G oog le Buell 1125R Forum | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile


Buell Forum » 1125R Superbike Board » Archives 001 » Archive through May 29, 2009 » Demo ride impressions, questions « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dman
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 11:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I did a demo ride on an 1125R 2008 the other day, going back again.

(note: I really would like to do the Buell for my next purchase, and trying to convince myself, over another R1 or GSXR1K)

Everything was great but here are the negatives I have questions about..

- the clutch seemed heavy and dull for a hydralic clutch, it just didn't seem to be snappy and the release seemed muted & I felt like I needed 2 fingers on it. Is this normal, is there a mod to make the "feel" better?

- the bike overall pulled hard enough for me I think, but wasn't snappy, especially in any higher gear, at 5 6K rpm I tried roll ons & front end barely lifts, popping the clutch wasn't much better as it seemed kinda flat. Could this be that the bike wasn't "updated", like the new mapping etc., could be the gearing - are there any gearing options out there ... I couldn't find any?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

P_squared
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 11:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

but wasn't snappy
Likely due to the FLAT torque curve. The bike is "sneaky" like that, as there are no sharp spikes in the curves (HP & TQ).

As for gearing options, not a lot. It's a belt. You could swap out to the CR swingarm/belt/sprockets for more lowend grunt, or do the chain conversion via new swingarm, etc. from Buell racing.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Clarkjw
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 12:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If you get the 1125r, you'll need to tune it. It runs lean for a number of reasons, most of which are Buell's fault.
Anyway, •••• has a spark map an fueling flash that will help a

(Message edited by blake on September 14, 2009)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Xl1200r
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 01:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I don't think he'd HAVE to tune it. I have the latest flash on my '09 and it runs really good.

I was going to remap mine myself, but this latest one from Buell is good enough that I'm not worried about it anymore.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Clarkjw
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 01:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

He's test riding a 2008.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Xnoahx
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 01:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I would think that lifting the front end would have a negative impact on your performance on the road
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pbxorcist
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 04:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I rode an 09 1125 CR this weekend and had a slightly different experience.

I found the clutch responsive with more feedback than you typically get form a hydraulic clutch. (Specifically the hydraulic clutch on the vrod). I ran 2 fingers on it, and given the full fist required on my XB found that to be a pleasant surprise. I should note, I ride harleys predominately so I'm used to man handling a clutch and this one was a joy to operate.

The slipper clutch was an amazing addition to the riding experience allowing better shifting and rev control going into the corners.

I loved the power curve. I thought it was consistent, predictable and linear. I found the bike was responsive across the RPM range and the power delivery was solid even at a cruising 4k. I'm not actually sure I would want it any snappier, I was a bit aggressive on the throttle in 2nd and felt the front wheel come up a tad.

My only complaint was the ace bars. That bike needs dirt track bars like the cityx, big wide and flat. I was lucky enough for them to have a CR with the bar and riser kit installed and functionally they worked for me (they were wide enough to feel like I would get good leverage with them) but I thought they were a bit on the ugly side. I think I'd like to see a set more like the cityx ones with the cross bar.

Overall the fit and finish on it was flat out fantastic and I am at the point where I am very seriously contemplating going out and buying one. The only deciding point for me is if I want a brand new 09 or if I would rather go get an 08 R and convert it.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Badlionsfan
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 04:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Along with what others have said, this motor really wakes up as it breaks in.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dman
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 05:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks for input, I think I'll go demo a CR, I don't like the look as much, I love the R look, but it might be interesting to compare the two.

Although I had an X1W, my perspective is from 30 yrs on dirt bikes & 20 yrs on liter sport bikes, I'm coming off a GXR1K and an R1, and geared -1,+2 - so I'm used to 3-4K little clutch to popup standups etc., in 1-4th gear. I remember my X1W and the handful of clutch needed, and a friggin wheelie machine, more like a dirt bike with a sport bike chassis (Sumo like). I just expected more pull/snap, felt more like a 600. But the ergos are so nice (I'm 6'3") & I'd so love to get on a US bike, I think I can get past most of those little things (that's what mods are for) ... biggest thing right now might be the gearing limitations, that's a bummer.
I'm really curious about the CR, now that I know the gearing is shorter, gotta call the buell store tomorrow.
Thanks, guys, great info.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Badlionsfan
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 05:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

There are tuning options out there for more power, with just messing with the ECM fuel and spark maps.

There are chain conversions out there. I think Buell racing and there maybe others. Not really up on it cuz I'm content with the gearing and don't wanna mess with a chain for street riding.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Geforce
Posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - 07:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Dman, whatever you do, know that we are all here to help ya out anyway we can. I've been in your shoes as I rode IL4s for a long time. It is a lot different at first but the best thing about these bikes are sure to become apparent to you as you ride it more and more. You'll notice subtle differences at first, but when you really get after it with some aggressive riding you won't go back. Welcome to the dark side!

Although, from what you said you seem to have plenty of experience and I trust that you know what you are doing. But if Buell isn't something you've never thrown a leg over I do hope you enjoy it and welcome to the family!
« Previous Next »

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Password:
E-mail:
Options: Post as "Anonymous" (Valid reason required. Abusers will be exposed. If unsure, ask.)
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration