| Author | Message | ||
     Rocketman |
Seems every thread I'm in I seem to upset the Buell faithful. So, here's one dedicated to upsetting some, but hopefully not all  Does anyone remember when Buell made strikingly bold good looking motorcycles? Well, it has been a long time, I grant you. I'm left wondering, given the design and styling of the 1125 if Buell will ever be capable of putting form and function together successfully. The S1's did so. The XBS's just about did, but man have they took a wrong turn in making the XB platform the corporate look for their new 1125. There are so many design constraints I doubt that a good looking streetfighter style motorcycle could be born out of the 1125. Against the striking and bold designs coming out of Europe, and even the Japanese manufacturers are getting in there, Buell seems to have lost the plot. Great as the 1125 may prove to be, motorcycles need to stir the soul when you look at them. So much so that they break down barriers of where or who made them. Sadly I see Buell as pandering to a home market they know they can take a certain amount of advantage of. That for me is not bold enough and it makes me think how great the efforts of rival companies are when we look at their designs and what they dare to bring to market. Buell to some extent are shitting on you.  Rocket | ||
| Ferocity02 |
The main attraction to Buells for me was their looks and features. I think the pre-2003 Buells look terrible, but the new XB's look amazing. I LOVE the 6-spoke orange wheels, the low exit exhaust, gas in frame, oil in swingarm, and the handling. I have an 05 XB12Scg, and I didn't buy it for performance. Frankly, it's not that fast. If I wanted fast I would have gotten an R1 or GSXR1000, but those bikes are so common I would rather sacrifice performance for looks and originality. If Buell could ever find a way to venture away from the old-school V-twin and design a nice DOHC V-twin(which I guess they did in the 1125) or even a 4-banger, then these bikes would be even more amazing. The motor in the 1125 seems to be a good runner, but I think they should offer it in the XB models because to me, the 1125 is very ugly. | ||
| Hexangler |
 Rocket's Rabbit | ||
| Interex2050 |
I do agree about the aesthetics... I have still not gotten used to my firebolt and its been 3 or so years since I got it. And I am sure that I will not get used to the 1125R for a while either... But then that is not why I got either of them... If I wanted something to look at I would have gotten a Ducati 916 or a Moto Guzzi Nero Corsa But when I am riding I could not care less what it looks like, as long as it makes me smile. Not to mention unlike the pretty motorcycles above, there is no need to worry about scratching the paint or corrosion (well no where near as much)... Not to mention the parts are cheap (well at least here) And the Japanese... well they don't make motorcycles they make money | ||
| Thumper74 |
As good looking as the tubers were/are, the XBs are what drew me to the fold. I think the XBs are among the best looking motorcycles I have ever seen and there isn't a fairing clad bike from the east that even comes close to doing it for me. To be perfectly honest, they all look the same. If it weren't for the CBR/GSXR/R6/R1 logos, I couldn't tell them apart. Same with Harleys, they stir some souls... Not mine. The 'striking' designs coming from the east are pretty butt ugly and way out of proportion. I like the Ducattis (all but the Multistrada) and the Triumphs, but a majority of the motorcycling public walks right past these guys. Their market seems to be repeat customers and Buell is attempting to go beyond that. I've seen a couple of the Photochopped 1125R and my favorite is one that has the current appearing XBS tail section and the streetfighter fairing. I think that the bike may be too long to make it look decent in a streetfighter style The 1125R, while not very photogenic, looks great in person. More than one Japanese bike rider I know loves the styling. As much as you say they are targeting current customers, the 1125R seems to be reaching beyond the current Buell community. The 1125R does stir my soul, my first sighting of one had the same effect as seeing my first Lightning. It was love at first sight for both bikes... My pulse quickened. Your opinion is way different than mine, but I still like TVRs (Sagaris with a copper flip-flop paint please!) and that V8 bike you did!  | ||
| Grancuda |
The 1125R, while not very photogenic, looks great in person. More than one Japanese bike rider I know loves the styling. As much as you say they are targeting current customers, the 1125R seems to be reaching beyond the current Buell community. Thumper74 I don't want to be around when the guy that just rides on the street trades his '07 GSXR1000 in on a 1125R and takes that first ride because he will be disappointed. There is a ton of difference between the 1125R and an inline 4 liter bike. Also, what is Buell going to do next year when they need to change the color of the 1125R, it is black and already ugly. | ||
