The All New 2011 Harley-Davidson XR1200X

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Well, here it is,… you’re either going to love it, or hate it. Here’s the brand new 2011 Harley-Davidson XR1200X Sporty for your viewing pleasure. I’m a big guy so I don’t ride a Sporty or much care for them, but they are mighty quick and definitely have their place. From what I hear, this version is a real screamer.

Is it just me, or does this bike look like a Honda from the early 80′s?!?! There’s no mistaking the upswept exhaust pipes and the unmistakable rear that looks like it was taken off a Japanese street bike. I don’t get it.

Harley has always had a line of minimalist styled bikes, but I just don’t think this Sporty can get away with it. It doesn’t celebrate minimalism. It simply looks like a re-hashed idea covered in PVC.

Back in the AMF days, and even now – we had the Japanese trying to steal the looks of American motorcycles like Harley Davidsons, and not only the unique styles – but also the sound!

Has the world tuned on it’s head, so that now Harley is trying to ripp-off the looks of Japanese bikes?!?! I’d like to march into the marketing and design department at Harley and ask them what their smoking. Then kick each person in the back side for good measure! I don’t know what is happening with Harley Davidson these days, but it does seem that they are losing touch with they’re main demographic.

OK, OK, businesses adapt and market to where the money is, but is this bike design completely necessary? I’d be taking all my words back if they did something radically new with the engine,….but no – it’s still a 1200 cc air cooled Evolution. It “look” fast as Japanese street bikes are, and yes, Sporties are quick – but come on!

Anyway, I’m just shaking my head at this because I don’t get it. Here’s the specs from Harley:

The XR1200X is Harley-Davidson® Sportster performance honed to its finest edge. Equipped with fully-adjustable Showa® front and rear suspension components, the 2011 XR1200X can be dialed in to match rider weight, riding style and road conditions. The XR1200X combines this premium suspension with enhanced front brakes and the responsive punch of a high-compression, 1200cc Evolution® V-Twin engine in a dynamic, street-performance motorcycle.

With a tank and tail section designed to evoke the legendary Harley-Davidson XR750 – the king of the gritty American flat-track scene – the XR1200X puts its mechanical character on display. Wide flat-track bars and rearset footpegs position an assertive rider for active control. The XR1200X has a blacked-out powertrain and exhaust, revised tank graphics, and black wheels with an orange rim pinstripe.

Harley-Davidson XR1200X model Highlights

• Isolation-mounted XL Evolution® 1200 cc V-Twin engine with black powder-coated finish features downdraft Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), high-performance camshafts, precision oil-cooled cylinder heads and a large-capacity oil cooler

• Upswept, high-volume 2-1-2 straight-shot exhaust system with satin black finish

• Cast aluminum swingarm

• Showa® fully adjustable rear shock absorbers and Showa® big piston front forks

• Nissin® dual front brakes feature 292mm full-floating rotors and four-piston calipers

• Wide, low-rise handlebar

Key Harley-Davidson XR1200X Features

Showa Big Piston Front fork (BPF) eliminates many of the internal components used in a cartridge-type fork, resulting in lighter overall fork weight. The large-diameter of the BPF internal piston allows a reduction in damping pressure for outstanding feedback and smooth action. Rebound and compression damping may be fine tuned with adjuster screws located on top of the fork bolts. The spring pre-load is adjusted with a M5 hex screw on the axle holders.

Showa rear shocks feature 36mm pistons with piggy-back nitrogen charged reservoirs. The compression damping may be adjusted with a knob on top of the reservoir. Rebound is adjusted with a thumb wheel on the lower clevis. Rear spring pre-load is also adjustable.

Nissin® dual front brakes feature 292mm full-floating rotors and four-piston calipers.

Isolation-mounted XL Evolution 1200 cc V-Twin engine with black powdercoat finish features downdraft Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), high-performance camshafts, precision oil-cooled cylinder heads and a large-capacity oil cooler. Compression ratio is 10:1. The engine is rated at 74 ft. lbs. peak torque @ 4000 rpm (per SAE J1349).

