Inspired by the XR-750, the most dominating American dirt track racing motorcycle of all-time, the Harley-Davidson XR1200 is now poised to boost adrenalin levels on streets, roads and highways around the world.

The XR1200 is a powerful new Harley-Davidson hot rod motorcycle that was initially designed and launched only in European markets in April 2008. With the high degree of interest and passionate reception surrounding the bike’s European release, as well as demand from Harley riders and competitive brand owners alike, H-D has come to its senses and the Harley-Davidson XR1200 is now being launched in all markets.

Harley has made 750 XR1200s available to its dealers on a pre-order basis, so that those dealers—with multiple customers who were willing to put money down—could get all the bikes they wanted. And so far, with just a "whisper campaign" to spread the word, the bikes have definitely been wanted and are selling at a good clip. More units should be available in late January, says Harley, with the Vivid Black version selling for $10,799. Pewter Denim or Mirage Orange Pearl are $11,079.

“The XR1200 is an exciting motorcycle with an aggressive attitude,” said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Vice President, Core Customer Marketing. “This bike will provide the performance and distinct style demanded by uncompromising riders. In fact, hundreds of XR1200s were ordered by enthusiastic customers before we really even promoted it.”

But putting the bike on sale here in the U.S. wasn't an easy decision. "Every time H-D has stepped out of 'This is what an Harley-Davidson looks like' box, going back as far as XLCR Café Racer, XR1000 and even the more recent V-Rod Street Rod, the company has been rewarded with lackluster customer response," said an insider. "So there is a deserved amount of skepticism about a European minded Harley-Davidson. There was a lot of internal hand-wringing about whether the bike had a home here in the U.S. or not.   

The H-D XR1200 makes its American debut at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California, December 5th–7th, 2008.

Christmas is coming just a bit early this year for the true blue Harley-Davidson enthusiast. Remember the iconic XR750 flat-track machine that dominated the dirt from 1972 to 1999? It won the championship 20 times in 27 years. Not only did the XR750 rule the roost, but it was also the machine of choice for the toughest man to ever throw a leg over a motorcycle, the legendary, and one and only, Evel Knievel. Last year our beloved but bewildering Harley-Davidson (Yes, ‘The AMERICAN Motorcycle Company!’) decided to produce the hottest sled they've built in years, the XR1200.

Built to look like a modernized XR750, this beast literally stole the ‘Sport’ from the Sportster and ripped the ‘Rod’ right out of the V-Rod. But the folks at Harley-Davidson must have gotten into a few too many cases of Milwaukee’s Best, or a batch that had gone bad, or both, because they decided that this machine would be released to the European market only.  That's right, the bike that practically symbolized America couldn't be purchased by Americans, at least not in this country anyway. Instead, they threw some rubber fork boots and black paint on a Sportster and called it a Nightster. They also decided to throw a fat front tire and a pair of bug-eye lights onto a Dyna and call it a Fat Bob. I mean WTF?!!! There's nothing fat about Bob except the front tire and the dent it will put in your wallet, and the rear fender is the same as the Softtail and half the other models Harley offers. It wasn't bobbed, hell it didn't even make it to the salon for a trim. Sorry Harley, these little tricks would have been better left as options, not new models in place of giving Europe our prodigal son. It was about as good an idea as Buell throwing some number plates and a dirtbike fender on a Lightning and calling it a Super TT, just to jump on the SuperMoto bandwagon. Number plates on a streetbike? Or did they really expect anyone to attempt racing that 400lb behemoth against bikes of half the weight? I saw one pushed into a corner of a dealership once. The poor machine looked embarrassed, like a bar brawling hooligan forced to wear a tutu as some kind of public humiliation.
 
So, it seems they've wised up a bit this year. They either fired the parties guilty of the decision to leave the XR in Europe, or those to blame sobered up. Because from now until December, 15th Harley-Davidson will be taking pre-orders on the 750 units, (yes, just 750) they will be releasing in the USA.  So for between $10,799 & $11,079 we can now own a piece of the H-D legacy. The Harley-Davidson XR1200 is the motorcycle bargain of the year if you ask me. Thank you H-D for giving us an early Christmas. All is forgiven ... well almost.