| Ducxl |
Does anyone remember when Buell made strikingly bold good looking motorcycles? That sounds past tense.THey ARE making bold(WTF??) Motorcycles'.You know,back when the first XB debuted i REALLY verbally beat them to a pulp because i wanted the "Water-Cooled" "VR" Buell.So i RAN to the Ducati dealership and promptly bought a new 996(still a cool bike).And don't you know,two years later i bought an '05 12r.Now i have the X1..996,and 12r.You know what? Yeah,i've beaten the 1125r verbally too...AND NOW I WANT ONE! Rocket....ride it and you'll forget it's (to you) ugly....Or maybe not since your S1 is the only Buell you've ever owned anyway. OOOhhh such the Buell enthusiast.You sound like the OLD shovelhead guys' who ranted the EVO was not a Harley....Even they came around...C'mon....STOP IT ALREADY.It's losing it's amusement factor and you're becoming boring.Sorry though,i do not wish to offend you. | ||
| Doerman |
Dr. R. master of Saabology and TVRisms!  First let me congratulate you on opening a thread that really does the job you want done in so many other threads... that is to bemoan that the tubers are now yesteryear and that Buell is going in a direction you do not agree with. Finally! A thread dedicated specifically to the burr under your saddle. Now, let this be a catharsis for you. Let it all out man! You will feel better for it and be perhaps return to the thoughtful and insightful contributor in other threads that I have seen that you can be. I can only speak for myself though and that is I like them all. But I like my 1125R the most. That is not to say I want to get rid of my S1. I love it also. They are all different, the three generations that have been produced from the 90ies until now. The new flagship, the 1125R, is what is it. To me it is all I want in a motorcycle. To you, it seems to be a huge disappointment. Ok, I respect your view of it, but how can you expect debate on the issue of preferences in a bike? Asbjorn | ||
| Not_purple_s2 |
Looks are an almost completely subjective aspect to argue over. What looks good to you might look ugly to someone else and vice-versa. Also, peoples' idea of good looks change over time. Sometimes things that look weird start to look better and better. Sometimes things that look good quickly become dated and ugly. I didn't like the pods at first but they are really not so overwhelming in person. The bike has a great profile in person but the most impressive feature to me was the imposing frontal profile. When looking at it head on it looks huge, but in a good way. It kinda reminds me of a pouncing lion. I heard lots of people complain about the Ducati 999/749 and I always loved the looks of that bike. It was unique and sharp. I can remember people laughing at the "stupid looking" Scion XB's when they came out but now I see them all over the place. | ||
| Bill0351 |
We had a fairly warm day here in Green Bay so I broke out my Cyclone for a ride. On the way home, I passed a buddy of mine so he followed me home to check my bike out. He kept circling it and saying how tough it looked. I didn't get a chance to ride with him since I got the Buell, and this was his first time seeing it. He isn't the sort of guy to tell you something he doesn't mean. His current ride is an '06 CBR600, and the entire crew he rides with all have I4 Japanese bikes. He is the perfect age and demographic for Buell to tap into. He is 23, and just starting to have a good chunk of disposable income. I am willing to bet that if Buell made a bike that would run with a CBR and look like an M2, he would be interested. As for the looks of the 1125R, I am reserving judgment. I remember HATING the XB series when I saw it in magazines. When I finally saw one in person, I really liked them. I hope the 1125R is going to be the springboard for Buell really diversifying. It seems goofy to me that HD has been so reluctant to really try to compete against the Japanese. Look what Triumph has done with the 675. I am curious Rocket. Does Triumph pull the same sort of nationalistic pride over there that the HD brand does over here? Bill | ||
| Molly_hatchet |
looks might be a little subjective...but...lets take the case of the busa...most will agree its a little challenged in the looks dept..but if u put a big enough motor in something it dont matter what it looks like someone will have to have it...the BKING...i would buy 14 1125R's before i ever sit on another BKING..but i bet they sell a few of them..why , its got a busa motor in it and if ur a newbie,knucklehead, or just whatever u are u might have to have one..it comes with a history of sorts u say busa motor and people that dont know jack about bikes go oooohhh cooool , the 1125 dosent have much history....no heres my problem..i used to think the tubers we ugly as hell..now i kinda want one..in the hands of a talented craftsman a tuber can be made into a true stunner...but in the hands of some talent