Released in 2008The Harley-Davidson XR1200 was supposed to be a big hit for The Motor Co.; a sport bike Sports car It was designed after the iconic XR750 flat track. But it never really settled down.
One theory is that it’s too sporty for true Harley fans, and not sporty enough to appeal to new riders. But you could also argue that the styling is a letdown. Like the current Sportster S, XR1200 Taking ideas from too many sources makes the aesthetic messy.
At least the XR1200’s story has a happy ending. Like a 90s B-movie, it has found a devoted following in recent years. And, like this loud XR1200 from Argentina… Follow STG has cleverly proven that it has a lot of potential if you know how to exploit it properly.
“This customer brought the bike to us complaining that not only was it ugly, but it also had poor handling and a bulky HD shifter,” says Marcelo Obarrio, who runs STG Tracker with Germán Karp. “He had a few sportbikes and liked to go fast, but like any Harley, it didn’t brake well or turn quickly—it could only accelerate in a straight line.”
The idea was to customize a 2010 Harley-Davidson XR1200 in the style of the loud big twins that compete in the AMA Super Hooligans series, but still be street legal. STG’s list included some serious performance upgrades, along with a sensible weight loss plan. Tweaking the XR1200’s slightly odd styling was also a top priority.
“We sourced a huge list of parts from all over the world,” says Marcelo. “But in most cases, we modified them to fit better, because plug-and-play parts just didn’t look right.”
Starting at the front, Marcelo and Germán removed the XR’s OEM forks, coated the tops in matte yellow Cerakoted, and upgraded the internals. They’re now held in place by a set of CNC-machined swingarms from Free Spirits Parts in Italy, with a Hyperpro steering damper installed underneath. The number plate and twin headlights are also Free Spirits parts, but the guys have modified the entire arrangement to be closer to the forks.
Upgraded 17-inch aluminum wheels from a Ducati replace the stock 18-inch front rim. STG has retained the stock Harley calipers at both ends, but has swapped the discs for custom floating calipers, and bumped the front discs to 330mm with custom caliper mounts. A stock XR1200 rear end is used, along with an Öhlins piggyback shock.
The brief called for a complete rework of the Harley’s cockpit, so the guys started with a set of solid ProTaper bars and handlebars. They’re fitted with Domino throttles and grips, Brembo clutch and brake controls, and a CNC-machined mini-switch cluster. The speedo has been swapped out for a Koso unit, which now sits to the left of the tank.
One of the XR1200’s best features is the fuel tank; a flat race-inspired unit surrounded by an air duct that leads to the bike’s downtube. STG added an aftermarket air duct with a K&N filter and topped the tank with an SSR fuel cap. Then they quickly stripped away the rest of the XR’s bodywork.
The XR now features a tail and belly pan from Zas Racing in Spain. Marcelo and Germán have improved the tail and belly pan by embedding a 2000 Yamaha R1 tail light into the rear. Equipped with LEDs inside, the light functions as both a tail light and turn signals.
Next, the crew widened the belly to bring it closer to the rear wheel, while adding a curve to the rear edge to follow the curve of the wheel. They also lowered it a few inches at the front, so it would match the angles of the tank and tail.
In search of an exhaust that was loud enough to complete the project, STG ordered a two-into-two carbon fiber and titanium system from Termignoni. “The length wasn’t right, but we shortened the back half of the exhaust to get the muffler exactly where we needed it,” says Marcelo.
Other engine-related upgrades include new coils and a Dynojet Power Commander chip. A CNC machine cover sits on the front sprocket, while an R&G Racing shield protects the radiator. STG also fitted a Sato Racing rear derailleur, a Rizoma rear brake reservoir, a sportier front fender, and a full set of sliders.
The kit, expertly crafted by Alejandro Minissale, is a riff on the original XR1200 design. “We decided to add an ‘R’ for a racing feel,” Marcelo jokes.
“Riding this bike is a whole new experience. Now you can grab the handlebars and ride wherever you want! But the best improvement is the brakes—you can trust them now.”
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