The new XR1200 is a different motorcycle for Harley and those buying them are not necessarily from the traditional Harley mold either. If you read the online forums you will find some XR owners are coming off various Japanese and European bikes as well as previous Harley owners. Their expectations and desires are different and they are more likely to embrace the Sport Touring style.
After perusing the Genuine Motor Accessories catalog it became apparent that we could turn the XR1200 into a nice little Sport Tourer. We found five items that would not only allow us to turn the XR into a medium distance Sport Tourer but with various combinations we could improve the commuting, weekend overnighter, and daily rider type versatility of the bike as well.
There are two different windshields available for this bike and we ordered up one of each, the taller, clear Super Sport ($339.95 ), and the shorter Sport Screen ($339.95), with a clear to black gradient from top to bottom. For storage we ordered the Tank Bag ($139.95) which offers 555ci of storage and is expandable by 3 1/2 inches for more room when needed. On top is a clear map pocket while the back has a contoured bottom that matches the gas tank cover and keeps it from sliding around or scratching the tank. The Tail Bag ($169.95) fits over the passenger seat and adds much needed carrying space with a capacity of 1040ci in the main and two side compartments. And lastly we picked up the Sport Saddlebags ($329.95), which offer a total of 1000ci of storage. The Tank Bag, Tail Bag, and Sport Saddlebags are all made of a charcoal colored UV and water resistant nylon with carbon fiber look panels and full length zippers that have a seal as well.
All together it took about an hour to set up and install all the components for this conversion. It only takes minutes to add or subtract any or all of the parts depending on the mood or type of riding you are doing. Follow along as we do the install and transform the XR1200 into the XR1200 "T".
1 Here is the Stock XR1200 before the transformation began.
2 The windshields come with some of the hardware installed. It took about 10 minutes to install the remainder. Both come with quick release hardware that not only make them easy to pop on and off, but don't leave any hardware on the bike when removed. The Super Sport windshield (shown here) stands about 13 1/2 inches above the headlight and is the ideal choice for longer trips and offers good wind protection for a variety of riders.
3 The end of the Tank Bag has a male end quick release buckle that bolts on under the seat while the bag has the female end buckle allowing you to quickly and easily raise the bag for easy access to the gas cap.
4 The front of the bag has two straps with metal Ts that fit into existing slotted holes in the XR's frame.
5 The Tail Bag has two quick release straps that fit around the upper shock mounts and another that goes under the taillight. This bag also gives a little bit of a back rest during those long rides. The Tail Bag also features a bungee cord web for stashing a water bottle, gloves or small items. Both the Tank Bag and Tail Bag come with handy straps that let you wear them as a backpacks and have carrying handles for another option at your destination.
6 The Sport Saddlebags come with brackets (A), Bungee Bars (B) and necessary hardware. These took the longest to install, about 20 minutes. The Bungee Bars (also sold separately $49.95) not only help support the bags but give you a place to strap something to the back seat area if you don't have your Tail Bag installed.
7 After removing the rider and passenger seat the tail section was unbolted.
8 With the tail off, the brackets (A) and Bungee Bars (B) were bolted in place. On the right side, both are mounted to the same bolt holes as the exhaust hanger.
9 Since the stock side reflectors would be blocked by the saddlebags, new ones come in the kit. This bike has the license plate mount modified for a cleaner look yet the reflectors still fit.
10 For our daily commute we have found that the combination of the Sport Windshield and saddlebags work perfectly and keep the flat track inspired profile that sets this bike apart. At 11 1/4 inches tall this windshield provides a sportier look while sacrificing some wind protection but still does a good job of keeping the wind blast off your chest and works great for shorter riders or those that like to feel a bit of wind in the face.
11 Here's the bike all decked out and ready to head to Laguna Seca to watch the Formula GP races. Quite a difference from the first photo and not bad for less than an hour's work and since most owners will only choose one windshield, less than $1,000.