| Author | Message | ||
     Thruster |
My 08 Uly is my first and only bike. I commute 50 mi/d in all weather, much of it on NJ interstates. As a tall and patriotic engineer, I figured out I needed a big, strong, stable, and rugged bike for such use, and I wanted it to be American. After 4 months, I remain satisfied that I made the right choice, and I've done well keeping myself out of trouble. People warned me to start with a smaller bike, but I took the MSF class on the Blast and I could tell right away that a smaller bike like the Blast wasn't right for me. I still have not yet ever opened the throttle wide on the Uly, nor come close to red line, nor gone over 85 mph, nor do I feel any irresistible urges to do so. I know what the bike is capable of, and I'm just taking everything one small step at a time. Having commuted through the winter, I see I'll need to build more low-traction skills. Also, since the Uly is my primary mode of transpo, I'd like to have a backup bike. Accordingly, I'm considering getting an 08 KTM 690 Enduro for the purpose. There are certainly lighter and cheaper dirt bikes to choose from, but this one would, I think, do better on the interstates if/when the Uly is in the shop. Too bad there's no American bike like that. I almost got the 1125R instead of the Uly, but it seemed cramped for my size, and I also didn't want to deal with bugs in its first model year. Your situation is similar to mine in some respects, and I understand how your choice of an 1125R was rational. The fact that you stalled and dropped the bike (at low speed) does not automatically mean you got the wrong bike. Maybe you just let your mind wander for a moment and mishandled the controls -- only you can say for sure what happened and what the likelihood of it happening again is. I agree that dumb errors on the 1125R can carry higher risks than perhaps some other bikes, so just keep applying those engineering skills: keep figuring out as much as you can in advance, maintain wide margins of error, apply redundancy, and practice and test new skills in a controlled setting, not on busy highways and streets. | ||
| Pariah |
One thing I've noticed here is that there is some resentment towards engineers on this site! Now come on, it's fine to call me stupid for my choice of first bike, but if you're going to take out your frustrations on me because I'm an engineer (and one with a Ph.D. at that), then I think you're out of line! Don't forget that Eric Buell is an engineer... and if he believed that he was "too smart for his own good" you (1badBuell, Crowdog and others) might be riding Japanese bikes exclusively right now. We engineers make the world go around... maybe that Truth offends you... Good!! Dr. Troll, Proud Engineer and Stupid Biker (Message edited by Pariah on February 28, 2008) | ||
| Vincent |
Yo Takis, im here in aggieland if you want to meet up and talk bikes. These guys are pretty right about the lugging bit. At idle my bike wants to run 12 mph so if you were at 15 then you were right on the verge of a stall, especially with a new tight engine. I say stick with what you have as a beginner. I started with an inline 4 liter bike and those tend to bite back a little harder. Take yours out for a nice stroll just getting used to it for several hundred miles. Slow rides, highway rides, just get the feel. Remember though, this bike doesnt like low rpm speeds. She is gonna act a little crazy below 2500 or so. When you break her in she will calm down a bit but till then feather the clutch and keep the bike on the rubber part of the wheel.  Gig em | ||
| Zac4mac |
Takis, wrong conclusion. There are lots of engineers here. Myself, I'm a senior R&D Tech, building and testing for a group of 50-60 engineers. Mostly MEs, a few EEs even a couple of ChemEs. The comments stem from most engineer's inability to take in a different point of view than their own. Especially once they've made their minds up. It took me several years to gain the trust of mine. Now, if I tell them something, they believe it. "My mind's made up, don't confuse me with facts" Zack | ||
| Court |
>>>One thing I've noticed here is that there is some resentment towards engineers on this site! That would be an inaccurate statement. The site, in addition to being run by a way smart engineer, is littered with very talented engineers from Lexis-Nexis, Lockheed, NASA (although one of the NASA jumped spaceship and went to Buell  ) and other places. My "real job" (yes, I have one) is overseeing the work of engineers as we pull off a $7B program in NYC. I see the good and the bad and, big surprise, am fairly candid. I gained some local attention last week, before our board, when I said "I only have one question" and the principal of the engineering firm . . "yes, what's that?" to which I asked "is this the best you can do?". The engineers on Badweb, by the way we get periodic visits from my old time riding partner Chauly, himself a gifted engineer and hot dog vendor, and Steve from London, Britain, England, United Kingdom. . So, the {One thing I've noticed here is that there is some resentment towards engineers on this site! falls short of the cred test. I have found answers to engineers questions here that I couldn't on my own staff. Court | ||
| 1badbuell |
