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Ducati 999
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Issue 125 : October - November 2002
XL833R
Harley are of course a modern legend, a name that will trip off of most of the publics' tongues when asked to name a motorcycle. They are a brand to be associated with and to be seen on, especially if you are in the film industry. During their time they have made many iconic bikes, some have been immortalised in films like 'Electra Glide in Blue' and 'Easy Rider' to name but two. Other models have become famous by their results on the racetrack or dirt track ovals like the XR750. Not only though has the bike achieved a notoriety on the ground but also in the air thanks primarily to a certain Evel Knievel who used one for his many spectacular jumps. However, when you look at the history books the XR had a relatively short official production life at the factory, but nevertheless it made its mark in all aspects of motorcycling. Built very quickly to replace the venerable side-valve KR, which had done sterling service for Harley since the early '30's, the XR first appeared in 1969. Based on their iron XL motor, the exquisite early XR's were somewhat fragile and kept blowing up but by 1972 using the knowledge gleaned from such mechanical failures, the sleek lines housed an all alloy motor, with a shorter stroke, bigger bore, more power and a greater degree of reliability. The legend was born and it became the bike to have on the dirt track miles, half miles and the TT races, not to mention the odd bus jump! It could not compete with the 'strokers' though and in 1975 it was discontinued as a factory production machine, although a few were still assembled out of parts elsewhere.
But, now it is back as a factory-produced machine in 'replica' form but still very different from those original factory competition bikes. The XL833R to give it its proper designation is nothing more than a standard 883 with a few cosmetic add-ons. Unfortunately Harley has clearly missed the opportunity to make something special by turning out a bike with a motor worthy of the racing style. The bike is very stylish, it is just a shame that it fails to deliver what it appears to offer. The bike sits resplendent in the orange associated with the factory competition machines and the cast alloy wheels are reminiscent of the spoked wheels of the originals. The high handlebars look the part, likewise the fastback dual seat looks like it could be the original single seat unit, but that's about it! The new silencer may look good and it sounds right, but it is on standard pipes that run on the offside of the bike rather than the nearside like the original comp bikes. The motor is disappointingly standard and fails to set the world alight or get the bike broad sliding on anything other than diesel-splashed roundabouts! Once you accept this, the bike is quite good fun and it is as competent as any standard 883. It is light and easy to throw around thanks to the high bars that above seventy move to being a pain rather than the advantage they are at lower, town speeds.
The motor is quite punchy and provides a reasonable ride providing you forget the racing looks and stop expecting a bit extra. The bike will easily hit the rev-limiter and there is nothing to be gained by 'maxing' it out in all of the four lower gears. However, it is quite good fun to make use of all the ratios on twisty country roads where its 55bhp motor is not disadvantaged. Petrol consumption is good at around forty to the gallon, but many will want a rest before the tank's limit of 120 miles is reached thanks to the riding position, which is not good for anything much above fifty miles in one hit. This, the smaller of the two 'Sportsters', is quite cramped for the larger rider. For a bike to pop out to the shops on or take into town and have the odd quick blast, it is as fun as any 883 Sportster. However, for a bike modelled on something that was, and to some still is, a very special machine, it is a bit of a disappointment despite its good looks. Whether you think it is worth an extra £800 (£5795) over and above a standard 883 will be a personal decision. I would buy a standard bike and spend the money uprating the engine and building my own replica to make it go like an original competition machine, or get one of the specialist dealers to do it for me. However, the really good news is that Harley have taken the criticism on the chin and are looking to pep things up with the next version. Now with a stage two or three kit on the engine, the back could be made to come round at will once again. Now there's a thought!! Ian Kerr
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Ian Kerr rides the XL833R, a cosmetic excursion into the past that he feels needs breathing on a little...
