The Harley-Davidson
Sportster is a line of motorcycles produced
continuously since 1957 by Harley-Davidson. Sportster models are
designated in Harley-Davidson's product code by beginning with XL. In 1952, the predecessors to the
Sportster, the Model K Sport and Sport Solo motorcycles, were
introduced. These models K, KK, KH, and KHK of 1952 to 1956 had a side
valve engine, whereas the later XL Sportster models use an overhead
valve engine. The first Sportster in 1957 had many of the same details of
the KH including the frame, fenders, large gas tank and front suspension.
In the 2006 model year, Harley-Davidson released the
XR1200 Sportster in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The XR1200 had an
Evolution engine tuned to produce 91 bhp (68 kW), four piston dual
front disc brakes, and an aluminum swing arm. Motorcyclist had the
XR1200 on the cover of its July 2008 issue, and was generally positive about it
in their First Ride story, in which
Harley-Davidson was repeatedly asked to sell it in the United States. One
possible reason for the delayed availability in the United States was the fact
that Harley-Davidson had to obtain the XR1200
naming rights from Storz Performance, a Harley customizing shop in Ventura,
Calif. The XR1200 was released in the United States in 2006, in a special
color scheme including Mirage Orange highlighting its dirt-tracker heritage.
The first 750 XR1200 models in 2006 were pre-ordered and came with a number 1
tag for the front of the bike, autographed by Kenny Coolbeth and Scott
Parker and a thank you/welcome letter from Harley-Davidson, signed by Bill
Davidson. The XR1200 was discontinued on the United States Market after 2012.
For 2012, the XR1200X model had upgraded suspension front and rear. The bike
has a measured HP of 79.26 hp (59.10 kW) (rear wheel) and
67.53 lb⋅ft
(91.56 N⋅m)
(rear wheel) and a top speed of 120.7 mph (194.2 km/h)and a wet
weight of 580 lb (260 kg).
