| Author | Message | ||
     Vagelis46 |
The Brits journos from MCN say : AMERICA’S Laguna Seca Raceway in my mind is motorcycling’s equivalent of walking amongst the pyramids. It’s a special place because I’ve seen it many times via satellite and it’s revered amongst racers as tough nut to crack. My first ride there should have been a better experience than I remember. While the twisting elevations of a sun drenched Laguna are held in my memory as something to tell the kids and repeatedly waffle about to my bike riding friends, the Buell 1125R left a sour taste. As a fan of big V-twins I was, quite frankly, mortified that journalists from far and wide were allowed to ride it. As I said at the time, it was like throwing a piece of steak to a pack of hungry dogs. But, true to its word, Buell set about putting to rights all the wrongs and in doing so delayed introducing the bike to its dealer showrooms. Now, in Spain, six months later, Buell has unveiled the finished article to be ridden on the roads around Seville and the twisting Monteblanco circuit. What were the problems and how Buell corrected them now follow. More importantly: is Buell’s first sports bike the finished article? PROBLEM 1. SWINGARM FINISH GETS SCUFFED BY RIDER’S BOOT BECAUSE of the amount of room taken up by Buell’s famed belt drive system, the swingarm curves outwards directly from the swingarm pivot point. If a rider rides with the ball of his foot on the pegs, the heel of the boot goes beyond the length of the footpeg heel guard and rubs on the swingarm. THE FIX: The footpegs were originally all aluminium and knurled for grip. Buell has replaced these pegs with rubber-topped items to lift the rider’s foot slightly and miss the swingarm. Buell is also producing a stick-on carbon-fibre-type shield to mount on the swingarm, but this will only be available as an aftermarket accessory. HAS IT WORKED? No. The swingarm still gets scuffed. This has prompted Buell UK to declare it will either fit the official accessory guard as standard or fit a similar product sourced from the UK. PROBLEM 2. HEAT FROM THE ENGINE COOKS THE RIDER’S RIGHT FOOT TO help remove heat from the V-twin engine, an access passage from the front of the bike to the rear was designed into the bike’s construction. Incoming air from the front forces hot air out the back of the bike – the main reason why the single rear Showa shock is off-set mounted. Also contributing to melted toes is the underslung exhaust – the two manifold pipes feeding the main silencer box are on the same plane as the right foot. THE FIX: A rigid plastic heat shield has been mounted to the engine near the right footrest bracket to fill a “hole” where hot air from the engine was diverted from its designed escape flow. Nothing has been done about the heat from the exhaust manifold collecting point. HAS IT WORKED? Yes, the heat shield works so right foot cremation isn’t possible. A slight feeling of warmth hits the lower leg from the exhaust downpipes but in 28° Spanish sunshine it wasn’t a problem and will be a welcome relief in UK weather. PROBLEM 3. FUEL/ IGNITION STUTTER THE bike would stutter/ surge while holding a steady throttle between 3500- 5000rpm and would be hesitant when cracking the throttle open in this rev range. THE FIX: Buell has developed a new ignition and fuel map . HAS IT WORKED?: The problem has gone, but for some reason more vibration through the chassis is apparent and due partly to the new map. “Continual optimisation” of the fuel/ignition map for what is essentially a new engine and electronics system to the company – the liquid-cooled Rotax lump is as far removed from aircooled Harley engines as you can get – will result in updates to the bikes as and when they are available. PROBLEM 4. SUSPENSION THE 2007 launch bikes all had varying rates of front fork springs due, apparently, to late delivery of the correct springs. This resulted in an elusive decent suspension set up. THE FIX: The 1125R’s forks now come with the correct springs for the damping system. HAS IT WORKED? Yes. Buell has also compiled a list of suspension settings to suit individual riders’ weight – all settings to be set by a Buell dealer. While my bike’s rear shock was fine, on Buell’s settings for my weight the front forks were too firm with too much preload. On the road the bike wouldn’t hold the chosen line unless upper body weight was shifted into the turn, even at minimum lean angle. Harsh bumps threatened to break my wrists. Another bike on softer front fork settings was a different, better in every way machine. Reducing the front fork preload got my bike working fine. My advice is to regard Buell’s recommended suspension settings as a base level, like any new model. PROBLEM 5. CLOCKS IN bright sunshine the telltale warning lamps (indicators etc) are impossible to see. THE FIX: Nothing. Nada. Zilch. There’s bugger-all any difference. No work has been done to correct what I consider is a problem – when is the last time a Japanese bike’s idiot lights couldn’t be seen? True it only becomes a problem when brilliant sunshine falls directly on the clocks, which is quite often judging by the amount of test riders bobbing along with indicators flashing merrily to themselves. PROBLEM 6. VIBES