Topic: I think I found my next bike!

[Sir Osis of Liver]

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=3fdUhDSmU9Q

Really surprised Harley have decided to bring the XR1200 to Canada. $13k isn't bad really. I've never liked cruisers or the Harley image, but the flat track style and decent handling really appeal to me!

[initial_D]

Was expecting to see a pedal bike. 

Not your typical Harley style, looks rather nice.

[HeliDriver]

I was intrigued when I read a review in one of the U.S. mags this summer. At the time, they said it was Euro-only, and Harley had no plans to bring it to the States. I assume the Americans are getting it, too, or is it Canada only? (okay - watched the video and answered my own question)

While it's definitely the only Harley I could see myself owning, I think it would still be a way down my list. If a big twin ever finds a home in my garage, I think it's more likely to be a Ducati Hypermotard or maybe a KTM 990 Super Duke. Although, to be fair, either of those are more than a couple grand dearer than the Harley.

[EV Dan]

Nice bike! so 80's 

[barrie1]

Harley has come a long ways over the years and has only got better.  The tolerances on the engines are much better now then they ever were and they don't leak like they used to at all. Darn oil pans on the old knucklehead engines were somewhat Nortorious for oil leaks around the pans on them. Harleys still do have a unique sound tho but the Duccati's are a real road bike for sure. Have several friends with them and they go coast to coast on them for holidays. Definitely touring class bikes for sure. 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I was intrigued when I read a review in one of the U.S. mags this summer. At the time, they said it was Euro-only, and Harley had no plans to bring it to the States. I assume the Americans are getting it, too, or is it Canada only? (okay - watched the video and answered my own question)

While it's definitely the only Harley I could see myself owning, I think it would still be a way down my list. If a big twin ever finds a home in my garage, I think it's more likely to be a Ducati Hypermotard or maybe a KTM 990 Super Duke. Although, to be fair, either of those are more than a couple grand dearer than the Harley.

They'd be awesome but too extreme for me at this point. Even the FZ is more high strung than I really need. The reviews for the Harley seem to agree that the ergos are very good, handling and braking are better than expected, and pretty decent fuel economy, though the tank is small.

Still not sure about Harley reliability and whether I can deal with having to explain to people that I bought a Harley! "No, it's an XR, I does handle" "No I don't dress like a Village People refugee" etc.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Nice bike! so 80's 

 

[airbalancer]

Have looked at use bike
I hear in Quebec, it will cost about 1g to get a licence, so there is a lot of bikes for sale

[Turbo Bob]

I'd rather have a Speed Triple!

 

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I'd rather have a Speed Triple!

 

Can't live with the ergos. Way more power than I need. I'm suspect of Harley reliability, I have no doubt about how reliable Triumphs are!

[Turbo Bob]

Ha ha. It's called character!

[safristi]

..TO ME...it looks like Harley tried to keep the long Cylinder look and big PIPES and married it to an OLDE BSA. TOO contrived....IMHO .................try a "nekked" Bandit..........available in several SIZES........
.. and PROLLY? half the PRICE...........
   

[HeliDriver]

A friend of mine used to have an old Harley XLCR. That was a really nice bike, and maybe the only other Harley that I could see myself riding.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

A friend of mine used to have an old Harley XLCR. That was a really nice bike, and maybe the only other Harley that I could see myself riding.

The XLCR was an interesting attempt by Harley to build something other than a straight on cruiser. Hardly sold at all. Really sought after now.

I was always a bit puzzled why they never federalized the XR750. I still think its one of the coolest bikes ever. I'm sure they would have sold a ton of them.

[Turbo Bob]

Don't Harley make Buell for the non-cruiser market?

I agree Saf, my brother had a nekked Bandit, awesome bike

[rrocket]

Been there, done that!!   We (a friend and I) built a 1200 Sportster Sport into basically that same bike!  Except that ours was much lighter.  While this is a decent bike, I think you'll be put off by the excessive weight (550 lbs. DRY!  ) and the so-so braking.  The handling was decent though (we had fully adjustable suspension on both ends).  I don't doubt that the XR1200 would be a decent all around bike.  But I was disappointed with the 1200 we made, and ours was more track worthy too.  Pluses: Comfy, torque pulsing engine, decent decent handling Cons: Weights, brakes, weight, Harley quality?

If you want a smile inducing ride that's unique, check out the KTM 690 Duke.  Without a doubt one of the most amusing bikes I've ever ridden...and I've ridden ALOT of fun bikes!  It didn't matter if I was doing 10MPH or 100MPH....I had an ear to ear smile.  The bike is light (326 lbs.!!) handles brilliantly, has near perfect ergonomics, and arrestor hook-like brakes.  And the modern, weird looks I love too!  Am I gushing?  Yes..it was such a great machine.  It was SOOO much fun!  While the 70HP from the engine doesn't sound like much, consider it undercuts the lightest supersport 600 by about 20 lbs.  I was never wanting for more power at any point in my day.  I think the only funner bike I've ridden for pure fun was a kitted supermotard.  But the seating position on that one had me crying after an hour or so.

If my love of the 690's bigger brother (KTM Superduke  ) wasn't so big I'd have a 690 Duke in my garage this second.  Great, great machine!


