Roland Sands Design Harley Davidson XR1200

The Roland Sands Design team has done it again with a modified Harley Davidson XR-1200 that is indicative that a Harley does not have to be a cruiser. The design group is well known from their past work, and this recent modification is just as impressive. Especially for those who ride a Sportster. Roland Sands Design took a stock Harley Davidson XR-1200 and produced a stylish performance sport bike. The resulting work of art has impressed everyone who saw it debuted at a recent bike show. This bike, while originally customized from an XR-1200 has taken on a shape and style of its own, resulting in a real high-performance motorcycle.

Roland Sands embarked on this project after completing a number modified Harley Davidson softail motorcycles. The previous custom Harley Davidson softail motorcycles built by Roland Sands Design embodied the vintage Bobber theme with the typical RSD twist. From these project came the immensely popular Vintage Z style Ape Hanger handlebars and Venturi Air Cleaner. The XR1200 project is significant for Harley in that it caters to the younger sport bike rider that is lacking in the Harley Davidson world.

To accomplish this Roland Sands pursued a sport bike look and ride replacing the front suspension with a Ohlins fork originally designed for a GSX. A single sided swingarm was used with another Ohlins shock for the rear suspension originally designed for a Ducati. To complete the bike it is fitted with an exhaust from Vance&Hines and a new Roland Sands designed set of wheels called Tuxedo. The belt drive was replaced with a chain drive to improve power transfer.

The project was inspired by Roland´s past as racer in the 250CC class and work modifying other Harley Davidson motorcycles with his own custom made aftermarket parts. Resulting from the past custom Harley Davidson motorcycles RSD has completed is a catalog filled with Wheels such as the Diesel, Air Cleaner assemblies, and Exhaust Systems. One of the designs that has taken the market by storm is the Contrast Cut. This design is available in Wheels and Air Cleaner assemblies. From this project the Tuxedo wheels and other parts for Harley Davidsons XR1200 will see their way into the RSD catalog.