| Author | Message | ||
     Dxg |
Hi there, New member here, name is Dave. Experienced rider and wrencher about to buy my first Buell. Nice forum, learned a lot and hope to contribute in the future. I read a lot and I'm stuck choosing between an 1125 and an XB, hope to get some advice from folks who have owned both. 1. Weight is a big thing for me I'm 5'10" and 130 lbs. Is the 1125 lighter or heavier than the XB ready to ride (same fuel quantity)? Is the weight distribution better or worse for zero mph handling (maneuvering inside the garage, etc)? 2. Is either bike more "suitable" for casual around town riding? Possibly some 100-mile trips, not many. I know this is subjective, but give it a shot. Like, you know how some Ducks have miserable ergonomics for anything but a racetrack. 3. Is one motor more reliable/less maintenance than the other? I'm not a Harley guy, so no loyalty involved, and I don't mind wrenching to improve the bike, but I do appreciate trouble-free operation. 4. Is the 1125 really hot on the legs at lower around-town speeds? Like significantly more so than the XB? 5. Is either bike more appropriate for carrying a 12-yr old passenger occasionally on short trips? Thanks in advance for any tips. Dave | ||
| Imblasted |
well this is my 2 cents The XB is air cooled and I would say if you came from a cruiser it would be less of an adjustment. The 1125 is liquid cooled and LOVES to rev and hates to go slow. If you are coming from an inline 4 (or really any sport bike that has a high redline) then you'll love the 1125 more than the XB. Now every one is different, and the xb and 1125 are also very different. If you can ride an XB9R (bc it weighs less than a 12), XB9S and also ride the 1125R or CR. IMHO If the '25 has the high bar kit it will be much more comfortable but will not handle nearly as amazing as it should and does with the clubman bar. The '25 does get hot even at highway speeds. I live in the Florida Keys and have done many trips in miami and key west, sitting in the stop and go traffic on the highway near miami really sucks and it get HOT, but has never been a problem, as long as your aren't wearing shorts (which would be dumb! AGAT). I only had my xb12s for a few months and it was the winter time so the temps wouldnt be comparable. If you go with the '25 I hope that kid can hold on! or you can control the go hand! and that kid had better have a helmet AT LEAST. ok sorry gear rant over for now | ||
| Dannybuell |
Imblasted covered most of it. the Xb's have hydraulic lifters the 1125 doesn't. | ||
| Reepicheep |
First choose if you want an R, and S, or a Uly. If, and only if, you choose R, then start thinking about XB vs Helicon. If you want an R type bike, the 1125 is awful nice and a ton of value for the money. | ||
| Imblasted |
Apparently you don't like the 1125CR... I love my CR! I was actually trying to find the R but I couldn't seem to find one and I had money burning a buell shaped hole in my pocket. | ||
| Reepicheep |
I'd argue the CR is another R bike, less fairing, but pretty much the same seating position. I never had an interest in the R bikes, the seating position isn't what I want on a street bike. But I understand why others would want one, it's a personal preference thing. | ||
| Imblasted |
Fair enough it is pretty much the same positioning with the clubman bars. But what about the high bar and lightning pegs? | ||
| Dxg |
Definitely not looking at Uly. R vs S is not a deal breaker for me, I can always adjust ergos with different bars and pegs. So 1125 is fine as far as that. Yes I do come from inline 4s with redlines above 10k, but I've also ridden those same bikes around town at 2500rpm with no issues. | ||
| Oldog |
At the risk of incurring the wrath of Froggy  I understand that you wish to use the bike in town and for short trips, If thats the case the XB may be a better choice, the 1125 can be used for this and works well, but if you are thinking low upkeep moderate use ( and you can find an XB that has not been thrashed ) don't mind some vibes no valve adjustments on the xb, no clutch or alternator issues on the xb, no cooling system to deal with ( beside the fan ) If you like to tinker some, and want a smoother ride with MORE POWER and a don't mind few potential annoyances the 1125 may fit the bill, | ||
| Dxg |
Oldog, I think you're getting close to the crux of the matter. Basically I want an SV650 that's American and cooler looking  I'm not at all crazy about the Harley vibe/sound, but never had a Harley for more than a day at a time so hard to tell if I could live with it long term. If I understand correctly, the 1125 alternator and clutch issues are one-time fixes, not recurring problems. If so, I can deal with that. I just don't want to be annoyed repeatedly. Never got a clear answer: is either bike lighter or are they basically the same? | ||
| Smoke4ndmears |
1125r is lighter dry, might be a wash full of gas since the 1125r tank is over 5 gallons. an 08 model will not have the alternator issues. | ||
| Imblasted |
i couldn't say that i noticed a difference between the xb12Scg and the CR, weight wise that is. | ||
| Boohoo |
I'm 155 I have never ridden a XB so no comment there. But I can say once moving the 1125 seems very light and well balanced you don't need to really work hard if your not riding hard and I ride it around town all the time I just never get out of 2nd and I have no problem pushing it around (Message edited by boohoo on August 25, 2013) | ||
| Oldog |
