Astute readers may have noticed the blurb in our
Sportbike Buyer's Guide for the Harley-Davidson XR1200X that indicated we had one of the bikes to race in the AMA's Vance & Hines XR1200 class at some point this year. We have the bike, and the Vance & Hines kit, and have started putting it all together. Most of the kit parts are mandatory for the series, limiting options for modifications but at the same time making things even for all the competitors.
The race kit is quite extensive and includes almost everything necessary to start. The Vance & Hines website has more detailed information and pricing for the kit, as well as information about the series: Vance & Hines race kit. We went through all the parts included in the kit and had a look at everything as the first step to building the racebike. Check back here for updates as we proceed, and look for the full story in an upcoming issue of the magazine.
Our bike was pulled from Harley's...
Our bike was pulled from Harley's test fleet, and somone has obviously had some fun on it. Hopefully the V&H pipe provides a bit more ground clearance.
The kit includes a 17-inch...
The kit includes a 17-inch front wheel to replace the stock 18-inch hoop, a necessary swap to use the spec Dunlop tires.
Race bodywok looks to be made...
Race bodywok looks to be made from ABS rather than fiberglass and includes a seat (with foam), number plate, fender and oil-retaining bellypan.
Vance & Hines exhaust is nicely...
Vance & Hines exhaust is nicely made and looks to include all the hardware needed, including bungs for the oxygen sensors.
Stock mounting location for...
Stock mounting location for the oil cooler is not the greatest for on the track.
This hardware relocates the...
This hardware relocates the oil cooler from the left side of the bike to behind the front number plate, safely tucked away.
An Ohlins steering damper...
An Ohlins steering damper and all the brackets are part of the Vance & Hines kit.
Vance & Hines Fuel Pak is...
Vance & Hines Fuel Pak is the only EFI tool allowed in the class.
The aluminum subframe is nicely...
The aluminum subframe is nicely crafted and should drop some weight from the bike. The flat plate includes a mounting bracket for (I think) the catch bottle, which is also included.