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Regkittrelle
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2008 - 05:11 pm: | 
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Thanx, Trojan. It's always refreshing to hear thought from across the pond.
That shock thing...
At time I get the feeling that a H-D corporate buyer long-ago swung a killer deals for a warehouse full of obsolete boingers. If nothing else, the company has remained consistent in its application of inadequate shock absorbers. My most recent experience was with the FLHX; An attractive beast with much to offer, but devoid of any discernable rear suspension. |
Badlionsfan
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2008 - 05:17 pm: |
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In reality it is a very well rounded and put together motorcycle that is huge fun to ride and is probably the most important H-D model since the V-Rod, maybe even ever.
That's a bold statement, considering they aren't even selling it in the US. |
Dynasport
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2008 - 05:30 pm: |
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When I first saw the articles and posts about the XR1200 I just didn't get what the fuss was about. I posted as much on a previous thread. To me, the XB12Ss is a better bike for likely less money.
The more I have looked at the XR1200, though, the more I like it. Every review I have read about it has been very positive. Just think if Buell could have produced a sorted out 1125 without heat, fueling, and electrical issues for the press to ride. The response would have been so much more positive. The average rider is not the Buell fanatic common on this board. Good media reaction is very important. Buell really shot themselves in the foot with review after review that mentioned those problems. OTOH, the XR1200 reviews I have read have been much more positive.
The XB12Ss may still be the better bike, but the XR1200 will handily outsell it.
As for me, until I am confident that Buell has resolved the problems the 1125 has been experiencing, I won't spend my money on one. Unfortunately I have more confidence in HD producing a bike with fewer problems that is still fun to ride. That bike is the XR1200. So, put me in that column. |
Slaughter
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2008 - 05:34 pm: |
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MY picture in MY mind of THE XR750
Cal Rayborn |
Xl1200r
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2008 - 05:54 pm: |
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As far as I can ascertain, the XR 1200 uses the XB12 crank, pistons, valves and valve gear.
And a standard XL1200 engine uses all the same minus the pistons.
But Chevy isn't marketing them for 18 year olds. Buell/HD are obviously looking for younger riders with the new 1125's.
Explain how anything in the Buell marketing scheme for the 1125 models (or any of thier models) targets the "younger" crowd? |
Regkittrelle
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2008 - 05:55 pm: |
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BLF:
"...considering they aren't even selling it in the US."
This is not as relevant as it once was. Harley's significant growth is going to come from the rest of the world. The domestic market is flat. The mere fact that the XR was introduced off-shore attests to the importance the company places on markets other than here.
If you were to glance at today's Harley newsline you'd see that their Brazilian factory just celebrated its 10,000 build; a Softail Deluxe. Yes, it took 9 years for them to reach that milestone, but you can bet that the next 10K will come much quicker. I don't know that the US market is ready to accept Harley's built off-shore, but I doubt that the rest of the world has any reservations.
As with all global companies Harley-Davidson will cater to the marketplace, regardless of where it is. |
Regkittrelle
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2008 - 05:57 pm: |
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Better yet, explain the "Buell marketing scheme." |
Badlionsfan
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2008 - 05:58 pm: |
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Everything I've ever seen or heard from Erik himself says that the 1125r is intended for experienced riders.
kawayamasuzihon makes sport bikes geared toward the younger crowd with the repli-racers IMO. |
Slaughter
| | Posted on Friday, July 25, 2008 - 07:07 pm: |
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Off-shore manufacturing of Harley and Buell-badged machines only makes sense. Import duties in most South American countries run as much (or more) than 100%. |
Gentleman_jon
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 04:25 am: |
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Takes me back to my youth when the shoe was on the other foot.
The really exciting motor products of the day, Triumph Bonneville, MG-TD's, Jaguar XK 120's and such like were only available in the USA.
The English were in such a desperate need for dollars after a devastating war, that their top products were stamped "Export Only".
English enthusiasts bemoaned that situation in a way entirely similar to present day American riders who are a more than a little disappointed that the XR1200 was introduced abroad.
Of course that was wonderful for young American enthusiasts, who tasted for the first time, the style, speed and handling of these exotic and iconic machines, and thus commenced a lifetime of fascination with performance motor vehicles..
