The Summer 2008 issue of Harley-Davidson Enthusiast magazine got me thinking about Sportsters we need. It started with a brief on the XR1200 which is only available in Europe. I had written on the XR1200 previously. The Enthusiast article provides details on the new Sportster’s specifications which include:Downdraft fuel injection, massive 43mm inverted forks, and dual four-piston front brake calipers.
Harley claims the XR1200 is “dirt-track inspired” but I would say it appears more supermoto; this is not a bike designed for dirt but it does capture the look of dirt-bikes converted for track use. The Sportster XR1200 is definitely a bike we need in the States and hopefully Harley will make it available here soon.
The same issue includes another Sportster that we need, a modern version of the 1958 XLH. This bike was built for off-road racing and did not include bits like head- and tail-lights. The bobbed fenders, simple design, and single seat would make for an awesome modern Sportster. Harley is currently on a “dark-side” kick with models like the Nightster; these are great looking bikes but a look back at the history of the brand shows that great design can be colorful. Harley-Davidson seems to have forgotten its racing heritage with its commercial models. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to buy a Sportster that combined the racing spirit of the XLH with the capabilities of the modern machines? I certainly think so.
