| Author | Message | ||
     Rubberdown |
OH NO .... Buell will do a much better job than that. | ||
| Eengler2 |
Needs some design work on the pods to get it to look right. | ||
| Ustorque |
just when i think the 1125 can't get any uglier.......then that picture. i appreciate the try but ah no | ||
| Eengler2 |
Never said it looked good. Just said it was an 1125S. | ||
| Buellnick |
You want a sport touring powerhouse - get a K1200S with bags and hold on...167HP... 96FtLbs. The JapST bikes don't even come close. But enough about that... I think Buell should leave the 1125R as an R. In fact, they should consider putting a full fairing on the R like like it will probably have when it starts officially racing. An S model-ok. Not a big fan of taking really good sport bikes and adding bags and high bars... You want to travel with an 1125r, put some Cortechs on it and go but please take them off when you're done!  | ||
| Zac4mac |
Thanks for that Buellnick - never heard of Cortech before. Z You're close, but the angles and size are off by a skoshi. Couldn't see it till I took off my glasses. | ||
| Buellnick |
See link... http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?produc tid=149&cat=31 Good bags - reasonable price. | ||
| Chadhargis |
The only problem with the K1200S is the wheelbase is similar to that of a 1967 Cadillac, it's heavy, and it costs about as much as a new car. Other than that, it's a fine bike. I've ridden one...very nice bike. | ||
| Rainman |
I think I see the problem bike makers have. We all know what we want them to make but no two people want exactly the same thing. I have no urge for a GSX anything. Too old, don't care. I've done the heavy touring bike for 15 years and the Harley for 12. Now that I'm saving up for the next big one, I want something that's as fun as the Blast and can go for hours. I guess I'll have to settle for soft, easily ripped or ripped off toss-over saddle bags rather than something real like the Uly's or the 990 Adventure. I understand how you feel Chadhargis, it seems like the bikes I want don't come in my size. | ||
| Buellnick |
The K1200s handles reasonably well for a long wheel base...61.8 inches to be exact...and it is extremely fast and supremely stable at high speeds - MUCH higher than is legal anywhere in the US. The duo-lever front suspension has excellent anti-dive properties and the ABS brakes are excellent. The electric suspension adjustment is a great feature. The other makers have not gone there yet and I can tell you that it is great to be able to stop, press a switch and change spring settings; or change damping settings on the fly. See a twisty section, stiffen it up; see/feel a bumpy section, soften it up. A great bike to take on longer trips through all kinds of weather. As for price...Not as expensive as you might think. I don't know anybody who has paid MSRP for one of these... In fact right now, remaining K1200R Sport bikes (half fairing) are selling for $3K under MSRP and dealers are willing to deal even further. That puts a decked out model at about $14K. Lets see, If you want a bike more suited to high speed touring, why drop $12K+ for an 1125R? Why even drop the $ on an FJR or KawCon for that matter? What the BMW lacks in cornering prowess, it makes up for with technical sophistication and excellence, and 167HP and 96FtLbs of torque. The 1125R is not a Sport Touring bike. It is a SUPERBIKE...maybe a completely naked superbike in the future. Rest assured, the K1200s is no Buell XB (or 1125R) when it comes to deliberately going out to play on tight twisty curves, I'll take the Buell - OF COURSE - any day of the week. (Message edited by buellnick on December 02, 2007) | ||
| Rich |
K1200S? $23K, fully loaded is what I ws quoted. No dyno sheet, either. | ||
| Bonjoxb12s |
I've come to a crossroads here.... why is it that some people in here will defend Buell no matter what (on some occasions), but then turn around and tell someone to "buy another bike" when they ask for something a little more conservative then the 1125R? This board is set up so that we can all voice our opinions and offer constructive criticism. NOT blow some of us off and tell us to buy a different brand. Buellnick, I'm not picking on you, as there have been many people that have said to buy something else. I think it's fair to say that there is a want and desire to see the rotax engine in a package with a relaxing seat, and upright handlebars. My personal opinion is that a "T" model would fit the niche very well, but since we have the ULY I'd more then settle for an Ss model with a touring seat and windscreen option. I am a big fan of Buell, and I would like to keep my hard earned $$ in america when I buy a product. Buell, can we PLEASE get a model with the rotax power plant, and still have a bike that is able to take us 100's of miles each day!!!! | ||