(Message edited by gentleman_jon on July 26, 2008) |
Court
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 07:53 am: |
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1959 MGA
>>>>We all know and understand you bleed "Buell" blue, but would you buy this bike or the 1125R as a daily rider?
I would not. The 1125 does nothing for me personally, I am thrilled for what it is doing for Buell corporately. I'm old enough and smart enough to know that I am well removed from the Buell target demographic.
In fact, I'd likely opt for the XR, based solely on looks, before the 1125 with it's far superior performance.
I'm getting old, tired and worn out in my sunset years and am willing to sacrifice, as an example, Corvette HP (the C6 is a great car) for the handling of a Porsche.
In terms of a motorcycle, if I were going to buy one, I'd go Ulysses which I think is poised to eclipse the BMW GS within the next year or so.
It's a personal thing and I confess I really enjoy these conversations with a diverse group bringing their widely disparate interests. Can you imagine, if you were Buell or HD, trying to decide where to place your 7-figure marketing bet at the moment? |
Triumph900
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 08:31 am: |
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In terms of a motorcycle, if I were going to buy one, I'd go Ulysses which I think is poised to eclipse the BMW GS within the next year or so.
Now THAT is a bold statement. I hope you're correct, but I would be shocked if that actually happened. |
Jerseyguy
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 11:54 am: |
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Court - I'm in complete agreement with you. I'd go for the XR too. Back in my yout' the XR750 always gave me a woodie. A racing buddy in my club ran the 1/2 and mile on one. He let me take it out once. Scared the crap out of me & loved every second of it.
I was poised to trade my 1125r in for an "1125S" at Liberty. The 1125r's ergonomics just don't suite me for normal riding. No fault of Buell, just my preference. I was quite disappointed to see the 1125cr has the same ergos as the 1125r. So I'm now "forced" to buy a Brutale R. Such are the disappointments of life.....
I will NEVER sell my XB. I love that thing to death. I guess what I really wanted from Buell was my XBSs exactly but with 50 more HP.
I've a track day on the 1125r next week & then it goes on eBay. |
Cityxslicker
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 12:14 pm: |
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tipping the scales Buell side
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Guell
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 01:54 pm: |
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jerseyguy, they offer more upright handle bars for the cr. |
Cyclonedon
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 03:07 pm: |
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this is an interesting thread but I don't know how you can pick a motorcycle without ever seeing or riding it. If you buy a motorcycle from looking at just the picture, I think you might be disappointed. |
Aeholton
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 03:21 pm: |
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If you buy a motorcycle from looking at just the picture, I think you might be disappointed.
Bought my Uly without ever riding one. Same with my old GS500E. Neither were disappointments. Read enough reviews and you can get a good idea on how a bike performs and whether suited for your style riding.
With the low bars on the 1125cr and sportbike"ish" seating position, I can tell it's not for me. My Uly is more commuter/daily transportation and I believe the XR would fill that roll nicely as well. |
Bill0351
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 04:08 pm: |
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I would like to have the choice of an XR1125R, or better yet, an XL1125R, sort of like the Ducati SportClassics.
Bill |
Jerseyguy
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 05:02 pm: |
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Guell, Yes, I know, thanks. I could also get adjustable aftermarket bars for my 1125r. The pegs are too high as well and I'd really prefer a seat like my Ss. It's just not where I'm at at this point. |
Brumbear
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 08:24 pm: |
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The Brutale is DEAD SEXY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know HD just bought them but just be careful of the parts waiting thing and they can take forever and the fact that its an I4 they take some getting used to. |
Cityxslicker
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 08:41 pm: |
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DATADUM DUM
dead sexy |
Sarodude
| | Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2008 - 09:45 pm: |
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When some of us think of a Sporty Harley, we don't think of tube framed Buells. Sure you can buy a lighter bike with more power and more lean angle. BFD. Sure, you can even buy a Sportster powered bike with better sporting credentials. That ain't the point.
Why don't people get that, to a LOT of folks, the insane lean angles and acceleration being pushed upon the sport riding market is just plane unnecessary? It's a SHAM. You're being baited and you're biting. It's not just about the specsheet wars the Japanese have have pushed on us with their virtually spec 600s or the poser plastics.