One thing I've noticed here is that there is some resentment towards engineers on this site! I have absolutely no resentment towards engineers but dealing and managing engineers as I do everyday there is a certain stereotype associated with them...they think they are always right & do what ever it takes to prove it...even when they are wrong! Now come on, it's fine to call me stupid for my choice of first bike, but if you're going to take out your frustrations on me because I'm an engineer (and one with a Ph.D. at that), then I think you're out of line! Nope didn't call you stupid the first time & won't do it now. People make mistakes & (this may hurt) even engineers & I believe that buying an 1125r for your first bike is just that. I don't have any frustrations other than you trying to prove that the 1125r is ok as a starter bike when everyone here is trying to prevent you from taking an early trip to the morgue. Plain & simple I don't want to see you dead. If that is wrong...then I am guilty. Don't forget that Eric Buell is an engineer... and if he believed that he was "too smart for his own good" you (1badBuell, Crowdog and others) might be riding Japanese bikes exclusively right now. He's an engineer...I'm sure he has had his moments & I am sure Erik did't start out on a 146hp motorcycle. Based upon meeting Erik he has one impressive trait...listening to the folks who ride his bikes & that is why the Buell bikes are were they are today. Look back at the XB board all the issues & hop-up we posted...they ALL seemed to have been fixed and added to later production models. Why would I be riding Japanese bikes exclusively if Erik didn't market the Buell??? I have had Ducatis and a Aprilia to satisfy my sportbike fix in addition to my Japanese bikes and have always owned a Harley Davidson in addition. We engineers make the world go around... maybe that Truth offends you... Good!! Another example of the engineer philosophy...remember nothing happens in business until someone SELLS something...sorry buddy salespeople make the world go round! | ||
| Pariah |
Court and 1badbuell: My last post was in response to the tendencies some folks have to stereotype all engineers. It's pretty arrogant for anyone to think they can say blanket statements about one group of people like that. Like you said, there are some very smart engineers on this site who've made better choices regarding first bikes than me. So don't insult them while you give me a scolding... What about salespeople and business men? If you want to hear an accurate assessment of "such people" I would urge you to give George Carlin a listen... album: "You are all Diseased", track: "Businessmen"  And, 1badBuell, you missed my point. What I meant to say is that you wouldn't be on an American SPORTS bike. I realize that there are Italian and German bikes to choose from, but based on your tired, overused comments regarding engineers (that really lack any originality) I pegged you for following the masses and going Japanese. My mistake, I had no idea that you had such taste. (Message edited by Pariah on February 28, 2008) | ||
| Court |
>>>Erik he has one impressive trait...listening to the folks who ride his bikes as well as the very talented engineers under his charge at Buell. No one is scolding anyone. This is an old fashion thing called a "discussion" . . . a "dialogue". You asked for opinions, in fact invited them, not an assembly of yea-sayers (see the history of the English Common Law system). If you want to see "stereotyped" . . . list your occupation as "construction worker". . . . even if you have a host of degree, including Ivy League schools and a stint with The White House Advance Team buried in your 4 page resume' including some pretty spiffy professional and academic accomplishments. And then . . . if you REALLY want to see "stereotyped" change your name to "Courtney". I had a guy writing me before a professional conference who, based on a reading of the paper I was presenting to the International Association of Quality Control Engineers on statistical financial analysis techniques, write me and tell me it sounded like we had a "lot in common and could have some fun, would I like to meet for a drink before the conference in Phoenix". Hey . . . I love having fun so I wrote him back and accepted his generous offer. Somehow . . . when the ex-marine, Harley riding, construction worker showed up I think his hopes of getting laid vanished. My PERSONAL experience, which you are welcome to comment on, from riding Buells in 44 states over the last 20 years, is that it would be a fool's pursuit to try to pigeon hole (with all due respect to pigeons and their holes) Buell owners. I think a good number of those assembled here can identify with the stereotyping. CourtNEY | ||
| Bobup |
"Don't forget that Eric Buell is an engineer... " don't forget....Erik is with a "K" | ||
| Bearly |
Oh yuk, Court I haven't had breakfast yet. (Message edited by bearly on February 28, 2008) | ||
| Zac4mac |
