| Author | Message | ||
     Flyingpenguin86 |
OK, so I'm looking to upgrade before too much longer. Right now I'm on a 2003 XB9S. Really like handling and such, just want something faster and more aggressive. What's the major differences between XB12R and 1125R? Does the 1125 still have the good handling? What kinds of speed/gas mileage differences am I looking at? Will the 1125 last longer? Hate to ask so many questions, but the lightning I'm on was my first bike, and I really don't know anything about other bikes...please help!!! | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Briefly............. I don't own a 1125R, but I have ridden them at the Buell sponsored track day, and on the street at the March Badness demo. So, compared to the XB12R it is: 1.Handling wise, I would say it is better. Not surprising as each generations of Buells have been improved in that area. I would say that the longer wheelbase, newer frame, better tires and better tuned suspension are the reason. 2. It is much faster. This is due to the fact that the new motor is a short stroke, twin over head cam, four valve per cylinder engine putting out about 40+ more horsepower than the air cooled motor, but with the same torque, almost, at lower rpms. 3. Reliability. That remains to be seen, but the engine builder, Rotax has a great reputation for reliable engines, and the experience of Aprilia owners, which has a somewhat different engine by the same manufacturer has been excellent. Even though dealer support has been uneven, Buell has really gone out of their way to help the dealers, even going so far as to replace entire engines when necessary. Realistically, unless a particular dealer makes a big commitment to training technicians, repairing these bikes will be beyond the capability of most Harley dealers. As has been said a million times on this board, you really need to demo one for yourself. I found it to be an absolutely great bike. Try it. If you want a faster more aggressive motor cycle, this is definitely it. | ||
| Tommy5144 |
I have a question for you, if you are trying to upgrade does it HAVE to be a Buell? If you are looking at things like the 1125, why not look into other manufacturers? R1, CBr1000, Gsxr1000, etc | ||
| Brumbear |
I would wait on an 1125R they seem to have alot of problems this is the first year and the way it sounds they are not gonna have it straightened out anytime soon. They can't even get a normal oil checking procedure figured out it sounds like. Read the posts on the 1125 board, I also rode the bike and it is an amazing machine but nobody wants a $12,000 paper wieght pretty as it may be. I love my Buell but I would not purchase an 1125 until the 3rd production year. | ||
| Jerseyguy |
What Jon said exactly! | ||
| Zac4mac |
I live in Colorado. Got the first 1125R in the state, Dec 18th. She has 6040 miles with no problems I didn't cause myself. Very happy camper here. Faster, quicker, more "flickable" than my '03 Firebolt. 'Bolt had much better mpg, that's all. Zack | ||
| Interex2050 |
And to answer the fuel economy question... I was getting the following: 1125R -18mpg city -31mpg highway XB12R -35mpg city -Up to 60mpg highway Although my fuel efficiency may not have been accurate due to issues I was having (1125R) And yes it handles MUCH better then the firebolt | ||
| Spatten1 |
Soul vs. Performance to me. The XBs have "personality", a fun engine, and a good chassis. The 1125 runs with the rest of the world. | ||
| Hogs |
And yes it handles MUCH better then the firebolt PLease Explain HOW the above staement is TRUE, say compared to a 2005 or 2006 XB12R Fiebolt??? | ||
| Interex2050 |
Well it is more precise and delicate... For example lets say you are in a bad mood and you are riding along and you feel like causing havoc upon some ants crossing the road With the 1125R you would be able to target a specific ant and decide which of his legs you want to break As you are running it over the front end will tell you if you have succeeded in your venture. The firebolt requires much more effort and setup to do the same thing, nor will you get the same feedback... Also while you are approaching your target, say another ant gives you a dirty look and you decide that it is a more appropriate victim; on the 1125R you will be able to make an effortless correction. In a way the firebolt is more fun because it will not turn unless you provide the exact input that it needs in the way that it wants you to So I suppose different would be more appropriate This is based on an 2004 XB12R with the newer generation (43mm) front forks. | ||
| Mesozoic |
I got a chance to demo the 1125R this past weekend at a local dealership in Vancouver, BC. All I can say is that the bike has a ferocious engine in it. A mere rap of the throttle results in some raspy ferocity and using it is violent. It's a great superbike, no doubt, but the hunched over racing positioning makes it a little less appealing to the urban streetfighter in me. | ||
| Hogs |
Very Interesting on the Ants... Perhaps others can chime in as well, and see if they had the same sights on them Ants...?  | ||
| Spatten1 |
