Dirt Track Racing Heritage Fuels Bold Performance and Striking Style for New XR1200

Inspired by the XR750, the most dominating American dirt track racing motorcycle of all-time, the Harley-Davidson XR1200 is poised and ready 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 launched only for European markets in April 2008. With the high degree of interest and enthusiastic reception surrounding the bike’s European release, as well as the wide demand for an aggressive and sporty American V-Twin motorcycle, Harley-Davidson is now launching the XR1200 worldwide.

Drawing significant design influences from the successful Harley-Davidson XR750 motorcycles that set new standards for dirt track racing success over the last 30 years, the XR1200 adds the latest technical innovation for potent performance with smooth handling on the street. In fact, Harley-Davidson dirt track racing legends Scott Parker and Rich King participated in the XR1200 development, along with European GP racing champion Adrien Morillas.

“The XR1200 is a motorcycle with an aggressive attitude that comes from its roots in dirt track racing,” said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Vice President, Core Customer Marketing. “Winning on the track is part of Harley-Davidson heritage. The XR1200 will certainly provide the high levels of performance and distinct style demanded by uncompromising riders, so we are very fired up to make the XR1200 available to riders in North America and around the world.”

The new Harley Iron 883 is dressed for a dark ride

Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycles like the Iron 883 have stood against the grain since their introduction in 1957, when the modern rebel culture was being bred from restless veterans and hot rod pioneers. Sportster motorcycles became the starting point for many legendary choppers of the 1960s, while also getting pumped up for championship dirt racing and dare devil stunt riding in the 1970s.

The Iron 883 model continues that rebellious tradition with responsive handling, smooth clutch effort and durable carbon reinforced drive belt while pushing the styling of motorcycling minimalism to the edge. Decked in black from fender-to-fender, the new Harley-Davidson Iron 883 motorcycle brings the beat of an 883 Evolution® engine backed up by a combo of gritty, old-school garage features like front fork gaiters, drag style handlebar and side-mount license plate holder. A ticket to ride the Iron 883 starts at just $7,899 MSRP, leaving plenty of freedom for customization.

“The Iron 883 defies the plastic conventions of other motorcycles at this price,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s got old school style, a new school ride and gives the owner a platform for creative customization.”
The black powder-coated 883cc Evolution powertrain with black covers takes the Iron 883 deep into the heart of darkness. With Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and performance tuning with a broad torque curve, the Iron 883 delivers plenty of power for the city scene. The pipes on the straight cut shorty dual exhaust flow the distinctive Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound.

The black chopped rear fender with its combination stop/turn/tail lights shows more of the 150 mm rear tire and black, 13-spoke cast aluminum wheel, while the front tire also rides on a black wheel. The rest of the Iron 883 gets a darker-suited presence with black front forks and fender supports, fuel tank, oil tank cover, belt guard, drag style handlebar and mid mount foot controls.
A one-piece, solo classic seat with a height of 25.3 inches fits the lone rider, while a passenger seat and a backrest in complementing black finishes can be added as accessories.

As the latest of the Harley-Davidson Dark Custom motorcycles, the Iron 883 is stripped down and ripe for custom creativity. Dark Custom motorcycle riders have the youngest average age for Harley-Davidson buyers. Soul mates of the Iron 883 include the Nightster®, Night Train®, Cross Bones®, Fat Bob® and Street Bob® motorcycles. Check out more on Dark Custom motorcycles at www.harley-davidson.com/darkcustom

May is Women Riders Month

Harley -Davidson has declared May as Women Riders Month. In the past 20 years the percentage of women who have purchased new Harley-Davidson motorcycles has tripled, with women now accounting for nearly 20% of new H-D purchases.

During Women Riders Month Harley-Davidson is encouraging 100,000 women throughout the Untied States to learn to Ride. Harley-Davidson plans to set a Guinness World Record for the number of women motorcycle riders trained in a single weekend during the first weekend of May 2009.

Activities also include the 3rd Annual International Female Ride Day on Friday, May 1, 2009. The day celebrates women of all ages who take life by the handlebars by encouraging them to ride.

Reno Harley-Davidson offers several programs designed to help interested women learn to ride:

* Riders Training Classes through our Riders Edge Program. Reno Harley-Davidson makes it easy to learn to ride. We provide the instructors and the motorcycles. You provide your time, a helmet, gloves etc. The classes are held Thur and Fri evenings (classroom portion) and Sat-Sun (riding portion). Once you've passed the class you have also passed the State of Nevada riders exam (our instructors are certified by the State) and you are qualified for your motorcycle license. Our class is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation certified class as well which often helps with insurance rates.We offer classes for women only as well as mixed classes if you prefer. Classes are held nearly every weekend. Call us for details and to sign up.

* Women only Garage Parties. Designed as a fun evening out, the Garage Party is loaded with information about riding and motorcycles as well as food, drink and of course conversation. Check out our web site for photos the last party!

Stop by and see us. We have lots of women who ride that work here. They would be happy to answer any of your questions or get you signed up for one or both of these programs!

Stay tuned for more news on Women Riders Month !