| Author | Message | ||
     Khill |
Hi All! I had an opportunity to ride bike to back, a 2008 Buell 1125R with and without the new Calibration as well as a 2009 1125R and 1125CR and wanted to share my experiences. But first, who am I and why the hell would I want to post about it? My name is Ken Hill. I live in Northern California and have been involved with motorcycles on many different levels. I have raced with the AFM for over 14 years, some AMA racing, test rider for Road Racing World magazine and an instructor for Freddie Spencer Riding School for 4 years. I have product tested for various manufactures and wrenched for AMA teams as well as owning my own dealership at one point. That’s who I am and now, how did it come about me riding the bikes? Well, Buell hired me to teach one of their classes next year for the dealers at the “Back to the Track” training. Part of my training involved riding the bikes and at the end of the test rides, I commented how nice the bikes were and how well they ran. One of the engineers commented they were working on calibration for the ‘08 1125R’s so I volunteered to give my opinion since these guys have to wear so many different hats and an outside opinion might be just the ticket. So, I rode the bikes with the different calibrations and here are my thoughts: 2008 Standard Calibration: While the bike ran pretty darn good, there were some issues regarding drivability at low speeds, mainly on throttle tip in (1%-15%) and vibration at higher RPM’s. Though I want to get one thing straight, vibration as it has been described is really not correct, it is more of a straining or the motor fighting itself as it revs out. I also had some surging at constant throttle settings as well as an inconsistent idle. 2008 Updated Calibration: Huge difference, everywhere. Not only were the 1-15% throttle issues gone, the motor revved smoother, (no more vibrating tach needle) and quicker. I purposely let the motor idle for long lengths of time, no problems and it pulled clean everywhere. The temperature outside was mid 80’s to 90 and I saw no heat related issues as the bike ran at 180deg running down the road and 195deg in town. Idling for a long time in traffic saw 205 and would cool right back down, as I started moving. Misc Thoughts: I have to admit, this was my first time riding any of the Buell products. I came away very impressed, not only riding the bikes but, with the company and the people within it. The 1125R is one very nice bike and I can’t believe more people aren’t riding one. It has a great V-Twin motor and a chassis that works very well. (I would love to get one and see what I could do with it!) What really motivated me to write something were the people within Buell. They do so much with so little and everyone wears 2-3 different hats. Its Erik’s vision that keeps them going. Its really incredible. Ken Hill | ||
| Mario1125 |
great post. Buell and their bikes will never be for the masses which is what makes them so special. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Ken - welcome to badweb, and to Buell. Hopefully I'll recover soon enough (and the dealer will see fit to send me again) so I can get back to Back to the Track school. Last year at Pocono, couple years ago in Vegas...tons of fun. Say hi to Tripp for me (I'm the guy he had fun chasing around Vegas on the FXD's). Joe | ||
| Marshj |
Ken, I'd like to hear your thoughts on the 09 and CR- thanks! Jeff | ||
| Badlionsfan |
So did you ask what kind of discount you could get on one, since you're kinda sorta workin for Buell?  | ||
| Ponti1 |
Ken, great post...Thanks for all the detail! One question...When are you buying one?!?!?  | ||
| Khill |
Ken, I'd like to hear your thoughts on the 09 and CR- thanks! Jeff The 09 felt like the updated 08, really couldn't tell the difference. The CR was FUN! I really liked the shorter gearing. Otherwise, except for the fairing, felt like the same 1125R. | ||
| Khill |
"So did you ask what kind of discount you could get on one, since you're kinda sorta workin for Buell?" Working on it! Ken | ||
| Mustangturbo |
Great post... I am glad that there are people that see the beauty in this bike! I love it more everytime I ride it! | ||
| Jmr1283 |
im glad the strainin in climbing the revs is better. its bothered me and i havent heard any bring it up so i figured it was me and my inexperience with buells or higher reving motors. great write up ken. i live in eureka for a year. and my sister lives outer ferndale. i wish i lived there still just me and the 1125. those roads are awsome. | ||
| Pariah |