In a way the firebolt is more fun because it will not turn unless you provide the exact input that it needs in the way that it wants you to I find my XBS tracks very well in turns and takes bumps well, but you have to set up, pick your line, and get situated before initiating the turn. Compared to the higher powered Japanese sport bikes I've owned it is much more twitchy in response to mid-corner changes, moving around on the bike, or braking that is not progressive going on or off. I didn't get to take any decent turns on the 1125, but it felt more stable and "normal" for a sportbike chassis than the XB. (Message edited by spatten1 on April 15, 2008) | ||
| P_squared |
Ant results for various models: X1 & M2 (Both '02's I've since sold)- I can hit the mound. XB9SX (Wife's '05 bike)- I can hit a small grouping, but can't change target once I've committed. 1125R - Which leg on which ant shall I break today? As to the riding position, most folks, myself included, have put on the 12S pegs. That 1" difference makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Going from a "Streetfighter" body position on the M2/X1/XB9 to a "Sportfighter" on the 1125R has taken some adjustment on my part. Not as "fun" in stop & go, but LOADS more fun in the open twisties for 100+ miles at a time. YMMV If you can get a testride on an 1125R, have them check/adjust the suspension before you ride if at all possible. If it's "in the ballpark" you'll probably like it. If it's not even close, you won't be happy. | ||
| Hogs |
Have not rode a 1125 yet, I guess I will this summer on a test ride if the dealer here ever gets em.. However, I think I will stick with my xb12R can`t see it being any better in the turns.. shorter wheel base and all, Plus maybe the 1125 may be better on the Track.. But for all out riding the twisters on the street, can`t see it being any better than the R... But in saying that ... maybe a handfull of riders could prove that wrong in North America...Hmmmm??? | ||
| Spike |
I was able to ride an 1125R back to back with my '04 XB12R at the Buell Inside Pass track day at VIR North last fall, so I got a chance to compare directly. I was running PDC3's on my XB12R, so both bikes were even on the same tires. I thought the handling was actually pretty close between the two. The 1125R turns in a little bit quicker and is more forgiving of your mistakes, but otherwise I thought it felt very similar to my '04 XB12R. Really fast guys may be able to tell a larger difference, but at an intermediate pace they felt very close. I don't think the average rider on the street will able to notice much of a difference at all. The bigger differences were in the power, brakes, and transmission. The power of the 1125R is really impressive. It's a little softer than an XB12 on the bottom, but once spinning it just crushes an XB12. It offers loads of usable power from 4k rpm all the way to the 10,500rpm rev limit. This dyno chart may help illustrate the difference in power delivery:  Light green line is a lightly modified XB12R, dark green line is a stock 1125R. The ZTL2 brake on the 1125R was equally impressive. I liked the ZTL1 on my Firebolt for street use, but I've had to deal with some fade at the track. Switching to EBC HH+ pads and fresh fluid made the ZTL1 better for the track, but the lever was never as consistent as I would have liked. On the 1125R I had no such trouble. The front brake was much stronger, required less lever effort, and felt solid the entire time. Having said all that, if I had to choose between another XB12R or an 1125R for a street/track bike, I'd still take the Firebolt. The 1125R offers more performance in almost every category, but the XB12R just has more character. | ||
| Randomchaos |
I have to say, that Dyno graph shows exactly how I felt the power come on with the 1125r when I testrode it. My XB feels so much more powerful than the 1125r, up to about 6k where they feel close to the same, then the 1125r starts to feel like its got a kick to it. I personnally like having gobs of usable power throughout the entire rev range, rather than having to hit that 6k RPM range to feel some good acceleration. To me, the fun part about riding a motorcycle is feeling that rush of acceleration, and leaning into corners. The XB lets me do that without severely breaking traffic laws. I see the 1125r as having to be wound out to feel the same acceleration, which will most likely cause you to exceed speed limits, and often. To me, the XB just seems more suited than the 1125r for fun street riding. | ||
| Hogs |
Thanks Spike, Thats the info I thought I wd. hear from someone that drove both , even with the Same Sneakers on.. Yes the power is day and Night... One wd. expect that...! Had thought for on the Street one wd. be as good as Thee other.. | ||
| Retrittion |
Up front, I like my 12R -- I like the engine especially. The thing I would change is the gearbox, not completely but just modify gear ratios and such, same with the belt drive, same with the headlights. For me the small issues I have with the 12R doesn't warrant changing to the 1125. If I was coming into Buells this year I might look at it a bit different but honestly I don't adopt tech in the first year -- I wait a bit. Both bikes are still great bikes though. My .02 cents | ||
| Luxor |
I've ridden all 3, and own both a XB9 and XB12. The 1125R will be the next stable mate. On the STREET I want an XB. On the TRACK I want an 1125R. Thats all I have to say 'bout that.  | ||
| Jedi74 |
Haven't test ridden the 1125 yet but I have to agree with Luxor, being one who doesn't frequent the track I'll take my XB for the street any day. |
