| Author |
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Schaden
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - 07:47 pm: | 
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I just read the article at Barnes and Noble.
Saying it "blew away" the Aprilia is really overstating things. 1 second is something, but a blow out ? Nah.
In the first box, he mentioned something disparaging about the Aprilia's suspension, only to find out later in the article they never bothered to adjust sag properly. The base model RSVR has ohlins forks but a middling rear shock, which the article did point out.
In the 2nd opinion box, the reviewer said the RSVR was better in every single category except outright acceleration. 127cc deficiency doesn't help.
Also if you look at the actual dyno graphs, they make no sense in light of the hp figure they quoted for the Aprilia. Look at the dynographs on the top of the two pages. Both blue lines on each bike's graph clearly exceeds 120hp. What's up with that ?
As long as you like its appearance, it looks like Buell has a fine motorcycle with the 1125R, especially considering the price point.
Although they've long since been eclipsed in V-twin sportbike power, I'm glad Aprilia didn't renew with Rotax. They decided to build the in-house V-4.
Buell may dethrone the 1098. I'm rooting for them. Aprilia is going after the Desmodici RR.  |
Elvis
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - 08:19 pm: |
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Regarding Dyno charts: If you look closely they seem to be the exact same trace. The printer likely screwed up and printed the Buell trace on the Aprilia chart.
Regarding Buell blowing away the Aprilia:
Buell beats Aprilia by a second on the track.
Buell beats Aprilia on power: 129.1 HP to 113.5 HP
Buell beats Aprilia on torque: 73.9 ft.lb to 63.5 ft.lb.
Buell beats Aprilia on weight: 474/440 to 477/448.
Buell beats Aprilia on fuel capacity: 5.6 gal to 4.8 gal.
Buell beats Aprilia in quarter mile: 10.61 sec to 10.95 sec
Buell beats Aprilia on price: $11,995 to $13,999 (and yes, that is $2004 different not the $1000 mentioned by the author).
In every OBJECTIVE measure published, the Buell beats the Aprilia.
Yeah, I think that's pretty impressive against a bike as good as the Aprilia. |
Schaden
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - 09:19 pm: |
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On paper, the 1125R is definitely a better motorcycle. Faster, more nimble etc..
The RSVR is a 5 year old refresh of a 10 year old design. IMO you'd be crazy to buy a new RSVR anyways, with the V4 coming next year. |
Elvis
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - 10:23 pm: |
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I think it's cool that they're doing the V4, but I'll never buy one.
I'm a fan of twins. That's why I love the RSV.
I assume you're an Aprilia owner, so it may be hard to see it from a Buell fan's perspective. Buell has never been seriously compared to the top bikes from Aprilia, Ducati or KTM before.
Even if they "lose" in these sort of comparisons, just stepping up to the plate is a big step for Buell. |
Schaden
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 12:20 am: |
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It's sad the twins are going, but the market almost demands it. Aprilia couldn't beat Ducati in the marketing hp wars with another narrow angle v2 design.
Buell made a great decision going with an updated water cooled engine. By all accounts, it's a solid piece of work. I can't fault my Rotax.
(Message edited by schaden on June 11, 2008) |
Jimidan
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 07:10 pm: |
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It's sad the twins are going, but the market almost demands it.
Where are they going? Ducati just came out with a WBK 1098, KTM just come out with its new big twin, the RC8, Buell just come out with its big twin. I almost expect Honda to come out with an update for the RC51, considering the displacement advantage twins get in WBK.} |
Schaden
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2008 - 02:18 am: |
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Rumor is all future RSVR and Tuono are based around the V4. I'm not saying everyone is dropping them, indeed twins seem to be making a resurgence.
But Aprilia has strived to match or exceed Ducati performance at a lower price. Clearly the current RSVR-F is a step behind the latest 1098R. What they need to compete isn't possible with another traditional compact v-2 engine design. As great as the helicon is for Buell, Aprilia needed more power. The v4 is testing in 185-220hp configurations.
http://jalopnik.com/cars/motorcycles/oh-my-aprilia -v4-produces-220-horsepower-308089.php
Those numbers aren't possible on a street driven 1100-1200cc 60-75 degree v-2, like the 1125R or RC8. A V4 design let's them set the pace in hp, while keeping a compact 65 degree layout. They'll probably lose some twin die hards, but they want to contend in racing. They have a huge reputation in Europe with the smaller bikes, but nobody's heard of them stateside. They needed a bold move. So when I say the market dictated it, I mean for their company. Although all indications are Honda's next racing project is an upcoming v-4, not v-2. |
Jlnance
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2008 - 08:32 am: |
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Although all indications are Honda's next racing project...
It's a shame that so much of motorcycle development is driven by racing regulations.
(Message edited by jlnance on June 12, 2008) |
Slaughter
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2008 - 09:11 am: |
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Funny about market perceptions.
I look out on the road every day and would have to say the "market" is driven by cruiser rider demands.
Sportbikes are a big deal but at least here in CA - it's the "stuntaz" tribes - followed by the street racers. |
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