back of the van, I'll admit to getting just a little bit excited at the sight of it.

But let's not get carried away. Many of you will rightly argue that it is nostalgia and nostalgia alone that's kept this iconic American motorcycle manufacturer trading in recent years, not the quality of its products.

At least the latest HD line-up seems more compelling, with a greater emphasis on sporty brand-entry motorbikes like the XR1200R, whose mission is to get new buyers hooked on Harley.

Fitted with the familiar push rod 1200cc V-twin, the XR1200R makes a reasonably impressive 90bhp - much more than the same engine manages in other Harleys. Why? Because it's running a higher compression ratio here, along with a taller 7000rpm redline and some fuel injection trickery to provide more power. The result is a Harley Davidson that's verging on fast! Brisk is probably the best way of putting it.

It handles well too, with low slung weight distribution helping the physics and a firm suspension chassis set up providing decent feel. But this Harley is without any sophistication or finesse, and it's soon obvious that Harley's sport suspension components are simple (and dare we say cheap) as you're jarred over bumps in the road with no mercy.

To be honest, that's the biggest flaw with the XR1200R - the cheapness of its components. The more you stare at it, the more frustrations you spot. The tacky LED speedo; the bulky plastic switchgear; the crude mirrors and the lack of passenger grab rail. It all adds up to a bike whose fit and finish is questionable at best and downright lazy at worst.

It's a clunky ride too - the gearbox feels agricultural and the brakes don't have the stopping power we'd like. But there's still something about it - a charm that makes riding the XR1200R genuinely enjoyable. Plus it goes and turns better than any other Harley we've ridden. If you're tempted to get into the brand, this would be a good place to start.

Verdict

Average. Entry-level Harley sports bike has charm but is let down by a lack of quality