There have to be one thing within the water, as a result of that is the second Harley XR1200 avenue tracker that’s popped up on our radar in as many weeks. We’re not complaining although. Regardless that it wasn’t a giant gross sales hit, we’re followers of Harley-Davidson’s sportiest Sportster—primarily as a result of it was such a hoot to experience.
It’s arduous to pinpoint precisely why the Harley XR1200 didn’t stick round longer, however we’ve got our theories. One is that the market merely wasn’t prepared to just accept a Harley that really dealt with properly. The opposite is that the styling was a mish-mash of too many influences.
The Motor Co. pitched the XR1200 as a flat tracker for the road—and gave it an XR750-inspired livery and upright seating place to match. However the XR’s tail part and goofy split-spoke wheels felt like 90s sportbike throwbacks. Nonetheless, it was nothing if not daring, and its awkwardness was arguably a part of its allure.
This practice Harley XR1200 comes from Fever—a {custom} workshop primarily based in Taoyuan Metropolis, simply exterior of Taipei in Taiwan. Their tackle this cult basic is refreshing as a result of it pushes the styling in a single clear path as an alternative of making an attempt to experience the road between a number of genres.
The bike’s proprietor is a giant XR fan, so he initially simply wished Fever to tweak the form of the gasoline tank. However the extra they went forwards and backwards on concepts, the extra the concept of constructing a modernized avenue tracker got here to the fore.
Excessive on the record of priorities was fixing the inventory bike’s disproportionate (and disjointed) tank and tail combo. Fever scrapped the OEM components altogether, opting as an alternative to hammer out a brand new tank and tail from sheet steel. Not solely does the tail part now sport a much more distinctive flat observe aesthetic, however the entire association feels extra cohesive too.
The slight dip between the tank and tail recollects the XR’s authentic silhouette, however the two components now movement neatly into one another. Fever designed the tailpiece to work with the inventory oil tank and facet cowl, and constructed a hidden (and detachable) subframe to mount it to.
An LED taillight and custom-made license plate mount sit on the again, with a slim race-style seat pad perched up prime. Additional ahead, a flush-mount filler cap retains the gasoline tank trying tidy.
The XR’s wheels needed to go, so Fever changed them with new alloy models in a basic nine-spoke design. Measuring 18” on the entrance and 17” out again, they’re shod with Shinko Journey Path tires. A brand new set of Racing Bros shocks props up the rear.
Eager eyes will discover that the Harley XR1200’s distinctive downdraught air consumption is gone. The job known as for a extra conventional Sportster look, so Fever transformed the bike from fuel-injected to carburetted, leaving them free to put in a basic side-mounted air cleaner.
The 2-into-two exhaust system is new—handmade from entrance to again. Fever labored tighter bends into the header design for a extra aggressive look, and constructed a brand new warmth defend to guard the rider’s foot from the dual reverse cone mufflers. A tidy sump guard underscores the bike.
The cockpit wears a brand new set of flat track-style handlebars, fitted with Brembo controls, micro switches, and under-slung mirrors. The OEM headlight and its signature cowl are each nonetheless in play.
An extremely well-judged black, silver, yellow, and white livery finishes this good-looking Harley XR1200 avenue tracker off properly and shows Fever’s beautiful style and sharp eye. We’re left with only one query; is that this the motorbike that Harley-Davidson ought to have constructed sixteen years in the past?
Fever Taiwan | Pictures by Dong Lin
