| Author | Message | ||
     Ruprecht |
Hi All. I'm considering the Buell 1125R as an upgrade, so I've been lurking here a bit. What I registered to ask was whether any of you 1125R owners have ridden (or owned) a Suzuki TL1000S? For those that have, how would you compare the bikes? What are the similarities and differences? The TLS concept suits me perfectly, and I've been waiting for a bike that's similar but MORE. The 1125R looks like it might fit the bill. Hell, even the look, the bad press, the fuelling issues... it all seems familiar. So what do you think, is the Buell 1125R a worthy successor to the Widowmaker? (Message edited by ruprecht on August 27, 2008) | ||
| 01xjbuell |
I have ridden a TLR that was built and it can keep up w/ and if he changes the gearing even pull on me a little. Though the 1125 is much more comfortable and easier to ride. Dont have any experience with the TLS. | ||
| Zac4mac |
I ran against 2 TL1000s in a dyno drag a few months back. One was pretty stock, the other was "built". The owner was very vocal about all the engine work he had done. The built one posted 117HP, Loretta did 126.8 and was the strongest V-Twin there. Z | ||
| Mm128 |
I owned a 2001 TL1000R.... had some work done to it... All i can say is it was FUN to ride but a PIG coming in and out of corners... The ass of the bike is just TOOO heavy... I think the 1125R will be a better handling bike by far with better horsepower numbers. but... thats just my .02 worth.. Matt (LEO SOUTH GA.) | ||
| 01xjbuell |
My buddies TLR is "built" everything but a bore kit. He didn't dyno his bike but it pulls much harder than my 1125 at some times even though my 1125 will outrun it. Oh and I do agree about the TLR being a pig in the corners, had my buddy running w/ me at Loudon and the 1125 is just much more nimble. | ||
| Ruprecht |
Interesting Zac. You don't happen to know what the stock TLS pulled on that dyno do you? | ||
| Zac4mac |
Seems like it was 112, not sure, that may have been the Aprillia Mille.. Z | ||
| Oddball |
Sounds high for a stock tls. I'd have to dig around to find the mags from '97 but as i remember it and the vtr were pretty even on specs. I think the vtr was only rated for 100hp. You should feel a marked improvement with the 1125 over your tls or my vtr. From the accounts here you'll love it more then likely. I'm considering from a similar situation. Our machines were never billy badass king of the road machines, nor did they try to be. They were/are good bikes with decent power and a nice vtwin sound. If your dealer does test rides go try it out. | ||
| Ruprecht |
Yeah... my TLS is a daily rider (no cage), plus a lot of time in the local hills. It was the (relatively) comfortable ergonomics and ballsy power delivery that won me over. Only mods I've done are the TLR 6-pots and master cylinder, braided lines, Ohlins rear (ditching the rotary rear damper was a must), K&N filter and Yoshimura system. I think the '97 TLS does make about 112-114rwhp. It's a little more powerful than the VTR, but not as smooth. There is a noticeable step up in the power delivery at about 6K rpm. Comfortable, every-day reliable, light sporty handling and ballsy power delivery are what I'm after. As soon as I get a day off (I'm working 6 days at the moment) I'll try and organise a test ride. I've been staring at it through the dealers window like a kid at a candy store. I'm a little bit hesitant about buying American mind you... (Message edited by ruprecht on August 27, 2008) | ||
| Crowley |
Afew months ago I sold an Etra Raptor with a twin injector TLR motor fitted. My 1125 has much more mid range grunt and keeps its power all the way to the redline. It makes the TL feel weedy. Handling was possibly as good (but slower) and the twin Brembos on the front felt stronger (and didn't smell after being used in anger  ) If you like the TL, arguably the best V twin ever built (and no, I don't like Jap bikes and yes, I've owned Vincents etc), you'll love the 1125 - warts n'all. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I don't know that comparing the 1125 to a TL is a good comparison. The TL has never been a well respected bike and was plagued with handling quirks and, if I recall correctly, some sort of fueling issue dealing with throttle bodies. It's also a very heavy bike. All that said, it's a pretty bike, with one of the sweetest sounding engines (outside the Ducati family) I've ever heard. | ||
| Ruprecht |
Hmm... quirky and not well respected? How is it not a good comparison for the Buell? The TLS had an issue with the rear shock (rotary design, Suzuki trying to be innovative). Mine used to go rock hard after riding on typical(ly bad) local roads. The frame cracked at the rear shock mount. Replacing the shock with an Ohlins, no steering damper, running a 180 instead of a 190 rear and the handling was vastly improved. The weight on the TLS is listed at 193Kg dry. Not too heavy for it's time. The TLR is a porker though... The TLS was one of Suzuki's first fuel injected models as well (I think it was actually THE first). The injection was snatchy at lower revs and a little jerky in responsiveness (and some stumbling prior to a recall ecu swap... sound familiar?). Nothing I couldn't live with though, and gearing it down helped. The later models were smoother, but down on HP. I think the TLS suffered from exaggerated bad press. ...and I'm willing to take some "character" for the performance I'm after. | ||