Upswept, high-volume 2-1-2 straight-shot exhaust system with satin black finish offers extra cornering clearance.

Chassis features a high-performance designed tubular mild steel frame. The rigid, cast-aluminum swingarm is engineered to enhance handling.

Dunlop® Qualifier D209 tires were designed specifically for the XR1200X.

Three-spoke lightweight cast-aluminum wheels, 18-inch front / 17-inch rear, are finished in gloss black with an orange pinstripe on the rim.

Wide, black dirt-track handlebar for enhanced steering leverage and comfort.
Rearset foot pegs for additional cornering clearance.

Compact instrument display with white-faced analog tachometer, digital speedometer, dual trip meter and clock.

3.5-gallon fuel tank with aircraft-style aluminum alloy fuel filler.

29.2-inch seat height with standard passenger pillion and foot pegs.

Optional Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System.

2011 Harley-Davidson XR1200X

USA Specifications
MSRP: Solids $11,799

ENGINE
Engine1 Air-cooled, Evolution® with oil cooled heads
Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 3.5 in. x 3.812 in. (88.9 mm x 96.8 mm)
Displacement 73.3 cu. in. (1200 cc)
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Fuel System2 Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Air Cleaner Paper cartridge type
Lubrication System Dry-sump

DRIVETRAIN
Primary Drive Chain, 57/34 ratio
Final Drive Belt, 68/28 ratio
Clutch Multi-plate, wet
Transmission 5-speed
Gear Ratios (overall): U.S.
• 1st 10.782
• 2nd 7.702
• 3rd 5.728
• 4th 4.748
• 5th 4.071

CHASSIS
Frame Mild steel tubular frame, circular sections; cast junctions
Swingarm Aluminum Cast
Front Forks 43 mm Inverted Showa®
Rear Shocks Fully-adjustable
Wheels: Black, 3-spoke Cast Aluminum
• Front 18 in. x 3.5 in. (457 mm x 89 mm)
• Rear 17 in. x 5.5 in. (432 mm x 140 mm)
Brakes:
• Caliper Type Dual 4-Piston, fixed front, single-piston floating rear
• Rotor Type Patented, uniform expansion rotors
(diameter x width):
• Front (dual) 11.5 in. x 0.2 in. (292 mm x 5 mm)
• Rear 10.24 in. x 0.28 in. (260 mm x 7 mm)
Suspension Travel:
• Front Wheel 4.92 in. (125 mm)
• Rear Wheel 3.5 in. (89 mm)

PERFORMANCE
Engine Torque (per SAE J1349):
• North America 73.91 ft. lbs. @ 4000 rpm (100 Nm @ 4000 rpm)
Lean Angle (per SAE J1168):
• Right 39°
• Left 40°

Fuel Economy
(EPA urban/highway test)
38/53 mpg (6.19/4.44 L/100 km)

ELECTRIC
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating) Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 12-amp/hour, 200 cca
Charging Single-phase, 30-amp system (357W @ 13.5V, 2000 rpm, 405W max power @ 13.5V)
Starting 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement
Lights (as per country regulation):
• Headlamp 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
(quartz halogen)
• Tail/Stop Lights 8W/28W (5W/21W)
• Turn Signal Lights 28W (21W) self-canceling
• Indicator Lamps High beam, neutral, low oil pressure,
turn signals, engine diagnostics,
low fuel warnings, low battery,
security system3 (optional)

DIMENSIONS
Length 87.6 in. (2225 mm)
Overall Width 36.6 in. (930 mm)
Overall Height 45.7 in. (1161 mm)
Seat Height:
• Laden 29.2 in. (742 mm)
• Unladen 31.3 in. (795 mm)
Ground Clearance 5.9 in. (150 mm)
Rake (steering head) 29°
Fork Angle 27.5°
Trail 5.2 in. (132 mm)
Wheelbase 60 in. (1524 mm)
Tires (Dunlop® Qualifier front and rear):
• Front – D209 120/70ZR18 M/C
• Rear – D209 180/55ZR17 M/C
Fuel Capacity 3.5 gal. (13.2 L)
(warning light at approximately 0.8 gal.)
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 2.8 qts. (2.6 L)
Transmission Capacity 1 qts.