i bet even i could be pretty...for me the duc is as good as it gets as far as looks go i love the 848...i love the way my honda looks...its purty i wouldnt of bought it if i thought it was ugly...im still pissed the new buell wasnt what i wanted it to be...every day i come closer to understanding it though...i think what rocket and others have to say is important..just belittling and bashing is stupid..but constructive critisism is a good thing in my book...enjoy ur thread rocket hope u make it out alive/// oh ya and in my book blind faith is the worst thing one can have..i love my new bike but is it perfect...just as perfect as i am i spose...are rockets opinions perfect...noooo but they can help u if u listen...even if it shores up ur faith in buell then its still a good opinion if ur open minded enough to listen and make good judgements..u can always take something away from listening or watching someone else even if its not how to do something. | ||
| 4cammer |
Not sure a guy that has interest in TRV and SAAB automobiles should question the styling of toasters, forget motorcycles. The Japanese do not offer a bike here in the US that I would even remotely call interesting. If their sportbikes were not hugely fast they would not sell. They all look the same, and until recently relied on Power Ranger graphics to set them apart. Kawasaki the exception. If I were to ever buy a cruiser type bike it would have to be a HD. A good number of the Euro bikes are for some reason going the folded paper route, and that will not wear well. Styling is an emotional issue, and Rocket knows that, hence the thread. My XB9R makes me go to the garage just for a look sometimes, and that is what styling is all about. Doubt a GSXR or CBR or R1/R6 could ever do that, regardless of how fast they may be. And those bikes are made obsolete every two years anyway... And by the way, I have always held TVR in high regard for being such an outrageous cottage industry offering,and also in SAABs. Not the current GM owned crap, but the 99 and 900 series. | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
What about the V-Max? It even has the correct number of camshafts! | ||
| Rocketman |
Looks aren't as subjective as we all imagine. We all recognise the traditional shape of a Coke bottle as great. We are all astonished at the marvel that is Grand Central Station. As for bikes, is there anyone alive that doesn't recognise the superb looks of an MV F4? This thread isn't about criticising Buell. It's more about why you allow Buell to get away with bikes that aren't as nice to look at as something else you might like, but you still buy the Buell. Rocket has only owned one Buell because Buell have yet to get anywhere near to making a bike that looks as good. And before anyone asks, yes the look of the S1W was the first test it had to pass to get me interested. I am curious Rocket. Does Triumph pull the same sort of nationalistic pride over there that the HD brand does over here? Definitely not. 20 odd years ago and more 'Made in England' meant something in the bike world, but we Brit's have recognised where we went wrong, and how bloody good the Japanese were after the invasion. Hey yeah, if anyone believes a Japanese sports bike can't look good, you're really kidding yourself. The Japanese have brought some fantastic looking bikes to market for many decades. Just a quickie about the Saab / TVR thing. Let's leave that out because quite frankly the merits of both companies I could rip any other manufacturer apart with in a straight fight. It's not my problem I know and recognise the greatness of these two brands. Anyone else is equally capable of finding out for themselves. Rocket | ||
| Bads1 |
As bad as this may sound I partly agree with Sean. See, I put a deposit on the bike even before anyone on this sight. It was the Friday before the unvailing at Homecoming. After seeing it though I quickly found myself buying the bike for the motor alone. I like it don't get me wrong but not enough to buy it. The styling to me has aged. It has borrowed to some extent the XBRR front fairing and the tail has been used since 2002 on the firebolt. The wheels are the same even though they are top notch they have been around. Air box cover is the same. After thinking it over 24 hours I found myself at the dealer calling it off. I wanted a complete fresh look from head to toe. I'm giving some time and I may see that. On the other hand I put 700 miles on last year and hate to say this but if time doesn't free up for me this coming year I may sell mine at a great loss may I add because time keep's the investment in my garage. Again time will tell that outcome as well. (Message edited by bads1 on December 26, 2007) | ||
| Midnightrider |