| Chadhargis |
I'm not dogging the TL. I have two friends who have one and love it. I'll agree that it probably did suffer from bad press. And that, it does have in common with the 1125. | ||
| 01xjbuell |
I seem to agree w/ Ruprecht, the TL/1125 comparison would seem pretty valid. The red headed step children of the twin world in their own times. Not a Ducati and not an Aprilia... Quirky and bad press... but both exciting and fun bikes to ride.. | ||
| Dalton_gang |
"I'm a little bit hesitant about buying American mind you..." Sorry to hear that. If you don`t mind tell us why. (I don`t think you will get flamed too badly) | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Anyone new to reading forums would be scared to death to buy an 1125R... and rightly so. If Ruprecht knows about forums, then he's aware that all bikes sound bad on owner's forums because it's where all the dirty laundry gets aired. For most of the Japanese-centric riding world, Buell has a terrible reputation. What I hope is apparent here, though, is even with the challenges Buell ownership may entail, there is something special about the bikes and the people that make owning/riding a Buell an experience that no other manufacturer can replicate. I guarantee you, and I'm sure everyone here would back me up, that the positive aspects of owning a Buell will outweigh whatever problems you will encounter. Get one and have some fun! | ||
| Eaton_corners |
Older TL I rode was heavy and cumbersome compared to any XB but had decent power. Please explain your aversion to "American". | ||
| Jotrevza |
Hey RBJ, +1 on that! This bike definitely grows on you! Ruprecht, I think you would definitely enjoy it as much as the Suzuki, and probably more. I say that from experience having owned 3 Gixxers, including the Hayabusa. Each were very fun bikes, but, (IMHO) the handling on the 1125R is actually much nimbler and user friendly (on a day to day basis) than the Zukes were. I think that's it real beauty. I'm sure having fun on mine..... Good luck, Tracy | ||
| Ruprecht |
Cheers Tracy, I'm itching to ride one. Nimble handling and grunty power delivery are what I love about the TL, and the Buell seems to be a step ahead in both directions. Heh... looks like I stepped on some patriotic toes with my comment on buying American.  Much as I love arguing with folk on the internets, I want to keep it within the scope of the forum. If it makes you guys feel any better, I'd be just as uneasy about buying Euro (with the possible exception of BMW). I've been riding Jap for a long time now. I know the product and I know the local people. Funnily enough, the dealer I'd go to for the Buell also does Harley, Suzuki and Honda (they don't even have any fortifications between the two sides of the dealership!). Still... It's a long slow walk from the Jap side to the Harley side... I'll leave it at that. Luckily Buell seems to be all about form-follows-function, so I think I could get along fine with the 1125R. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Ruprecht...maybe you would be happier with a new SV1000. | ||
| Ruprecht |
I've already checked out the SV and ruled it out. Sure, it's more refined than the TL. Realistically it's a good solid practical mount. Other than being more refined, it's not really an advance on the TL though. It's the TL gotten old and soft. If I wanted refined I would have bought the Honda in the first place. I know the 1125R has had it's teething issues, but some of the guys here have logged some pretty serious mileage. I assume it's up to the task of being a daily rider, and still having enough character and aggressive performance for thrills? | ||
| Dalton_gang |
No offense taken here. Also not here to argue. I was just curious.  | ||
| Fresnobuell |
I think the 1125r is a wonderful daily rider AND at the same time being a kick ass, high performance machine. Actually, it's probably the best attribute of the 1125r. Very few bikes have the difficult to attain combination....when people are comparing the 1125r to the 1098s and RC-8s of the world, the fact that the 1125r is the better street bike gets lost often. I have almost 8,000 miles on mine and will probably be around 12,000 by the end of the year. Needless to say, my F-150 is only being pulled out of the garage once or twice a week...and if I didn't have to haul stuff around, it would probably never make it out of the garage! | ||
| Cutty72 |
FYI they don't make the SV1000 anymore anyway. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Wow...no more big sporting twin for Suzuki? Didn't know that obviously... | ||
| D_adams |
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/SV1000SK7 Of course, it's an 07 model, but it's still out there. I'm guessing there's still a few around. I looked at several bikes before buying an 1125r. If I could have found a TL1000R in the right shape, I might have bought it. | ||
| Jotrevza |
