In the wake of Buell, Harley brings over the XR1200X

[reppans]

I'm done with HD, for now anyway.  My XL1200R has been sitting in the garage since I moved up to a BMW...

... Like somebody said, the Harley people won't buy this new XR because it is not "Harley" enough.  Others won't buy it because it is "too Harley."

Guess it takes all types.  I just moved from BMW for this Harley, and am having a real blast with it.  But I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority - actually seeking to slow down.  Simple throttle control doesn't work well for me, I find half the fun of riding is pushing a bike near it's limits - more fun riding a slow bike fast and all.  And this bike does have pretty low limits .

But I'll agree that the XR is/will be a dud in the market, stuck in a no man's land between the traditional HD crowd and the performance folks that wouldn't touch it with a 10 ft. pole.  I'm seeing '09s deeply discounted, people getting them for $7,500.  So much for HD's high resale  .

[cyclopathic]

Harley is offering their new XR1200X to the US market for 2011.  This is similar to the XR1200 with some uprated suspension and performance forks.  

Will this new X model attract ostracized Buellers?  Or are they still too pissed to even consider it?  If the Buell-sympathizers are reluctant to buy, then who will buy it?

As "almost" Uly owner can say this HD can go to hell I will never buy anything from them, period

[Robus]

Guess it takes all types.  I just moved from BMW for this Harley, and am having a real blast with it.  But I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority - actually seeking to slow down.  Simple throttle control doesn't work well for me, I find half the fun of riding is pushing a bike near it's limits - more fun riding a slow bike fast and all.  And this bike does have pretty low limits .

In no way am I bashing your ride.  That XRX does look like fun, and a big step up from your run-of-the-mill Sporty.

You've been over to xlforum.net I'm sure.  It's all about the pipes!  (I'm overgeneralizing obviously; I like that crowd.)  Neither one of us is probably typical of the average sporty enthusiast.

[reppans]

In no way am I bashing your ride.  That XRX does look like fun, and a big step up from your run-of-the-mill Sporty.

You've been over to xlforum.net I'm sure.  It's all about the pipes!  (I'm overgeneralizing obviously; I like that crowd.)  Neither one of us is probably typical of the average sporty enthusiast.

Never thought you were bashing in any way - I just found it funny that I got bored of the BMW boxers in favor of an HD, and you, vice versa  .   I don't hang at the Harley forums (except the XR site), my Aerostich and FF helmet don't fit in.... although I have been know to wear pirate outfits and press-on tattoos to get into a Harley bike night or two  .

[Dan K]

It's the first Harley I'd own, but that's not saying much as the list has way too many entries to ever expect to pick one up.

- Dan

[Thunderbox]

In 2 years the only models left will be used ones because they will give up pretty quick if sales are not there.

As a former Buell rider it isn't going to happen and I bought a new Moto Guzzi and guess what.  I like it a lot.  I have owned 2 new HD and 2 new Buells but I won't own another HD product.

[Zixxerpilot]

I really wanted to like this bike. I'm in the market for something like it and even went as far as to demo the original XR1200. Then I made the mistake of riding a Griso 8v. Same price (hd was 200 more), but th Guzzi just destroyed that thing in terms of everything. There are just so many better machines out there for that price, unless you're set on the Harley name.

[atadaskew]

I really wanted to like this bike. I'm in the market for something like it and even went as far as to demo the original XR1200. Then I made the mistake of riding a Griso 8v. Same price (hd was 200 more), but th Guzzi just destroyed that thing in terms of everything. There are just so many better machines out there for that price, unless you're set on the Harley name.

Same price?
The Griso 8V is $14300
The XRX is $11800

Are you saying you can buy a new 2010 Griso 8V for $11600?  What dealership?

I've demoed both bikes, and I'm undecided as to which I like more. (The HD was the XR1200R, not the better X model).  So I would disagree with that 'destroyed' statement.

[Zixxerpilot]

It would have been $12k plus ax and such, HD was $12,200.

Personal opinion, but the Griso was faster, more nimble, more comfortable, and just felt nicer.

[atadaskew]

It would have been $12k plus ax and such, HD was $12,200.
 

Did the Harley have the anti theft thing? I think that's something like a $400 option.  What pi$$es me off about that (and it was on my 'old' Dyna) is that it required a separate battery powered fob.  On my Duc and Vespa GTS, it is part of the key and comes standard...

Anyway, your price is still $2500 less than any I found in CA.  This is for a new, 2010 8V Griso?  What's the name of the dealership?

[Zixxerpilot]

Sharer Cycle. They sell Triumph, Aprilia, and Guzzi.

Keep in mind I live in rural Wisconsin (also where the dealer is). H-D is god here, so the dealers usual hike up prices, while others drop them, especially on Triumph. Sharer also has almost 0 overhead. They are a very old dealer. So, their prices show.

[atadaskew]

Cool, thanks.

Gives me an idea about how flexible pricing can be.

[falconati]

I was actually about to say a similar (lower) price for Sharer.

They have a few in stock - want me to ask about pricing?  They're a really good shop - Peter Egan buys all his Triumphs from them, and they've done great, honest work on my Speedy.

[atadaskew]

Not yet, thanks.
I'm just musing to myself while I'm waiting for things to settle.

[bomber]

Sharer also has a great shop dog -- getting out of the parking lot in under 30 minutes (he really want to play fetch the frisbee) is a feat!

[Zixxerpilot]

Lyle Sharer is quite the interesting guy. He's been into cycles for so long, and has forgotten probably far more than I'll ever know.

Come to think of it, I don't know anyone at Sharer that isn't stellar. I can't walk on the property if I have a time limit because I guarantee I'll be late to whatever it is.

[atadaskew]

Wish there was a dealer like that in LA.  Doesn't matter what brand of bike..

[chornbe]

Quality dealers are very few, very far between, and a dying breed.  

[bomber]

Quality dealers are very few, very far between, and a dying breed.  

Strooth -- I've often (not always, but often) noticed the the wonderfulness of the dealer is inversely proportional to the munificence of the physical plant.

Strange, innit?

[atadaskew]

Strooth -- I've often (not always, but often) noticed the the wonderfulness of the dealer is inversely proportional to the munificence of the physical plant.

Strange, innit?

Mostly..
I bought my Harley from Lancaster HD in CA which is one of those huge places.  Built before the bust...
They were really nice to deal with, gave me a great deal, threw in some freebies.  And then delivered the bike for free.  A 200 mile round trip for the driver.

The reason I bought my bike from them was because they were the only ones who had the bike that I wanted, in the colour I wanted, with the options I wanted.  The reception was a surprise.

Actually, Glendale HD in CA are really nice too. I woulda bought it from them if they had it...

But every giant multi brand superstore I've visited has blown.