New Harley-Davidson® XR 1200™ Rolls off the Production Line

(29.04.08) Successful first production of dirt track-inspired, high performance Harley-Davidson® streetbike developed specifically for European customers.

Oxford, England - Harley-Davidson® today announces 29th April, 2008 as the first production start date for the eagerly anticipated new XR 1200™ motorcycle, which will be released only in the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions this year.

The XR1200™ was first launched as a prototype at the Intermot international motorcycle exhibition in Cologne, Germany in October 2006 to gauge customer and media reaction to a new kind of performance-oriented Harley-Davidson® motorcycle with great style and character.  Following overwhelmingly positive feedback, development work continued to convert the appealing prototype concept into a great handling, high performance streetbike designed to satisfy the needs of European customers on European roads. 

Developed for European Riders

Harley-Davidson’s European Product Planning Team was involved from the beginning of the XR1200™ project, working in partnership with the Styling and Engineering team in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The result is a great looking motorcycle that is built for the twists and turns of European roads, and one that represents the company’s commitment to the needs and desires of customers in the European market.

“XR1200™ is a new breed of Harley-Davidson® motorcycle that was born out a fruitful collaboration between Harley-Davidson’s European product planning team and our Product Development colleagues in Milwaukee,” said John Lewis, Marketing & Product Planning Director of Harley-Davidson Europe. “We’re all very proud of the result - a great looking, fine-handling Harley-Davidson® performance streetbike designed specifically to meet the needs of many European riders.  Above all, it’s tremendous fun to ride!”

Michael van der Sande, Vice President and Managing Director of Harley-Davidson Europe Ltd, said:  “The XR1200™ clearly demonstrates the Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s commitment to the European market and our intent to attract new customers.  We believe that XR1200™ will appeal to performance-oriented customers who like the idea of owning a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle and are seeking a Roadster with great performance and tremendous character.  XR1200™ is unmistakably a true Harley-Davidson® but one that draws on Harley-Davidson’s exciting Dirt Track racing heritage.”

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