| Author | Message | ||
     Dbird29 |
Glynn Kerr really doesn't like the new 1125R, page 38, "the bike just looks plain ridiculous", "the new one (muffler) is more in the line of deflated bagpipes", "overall, the engine area has all the emotional impact of a washing machine". Looks like it is generating emotional responses. I tend to disagree with Mr. Kerr and think it looks quite interesting. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Has he ridden the bike yet? Sounds like a typical Buell hater to me. | ||
| Court |
Glynn is a fellow that industry insiders passed by when many saw his tank was on empty. His instant effort at journalism is showing the qualities as his designs for Triumph. He'll not be burdened with facts and luckily his Quixotic quest is so transparent as to quickly earn him a tabloid label. | ||
| José_quiñones |
He's never been a fan of Buell's styling and the article in question was more about how HD is using/treating Buell in the big picture (attracting younger riders) and makes some points others here have shared. Cheap shots by Court aside, he's hardly on "empty" and co-founder of the Motorcycle Design Association. Don't expect a 2007 Design Award from these guys. http://www.glynnkerr.com/ http://www.motorcycledesign.com/site/ Maybe if enough people email him to come up with his interpretation of what a Buell would look like...... (Message edited by josé_quiñones on August 16, 2007) | ||
| Reepicheep |
So which triumph designs was he involved in? That speed triple was (IMHO) from a styling standpoint, a naked bike ruined. If he did the styling for that, he has done more for Buell sales most. Come to think of it, aside from the Thunderbird (and other retro-triumphs), I can't think of a single triumph that looks that interesting. They are either ugly (speed triple) or indistinguishable from the Japanese (Daytona). I guess the tiger is OK for what it is... but hardly inspiring. | ||
| Jaimec |
Personally, I think the 675 is flat out GORGEOUS as is the Sprint. I alway thought the Speed Triple looked like something a Squid crashed and then put back on the road as cheaply as possible... but that's just me. | ||
| Spiderman |
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." | ||
| Brad1445 |
Thanks for the links Jose, interesting. For those just bashing this guy, that will not fix the problem. Communicating like adults and finding ways to improve things would be a better use of energy. I'm amazed at how people are filed into camps of "Buell Haters" if the criticize the deign. You better get used to it. If there was a purpose of this design it is obvious to be waaayyyyy different and very controversial. Looks were not part of the equations. Well it is, and here is the controversy. Look at that first link Jose sent about proportion in bike design and then show the bike to ten people and see what they say. I already have and and I know the responses. I'm not a Buell hater, I'm probably one of the best customers they have that buys many bikes and actually rides them. I love Buells. That fact alone will not change the facts of the 1125 design. I'm not bashing, I'm saying get used to the people calling it out on design as this is just the tip of the iceberg as the reviews start coming. It's not going to win any design award, nor was it designed too. I think Buell has a great opportunity to make a win win marketing move by moving forward on a line of "Transformer" factory authorized pieces that customize the bike to your taste, from a full fairing option to separate pieces like a chin spoiler or differently styled scoops playing off different lines already on the bike. But nothing will happen if all Buell is surrounded by is Yes men and few lucky people that love the design for its function over form approach. Why not cater to both crowds? I never see problems, only opportunities. | ||
| Macbuell |
Buell should get used to people knocking the looks of the 1125R. I would not be surprised if that happens regularly when more articles evaluating the bike come out. There are simply parts of that bike that are not attractive to the eye and I don't care how you spin it. Of course, I have not seen the bike in person and this is all just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth ... | ||
| 86129squids |
I posted a response over in the "news" thread on this article- what got me going was a comment that just don't seem right at all: "None of the mechanical components seem to reflect any love for engineering, in a way that would be unthinkable from an Italian development team." Huh??? To me the difference between Italian style and Buell style is this: Italian= euro sexiness in shapes, great flow, eye candy. Buell= beauty in practical engineering details throughout, less organic, more efficient. Generally a Duck or Goose is great fun to look at, not as much to ride or own. Buell is slowly, perhaps by accident more often than not, getting to be a more beautiful machine. They are ALWAYS fun to ride, certainly cheaper and easier to own. Incidentally, the 1125R is the sexiest Buell yet. He makes several good points on market demographics and future trends- overall the piece gets one thinking about H-D and Buell's future in collaboration. Comments? (Less flame, more light please)  | ||
| No_rice |
there are certain things i dont like about the 1125(i will wait till i have my hands on it though to decide everything). but man, is it one hell of a base to start with. then again, i have never thought anything was perfect. if it was then what would i tinker with? | ||
| Court |
My shot was no cheaper than Kerr, having never seen and knowing precious little in the way of facts, making such an obtuse statement. I'm as entitled to my opinion about him as he is his of the 1125R. Court | ||
| Tom_k |