| Buellnick |
...this is good discussion by MC enthusiasts. I made such a decision based on what was available on the market. The only thing Buell has for long distance riding is the Uly and the Uly was not my cup of tea. I like my BMW and I also like my Buells...been through lots of brands and found the two I like the most. BTW: $23K for K-bike is too much. Talk to a different dealer. | ||
| Bonjoxb12s |
Buellnick, I know here in Missouri the BMW dealership in St. Louis has been closed..... are they cutting back production that you know of? | ||
| Buellnick |
I have not heard of any cut-backs by BMW. It seems BMW has been quite busy introducing new/better models in the last several years. Although, many will say these models are still pricey for what you get... Your local dealership may have been on a downhill slide for different reasons. | ||
| Jaimec |
BMW has been losing dealerships at a steady pace over the past few years. It's a crime that here on Long Island, one of the richest per capita areas in the United States, the ONLY place we can purchase BMWs and get them serviced is by going into MANHATTAN. Part of the problem is the RIDICULOUS requirements BMW puts on shops that want to carry their bikes. Until they get their heads out of the clouds and realize they are a loooooong way from generating the kind of demand for their bikes that Harley Davidson does for theirs, they are going to continue losing dealerships (and by extension, market share). Instead of encouraging new dealerships, they make the requirements so high that no one in their right mind wants to take them on. Even the local BMW car dealerships want no part of the motorcycle line. Sad. After owning BMWs since 1985, and logging over 300,000 miles on them, it looks like I've purchased my last one. I am most likely to replace my 1999 K1200LT with a Victory Vision next Fall. At least I have SEVERAL local places I can have that bike serviced. | ||
| Buellnick |
I understand BMW has high standards for its dealers...I wonder what they impose on their dealers that makes shut down...? BTW: It wouldn't hurt for HD/Buell to impose higher standards on some HD/Buell dealers... Especially with the new bike... | ||
| Dbird29 |
That Victory Vision is sweet. Kind of different in every sense. | ||
| Jaimec |
RE: BMW -- The bikes can not be displayed with any competitive models. They must be displayed by themselves. There is also a minimum amount of square feet that must be set aside for this purpose. The colors of the dealership are a specific shade of grey and white. No blue must be displayed UNLESS it is part of the BMW Roundel. There are also minimum square footage requirements in order to stock the clothing, a specific floor tile that must be used, appearance of the entrance way, etc. In essence, most existing motorcycle dealerships would have to create a whole new store front in order to pick up the line. And my sweetie and I took a test ride on a Vision a few weeks back. She was as impressed as I was. I'm going to wait a year because (like the 1125r) it's only in it's first year of production, and there's too much "new" in the model for me. 2008 could prove to be an EXPENSIVE autumn for me though, what with TWO new motorcycles on the horizon...  | ||
| Fresnobuell |
One of my best friends has plans for the Vision when he gets back from Kuwait/Iraq. I saw that thing at the IMS and it is HUGE. Seems to do the job well for which is intended though. | ||
| Dynasport |
RE: BMW -- The bikes can not be displayed with any competitive models. They must be displayed by themselves. There is also a minimum amount of square feet that must be set aside for this purpose. I don't doubt what you say about that, but the one BMW dealership I have ever been in also sells Triumphs and Ducatis for sure and maybe others as well. Anyway, their dealership is pretty small and the BMWs are in the same floor space as the other bikes. I don't think the dealership could put the BMWs in their own area if they wanted to. I really like the dealership, though. The salespeople are friendly, but not pushy at all. They have been happy to just talk about bikes with me without any pressure to buy one that day. They don't have alot of bikes, but they have a diverse selection. The thing I like best was the refreshing honesty of one of the salesmen. For example, I was looking at a Triumph Tiger one time. The salesman told me I should ride the bike to make my own decision, but he did not care for the bike. He had ridden it and really did not like it. Salesmen at other dealerships have not been so open and honest with me. Anyway, two things keep me from riding a BMW. First, the cost of entry and maintenance, although I have seen used BMWs at a pretty reasonable price. Second, the scarcity of dealerships. Around here they seem to be few and far between. Say what you want about Harleys, their are dealerships everywhere. And most of them work on Buells as well. That is a plus for me if I am on the road and have a problem. YMMV. | ||