In stock trim an XB is quiet ( so is the 1125) the Xb vibrates a bit more. the clutch & alternator issues are 1 time usually, with an '08 R model no alternator issues, just not much reserve power (electrical) the 1125 is more like your sv650 (except on steroids) If you can you should ride both, the XB may not have the top speed but you did not mention track duty, Good luck... | ||
| Dxg |
Thanks Oldog, very useful info. Yes no track duty, I do my track days in the woods with a different kind of Rotax, it's called KTM Yes I intend to ride both, but I adapt easily so without a back-to-back comparison I can't really tell from short rides on different days and different roads, etc. Opinions much appreciated. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Oh! Why didn't you say so? Go get an XB9 yesterday. You will ***love*** it. They are cheap, and probably the most reliable bike ever to wear a Buell badge. More power, better handling, and just cooler all around than an SV650 (which I think is a great bike, just nowhere near as great as an XB9). If you want what feels like a sv650 but that is launched from a giant rubber band every time you star, get an XB12S. | ||
| Dxg |
Well, no, actually in my area I've found several 1125, both R and CR, selling for a bit less than older (03-05) XB9 bikes, comparable condition. So the price advantage goes to the 1125. I live around Detroit, where Harleys are really big, so I think that skews things a bit. | ||
| Bubba_ |
yup the price is low considering what you get... at least in my opinion. (Maybe i'm missing something?) | ||
| Sir_wadsalot |
OK dude you said SV, that's my forte, I'm not only a member I'm the freakin' club president (Google BSVIFKY)- I actually sent Suzuki hate mail when they released that Godawful Gladius- I was once invited into an R1 forum to explain to them what a V-Twin was, how a real man's engine functioned and how they all had giant vaginas- by an R1 owner who enjoyed my rants.....and coming off an SV1000S, my advice is don't even bother with an XB, too heavy, too wierd, too much vibration. The 1125R is without a doubt the modernized, sporterized SV from hell you've always wanted. An SV650 was what got me off my Harley, and I did commuting, Hillbilly Ghostrider style backwoods terrorism, sport touring and track days on my SV1000 and loved it dearly- and it doesn't hold a candle to the 1125R in any way, shape or form. It's about the same weight as the SV1K, but feels like an SV650, and turns in better than both of them, and has tons of overrev. Believe it or not, it's actually more comfortable and has better wind protection too! The only thing the SV has on it is the bigger tail section- more trunk storage and tie down points. Unless you're sport touring a lot (and I do) it's not a huge issue. I hate to say it but because of the engine on the XB you'll just think it sucks, compared to an SV. There's no overrev whatsoever, it's a ton of work to keep it in the sweet spot if you want it in the powerband- running out of breath at 5K mid corner blows- it feels heavy and wierd, and vibrates soooo much. The XB's I rode felt really odd even compared to my 1125, and my 1125 took some adjustment after the SV. I don't hate the XB's, far from it, that's just a direct comparison to an SV...there IS no comparison. I actually want a Ully so bad I can taste it, I LOVE em....if you just want a cool lookin' bike that goes like stink when you want it to, sounds awesome and you like riding around in 4th gear letting the torque do the work, then an XB may be for you. You literally never have to shift if you don't want to. But most SV guys I knew didn't ride like that... As far as your daughter, the 1125R actually has a really soft midrange compared to the 1K. As long as you're easy on the throttle she'll have a gentle ride. Just gear her up. I took my own daughter on the SV up until she got in her late teens and just didn't want to ride anymore, and ride a lot with my tiny wife now on the R. The rear seat is small and hard, but I never got any compliments on the SV pillion either. The gearing is shorter on the CR, so it may be a little less smooth for her. The main drawback to the Helicon is the maintenance. THe HD motor seems to be a lot of little things, and the Helicon/Rotax is a few large things, the valve adjustment is a bear. But, if you look at it like you would a Ducati or something, it's worth it for the uniqueness, raw sex appeal and performance. Nobody walks by the 1125 without doing a double take and asking about it. The SV? Put in gas and ride it 'till you crash it....you could run diesel in it and pee on the chain for lube...it had open headers and mud for a paint job, it would sleep outside in the rain and never whine....you don't get that with the Buells. They need love. If you want something completely different and don't mind the harley engine, get the XB. If you want the SV experience but so much more...get the 1125, it will feel odd for about two weeks, then it'll click and you'll never look back! (Until you want that Ully!) Sorry to be so long winded, but if there's two things I dearly love in the moto-world, it's the SV & the 1125. EDIT Just saw Reepicheep's post  It's amazing how two guys will come up with two opposite answers to the same question! Bikes are soooo subjective! (Message edited by sir_wadsalot on August 26, 2013) | ||
| Reepicheep |