Fantastic post, Ken. And you have a killer set of qualifications! Awesome... | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Great to see Buell identify a qualified person and take advantage of his expertise...bringing in someone with what appears to be tremendous experience with the traditional sportbike scene is just plain exciting. Were you involved with the actual calibration formulation, if you can tell us? | ||
| Chameleon |
Thanks for your contribution, Ken. It's nice to read good news. | ||
| Freezerburn |
Thank you Ken for the great unbiased post. So we badwebbers aren't crazy for having such passion about this company? | ||
| Teddy |
Thanks Ken! http://www.desmotosport.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=107&Itemid=156 That will give you a quick glance at Ken's resume I can't tell you how stoked I was when I first heard from Ken when he got back from riding the 1125's. As the sales manager at a Northern California Buell dealer (who has been involved in the sportbike community here for over 10 years, hosting track days for 7 years and racing Supermoto for 3...) there is no other rider/racer/person I would have been happier hearing from than Ken. He is fast, super-fast....I think he is only running a part-time AFM schedule this year, but I bet if you go and look at the times posted from the 2008 events Ken's will be some of, if not the outright fastest...that really has nothing to do with my excitement about his potential relationship with Buell moving forward though. Ken is a super friendly guy with experience on and with EVERYTHING. He rides for fun, he has owned at least one shop around here before, he rides for magazines and manufacturers. Since I have lived in Northern California and followed motorcycle racing Ken's name always comes up. Fact is, you can't talk about the top California riders without Ken's name popping into the conversation. To top it all off, in the paddock, he is one of the friendliest guys you can find. Lots of fast guys.....well, lets just say that talent on a motorcycle and great personality don't always come in the same package, Ken has it. I even had the honor of getting SMOKED by him at one or two of my trackdays. Let me tell you, there is nothing more humbling than being on a hot lap at Thunderhill going into turn 2 faster than you ever have, tires sliding, knee on the ground, feeling like Valentino Rossi pushing the envelope....only to have someone go around the outside of you basically with their hand on their hip casually looking back as they pass you then drift off into the sunset...that was my "on-track" introduction to Ken  I am sure he does not even remember it, I will never forget it. Sorry, this is starting to sound like a man-crush. I just really want people to understand the background, experience and person that this passion for the new Buell product is coming from. I have had the chance to ride one at the track myself and loved it. Probably the easiest big bike I have ridden. For reference my past track bikes have included: FZR600, TL1000S, TL1000R, Ducati748&998, CBR600F4, GSX-R750, RC51, CBR600RR, ZX10R, TZR250SPR...and a few others I can't think of right now. I am not trying to brag about myself, just trying to point out that just because someone is a SM at a H-D/Buell dealer does not mean that they are clueless about sportbikes. My Softail Deuce is going on the floor this weekend and as soon as it is sold there will be an 1125CR in the garage! Hey Ken, you know where to find me if there is anything I can do to help you out, just ask! As a side note....I stopped hosting trackdays a few years ago, but would love to put together a couple of "just for fun" really relaxed open events focusing on Buell riders. I would open it up to any sportriders for better exposure on the new products, but would like Buellistas to be the focus, obviously. If any of you are interested and in the Northern California area it would be great if you could shoot me a message (teddy177@gmail.com) or PM me here. I want to get an initial feel for interest before I start trying to book Thunderhill Raceway (Willows, CA). Most likely would be a weekday....so flexible schedules might be required to attend. Sorry for blabbing soo long..... (Message edited by teddy on September 25, 2008) | ||
| Madxcat |
Hey Teddy, its refreshing to see your excitement. Keep it coming, if I ever get to the cali area I will have to look your dealership up. The more positive energy the better  And Ken thanks for sharing your thoughts on this bike which is a love affair to most of us here! I love to hear from people who have experience and enjoy riding for the love of it. | ||
| Clarkjw |
How possible is it for Buell to have 12-hole fuel injectors, to deliver a finer fuel mist for more complete combustion like the new Suzuki?} |