AND OTHER GRIPES. VIBRATION on the 2007 launch bikes was noticeable through the chassis at the upper end of the rev scale and interfered with the mirrors at cruising speed. The exhaust finish looked second rate with dodgy welds and flaky black coating on the silencer box. THE FIX: New Rubber topped footpegs reduce vibrations through the feet. Preproduction exhausts made way for finished items. HAS IT WORKED? Some riders complained of dead finger syndrome from the vibrations through the bars and others about the severity of the vibes at high rpm, me included. It got to the point where there was no need to look at the tachometer because the vibes said the redline was approaching. Buell claims the change in vibration level and the rev range they are felt at are the result of the new fuel/ignition mapping and the fact the bikes’ engines are tight from low mileage, which is half believable. As for the exhaust: the welds are much neater but the silencer coating still flakes and looks jaded after 100 miles. The launch of Buell’s 1125R last year showed it to be woefully under developed. Six months later, Buell claims that’s all sorted. By Trevor Franklin, Photography by Double Red If at first you don’t succeed... WORLD FIRST BUELL 1125R In the beginning... THERE were high expectations of the 1125R when it was first launched last summer. Company founder, inspiration, current chairman and chief technical officer Erik Buell himself proclaimed: “The 1125R takes Buell to a new level of performance, while continuing to embrace the fundamental principles of motorcycle design and offering a great motorcycle riding experience.” On paper, at least, he was right. The traditional Buell virtues of stumpy, sharp steering geometry, mass centralisation via radical solutions such as fuel-inframe and underslung exhaust and light unsprung weight, due largely to the unique Buell ZTT rim disc system, were continued. Meanwhile, the usual Buell Achilles heel of an underpowered, Harley Sportster-derived engine, was sidestepped by the revolutionary switch to an all-new, purpose built (by Rotax) liquid-cooled V-twin with a purported 150bhp on tap. Things were looking good. A potentially fabulous road and track bike capable of ruffling Ducati and Aprilia’s feathers was on the cards. Trouble was, as proved at the Laguna Seca launch, the 1125R was neither executed as well as expected with various design flaws all-too evident, and also displayed a catastrophic lack of development. In fact, such was the disappointment and outcry that Buell virtually immediately after the launch delayed production and initiated an emergency rectification programme. Six months later, the bike tested before you here is the result. The problems that bike had, the remedies Buell has attempted and the effect they have, are all described on the preceding pages. Buell should be commended for so swiftly setting out to sort the 1125R’s problems, but it’s also indefensible that the first bike had so many. None of the testers at MCN can remember any launch bike, from any manufacturer, being beset by so many problems. We can only wait and see if the 1125R will live down that original Buell has spent six months trying to right the 1125R’s wrongs embarassment. VERDICT AS predicted back in 2007, with the first launch ride of the Buell 1125R, it is indeed a good, solid road bike – easy to ride, tractable engine etc – and will crack occasional track days. But then so did Honda’s VTR1000 Firestorm when it appeared in 1997. Why this comparison? Because the 1125R feels very, very similar in every way – apart from the Buell’s obvious power advantage. The one area that still needs improvement is the vibration issue. For a new engine with three internal shafts to help balance the Helicon motor it’s simply not right – not even early Ducatis and Aprilia Milles are so bad. Given that Buell had to hold back the 1125R’s release for six months shows the extent the company will go to get its product right. Hopefully, soon, it will be. I have never read a review, as negative as this from UK's MCN. What is wrong with these Brits ?? Why are they so negative for Buell and the 1125R ?? | ||
| Oldog |
They must be from YorkShire ? | ||
| Hammer71 |
Should they lie and say none of these problems existed? They listed known problems, the fixes that were made and if they worked or not (in their opinion). Fair assesment I think, as most of those problems still exist. | ||
| No_rice |
SWINGARM FINISH GETS SCUFFED BY RIDER’S BOOT i dont know how big a foot this guy has but they must be a hell of alot bigger then my 10 1/2's sure if i was completely on my tip toes and trying to make it hit i could, but i dont think that will be a problem normally. i could be proven wrong though with more miles. | ||
| Zac4mac |
I wore a shiny spot in the aluminum on my Firebolt's swingarm... thru the paint. I don't find myself on the balls of my feet as much, on the 1125. In fact, my heels are usually against the back of the footpeg. Z | ||
| Krassh |
As far as the dim instrumentation since when do they see bright sun shine in the UK, maybe once a year? Just kidding all you across the pond folk. | ||
| Bigeasy |