I was thinking SV650 (non S). I've ridden several SV650's but not owned any, I owned and put 30k+ miles on an XB9. For the SV650 comparison to an XB9, I stand by my opinion (but recognize it is an opinion and opinions will vary). The 9 has more power at any RPM, has a shorter quicker turning wheelbase (though with heavier steering inputs, which I think is a plus, but not everyone will). Vibration is lower on a 9 and rev limits are higher as well (versus the XB12). The XB12 versus SV650 gets a little squishier. The vibration is a lot more, you have less revs, more heat, and less reliability. But you have that "shot out of a rubber band" low RPM high power curve fun. Unlike an SV650 and to some degree the XB9 (which builds power as revs climb like a jet) it has that hard launch off idle (like a big rubber band or one of those electromagnetic roller coaster launchers). Totally different character. And throwing the SV1000 into the mix further confuses things. As throwing in the SV "S" bikes. I actually agree with Wadsalot if you are talking about the SV1000S. Then the 1125 is the direct upgrade. (Message edited by reepicheep on August 26, 2013) | ||
| Sir_wadsalot |
I've never ridden a 9, just a modded, Drummered, narsty 12! | ||
| Imblasted |
I too only have experience on my XB12s with race ecm drummer and KN. I have ridden the SV650s a few times and I liked the xb much better. but i like the 1125 even more. both the SV and '25 are liquid cooled. the xb is air cooled. o yea, and I NEED a Ulysses! You should probably actually look for a Ulysses unless you have to have a sport bike. no matter which one you get you'll love it. and you'll probably also want to get the other one. if you get the 1125 and you like the sound of a hot rod with a cam job, get a Dean Adams Designs (KEDA) pipe. | ||
| Pwillikers |
The SV650 is arguably one of the best bikes ever made. I currently own two first generation (non faired) ones and I also own an 1125cr. Both SVs have, among other things, extensive suspension and braking mods and they are truly fantastic bikes. My CR has a high bar kit and an EBR ECM but is otherwise mostly stock. It is also a truly fantastic bike. I'd have to say that the 1125 is a notch higher in every performance metric than the SV, even considering the mods I've done to mine. They are very similar in design principles and execution. They have essentially the same shape torque curve, flat from 3.5K to 8.5K. The 1125's curve is about twice the magnitude of the SV's across the rev range. They have an upright, almost motard like seating position. The difference is the SV is more docile and forgiving, where as the 1125 is more radical. It is not that happy at low to moderate revs (even with the EBR ECM) and produces a lot of heat. I'm in TX and this is a big deal. It's hot here. When I'm heading out choosing which bike to ride, I ask myself: Will I encounter a lot of stop and go traffic? Is it mostly in city riding? Is it hot out (above 85 degrees)? If yes, I ride the SV. How rambunctious do I feel? Do I want to rip it up? Is it more open riding with little traffic and congestion? Can I keep the wind flowing? If yes, I choose the 1125. The fun factor of the 1125 is unquestionably greater. (Message edited by pwillikers on August 26, 2013) | ||
| Jdugger |
> The SV650 is arguably one of the best bikes ever made. There's little doubt. | ||
| Sir_wadsalot |
 Buy an SV or I'll Fkucing Kill You That's what I used to tell the young squids asking what to start on, and it kinda' stuck over the years. This was in the days before the Ninja 250R redesign- all you could get was the ugly one, and you just couldn't talk squids into them. I was responsible for no less than three guys buying SV650's instead of Supersport 600's they couldn't control over the years.....my secondary mission was defending Buells (which I'd never ridden) to the sportbike world. Now they have several choices of faired 200-500cc starter bikes. I think that was a big part of killing off the SV's. The SVF whatever gladius thing just misses the mark. Trellis frame, but then they put covers over it to make it look vac-formed like the old one...but tube frames are cool dammit! Somebody at Suzuki just doesn't get it anymore. Same engine but apparently the chassis is all wrong now...douchtards. The BSVIFKY has morphed into the Dead Model V-twin Superbike Club and EBR booster organisation...SV's, Buells, Ducatis, Firehawks, RC51's....love em' all. So many *sniff sniff* memories...What were we supposed to be talking about? (Message edited by sir_wadsalot on August 27, 2013) | ||
| Reepicheep |
I haven't owned an SV650, but I've ridden two of them long enough to have a feel for them, and talked one friend into buying one. I did own an XB9, though it was NOT ridden back to back with the SV. My impression is that the XB9 is like a worked on SV650. A little better motor, a little better braking, a little better suspension. But similar feels. The SV has lighter steering, the XB9 has insanely precise control. And the XB9 is just... more interesting. Actually, here is the huge deal breaker for the SV650. Those stupid tank flares. I'm 6'2... when I sit on an XB9S, it is actually a perfect fit, I tuck right into it, in spite of the fact that I look like a monkey in love with a football. On the SV650, that stupid tank flare is built for some 5 foot nothing japanese dude. So my knees are right at the wide part of the tank. Insanely annoying. It's the reason I got into the Buell world in 2001. I test rode an SV-650 with the intention of buying one. Ugh! Great bike, but that tank flare was a showstopper. The ZR7 was on the list as well, but I was on an inline four, and found its character annoying. Hmmm... are there any other good handling naked twins other than an SV650? Start researching... Buell, what the hell is a Buell? Aircooled pushrod motor? Cool as hell looking? American made? $5000 for a 2000 M2 with 5000 miles on it only 3 hours away? Uh oh... Two days later there was a beautiful black M2 in my garage. The rest, as they say, is history. |
