Off the Record
Gardiner
Age: Inevitably
Height: 5 ft. 7 in.
Weight: Barely
Inseam: Chafing
I've always had a secret jones for Sportsters. I love the way the original XLCH models look; they're the only street-legal Harleys that evoke the venerable KR racebikes. Back in the days of the AMA's 883 roadracing spec series, I often found myself sharing practice sessions with the Sporties, and I was always amazed at their turn of speed.
That said, I found myself musing, "So this is what it's like to be a Harley rider," more than thinking about the actual motorcycle underneath me. On sportbikes, I usually give a low wave with my left hand as I pass oncoming motorcyclists. I used to think Harley riders were ignoring me, but now I suspect that all along they've wanted to wave but can't remove their hand from the bar for fear of being blown backward.
Although I liked the Thruxton, I couldn't help fantasizing about buying a real late-'60s Bonneville for $2000 to $3000. Then I'd spend an equal amount hiring someone who really knew how to set it up. When my project was complete, I'd have a bike about as capable as the latest Thruxton, and a couple of grand left over to keep it running. Best of all, at that point I'd have a motorcycle that was increasing, not decreasing in value with each passing day.-Mark Gardiner
| H-D XL 1200R Sportster | Triumph Thruxton |
| PRICE |
| MSRP | $8675 ($8495 in black) | $7999 |
| Engine |
| Type | a-c 45-deg. V-twin | a/o-c vertical-twin |
| Valve arrangement | ohv, 4v | dohc, 8v |
| Bore x stroke | 88.9 x 96.8mm | 90.0 x 68.0mm |
| Displacement | 1203cc | 865cc |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Final drive | #525 chain | #525 chain |
| Chassis |
| Weight | 584 lb. (wet) | 494 lb. (wet) |
| 564 lb. (fuel tank empty) | 469 lb. (fuel tank empty) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.3 gal. | 4.2 gal. |
| Rake/trail | 29.6 deg./4.6 in. (117mm) | 27.0 deg./3.82 in. >(97mm) |
| Wheelbase | 60.0 in. (1524mm) | 58.1 in. (1476mm) |
| Seat height | 28.1 in. (714mm) | 31.1 in. (790mm) |
| Suspension |
| Front | 39mm fork adjustable for spring preload | 41mm fork adjustable for spring preload |
| Rear | dual shocks adjustable for spring preload | dual shocks adjustable for spring preload |
| Tire, front | 100/90-19 Dunlop K491 | 100/90R-18 Metzeler ME33 |
| Tire, rear | 150/80-16 Dunlop K491 | 130/80R-17 Metzeler ME-Z3 |
| Performance |
| Corrected 1/4-mile* | 13.02 sec. @100.03 mph | 13.26 sec. @ 99.99 mph |
| 0-60 mph* | 4.66 sec. | 4.99 sec. |
| Top-gear roll-on, |
| 60-80 mph* | 5.11 sec. | 6.45 sec. |
| Fuel mileage (low/high/average) | 30/57/45 | NA/NA/42 |
| Cruising range (exc. reserve) | 119 miles | 141 miles |
| *Performance with test-session weather conditions corrected to sea-level standard conditions (59 deg. F, 29.92 in. of mercury) |
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