Dr. Zourntos Nobody here wants to attack you or call you names. We just don't want to see you on a Stainless Table that rolls into the fridge. Glad to hear you're ADDING a bike to the stable, one that's more appropriate to a new rider's skillset. I, personally, don't want the kids at A&M to lose a good prof - the two that have rated you, rate you highly. BTW, I've had plenty of chances to move into an Engineer position, but choose to stay at my bench. I hate paperwork. I build things, I break things and I catch things on fire. Although that last one just got me a 2-day suspension... Zack | ||
| Pariah |
Court: I wasn't pigeonholing all Buell owners... just the patronizing, annoying non-engineers amongst you...  And, I invited opinions, not rude generalizations regarding my profession (or accusations of being a "troll"). There's a fine line between disrespect and giving sober advice. In my opinion, some folks here crossed the line--- NOT NEARLY EVERYONE, MIND YOU--- just a few. Bobup: "Bob" is normally spelled with a leading capital "B"... you might want to check your profile out. At any rate, maybe I should cool it here... so I'm done with this thread. Thank y'all. Vincent: I think I'll get in touch. Thanks. Best, Takis (Message edited by Pariah on February 28, 2008) | ||
| Hwyranger |
Takis, Good idea on getting the additional bike to practice. KEEP the 1125, and you will LOVE it when you have the experience and confidence to appreciate it without worrying about folding it. I build things, I break things and I catch things on fire.  Each person chooses their profession according to what they like to do....I like to drive like a bat out of hell, so I get paid to do that. Enjoy the ride. | ||
| Dentguy |
Could everybody please stop the whole Engineer crap pissing contest. I know some brilliant Engineers (some with schooling, some without) along with some who can tell you everything they read in a book, but can't fry an egg. The ones who I don't care for are those who go around telling everyone how great they are because they have the title Engineer or whatever their title is. Engineers and Salesman do not make the world go around. Everyone does. When I say world go around I'm not talking about the Earths rotation. Don't go there. My statements are not about any one person and I don't care what you do for a living. Lets talk about bikes! (Message edited by dentguy on February 28, 2008) | ||
| Pariah |
Hwyranger: no one's got a tougher job than you. God Bless. OK... this is my last post on this thread! Takis (Message edited by Pariah on February 28, 2008) | ||
| Court |
At least my fellow students treat me . . . in my sunset years, nice. They decided, after the Jets win we should all get together after class.  | ||
| No_rice |
court, as usual always handy with the camera. yummy... | ||
| Baggermike |
Truster I have a ulysses, which I am giving my son and I have the 1125R, and a buell blast, I think you are like me and only ride bikes. I found tire studs on www.aerostich.com they have like six sizes for street tires to dirt tires, and I will be getting them for next winter. I bought the blast for my son to learn on and only paid a grand for it, it needed work but it is a good bike and I can get dirt street tires for it and will put studs in the tires for next winter. The bike feels like a toy but it is nice to take for a ride and if it was comfortable I would consider touring with it. Also Aerostich has a small book on touring on a bike like the blast, you should get one from them it is like five bucks and really good reading I highly reccomend reading it, they have lots of nice stuff for bikes, so ask for a catalog or shop online, they have gave me several books included with my orders. I have a plan with the blast that will make it a blast to ride, I just got a big bore kit off of ebay and will build the motor up and should get a good boost in power. I live in Boston and It is very dependable and will start when it is really cold, it is great in traffic, and corbin sells a seat for it so you can tour with it. Also cross roads makes a kit to put the blast motor in any frame for a sportster motor, I think my son and I are going to put it in a nice frame. The bike will heat all my heated gear and I have a 90 watt jacket liner, 30 watt glove liners, 44 watt pant liner, and 30 watt socks, and it has no problem with all this gear. I think it would be really cool building a bobber out of this Blast and with cams head work, carb, exhaust, and ignition the bike would be really fun to ride and would be different than any other bike. I am sure it could be turned into a dirt bike if I wanted to do that, and could find forks that fit on ebay, get a bigger rear shock and then put dirt tires on it. The bike can be road raced to, go on the thumper forum and see what those guys say about the blast. Mike | ||
| Bobup |
if I spell bob with a Capital B....I can't spell boB backwards....DUH ! I can spell MY name anyway I want.....YOU can spell YOUR name anyway you want.....but someone else's name.....should always be correct and I never claimed to be NORMAL...I have to work with drawing made by.....you guessed it, engineers....wish some of em knew how to draw (Message edited by bobup on February 28, 2008) (Message edited by bobup on February 28, 2008) | ||
| Blake |
Takis, You'll do fine. Just learn to feather the clutch. | ||
| Dave_bogue |
Buying a liter sportbike for one's first motorcycle is not a prudent decision. This road will lead to pain, financial and physical. Conversely, buying a small displacement dirt bike and learning to ride it on the dirt is the path of enlightenment, pleasure, and increased life span. Dave Tampa Bay Florida | ||