Fitting quote, Spiderman. You'd never guess Spiderman is such a well read individual by looking at him, would you?  ) TK | ||
| Dave_bogue |
A short history lesson: when the '99 Hayabusa came out, it's styling was criticized. It's performance made it a best seller for years. Same with the ZX-14. The ZX-12R forums did not like the look. "It's got George Foreman Grills on the sides!" Some folks don't like the Bug Eyed Speed Triple styling. It's a very successful motorcycle that's been around for years. Personally, I don't like the styling of the Buell Lightnings. I always thought they looked funky. But,.......SO WHAT?? Do we buy our bikes for the style or do we buy them for the performance? Granted, many CRUISER RIDERS buy a motorcycle based on looks, but I buy mine based on performance: powerband, handling, braking, ease of shifting, lack of vibration, suspension compliance, comfort, and durability. I am more than willing to sacrifice some stylish looks to get more performance. As a prospective owner of an 1125R, I suggest that many I-4 Rice Burner riders (of which I am one), will see a lot of the Super Buell from the rear angle of view. This is the bike I was hoping the TLR/SV1000 would evolve into. Dave Bradenton Florida SV1000 ZX-10R | ||
| José_quiñones |
"having never seen" There's a picture of the 1125 in the article, I'm sure he's seen it. You mean in person? I doubt that would change his mind. How many more "facts" do you need after seeing it to opine on how it looks? His monthly column is all about Motorcycle Design, he criticizes/praises bikes/companies when he felt they deserved either one. This time it was the 1125, but he's had similar opinions of past Buells. It's like being shocked to find people gambling in a casino! The bike's looks will have a lot to do with how it sells, whether you like it or not. http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/ They have a forum, you can tell them how you feel there. | ||
| Spiderman |
You'd never guess Spiderman is such a well read individual by looking at him, would you? ) I'm all edumacated and stuff. | ||
| Molly_hatchet |
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?Ar ticleID=4960&Page=1 | ||
| Bob_thompson |
What Dave_bogue said. Period. Buy what you love and love what you buy. | ||
| Jaimec |
Personally, when the XB Lightnings first came out I thought they looked hideous. Now, of course... I own one. | ||
| Jaimec |
Oh! Here's another interesting article: http://tinyurl.com/29o694 | ||
| Skully |
Personally, I think the 675 is flat out GORGEOUS as is the Sprint. I alway thought the Speed Triple looked like something a Squid crashed and then put back on the road as cheaply as possible... but that's just me. LOL! Amen Jaime. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I fall into the function over form camp. If it handles well, has good power, is reliable, easy to maintain, and affordable, then it can look like the Elephant Man for all I care. Beauty is ALWAYS on the inside, be it motorcycles, cars, people, etc. Beauty is only skin deep. | ||
| Cheesebeast |
I don't have a subscription to MCN. A bit of controversy, however, is generally good for subscriptions. The little snippets posted here have made me curious. The Buell 1125R sounds like it is being criticized for not being, well, European in appearance. This is a curious change, as the Buell's aesthetics were usually overlooked in the race to rip on the perceived performance gap between the (for instance) XB9R and the motorcycles of Japanese marque. In fact, this should be seen as progress on the part of Buell. Now the motofops will no longer wave their hankies in disdain at that curious American motorcycle. Fop #1: "A nice mild little thing, is it not?" Fop #2: "Oh my yes. But it's crude American charm certainly doesn't excuse the lack of horsepower." It is funny how perspectives change. I have recently read bike reviews that mention technical elements on other marques as being "like a Buell." Will we now read about designs that "resemble a Buell."? To quote Virginia Slims- You've come a long way, Baby.} | ||
| Elvis |
When it comes to looks, there's no way to measure it, so everybody's going to bring their own personal preferences into it. In my opinion, the simple, functional yet very unique look of the 1125R  Works much better for me than the self-conscious, over-designed and very derivative look of the Fischer:  And it certainly seems strange that any magazine would publish the opinion of someone who has designed a bike that has just been made obsolete by the bike he is reviewing. Maybe MCN should publish what Erik thinks about the looks of the Fischer. | ||
| Milar |
Thanks Elvis, great pics! I believe Kerr designed the Fischer. Your comparison gives listers the opportunity to judge what Kerr believes is beautiful. M | ||
| Tpoppa |
If you look at the 2008 1125r brochure. There is only one full side shot & in that photo all the bodywork (including scoops) has been removed. Are the marketing folks trying to minimize the appearance of the scoops??? | ||
| Jaimec |
I kinda like the look of the Fischer myself. Except for the self-emasculating look of that gas tank. Better hope you don't have to stop too quickly... | ||
| Jaimec |
As for motorcycle design, I've always been partial to Hans Muth's designs in the mid 70's, although I think he was on an Acid trip when he designed the early 80's Suzuki Katanas. Tamburini is another favorite of mine. | ||
| Spiderman |
At least Mr. Roeher has some class  http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show .cgi?tpc=290431&post=924140#POST924140 | ||
| Brad1445 |
I kind of like the Fisher too. I think its design is consistent and proportioned. I have owned a Hayabusa and I would say the same thing, I was never crazy about its styling but its styling like the Fischer was consistent and proportioned. |
