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2008 Harley-Davidson XR1200: Specs, Tires and XR1200X Differences

Harley-Davidson's 2008 XR1200 service figures, tire fitment and pressures, sport-oriented chassis equipment, and documented differences from the XR1200X.
Entry892 Date Time2 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The 2008 Harley-Davidson XR1200 is a 1,203 cc, five-speed Sportster-based motorcycle with a published world torque figure of 74.1 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm. Harley-Davidson lists 120/70 ZR18 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tires. Its sport-oriented chassis includes inverted forks, rear-set footpegs and four-piston brakes; the later XR1200X is distinguished chiefly by its fully adjustable suspension and upgraded brakes.

2008 Harley-Davidson XR1200 specifications

These are Harley-Davidson’s published 2008 service specifications, not universal certification figures. The company notes that publication timing, test methods and vehicle differences can produce different figures in some markets; consult the applicable certification documents or a Harley-Davidson dealer or distributor for regulatory data.

Specification 2008 XR1200
Engine Four-cycle, 45-degree V-twin; precision-cooled
Displacement 1,203 cc
Bore × stroke 3.50 × 3.81 inches
Compression ratio 10.0:1
Published torque 74.1 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm (Harley-Davidson “World” service specification)
Transmission Five-speed sequential; left-foot shift operation
Wheelbase 59.8 inches
Overall length 85.4 inches
Maximum width 36.5 inches
Ground clearance 5.8 inches
Seat height 29.2 inches with a 180-pound rider aboard

Sources: Harley-Davidson 2008 service specifications and the 2008 owner’s manual.

What tires and pressures does a 2008 XR1200 use?

Harley-Davidson specifies a 120/70 ZR18 front tire and a 180/55 ZR17 rear tire. The listed cold pressures vary with load:

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Condition Front Rear
Solo 36 psi 38 psi
Rider and passenger 36 psi 42 psi

The period service information says 2008 vehicles use Dunlop Harley-Davidson tires only. That is model-year guidance, not confirmation that a particular tire is currently available or approved in every market. Before buying, verify current fitment guidance for your motorcycle and market, including tire type, load and speed ratings, and rim compatibility. The sizes alone do not endorse a specific replacement tire.

Source: Harley-Davidson 2008 service specifications.

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What makes the XR1200 different from a standard Sportster?

The XR1200 is a sport-oriented model built on the Sportster platform, rather than a separate engine family. Harley-Davidson’s period feature description highlights a high-compression engine, active intake, downdraft electronic fuel injection and dual upswept exhausts, paired with chassis equipment intended for sportier riding.

Chassis and braking equipment

  • 43 mm inverted Showa front forks
  • Preload-adjustable rear shocks
  • Lightweight aluminum wheels
  • Nissin four-piston brakes
  • Rear-set footpegs

Harley-Davidson’s H.O.G. archive states a 39-degree lean angle before the rear-footpeg feelers touch. This is a period manufacturer description, not a guaranteed lean angle for every rider, load or modified motorcycle. Its archive also says engineers evaluated nearly 80 tire options during period development; that historical count is not a current tire recommendation.

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Source: Harley-Davidson / H.O.G. magazine archive, XR1200 feature.

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How is the XR1200X different?

The XR1200X retained the earlier XR1200’s basic balance, according to Harley-Davidson’s archive, while focusing its updates on suspension adjustability and brakes.

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Area 2008 XR1200 XR1200X archive description
Front suspension 43 mm inverted Showa fork; adjustability beyond the period specification is not stated in the cited archive Fully adjustable 43 mm Showa Big Piston fork
Rear suspension Preload-adjustable rear shocks Remote-reservoir shocks described as fully adjustable
Brakes Nissin four-piston brakes Dual full-floating Nissin four-piston brakes with 292 mm rotors

The comparison supports a distinction in equipment, not a universal claim that the X is faster, safer or better for every rider. Source: Harley-Davidson / H.O.G. magazine archive, XR1200X feature.

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