| Dynasport |
I agree Dave. I also think a valid alternative is something like an SV560, FZ6, EX250 or EX500. If you really want to stay American then an XB9SX would be my recommendation. But since the OP already has the 1125, then I think he should just keep practicing. I think he just didn't realize how important the use of the clutch is on a bike at low speed. My guess is that there is nothing wrong with his bike, just his riding technique. Just a guess though, not being there and all. Finally, I hope this doesn't turn off the OP from riding. Riding isn't for everyone, but I think it is too early to make that determination for this person yet. | ||
| Airassault |
I have been riding a few years (27) and have always been a believer in buying the bike you want and learning to ride it. The 1125r is not a Hayabusa, it does not weigh 500+ lbs so it is a fine first bike IMHO. Yes it has a ton more power than you need/can use right now with your riding ability but if you buy a blast you will not be happy in 2 months. Now, if money isn't an issue, pick one up and improve your riding skill. If, like most of us in this country it is, fix it up and ride around your neighborhood. Get the feel of the bike. When you feel comfy, practice some hard/fast stops. Then move to fast lane switches and so forth. Take a course that can teach you more of the basics. Do this BEFORE you take it out on the city streets/highway. There is nothing wrong with the 1125r as your first bike, just learn to ride it and ride it well. My $0.02 | ||
| Alans |
There are any number of viable approaches to the problem of a 'first bike'. I agree with Airassault. Your bike is relatively light, and 'small'. In that regard, it is in the realm of a 'beginner' machine in my opinion, mass-wise. The thing to watch is to not over-twist the throttle. This is the component that would be far more moderate on, say, a small 250cc 'beginner' bike. If you hone your skills on an 1125R, or any high performance bike, you need to be constantly mindful of the machine's potential to exceed your level of expertise and ability--or nearly anyone's--instantly. That is your danger. This is a good time to learn to be conservative, and venture into new portions of the performance envelope gingerly, one small step at a time. You've had the MSF course, so had an opportunity to experience the very basics of motorcycle riding on a very modest machine. Since you've had high-performance experience with 4-wheel vehicles, one could surmise you'll be able to extrapolate the principle of 'slow car/fast car' to the motorcycle arena. By this, I mean you understand that you drive a 450 horsepower Vette in a different fashion than you would a 200 HP family sedan. It's much the same--but it's much different. You are extremely vulnerable at this time. You have not yet had sufficient experience to have developed your 'street smarts', i.e. situational awareness expertise. However, this would be the case whether you're riding a scooter, or crotch rocket. It takes time and miles to become an 'educated' rider. However, you can be 'smart'--if you take the greatest care, and ride as if you are a small piece of mass in the presence of much larger masses that will not always respect (or perhaps even see) your 'littleness', moving among them. This is all my humble opinion. I've had a motorcycle endorsement since 1982. I would characterize myself as an 'average' rider. I do about 6-12K miles/year, on 4 different bikes. One of these is (or will be, once I get it back) an 1125R. Stick around here, and ask a lot of questions. Ask before you do something if you think it might be questionable. Just as you have here... Good luck. I think you've bought a great bike. Just respect it, and keep it--and yourself--out of trouble. | ||
| Brad1445 |
I would never bash the engineers of the 1125R. Now, the designers and I need to have a beer and a talk. j/k | ||
| Crowdog |
Pariah, I usually hang out on the big bad and dirty "Uly" website, so I am just now checking back on your thread. I am happy to see you are still alive as of 2/28/08 and the only reason I commented about engineers is you somehow equate being an engineer with giving you the ability to handle the 1125. You picked a wonderful machine no doubt but one that is designed and ENGINEERED to haul ass and be pushed to the limit, not chugged and feathered along. Just be careful and if you get a chance to pick up a lesser machine to hone your skills please do so. You will learn so much faster riding off road with a smaller bike and pushing it to it's limits then you will babying a beast like the 1125. Good luck and be safe. | ||
| Rainman |
Court's an engineer, Court's an engineer ... try that in your best little brother-taunting voice and it's almost as fun as Bryan's a reporter, Bryan's a reporter... | ||
| Court |
Court is not an engineer. | ||
| Madduck |
This is the internet, Court can be an engineer if he wants to be. He is already rich famous and married well above his peer group. None of which would qualify him to be an engineer, but the internet allows all. Revel in the anonymity and freedom. | ||
| Baggermike |
Can I be the Joker. |