I wear a size 12 and my heal hits the swing arm for sure, as I always ride on the balls of my feet. So easy fix was to buy some black 3mm vinyl and I cut out little pegasus to stick on the swing arm where my heels hit. Problem solved. As far as the vibes go, they are bad until about 1200 miles and a oil change. Now it she has smoothed way out. I still get the right hot foot at times. But only sometimes, weird huh? I think the biggest problem with this bike is going to be heat. Dam those frame bars get hot!! Here in New Orleans tonight it was about 79 and the coolent temp will shoot up to 200 at the lights sometimes causeing the check engine light to come on, then it goes out again. Other then that I love the bike and have done trackdays with it already. Many of the guys at the track were very impressed. | ||
| Jpfive |
Two thoughts on the "dim" display. Either they need to read the manual, or ask one of the techs. There are six levels of brightness, and I can't imagine they can't find one that works for conditions. Level 5 works fine for me in Florida sunlight, level 6 is overkill. I crank it down to level 3 at night. Jack | ||
| Jpfive |
Maybe this bike is fated to not do well in Old Briny. If so, BMC will survive it - and maybe thrive in other parts of the Continent. I think the main problem in the UK may be that Buell failed to ask permission of the Brit Journos before attempting to move from the fashionably quaint pigeon hole they had been assigned to. Jack | ||
| Edmbueller |
Ok so the guy obviously isn't a Buelligan, I mean the BIGGEST things he can find wrong are the display for the speedometer, vibes in the hands (every sportbike I have ever ridden, and a spot his foot rubbed on. None of those are even mildly enough for me to decide to NOT purchase a bike..... | ||
| Bigblock |
actually, my left heel definitely hits the swingarm on my 1125. I don't know what 1125 these guys are riding, but mine sure doesn't have any vibration issues. Might buzz a little near redline, but how much time can you spend at redline, even on the track? Maybe I got lucky and got a smooth one? | ||
| Opto |
Harsh bumps threatened to break my wrists. This is some sort of joke isn't it. | ||
| Spectrum |
It's fair assessment on fixes from the pre-production run, but in my opinion a weak review. I don't have any issues with the swing arm, speedo brightness or vibrations. My mirrors do produce fuzzy images in the higher RPM range and while I know this is bothersome to many, it is a minor issue in my view. My problem with this review is it's focus on minor details that in the grand scheme of things really don't mean squat. I'd much rather see them focus on performance, handling etc. These are the things I want facts about. Who cares if your size 12 boats touch the swingarm. | ||
| Elvis |
There's something going on between Buell and MCN. Remember when MCN "leaked" an embargoed photo of the XB12S a few days before the official unveiling? Remember last year when MCN leaked the video of the 1125R a few days before the official unveiling? And then at Laguna Seca just about every other review I read, while mentioning the rough edges, also gave credit to the power delivery, handling, braking, wind protection etc. . . . you know, the things we're actually interested in. Nearly all other reviews put the rough edges in perspective while MCN chose to fixate on the rough edges as a route to trashing the bike. This review reminds me of someone reviewing a Corvette and complaining about the cup-holder placement. I'd like to see a show of hands of those of you who buy a bike based on how well you can read the warning lights in bright sun-light. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Actually, I have to agree with the guy on the warning lights - they suck. I like that little green N to be super-bright so I don't mistakenly launch into the Buick in front of me at the light. C'mon, Buell....LED's are cheap! Other than that, the biggest beef I have with the article is they seem to have forgotten Buell is the only manufacturer to bring out a PREproduction bike for a) riders and b) magazine writers to ride and evaluate, strictly in the name of improving the final product. He's bashing Buell for bringing the '07 mules out "too soon"...but that's exactly WHY Buell did it! <sigh> How quickly they forget.... | ||
| Jpfive |
Scratching my old head here... Folks keep mentioning the dim display. I just don't get it. I have 61 year-old eyes, ride in sunny Florida, with a dark smoked visor, and I have no problem seeing the indicator lamps, or the clocks, whether in sunlight or shade. I've owned Japanese bikes, Italian bikes and American bikes. It's been pretty much a non-issue with me on all of them. I will say that the dimming function of the 1125 is the best that I have seen, and the first that I have seen that allows easy adjustment to brightness while riding. Jack | ||
| Jpfive |
Hmmm... "I was, quite frankly, mortified that journalists from far and wide were allowed to ride it." ... "woefully undeveloped" ... "a catastrophic lack of development" ... "...indefensible..." Whatever happened to British understatement? Jack | ||
| Dtx |
Another thing about the dash display...don't a lot of people usually switch out their clear windshields for the cooler looking smoked or blacked out ones? I would think this would cure this complaint instantly. What a desperate thing to complain about. | ||