Weight:
• As Shipped 551 lbs. (249.9 kg)
• In Running Order 573 lbs. (259.9 kg)
• Gross Vehicle Weight 1000 lbs. (453.6 kg)
Rating
• Gross Axle Weight 1000 lbs. (453.6 kg)
Rating
• Front 340 lbs. (154.2 kg)
• Rear 660 lbs. (299.4 kg)

COLOR OPTIONS
Solids • Black Denim
• White Hot Denim

WARRANTY
Warranty4 24 months (unlimited mileage)
Service Interval First 1,000 miles (1,600 km),
every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) thereafter
1 Recommended 91 octane or higher fuel (R+M)/2.
2 Standard and optional fuel systems may vary by country and region.
3 North America security system includes immobilizer; outside North America the
security system includes immobilizer and siren.
4 See motorcycle owner’s manual for complete details.

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It looks like those Rip-Off Red Light Photo Tickets in California Might Not be Enforceable After All; Thank Goodness.

Some of you out there may have received a notice in the mail that you ran through a red light, and that the evidence or proof was obtained through a photograph.

Some of you may have simply heard of red light photo tickets.

Along with the notice, you probably also received notice of a hefty fine of between $400 and $500 dollars for the infraction.

Welcome to the automated world of governmental entities ripping you off to pay off their budget deficits, under the guise of public safety.

These Red Light Photo tickets have been controversial in California for a few reasons, including but not limited to; (a) most attorney’s have always known that this type of evidence of violative of our hearsay rules of evidence here in California; (b) studies have found that red light cameras actually create more accidents; and (c) with the budget crisis here in California, State and local governments have tacked on so many surcharges onto these types of infractions, that the fine is between $420 and $480 which is absolutely outrageous under the circumstances.

Basically government is using these fines to offset their deficits, rather than making the fine fit the infraction. This is a dirty underhanded method of taxing the public by ticket so to say. This issue is more about governmental entities filling their coffers than public safety.

Anyway, getting back on topic, guess what, the Appellate Court Division of the Orange County Superior Court has ruled in the case of People v. Khaled, 30-2009-304893 (Orange Super. Ct., Ap. Div., filed May 25, 2010) that a Court Commissioner was wrong to admit photos and a declaration seeming to show that Tarek Khaled ran a red light in Santa Ana on August 2, 2008. Without those pieces of evidence, Khaled should not have been convicted of violating the Vehicle Code, the Court said.

In its opinion, the Court added; the case “involves an issue far too often presented in this Court, namely the admissibility of evidence and the statutory compliance with the procedures employed by several municipalities in the County in what have come to be known as “photo enforcement” citations.”

The Court threw out the automated photo evidence because it is hearsay and violates that California Evidence Code.

If this opinion stays on the books or is upheld by the State Appeals Court, Red Light Tickets will not be enforceable in the State of California.

The attorney who fought these tickets stated that he became very frustrated that the Courts were not applying the California Evidence Code to these types of tickets.

Of course the City Attorney Joseph W. Fletcher believes that the ruling is wrong, intends to ask the 4th District Court of Appeal to take up the decision and to order it depublised.

My opinion is such; Photo Tickets are inadmissible hearsay if the California Evidence Code is applied thereto. Pursuant to California Rules of Evidence with respect to photo evidence, it has long been established that to admit photo’s into evidence, that the person taking the photo must testify that the photograph is a reasonable representation of what it is alleged to portray, otherwise it is hearsay.

With red light tickets, there is no one to testify that the actual photographs reasonably depict that which is being shown; they lack foundation and are hearsay.

The California Evidence Code has long established the principal that photographs must be supported by adequate foundational testimony.

Now with the advent of digital photography and programs that allow photographs to be easily altered with the click of a mouse, it is even more important that an adequate foundation be established for photographs that are admitted into evidence, and that the person testifying to the same be available for cross examination.