I think motorcycle "looks" are very subjective. I had a good friend who was a pretty successful car salesman. He used to say "There's no such thing as a left-handed car". Meaning for almost any combination of make, model, and color scheme - someone out there will absolutely love it. It make make others puke ( his case in point was a lemon yellow Trans AM with matching yellow wheels)- but somebody will love it. And buy it. I like the looks of the 1125. I hate SAABs. And Trolls. Go figure. And yes, I remember when Buell made strikingly bold and good looking bikes. I think the last one I saw was a 2008  (Message edited by midnightrider on December 26, 2007) (Message edited by midnightrider on December 26, 2007) | ||
| Poppinsexz |
You know what they say..... Opinions are like A**holes, everybody has one, some just tend to stink more than the rest.  Others just like to stick theirs out for the whole world to see.  | ||
| Doerman |
Interesting that you mentioned the Coke bottle. Its attractiveness comes from evoking an image of the feminine shape, I believe. So, let's go with that. How does that translate to motorcycle shapes. I see the flowing lines in the TVR you bought and that makes sense. But for instance, the new KTM sportbike does not have feminine shapes. A Ducati does, especially the 999/749. I dare to claim that the 1125R does as well. Where do the designs fall away from or toward a feminine shape? Or is that the benchmark? Not to belittle the Japanese crop but all of them except Yamaha fall into an androgynous class for me. | ||
| Rocketman |
Well, despite what I said, please enlighten me as to why you hate Saabs? After all, that's a pretty sweeping generalisation of 60 years worth of Swedish ingenuity. Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
I didn't mention the Coke bottle for that reason Asbjorn. I mention it because everyone the world over sees it as a great shape. Apply the same to a bike and one might get to an MV F4 as an example of what we all recognise as a great looking bike. That's my point. The 1125 is not in the same ball park. I really don't buy into the masculine \ feminine thing where bikes and cars are concerned. If I do, it's more to do perhaps with the personalities of those that own them. MGB's for example. Hairdressers car (male or female doesn't really matter). Rocket | ||
| Midnightrider |
Wel Rocket, I just don't feel the need. Let's just say it's subjective. Here's your argument http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-572077907 195969915 | ||
| Grancuda |
Sorry to burst you guys bubbles but the guys buying R1s, GSXR1000s, ZX10s and such are not going to go for this 1125. I know the guys I used to ride with when I had my R1s and GSXRs would leave a guy in the dust by the straight line bursts on the highway and I would never by the 1125 in that instance, they want to break into that market, make an I4. | ||
| 4cammer |
"As for bikes, is there anyone alive that doesn't recognise the superb looks of an MV F4? " Pass. Looks like a rehashed Ducati. Wonder why. What do I know.... I much prefer the 851/888 series. | ||
| Not_purple_s2 |
The MV F4 isn't that great looking to me. The tank is the only really cool looking piece I see on it. My biggest complaint would be the head light, it looks small and disproportional. And the wheels just don't do it for me. But then that is just from pics on the net, it might look much better in person. If I had to pick a full fairing bike on looks alone I'd have to pick the 1098. | ||
| Tank_bueller |
I don't want to be around when the guy that just rides on the street trades his '07 GSXR1000 in on a 1125R and takes that first ride because he will be disappointed While the top speed may not be as "great", the dude won't be able to complain after he ass-ends a car at 140 in 3rd because "he didn't think it would get there that fast". I am not a pod supporter by any means, but I rode one. | ||
| Crusty |
Does anyone remember when Buell made strikingly bold good looking motorcycles? Um yeah; that was last week, just before Christmas Break. Are you getting Alzheimer's? | ||
| Mainstreamer |
Sean, I agree with you when it comes to the looks of the tubers. In my eyes they were the best looking off the bunch, and the S1 is pure eye candy! In my eyes each following iteration has been is less attractive. Something a bout a very basic traditional looking design appeals to me. That's probably why I just bought a PS 1000LE and not a 1125R. For me performance is not a major concern, and probably wouldn't be even if I were capable of utilizing all the speed and handling available in todays mc's. | ||
| Cringblast |
I heard the word "vomitous" just as I walked out of the door after checking out the 1125R. WOW I thought!!! I have a 07 XB12R Cherry BOMB red BUELL, Special Ops pipe, shaken,  BITE is better than the BARK, gonna explode,  torque pavement grabbing, BAD ASS, LOVE IT, $#()%@#&*^#!&*(#$!*, . One thing I got from the "vomitous" OPINION, is that each has their own. 1125R  C. | ||
| Rocketman |
Wel Rocket, I just don't feel the need. Let's just say it's subjective. No it's not. And my name's not Wel either  Rocket | ||
| Rocketman |
In my eyes each following iteration has been is less attractive. Here endeth the sermon  Rocket |
