| Author | Message | ||
     Bobr |
Hello Badwebbers, I got to take a ride on an 1125r last weekend courtesy of Gainesville Harley-Davidson and Buell in Gainesville, Florida. What a fantastic bike! The first thing that struck me upon seeing one in person was how good the bike looks. Excellent fit and finish, clean, and a purposeful no bs appearance. As others have commented the radiator pods are much smaller than they appear to be in the photos, are well-integrated into the lines of the bike, and act as a lower fairing when underway. The things people say about the bike being deceptively fast are also true. Paul at GHD took the time to adjust the suspension to my weight before I rode the bike and trusted me enough to let me take it out while it was still in the break-in period. I varied the speed a lot and kept the bike at no more than 6,000rpm. None the less whenever I checked the speedo I was going 20mph or more faster than I thought and was close to an indicated 100mph several times without realizing it. I guess this was largely due to the effectiveness of the carefully designed fairing. Slow speed maneuvers were very easy once I got used to the riding position. I am quite short and when I left I asked Paul to put the kickstand up for me after I got on the bike because I didn't want to drop it trying to locate the sidestand on an unfamiliar machine. By the time I returned I was comfortable enough to pull into a gas station and top it off before going back to GHD. As I exited I made a tight U-turn to get out of the gas station and found the steering lock. The bike stayed rock steady and balanced throughout the procedure. I put about 20 miles on the bike before reluctantly giving it back to GHD. One of the things I realized while riding the 1125r was what a fine job BMC has done with the XB line. I currently ride an 03xb9sl and a HD T-sport. I also occasionally ride my wife's lightning long. Getting back on the xb models after the 1125r was not at all disappointing, just different. I'm not sure if I'll get the 1125r just yet, mainly because I don't want to take out a loan and also because my xb9sl fits me like a glove. Things that recommend the 1125r over my xb in addition to the remarkably smooth nature of the delivery of all that power are the superb brakes and clutch, and the comfort provided by the fairing. The riding position of the xb is more comfortable for me, but I suspect people coming from other full-on sport-bikes will find the 1125r very comfortable. I also imagine it is an excellent and highly competitive ride for the track. I hope this bike will put Buell on the map with other sport-bike riders. GHD is certainly doing their part, so if you or anyone you know is interested in a demo ride on an 1125r head for GHD. Paul has promised to keep a bike available for demos and by this weekend I'm sure he'll have it past the break-in period. Enjoy! The 1125r | ||
| Blake |
Great report! Thanks Bob!  | ||
| Wahoo |
Gotta love the fine folks in Gainesville. They didn't charge any freight or set up fees, I will buy all my new bikes from them. | ||
| Tq_freak |
Why do I have to go home for christmas  This weekend would be perfect to go up there and test her out. | ||
| Bobr |
Hi Blake, I figured a post was the least I could do in return for the chance to ride an 1125r. Will, the demo bike will be there when you get back and Paul said he has two more on the way. | ||
| Rich |
"They didn't charge any freight or set up fees"  |