Hey again Ruprecht, Joel, I'm going to go out on a limb here and tell you that (I think?) I know where you were coming from regarding your "buying american" comment...... Nothing personal taken here. Sometimes, (if we're honest with ourselves) we just have to tell momma the baby's ugly! I'm as die-hard, true-blue, 20 year U.S. Air Force,(retired) don't tread on me, loyal red, white, and blue as they come! That doesn't change the fact that when something is built like crap, it's built like crap. PLAIN AND SIMPLE! We as Americans certainly have our share of that problem too. In this particular case though, I think you'll find what many others are saying is absolutely true. The 1125R (just my humble opinion here) has gotten its share of "bad press" unjustly. Yes, there have been some issues relative to ANY first year production bike. Again, my personal point about it's most noteworthy strengths (without bias) was that it's possibly the best blend of ergos and day to day PRACTICAL riding (keeping in mind it's purpose) that I've experienced. There were other features on the other machines I liked +/-, however, this offers a terrific balance of all the good stuff. I think that's its unique niche from the Duc's and the KTM's, etc. I thoroughly enjoy riding this bike, DAY TO DAY and can't imagine parting with it for MANY different reasons. I hope you get a chance to really get out there and ride one on a "twisty" soon! Then come back to the forum with your honest impressions of it. My bet is on the lil' Buell!  Stay safe, Tracy | ||
| Ruprecht |
Yeah Tracy... I guess there's not much point in beating around the bush. I thought I'd better at least wait 'till my seventh post before pissing everyone off though.  Locally at least (I'm in Oz), Buells suffer a certain stigma in regards to consistent build quality, reliability and refinement. They also suffer from falling under the shadow of Harley (which is basically what I meant by "American"), in that Harley is seen mostly as a MARKETING success story. Being different is good, but the question is whether Buell's quirky innovations (...are they better? ...are they a trade off? ...different, but at least as good?) and the supposed "rider down" focus results in genuinely improved features (AS WELL as character)... or is merely a different form of Harley style marketing and gimmickry. Perhaps a response to Harley themselves being stuck in the backward quagmire of their own marketing success (turning a lack of technical innovation into a "feature"). All the different manufacturers have their individual philosophies and character. The negative aspects of Japanese bikes (being mass produced to a price, designs influence by marketing based on spec sheet numbers etc) haven't outweighed the positive for me (performance, reliability and technical improvements). I'm not a good match for the narrow focus sports exotics like Ducati, MV Augusta and KTM (Mostly the high maintenance, uncompromising ergos and the high cost of ownership), nor the overengineered and feature laden BMW (...und ABS, und ESP, und GPS, und MIB, und Matching outfits, und Flip Face Helmuts, und Extra Hard Luggage, und...). I'm not a good match for Harley either... so I hope Buell has a sufficiently different "American" character. | ||
| Xnoahx |
I got a kick out of reading your take on BMW  | ||
| Jotrevza |
Hey Joel, It sounds like you've done quite a bit of market research, and have some practical ownership experience to tap off of as well. I'm sure you'll make a well-informed choice. I agree that The Duc's are definitely beautiful machines! I seriously considered buying a 1098 before I found my way to this Buell. (by the way, I can't ride either one of them to their full capabilities!)I love the sexy lines of that machine, but, two things deterred me from that choice. The first is that it would have been VERY expensive to maintain. The other is my chiropractor would have been getting richer off of tweaking my back from leaning way over all the time just to reach the bars! The Buell's seating position is much more pleasing/agreeable with my back. Again, I'm beating a really dead horse here, but, I think the day to day practicality of this machine (even as a race-inspired bike) separates it from the pack. If you get some time, take a look at what Ccryder (Neil) did with his 1125R. There's a thread on here with pics of his bike. He converted his to an R/T, adding a hard bag mod., and several other nice touches to make it even more flexible as a quasi-touring bike when needed. I'll bet that would come in very handy in the vast expanses of Australia!  I'm not one to generally put a lot of stock in rumor mills, or, buy something strictly on the opinion of others. I tend to buy whatever it is that moves me for whatever reason(s) it tends to move me. In this case, had I actually listened to all of the bad press or lackluster comments in general on this bike, I surely wouldn't have bought it! I hope that's a powerful statement to you about giving it a fair chance, and seeing if you don't come out with the same conclusion(s). You may very well decide that you don't like it, and that's o.k. too. Just weigh the bike on it's own merits and leave all the writers to their pen & ink conjecture. Whichever way it goes, I wish you luck with your purchase. Let us know what you decide. Take care, Tracy |
