Released in 2008, the Harley-Davidson XR1200 should have been a big hit for The Motor Co.; an athletic Sportster fashioned after the iconic XR750 flat tracker. But it never quite stuck.
One theory is that it was too sporty for dyed-in-the-wool Harley fans, and not sporty enough to entice new riders. But you could also argue that the styling was a flop. Like the current Sportster S, the XR1200 pulled ideas from too many sources, making it aesthetically muddled.
At least the XR1200’s story has a happy ending. Like a 90s B-movie, it’s found a cult following in recent years. And, as this rowdy XR1200 from Argentina’s STG Tracker so deftly proves, it has oodles of potential if you know how to massage it just right.
“This client brought us his bike complaining that not only was it ugly, but he was also struggling with the handling and those chunky H-D levers,” says Marcelo Obarrio, who runs STG Tracker along with Germán Karp. “He has a few sport bikes and likes to ride fast, but, like any Harley, it didn’t brake well or turn fast—it could just accelerate in a straight line.”
The idea was to customize the 2010-model Harley-Davidson XR1200 along the lines of the rowdy big twins that compete in the AMA Super Hooligans race series, but keep it street-legal. STG’s list included a handful of key performance improvements, plus a judicious weight loss plan. Refining the XR1200’s slightly awkward style was a top priority too.
“We searched for a huge list of parts from all around the globe,” Marcelo tells us. “But in most cases, we modified them to fit better, because the plug-n-play parts didn’t look right.”
Starting at the front, Marcelo and Germán stripped the XR’s OEM forks, had the uppers Cerakoted in matte gold, and upgraded the internals. They’re now held in place by a set of CNC-machined yokes from Free Spirits Parts in Italy, with a Hyperpro steering damper fitted lower down. The number board and twin headlights are also Free Spirits parts, but the guys modified the whole arrangement to sit closer to the forks.
A 17” aluminum wheel, lifted from a Ducati, replaces the original 18″ front hoop. STG retained the original Harley brake calipers at both ends of the bike, but swapped the discs for custom-made floating units, while bumping the front discs up to 330 mm with custom caliper mounts. The stock XR1200 rear wheel does duty out back, along with a set of Öhlins piggyback shocks.
The brief called for an extensive rework of the Harley’s cockpit, so the guys started with a set of burly ProTaper handlebars and risers. They’re fitted with a Domino throttle and grips, Brembo clutch and brake controls, and CNC-machined mini-switch clusters. The speedo’s been swapped for a Koso part, which now sits off to the left of the fuel tank.
One of the XR1200’s best features is its fuel tank; a flat track-inspired unit flanked by an air duct that feeds the bike’s downdraught intake. STG added an aftermarket air duct with a K&N filter, and topped the tank off with an SSR fuel cap. They then promptly ditched the rest of the XR’s bodywork.
The XR now wears a tail unit and belly pan from Zas Racing in Spain. Marcelo and Germán modified the former by embedding a 2000-model Yamaha R1 taillight cluster in the back. Equipped with LED internals, it includes both taillight and turn signal functions.
Next, the crew extended the belly pan to get it closer to the rear wheel, while also adding a curve to its back edge to trace the curve of the wheel. They also lowered it by a couple of inches at the front, so that it harmonizes with the angles of the tank and tail.
On the hunt for a suitably rowdy exhaust to complete the project, STG ordered a two-into-two titanium and carbon fiber system from Termignoni. “The length wasn’t right though,” Marcelo tells us, “so we shortened the second half of the headers to place the silencers just where we needed them.”
The only other motor-adjacent upgrades are new coils and a Dynojet Power Commander chip. A CNC-machined cover sits over the front sprocket, while an R&G Racing guard protects the radiator. STG also specced the bike with Sato Racing rear-sets, a Rizoma rear brake fluid reservoir, a sportier front fender, and a full set of sliders.
The livery, expertly executed by Alejandro Minissale, is a riff on the original XR1200 design. “We decided to put an extra ‘R’ for that racing vibe,” Marcelo quips.
“Riding this bike is a whole new experience. You can now grab the handlebars and make it go where you want it to! The best improvement is the brakes though—you can trust them now.”
STG Tracker | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Darío Rodriguez
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