Harley-Davidson Sportster XR 1200 Prototype
** Sportster XR 1200 Prototype** Harley-Davidson has just revealed a prototype Sportster XR 1200 motorcycle aimed at the European market. The XR 1200 prototype places an emphasis on performance and handling, with styling inspired by the Motor Company’s legendary XR 750 dirt-track racer. The prototype’s development goals include a powerful air-cooled V-Twin engine and agile handling with high-performance suspension and brakes. “If the prototype is well received, we hope to bring the XR 1200 to Europe in 2007,” said John Russell, vice president, H-D Europe.
The Sportster XR 1200 prototype features a 1,200cc air-cooled motor with downdraft fuel injection (85-90hp target), specially tuned Showa suspension with 43mm inverted front forks, high-performance four-piston-caliper Nissin brakes, lightweight cast wheels with dirt track–inspired design, and specially developed Dunlop Qualifier tires: a 120/70ZR18 in the front and a 180/55ZR17 in the rear.
Check out H-D France for an interactive demo of the prototype: