Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XR1200 Project Part 4

While the basic braking system on the XR1200 must remain stock for the class, pads and lines are open for modification. We turned to Galfer for a complete solution, including a Superlight three-line brake line kit and a set of HH Sintered Advanced Ceramic brake pads. The pads use ceramics for fast heat recovery and more consistent feel on the track, and with fewer metallics than standard pads they should be easier on the stock-mandated rotors. The 1375 compound in particular has a ceramic-coated back plate the further helps to dissipate heat away from the pads and discs. Interestingly, the XR1200 uses Nissin calipers and the front pads are the same as those listed for some Honda sportbike models, which significantly opens up the options for performance pads.

Tires in the Vance & Hines XR1200 class are limited to the spec tires supplied by Dunlop. These are the Sportmax D211 GP-A supersport/race tires, the same as used in the Daytona SportBike and Supersport classes. Surprisingly, a 190-sized rear tire is used for the XR's 5.5-inch rear rim, as opposed to the stock 180. The GP-As are available in a choice of three front compounds and two rear. The GP-A tires are designed and manufactured in Dunlop's Buffalo plant, and feature the company's Multi-Tread compounds and Jointless Band (JLB) construction. Two front and two rear compounds are available, so there will be some choices to be made when we get to the AMA race at Infineon.

The finishing touches on the bike included mounting the Vance & Hines Fuelpak (which came pre-programmed with the kit) and bodywork. Next up: our first track day with the XR at Buttonwillow.