| Author | Message | ||
     Chadhargis |
Well...since the dealer show was just down the road from me, I grabbed my camera and set out toward the Opryland Hotel. I stuck paydirt!! I met up with a bunch of guys wearing Buell shirts. One of them knew a LOT about the bike. The name on his tag said "Erik".  I can't express how awesome it is to be able to talk to the people who have designed the bike. I spoke with Erik, Dan, and Abe about the 1125r. They didn't treat me like some wacked out fan of their work (which I am). They actually discussed the bike with me, and seemed to be as excited about it as I was. I'm sorry...I don't care how good a Ducati, Honda, Suzuki, etc...are....are you EVER going to get the chance to walk up and talk to the guy who designed the bike? That's just SO damn cool!! In fact, I spoke with lots of the Buell folks, and they all treated me with respect and kindness in spite of the fact that they were probably completely worn out and were ready to go home. Most of the skinny on the new bike can be found on the website, so I'll cover the high points from what I saw. First off...I'm a big fellow. 6'5" and 235lbs. I really expected the 1125 to fold me up like the 12r...but it didn't. It was very pleasant to sit on. Better than the Ducati 1098 and any of the Jap repli racers. I mentioned how comfortable it was, and Erik said they worked a lot on making it comfortable. Here's my big butt planted on the bike (VIN #1 by the way).  Is Erik laughing at me??  Here are some links to several more pictures: http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/chadhargis/ Buell%20Dealer%20Show%202007/P1010023.jpg http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/chadhargis/ Buell%20Dealer%20Show%202007/P1010022.jpg http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/chadhargis/ Buell%20Dealer%20Show%202007/P1010021.jpg http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/chadhargis/ Buell%20Dealer%20Show%202007/P1010020.jpg http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/chadhargis/ Buell%20Dealer%20Show%202007/P1010018.jpg http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/chadhargis/ Buell%20Dealer%20Show%202007/P1010017.jpg http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/chadhargis/ Buell%20Dealer%20Show%202007/P1010016.jpg http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/chadhargis/ Buell%20Dealer%20Show%202007/P1010014.jpg http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/chadhargis/ Buell%20Dealer%20Show%202007/P1010013.jpg http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/chadhargis/ Buell%20Dealer%20Show%202007/P1010012.jpg I ran into the owner of my local dealer, Tom Bumpus and I asked him when I can put down my deposit. Erik says the bike will be out "late this year", so the wait begins... (Message edited by chadhargis on July 08, 2007) (Message edited by chadhargis on July 08, 2007) | ||
| Thespive |
Congrats, glad you decided to go and crash the party! --Sean | ||
| Hughlysses |
Great shots. Where's Ft_bstrd? I can't believe he wasn't there too! | ||
| Chadhargis |
I've left him about 4 voicemails....the bastard won't call me back. | ||
| Unibear12r |
Good shots...Thanks! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Tell the truth, Chad. I believe I called to see if someone wanted to go ride and got a weedle about it being 93• and that I must be joking about riding. So I went riding. Alone. Unfortunately, you can't hear the phone over the beautiful music created by my race pipe and the intake howl of my 07 airbox. That and the industrial earplugs. Had said person not been such a candy, I would have suggested a party crash.  Oh well. At least Erik wasn't pointing laughing at sasquatch!  | ||
| Chadhargis |
Hey man...don't blame me for not riding today. You go stand in a parking lot and teach a bunch of newbie riders in the hideous heat. Your brain pretty much melts and you have no business strafing corners at high speeds. But...I did decide at the last second to go the the dealer show. Glad I did. Figured it would be hit or miss. Oh...and when I was coming home from teaching, the sign in front of the school down from my house said 97. I just went out with the family to do some errands, and at nearly 8pm it's still 92 degrees. That sucks! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Yeah. I ended up hanging out with Ray and George. The other instructors. Who were out RIDING! It's alright. I wouldn't have been able to go on short notice. The requisitions officer needs a larger lead time to approve leave time. Glad you got to meet "The Man"! | ||
| Chadhargis |
Yeah...Ray and George wanted me to go with them...but I was pretty shot. I guess I'm a wuss. I want to go see Danger Dave....it's winter time there. | ||
| Rubberdown |
Thanks Chad! GReat post! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I would LOVE to run down to Hobbitland! I bet Dave could even hook us up with rides! | ||
| Tom_b |
great pic's! i'm glad you have one of ypu sitting on it. gives a real good perspective of size and seating. | ||
| 20xb12s04 |
Did anyone else notice Erik throwin' a shocker in the first pic? I know it's hard to look past the awesome bike, but that is some funny $h!+ right there!  | ||
| Corporatemonkey |
Did anyone else notice Erik throwin' a shocker in the first pic? THAT IS SOME FUNNY STUFF!!! | ||
| Chadhargis |
I'm just not hip I guess. I thought that symbol was "E" for Erik. | ||
| Xbrad9r |
i believe that is Erik giving respect to the 3%ers that is the 3% symbol... | ||
| Itchybro |
Nice work Chad. I think they're heading up this way soon. (When they go to the Maryville store I'll bet they hit the gap with that thing) | ||
| Barker |
CRAP! I knew I shoulda went. But Mrs. Barker decided to have crazy sex. So I decided to stay home. | ||
| Itchybro |
Am I nutz or does this example have a BELT on it? http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/chadhargis/ Buell%20Dealer%20Show%202007/P1010022.jpg | ||
| Barker |
yep belt. The Goodyear Hibrex final drive belt with Flexten Plus technology used on all Buell models weighs just 1.06 pounds, compared to drive chains that weigh four to five pounds, making another significant contribution to minimizing unsprung weight. The drive belt is also incredibly strong, and requires no lubrication, scheduled service or replacement. | ||
| Chadhargis |
It is a belt drive for sure...with the same idler pulley system as the XB platform. I think Erik and friends have been reading my mind. First they make the Ulysses, the bike I'd design if I could have, and now that I'm looking for a track bike, they release the 1125. Just fantastic stuff. Barker...you should have serviced the wife when you got home. LOL!! | ||
| Stealthxb |
I love the 1st pic! Erik B. reppin the 3%ers!!!  Shock em if you got em! | ||
| Chadhargis |
2 in the pink one in the stink! | ||
| Mastros2 |
"2 in the pink..." hahaha funny stuff. Congrats on the pics and meeting the man! |