It has simply been too easy for the government to set up red light cameras and introduce their photographs without following the rules of evidence.

In my opinion, maybe it is time to initiate a voter ballot initiative to take this issue out of the legislative hands, and ban red light cameras in California because they cause more harm than benefit, and the potential for abuse does not justify their use in society.

I would go even further; I would limit the amount of fines that can be imposed for infractions. It does not make sense that general damages have been limited in medical malpractice cases to $250k since the 1970’s yet the government has without justification raised the cost of infractions a few hundred percent since the 1970’s.

It is time we make the government work for us and not against us.

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2010

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The History Of Motorcycles

Gottlieb Daimler's First Motorcycle

Most of us have ridden on a motorcycle at one time or another. The idea for their design came from the development with a bicycle. I guess people were seeking a faster way to move their bicycle along, or perhaps one that wasn’t as physically exerting. The first motorcycle  is credited to Gottllieb Daimler in 1885. This gas powered motorcycle was basically a gas engine attached to a standard bicycle. As it turned out, Gottllieb decided not to pursue making  motorcycles and picked instead to focus on manufacturing cars. Yes, you know them now as Mercedes Benz.

During this time period however, many other individuals ended up also tinkering with the motorcycle concept. A couple on the men behind this were William Harley and Arthur

The Davidson Brothers

Davidson. You guessed it, the dynamic duo behind the incredible line of Harley-Davidson bikes that have become popular all around the world since 1903.

People have been extremely interested in this convenient mode of transportation since it was very economical. The public loved the concept of motorized transportation, but cars had been still far more high priced than most people could afford. On the other hand, some people soon realized that they would have to invest in a car rather than a motorbike so that you can transport their entire family.

A couple of of these motorcycle pioneers ended up  successfully establishing firms for example Harley-Davidson. However, there were those that never had the money to start the venture correctly and make it prosperous. Other people left to go fight the first wold war and still other people went bankrupt trying to patent their motorcycle ideas throughout the Depression.

One of the downfalls of motorbikes in the 1950′s was that you had to have a good understanding of mechanics to be capable to operate one. The American bike companies didn’t pursue making advances in that department, until they started facing competition from Japan. They developed the electric start off system that bikes provide right now. This critical feature allowed motorbikes to transform from little mopeds and scooters to powerful machines.

American motorbike producers did not see Japanese bikes as a threat, but this was a serious miscalculation on their part. It didn’t take long for American makers to realize that they ended up losing consumers towards the Japanese marketplace. This lead to the introduction of quite a few new motorcycle versions to prevent them from losing more of the industry. Baby boomers continued to obtain Japanese bikes as they offered additional power and ended up sold at an exceptional price.

Who remembers the advertisement jingle, “You meet the nicest people on a Honda”? I still laugh at that.

Motorbikes have certainly changed because their history. Nowadays, the market is saturated with brand names which are well known throughout the motorcycle industry. Each one provides a variety of designs to pick from as well as unique styles.

Courtesy of the all time greatest biker movie, "Easy Rider"

As the top motorbike manufacturers continue to strive to come up with designs that will please the consumer, even though out shining their competitors, you will always have  choices. As technology advances you will find quicker, more durable, and less expensive bikes on the market.

Harley-Davidson continues being from the top position (and just happens to be my favorite), selling far more motorcycles than any other manufacturer. You might not know it, but the majority of their bikes are sold prior to they even leave the factory! Although they remain one particular on the most expensive motorcycle producers, buyers are willing to pay for the quality and the power behind them.

Nothing beats a Harley, period.

When it comes on the motorbike industry, shoppers have come to learn that quality and reliability are more significant than saving a few dollars along the way. A motorcycle is generally a large investment, and people want to become happy with the product they pick. The issue of brand name loyalty also comes into play with motorcycles.

Due to the fact every single manufacturer now provides a full line of diverse versions and kinds of motorcycles, there is no reason why you can’t purchase both the brand along with the style you are looking for.

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