this past weekend I went to the local HD dealer for their 'screw it, let's ride' promotion. they basically make every HD model available for test rides, and you can ride as many bikes as you like as many times as you like.

i test rode the XR1200, as well as a 'regular' sportster 1200. my girlfriend rode a dyna (too big for her) and the nightster. i think she wants a to trade her SV for a nightster now...

i was actually surprised at the build quality of the bikes - everything had a very strong and chunky feeling. the bikes themselves weren't all that impressive, although certainly better than what i was expecting. the XR handled decently, had reasonable torque, and was actually pretty comfy for a 'sporting' bike. the sportster was a bit more relaxed and wobbly at lower speeds, mostly thanks to me being uncomfortable with the handle bars.

anyway, here's a couple pics:

my girlfriend airing out her pits on the dyna:


me on the XR:

 

the xr1200 is one of the first harleys i actually like.

 

It can actually lean...well, for a Charlie Deivinson

 

when my funds build up again i really want a second bike to throw the lady on. im looking at vfrs but id seriously consider an xr1200 if they were affordable. im curious what there going for.

im too cheap though, ill prob, go for the vfr, lol.

 

Did you at least wave to any sportbike riders?!

 

i couldn't see any other bikes over the vibrations and shiny chrome bits... so no