Seriously, the BULK of sportbike performance (regardless of where the effing bike was born or built) is spent on damage control in the hands of riders who don't get smoothness or committment. And this is if the bike ever even comes CLOSE to the outer limits of what the tires are capable of providing.
Look - I'm no 2 wheeled diety. However, when I can keep up with any sportscar (I don't mean straight line) driven up my road on my stock motored, stock suspended, stock tired, stock controlled FXD (in the tight stuff and on the hellacious sweepers), I think that's pretty damned decent for a bike. I've passed guys in all manner of capable 4 wheelers (who were hustling big time, btw) - even on the outside of the horseshoe heading northbound on San Francisquito.
To me, making the MOST of a vehicle is fun. I'd rather drive a bus in a race on ice than ride a sportbike the way most sportbikes get ridden.
You don't like the XR1200? AWESOME! You think it's weak in the performance department? Well, Guess the eff what!? Don't buy it.
Just don't be the dork on the XB12R who's asking me about the hellacious engine mods I must have on my Blast (back when it had box stock internals) about how I was keeping up with him.
Ride what you like and shut the eff up. You can all school us on the road with your superior machines.
-Saro |
Rick_a
| | Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2008 - 05:04 pm: |
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quote:I don't know how you can pick a motorcycle without ever seeing or riding it. If you buy a motorcycle from looking at just the picture, I think you might be disappointed.
Given the two choices I think the choice is easy to make. Both are based on established platforms and are worlds apart.
Some are missing the entire point and concept of the thread.
I have no use for either but that's not what the OP asked, is it?  |
Cityxslicker
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 02:23 am: |
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My backseat is becoming more committed , my next ride might not be the XR, looking more like the FXDF with Mids.
Talk about a porker 703 lbs, but with a punch of 96 c.i. & 6 speed trans. Its that back section for long hauls... A SofaKing will never darken my garage, even if it is in orange, the dyna is as close as I will get. |
Madduck
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 04:10 am: |
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Harley XR's are very special bikes, altho thoroughly miserable beast to try and keep running,
I've ridden Roger Riemans Daytona bike and numerous other racing versions. Friends and I even hold 4 LSR with em. I would never want one of my own but I would dearly love to have that look and feel the XR1200 will be the closest I will get |
Mr_grumpy
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 05:12 am: |
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I saw all the pre-launch publicity for the XR & thought it looked like a nice bike, my opinion hasn't changed since seeing one in the flesh & sitting on it.
I saw the pre-launch publicity for the TT too & thought that it could be the bike for me, though many slagged it off as ugly & pointless, being neither an Ss or a Uly.
My opinion didn't change & I bought one.
The 1125 R? didn't like it before, don't like it now.
The 1125 CR? I've seen (& owned) some ugly vehicles in my time, but that takes the biscuit as far as I'm concerned.
I don't get where the "Cafe Racer" idea comes from as it looks like no other I've ever seen.
Here's a modern day example of the genre; tell me I'm wrong.
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Rick_a
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 11:13 am: |
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quote:Harley XR's are very special bikes, altho thoroughly miserable beast to try and keep running
That's the same thing I hear about the XBRR. |
Cityxslicker
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 05:49 pm: |
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closest thing to a production cafe racer on the road now is the Triumph Thruxton. And if you ask them, they will tell you they invented it  |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 06:03 pm: |
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No matter what, Harleys are built to have a certain "look" first, and everything else is secondary.
I'd rather have a bike that WORKS than one that looks good. The Buells are meant to be RIDDEN, not gazed at lovingly through beer goggles.
MHO. |
Dynasport
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 06:46 pm: |
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So Jaimec, do you also prefer a wife who can cook over one that looks good?  |
Jaimec
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 06:53 pm: |
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Looks are temporary at best, but good food is priceless! |
Xl1200r
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 08:58 pm: |
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closest thing to a production cafe racer on the road now is the Triumph Thruxton.
"Production" and "Cafe Racer" should be used together.
The Thruxton is a Cafe Racer replica, and a very good one.
the 1125CR is a modern interpretation. |
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