| Author | Message | ||
     Gentleman_jon |
I was helping a friend set up the suspension on his "new" 2003 Aprilia . I could not help but contrast the reliability of the Rotax power unit of the Aprilia, with the Rotax unit in the Buell 1125 which has been plagued with problems: fueling, transmission, overheating, clutch seal, boiling fuel and many other problems. I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that this project may be just too complex for the limited resources available to Buell. This is a great disappointment, especially in light of the fact that Harley went and spent a fortune to buy MV Agusta, which a great name, but hardly produces any motorcycles at all. What is particularly disturbing is the fact that Aprilia was using a very satisfactory fuel injection system by Seimens, a global powerhouse in electronics, but Buell decided to another supplier, to fuel their Rotax. | ||
| 2kx1 |
Wow , too many good questions. I have never heard anything bad about the Ape ,except not to run the battery down as it may cause problems with the starter sprag. I do understand that there are problems with a 1st year bike however not as many with the 1125. Hopefully they will continue to sort it out although I do think it is a limited number. It may also be the dealer or whomever is servicing the bike. I do believe Ducati has a nasty reputation and from what I have always heard is " where are you taking it for repairs?" | ||
| Doctorneon |
One of the reasons I purchased my white(the faster color) 1125R, is that I have an aprilia rsv-r 2000, the first year. I have never had any problems with it. As for ducati, I currently own a large number of them, and have had only occasional minor problems, and some were out of warranty and they still took care of it. I also can't figure out what rotax did to the clutch cylinder to make it leak when my aprilia never has.  | ||
| Bigschwerm |
I have had zero problems with my 09 (other than keeping tread on the back tire). Dec 08 build date. 4600 miles and NOT babied at all (except for break in) | ||
| Jaimec |
Okay, I'm almost at 5,000 miles and I haven't had any issues at all. Why is the engine "unreliable?" | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
First year of a brand new engine design. Expect better reliability from 2009+ models. Ain't hard to figure out. | ||
| Buellsrule |
No problem here with an '08 with 10K miles. I've owned an Ape and like this one a lot better. BR. | ||
| Carbonbigfoot |
Beat the ever-lovin dog spit out of mine on a daily basis... Except for the previously mentioned short lifespan of the rear tire, no issues. 09 CR R | ||
| Ds_tiger |
I owned 2001 and 2006 MY Aprilia Rotax "superbike and Tuono" models. Put a collective 15K miles combined on them. Flat out- hands down this motor and set up has it ALL OVER the Rotax Aprilas. More power. No reliability issues what so ever. Bitch about the CEL that has now gone away after I learned to wait a moment to hit the starter button. Sorry you/ yours are having trouble. Bike is very well put together and hard running. Motor is hard core. I expect it to out last me based on the Aprilia now (more of the good) Buell Rotax experience. | ||
| Ds_tiger |
BTW My Tuono came with loose caliper bolts, a foggy instrument cluster and decals that peeled away from the showroom floor, plus a leaking gas cap that seemingly had no fix, plus a mysterious turn signal that would "turn itself on" at high RPM (bad wiring harness leading to switch gear).  | ||
| Duggram |
My 1125 became a track bike just after break in. One of the first AMA riders to see it at my home track last winter said to me, "You're going to love that bike. It's bullet proof. I watched it this year (referring to Moto-ST)." Johnathon you wouldn't be putting down the 1125 because you don't have one would you? | ||
| Madav8tr |
"fueling, transmission, overheating, clutch seal, boiling fuel and many other problems." With the possible exception of the clutch seal, none of "problems" you mention can be attributed to Rotax. Also none of the "problems" you listed have been experienced by all 1125R owners. I have an '08 and I have ZERO problems or issues. I am confident however that if a problem does happen to arise during the warranty period that it will be taken care of promptly. "Johnathon you wouldn't be putting down the 1125 because you don't have one would you?" It seems that the VAST majority of people complaining about the 1125 fit in that category so I wouldn't expect him to be any different. | ||
| Buellnick |
What problems? 7K and everything is OK... | ||
| Fresnobuell |
I could not help but contrast the reliability of the Rotax power unit of the Aprilia, with the Rotax unit in the Buell 1125 which has been plagued with problems: fueling, transmission, overheating, clutch seal, boiling fuel and many other problems. Uh, the clutch seal is the only unaddressed issue currently. Seems to me the "complexity" of this new platform is being handled fine by BMC.} | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
