| Author | Message | ||
     Matego |
First thing, great forum! Lots of good info and it seems like there are a lot of knowledgeable people here. I am soon in the market for a new ride for traveling to work and some weekend riding. (40mi round trip) I have always owned Jap sport bikes but I want something different with a twin engine and American made. I have 15 yrs exp riding, so I have no issues there. I was in an accident a little over a year ago. I have 2 herniated discs in my spine. (c 5-6 and c 6-7 neck) The last time I rode my ZX7R to work it about crippled me for a week. I cannot be in a position riding where I am leaned bad forward with my head tilted back. (The 7 is very aggressive) I know about the handlebars, foot pegs, and seat options but do they make a real big difference? I do not want some hideous ape hanger conglomeration. I honestly think if I have the ability to sit upright when I feel my left arm going numb from the pinched nerve I will be ok. I am 6-1 and 230lbs. Since it will be nearly impossible to find someone with a similar modded 1125r to ride, I am looking for some input. I refuse to go cruiser and I really do not want to give up riding. Sorry for the long post and thanks for reading! | ||
| Rt_performance |
the clip ons on the 1125r are pretty upright. a cr with the high bar kit is another great option. still some really great deals on these bikes in the classfied section | ||
| Froggy |
Welcome to the board! It is hard for anyone to really say if the bike is right for you, especially with your condition, you are going to have to at least sit on one and see how it goes. You may find that the Buell Ulysses fits your requirements better, it still is an American bike with a V-twin, but a more relaxed riding position. The Buell Lightning is half way inbetween the Uly and 1125. Your profile says you are in South Carolina. In a few weeks, the event Buelltoberfest is going on in Suches, GA. If possible, you could take a trip out there (even on whatever you currently ride or don't ride), meet some Buellers, try on some bikes, and you are even welcome to ride whatever I bring. | ||
| Zoolander |
I'm 5'9", 150. I have a CBR600RR and a 1125CR with the highbar kit. The CBR is ridiculous if you have wrist, shoulder, neck, or back problems. I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule, but an orthopedic surgeon would never say, " yes, a CBR600RR is the perfect fit for your problems." I felt my CR changed dramatically with the highbar kit. So I think bars, foot pegs, seats, etc...can make a huge difference. I actually began thinking of cross-country trips after my first ride with them. The clubmans were almost like clip-ons. I would imagine the R isn't too much different. The thing that is really different about the CR is the V-Twin vibration. A cervical radiculopathy MIGHT be a problem with that kind of subtle vibe. Like Froggy said, one way to find out...test ride. | ||
| Syonyk |
Try a CR, but I think you should really consider trying on a Ulysses. They're not as powerful as the 1125s, but they certainly get out of their own way, and in terms of a comfortable, good-handling bike with an upright riding position, the Uly is a front runner in that category. Look into the tall dual sports. You're tall enough that they won't be a problem, and they'll keep you very upright while still being a blast to ride. | ||
| Milezero5 |
Im 6-1 as well(long arms and legs) and my cr seems to fit me quite well, it actually straightens my back out perfectly. Unlike the yamaha fz6 I had made me slouch even though it was upright with comfortable bars. I solved the leg cramps by putting on knight design 1 inch drop pegs, which feel great. Since you have back issues I would imagine the high bar kit would feel great for you. The bike has its quirks but once sorted the thing runs great. I would like a little more wind protection though, does anyone know if the carbon fiber windscreen helps(it says its 2 inches higher). My best friend owned a uly, loved it, so thats something to think about. | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
6-1 250(and falling) and if you're tucked on the R then you're boned but even with stock bars and seat I can get fairly upright. My back is toast. Ruptured and bulging at the bottom and good and twisted all the way up from there. Road this thing 13.5hrs straight through from jax fla to northbend state park wv little over a month ago. Was tired but not in terrible pain. Ride 4 days a week at least 38mi one way to work. As mentioned above come on over to suches even if you're driving we're a pretty friendly bunch that I'm sure you'll be able to test fit a few that have different configurations to give you a for sure idea. | ||
| Duphuckincati |
If the CR does not feel right, check out a Suzuki V-Strom 1000. Great for six-footers plus with more suspension travel than "average" street bikes and ample power. Your size and spine issues would make this a good one to check out. | ||
| Nuts4mc |
have to agree with Mr. Incati, my DL1000 is my daily driver and Iron butt ride(s) - you may want to chk out: http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php I believe the moderator for the (Vstrom site) lives in your area...good luck | ||
| Blk09r |
Matego - I am 6'0" 230 lbs and have similar issues with a pinched nerve in my neck causing numbness in my left shoulder and arm. I ride an 1125R with the stock bars and it can be an issue sometimes. Highway rides aren't bad because I can sit up and it relieves the numbness. Stop and go is a killer though. I've done some 100+ mile rides and the enjoyment I get from the bike exceeds any pain I might be in. I think I'll be looking into higher bars for next year though. | ||
| Matego |
Thanks for the replies. I fully know everyone has their own riding style / preferences and the only way I will know if its right it to ride one myself. Froggy.. too bad the meeting isnt sooner, I will be in Atlanta next week and that would be pretty close. I was considering an Aprilia Dorsoduro 750 but it would not have enough power for my liking and the 1200 is too expensive. I really like to have bikes that when you hold the heat to them, they put a big old grin on your face. I rarely do it but I like knowing I can if I want to. I may consider a Uly because I love tinkering with stuff and there is a lot of tinkering that can be done with that power plant. I want to ride one but I am really leaning to a 1125 r or cr. I honestly do not care for the looks of the Suzuki's but I know the vstroms are good machines. I have a ZX7R because I like the way it looks. God knows its slow, fat, and ugly compared to new bikes but I like what I like. | ||
| Rogue_biker |
Keep in mind that a stock CR has THE SAME riding position as the R. Only when you put the high bar kit will it make it more upright. The 1125R is still a sportbike and it has a sportbike leaning rider position. It's only when you compare it to other sportbikes does it seem "more comfortable". A ZX7R has a pretty long reach to the bars and its clip-ons are below the triple clamps. This position is normal on current Italian sportbikes, but the current Japanese sportbikes have made the reach to the bars shorter, which make them more "comfortable" than a Ducati or Aprilia. The 1125R & XB12R Firebolt have a very similar position. Both put the bars ahead of and slightly above the triple clamps (maybe 1/2" rise). Compare that to a VFR, which has its bars about 4" ABOVE the triple clamp. The VFR is considered the best compromise between sport and tour riding position. But remember that compared to the FJR/Connie 14/ST1300, the VFR is very sporty. My whole point is that all of these sportbikes have a way forward leaning rider position. Some just have more or less of it, but all of them will have you leaning with your neck angled upwards. | ||
| Matego |
Rogue_biker, I rode my friends 05 ZX12R with just rear sets and a corbin and I thought it was comfortable. It did not aggravate my condition at all after a good hour strait. I would get one but I do not want the "status quo" for my next bike. Defiantly had the fun factor when you let it rip but they have the same look and sound as every other sport bike. I am in the quest for the perfect bike I guess.  Rip snorting v-twin power, good looking (to me anyway) and tolerable for an hour at a time to ride. So far on my quest, this seems to be my best option. Thanks for the input! | ||
| Sl33py |
Matego - if you like the 25R try convertibars. http://www.convertibars.com/ or the CR w/ high bar kit. I'm 6'8" 260, but no neck issues luckily. I have stock bars, seat, with CP 360 pegs down and back a bit. Also looking at Al's new carbon sport seat to raise up and be more comfy for longer rides. My friends VFR is nice! much more upright... GL! rob | ||
| Ratgin |
I have a damaged neck and pelvis from a run in with a 3/4 ton ford years ago. Clip ons were not good for my neck, I added drop pegs, custom seat and custom yoke and the high bars from a CR. Just need a touring screen to reduce wind a little.   If my busted up body (pelvis broken in three places,2 damaged vertabra, 2 knee surgeries, broken hand x 4 ect) can ride in comfort on this sport bike then you can as well with a little tinkering (Message edited by ratgin on October 04, 2011) | ||
| Hughlysses |
Matt- welcome to Badweb. We have a few Buell riders in the lowcountry; come on over to the SC Buell Riders sub-forum at: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/37/ 130123.html? You can probably find a local 1125 rider that'll at least let you sit on his bike to get an idea. |