| Rfischer |
The dealer requirements BMW imposes are indeed onerous. Once upon a time our local and very successful H-D dealer took the line on and then dropped it a couple years later. BMW was compelling him to commit nearly identical resources to their line as he did to H-D, yet the sales were but a fraction of those in Motor Company products. And nowhere near the aftermarket clothes and accessory sales, which is where the real money gets made. End of story. And now no BMW dealership in a trading area of 1 million+ | ||
| Jaimec |
Exactly. I don't know who the new management is at BMWNA, but they have their heads shoved firmly up an otherwise dark orifice. They need a sweeping out of their current management and get some people there with their feet firmly placed on the ground and their heads in clear, unobscured sky. When I first got into motorcycling, there were two BMW dealerships on Long Island, and two Harley dealerships. There was also a BMW dealership on Staten Island. NOW, the ONLY BMW dealership in the NYC metropolitan area is a corporate owned store in mid town, while there are two Harley dealerships in Nassau County ALONE, and three in Suffolk. There are also dealerships in Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island. Wanna take a stab at who's gonna sell more bikes? | ||
| Chadhargis |
I am a big BMW fan, I just can't afford one, and I wouldn't want to buy a K1200S (or R for that matter) as neither of those bikes is a very good sportbike or touring bike. It's a "tweener" bike. Decent handling with decent comfort. In my opinion, a true sport touring bike should be something I can ride to the track, pull off the bags, spank "real" sportbikes, put the bags back on, and ride home. The 1125 has all the attributes I like in a bike. Light, powerful, and quick handling with plenty of ground clearance (I hate dragging stuff...just makes me feel uneasy). Not that the BMW K bikes are bad bikes, but I don't think they could run with ANY Buell (yes, even the XB bikes) on a tight, twisty, technical road where it can't use the HP advantage. Where I live, the twisty roads are all around. I've ridden my Ulysses with sportbikes, and I can run off and leave them in the tight stuff where that high HP is actually a liability. When I say "twisties", I'm not talking about big sweepers. I'm talking about tight, 180 degree, off camber hairpins with leaves and gravel and crap in them. The other thing, besides the cost of entry, on a BMW is the cost of service and parts. HOLY COW it's expensive! | ||
| Jaimec |
Outrunning other guys on sportbikes doesn't mean much to me. A lot of people buy sport bikes to "pose" just as much as people who buy cruisers. How do I know? I've SPANKED lots of sportbike riders at the Gap riding Two-Up on my K1200LT! No way in hell should that happen unless the guys on the sportbikes had no clue as to what they were doing. | ||
| Buellnick |
The XB and K1200s are apples and oranges. The wheelbases are way different, the bikes are built for different purposes. However, the K bike does produce 70% of its 96FtLbs at about 3500rpm. The torque curve is reasonably flat when compared to other 4-bangers out there. As for "spanking" other riders...you just never know when you pass or get passed on the track or on the street. Both have to be willing to race in order for it to be a race... | ||
| Chadhargis |
"Both have to be willing to race in order for it to be a race..." This is true... I guess it all boils down to what you like. For me, I want a bike that's light, nimble, flickable, and has a great power curve....AND.....is comfortable. That bike, so far, really doesn't exist. I guess I should say that by "light" I mean less than 450lbs "wet" (ready to ride full of fuel). | ||
| Jaimec |
Two wheeled version of THIS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URZ8Kg1ETto | ||
| Dynasport |
Jaime, too funny! I guess you can race anything. Now, if Tim Allen had gotten hold to one of those.... | ||
| Buellnick |
I guess it all boils down to what you like. For me, I want a bike that's light, nimble, flickable, and has a great power curve....AND.....is comfortable. That bike, so far, really doesn't exist. THAT's WHY we all want more than one... |