I don't think its the about of un addressed issues as much as the total amount. Mainstream consumers are not as patient. The 08 was not ready for prime-time. Were averaging a new re flash every three months. The decision to release the bike before it was right unfortunately reinforced some old Buell stories of troubles that the XB bikes finally concurred. American manufacturing needs to get serious about getting it right the first time. Bashing the none owners for not accepting 23 document cases (chevycummings) as normal is absurd. Expend your energy for pressuring BMC to get a little more serious about quality control. Rotax makes a great product this bike should not have had this many issues. That is not bashing, that is speaking from frustration as American companies seem to be committing suicide at an alarming rate. No I don't yet own one. The title of this thread is basically why. ___________________________________ Disclaimer; BrapBrapBrap does not currently own an 1125 but looks forward to getting a water cooled Buell. If your hatred toward Brapbrapbrap last more than four hours consult your physician. Warning most Customers will read on the internet to learn more about a product before making a major purchase.Brapbrapbrap comments are his own and in no way reflects the opinions of BMC or its affiliates. Brapbrapbrap, loves motorcycles and is not a troll. Brap believes in free speech to add and also is honest and sincere and does not like hyperbole | ||
| Xbswede |
I am not sure why you think the engine is unreliable. It seems that all the issues mentioned are not really the engine but rather electrical, software and design. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
Exactly what I was thinkin xbswede. I'm tryin to figure out how fuel boiling in the tank has anything to do with engine reliability. Still love the fact that most of these threads that knock the 1125r reliability are started by window shoppers. While you guys sit around waiting for the perfect bike, I'm gonna go ride my problem free 2008 1125r. | ||
| S1125r |
I see your point. While I've never had any of the above occur on my 09 1125r, in beautiful arrest me red, I do have one very serious problem with it. The problem: I can't ride it right now because I'm at work.  | ||
| Pariah |
Sorry you are having issues. I am not, but I don't know what the reliability statistics are, do you? What you are reporting is anecdotal... "my friend's Aprilia, versus my Buell (or even the Buells of a few other people)..." and then bashing Buell as a whole. A lot of us on this forum actually like our 1125s and aren't having problems. Before generalizing, you Buell slanderers need to have better stats. So, 23 documented cases. So what? Out of how many? People having issues tend to be louder, and make things seem much worse than they really are. What American Manufacturing needs is greater innovation... Buell is a shining light in that department, and should be applauded for what it represents. | ||
| Id073897 |
What American Manufacturing needs is greater innovation... Buell is a shining light in that department  | ||
| Maul |
Hmmm seems to me the good out weighs the bad here. Besides I knew what I was getting into BEFORE I bought the bike. I didn't need to wait until the "perfect" build comes out. THIS BIKE ROCKS! | ||
| Parrick |
Put me on the happy list.  | ||
| Bearly |
Engine problems? I didn't know I had engine problems. :-) | ||
| Doerman |
WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING AT US! Feel in need of attention or something? +1 Bearly engine problem? | ||
| Madav8tr |
"Bashing the none owners for not accepting 23 document cases (chevycummings) as normal is absurd." What is absurd is believing that ONE owner that has (23) documented issues as being normal despite HUNDREDS of others that are reporting very few or no issues at all. Like I said before, my 1125R runs fine and hasn't had any problems like the VAST majority of others here. | ||
| Spectrum |
I'm surprised to see Gentleman_jon make this post. This is not his usual MO and I'm curious what prompted him to do so? As for Kevin and Gunter, well same old tired negative often repeated dribble. | ||
| Mainstreamer |
Madav8tr, this is the wrong place to ask that question if you want an objective answer. Most here are high on cool aid and in lust with their 1124 penis extender! | ||
| Badlionsfan |
Gunter, do we really need to go thru the list of Buell innovations??? Sure seems like every year more and more sport bike mufflers are finding there way lower and lower. I used to think you were an intelligent person who gave much to the Bell community, but now that you want to act like a bitter Euro my respect for you has been knocked down a few pegs. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
Mainstreamer, I sure hope my existence isn't as miserable and meaningless as yours is when I retire. If you hate this bike soooo much, why are you here??? You don't see me hanging around message boards of things I hate, like a miserable old man message board or something. | ||
| Court |
>>>Were averaging a new re flash every three months. I, personally, think that is kinda cool that Buell is able, as research and development goes on, to quickly move new things to the market. But then I have been here long enough to know what would happen if someone reported that Buell had a "new and improved" reflash and was holding it 10 months for next model year introduction. What . . . let's just play this out . . . if Buell had the weeping clutch cover fix done and in house and was waiting until the 2010 model to roll it out? You get my point. Just judging from the responses here the "unreliable" assertion seems in stark conflict with the facts. I'll be in a meeting tomorrow and am eager to find out about 1125R statistics. I do, and I confess I know nothing about the particular person or bike, find it quite odd that a single bike out of over 10,000 has exhibited 23 problems. I've learned over the years to never say never and have seen some really strange anomalies but that would take the cake. The good news is that BUELL CUSTOMER SERVICE is there to help. |