FWIW, your FZ6 is also a very good motorcycle.  Great all arounder.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Been there, done that!!   We (a friend and I) built a 1200 Sportster Sport into basically that same bike!  Except that ours was much lighter.  While this is a decent bike, I think you'll be put off by the excessive weight (550 lbs. DRY!  ) and the so-so braking.  The handling was decent though (we had fully adjustable suspension on both ends).  I don't doubt that the XR1200 would be a decent all around bike.  But I was disappointed with the 1200 we made, and ours was more track worthy too.  Pluses: Comfy, torque pulsing engine, decent decent handling Cons: Weights, brakes, weight, Harley quality?

If you want a smile inducing ride that's unique, check out the KTM 690 Duke.  Without a doubt one of the most amusing bikes I've ever ridden...and I've ridden ALOT of fun bikes!  It didn't matter if I was doing 10MPH or 100MPH....I had an ear to ear smile.  The bike is light (326 lbs.!!) handles brilliantly, has near perfect ergonomics, and arrestor hook-like brakes.  And the modern, weird looks I love too!  Am I gushing?  Yes..it was such a great machine.  It was SOOO much fun!  While the 70HP from the engine doesn't sound like much, consider it undercuts the lightest supersport 600 by about 20 lbs.  I was never wanting for more power at any point in my day.  I think the only funner bike I've ridden for pure fun was a kitted supermotard.  But the seating position on that one had me crying after an hour or so.

If my love of the 690's bigger brother (KTM Superduke  ) wasn't so big I'd have a 690 Duke in my garage this second.  Great, great machine!


FWIW, your FZ6 is also a very good motorcycle.  Great all arounder.

Thank for the input!

You're right, there's nothing wrong with the FZ. Much better than the crap I've ridden in the past. Just starting to think about a replacement. It always seems to be goading me into more speed than I really should be traveling at. I've done some pretty long days and it's comfortable, though the seat gets hard after 4-5 hours. The fuel injection isn't happy at low revs, where it gets pretty jerky, but I got used to it and compensate for it.

A co-worker has a previous generation Duke. Big grins and a hoot in town, but not exactly comfy. I've never tried the new one. I'll put it on the list.

Pretty short list right now. I'm not looking for a sporting weapon, no GSXR's or RR's. Torque, good ergonomics and good handling are where I'm at. I was thinking about the Moto Guzzi Breva 1100 or 1200 Sport, maybe the BMW F800ST, the Ducati 1000GT is still on the list, but a long shot.

Any other suggestions?

I still love the look of the XR though!

[HeliDriver]

Never ridden one, but I've always had a soft spot for the BMW R-Series bikes. Kind of the Porsche 911 of the motorcycle world, IMO.

Have you considered the R 1200 R? Seems like a nice bike, although it's too bad we don't get the R 1200 S over here.

[barrie1]

A friend of mine in London here builds Harlies from scratch and drag races them. He has also built a travelling Dino in a trailor which to test them on at the track. Does a fair business with it all summer as he's usually busy ever week-end racing his and helping others with theirs. Has been Candian Champion a few times for Harley but I don't know if he still holds the title at the moment or not. 

[rrocket]

You are right on about the assessment of the previous Duke (known as the Duke II).  My brother had one.  The new one is night and day.  From the great fuel injected engine to the much better ergos and chassis, this one is a winner.  The old one was great for going out for an hour or two and acting like a hooligan.  You can still do this on the new one...but you can do it all day.  Or just cruise around and tour.  FWIW you can also get a "touring" windscreen and seat for the new 690 Duke.

You've got a pretty good list there.  I'll add a couple:

I think you must check out the Honda VFR800 VTEC.  Great engine (V4 anyone?) great ergos, great sound!  Comfy yet sporty.  Safety features include linked braking, ABS and super bright headlights.  And you can get factory hardbags if you really want to do some touring.

This one I haven't rode yet...the Kawasaki Versys.  It's a small adventure tourer.  V-twin power. Supposed to be a great all arounder.  Or try the Versys cousins, the ER-6N (naked) or ER-6F(faired) These are known as the 650R Ninjas over here..  Same engine, slightly different chassis.  More of a standard bike..like your FZ-6.  Twin power though!  Modern twins have great power and torque..and personality.

BMW R1100S (this will be a used bike. The new one is the R1200S and is much more sporty. The 1100S is a better all arounder IMO.).  I'm not a huge fan of the BMWs, but after riding this bike (my brother also owns one of these) I can really see the appeal.  It's sporty, has a really fun engine, good ergonomics, maintenance-free shaft drive.  It can do the sporty stuff or be set-up for touring duties.  My brother has gone on several tours with this bike and it has never left him sore or stranded.  Multiple different luggace/packing options for this one.  This one makes up for what the F800 lacks...POWER.  I've included a pic of his bike from one of his day tours.

KTM Super Duke.  You just HAVE to try this one.  One of those bikes where you just say "WOW".  I am truly smitten by this one.  Locomotive power and torque from the amazing 990 twin.  And amazing traffic stopping looks.  Steep price tag though.  I have seen them for $11K used though.