| Buellborn |
Maybe that is understated. In their opinion. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
I just take it that the 1125r delivers on the things that really matter...so they had to focus on the minutiae | ||
| Spatten1 |
All the new bikes deliver on power and handling. The small things are what most articles focus on. | ||
| Xnoahx |
Who needs to see the Neutral light, it just tells you one thing, that the light is working Also, If thats the worst part about it, bike sounds perfect to me with no complaints about power delivery, trans shifting, ergos, brakes or propperly set up suspension. (Message edited by xnoahx on March 16, 2008) | ||
| Mtch |
all the bike press over here winge about Buells, they are pretty much misunderstood. yet read a test on a Ducati, Aprilia, or even a Guzzi and its a different world. must be the 'heritage' of those brands. a few months back i picked up a copy of superbike mag in a shop, read the insults thrown at Buells, put it back on the shelf and will never buy it again. i've not even laid eyes on a 1125r, so wont even comment on its looks.however what i've read about the problems people here have had, i would wait a good while before buying. | ||
| Dentguy |
I didn't think it was that negative. It could have been worse. They could have complained about a dead battery, weak charging system, incorrect oil level, broken belt, fuel smell, fuel boiling, bad welds or maybe the wrong muffler installed like some others have complained about. | ||
| Rsh |
Raptors and rockets have there version of the Euro launch up, the review was descent. http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/Reviews/2008_Buel l_1125R_Monteblanco.htm | ||
| Brad1445 |
I also did not think it was a bad review. Come on, do you really want to defend the muffler welds? Count your blessings. Be glad they did not have to check the oil. | ||
| Elvis |
All the new bikes deliver on power and handling. The small things are what most articles focus on. So a V-Rod has the same handling as a 1098? A Ninja 250 has the same power as a Hayabusa? It seems to me that there are a huge, diverse group of bikes out there, and a good review should tell us how a completely new bike slots into that group of bikes first and foremost. Now if you're saying that the top echelon sport-bikes (1098, R1, GSXR 1000 etc.) all deliver on power and handling, fine. I'll agree with that statement. So is the 1125R in that class? If so, that's a HUGE story isn't it? A brand new bike that falls into the class of top echelon bikes out of the box is a pretty big deal. There hasn't been an American motorcyle that has fallen into that class in the past 40 years. There has never been a Buell that has fallen into that class. . . ever. Is that really what we are to take away from articles like this? Buell has created a sport-bike that is among the best in the world, so that's said and done, so we can focus on the little things? If that's the case, shouldn't a good journalist realize that they've got a bigger news story than something about the brightness of dash-lights? | ||
| Court |
Much bigger launch coming up . . . that should produce interesting info. | ||
| Zac4mac |
Just watched the videos at RaptorsandRockets. Sure is a lot of blue sky in them. Somebody had fun... Z | ||
| Brad1445 |
Court Posted on Monday, March 17, 2008 - 07:29 am: Much bigger launch coming up . . . that should produce interesting info. Please O please O Please, say there is a second model coming out with full fairing/tail? | ||
| Trojan |
The UK jopurnalists that attended the original launch (and the one last week in Spain) really really wanted to like the 1125R. I have spoken to two of them, and they couldn't wait to ride it and wanted to rave about it. However, for whatever reasons, the bike didn't light their fire as much as they expected it to, and the reports reflect this. Unfortunately Buell have had to re-launch the bike following the original launch last July, and this has happened just after the Ducati 848 and KTM RC8 have been tested and received racve reviews from the very same testers. Maybe they expected the Buell to be a direct competitor to the those bikes, whereas it appears to more of a Sports Tourer than out-n-out sports bike. Nothing wrong with the 1125R being compared to a VTR-1000 rather than an RC51, or an Aprilia Tuono rather than an RSV. As a road bike they are probably better than the more sporting variants. | ||
| Vagelis46 |
The problem with these reviews, is that they do not comment on the bike's handling, chassis, brakes, power etc. Was the chassis lacking stiffness ? Were the brakes weak ? Not enough power ? The only comment they made for handling, was that the 1125R needs setting the suspension right, for it to handle as required. But we already know (and they should know as well)that all Buells are sensitive to suspension settings. So ? Vibrations ? I have never read a journo saying the high rev buzz reaching the footpegs of a GSXR1000K7, have you ? "Nothing wrong with the 1125R being compared to a VTR-1000 rather than an RC51" I think it is really wrong. It is like saying to the readers "DO NOT BUY" | ||
| Trojan |
"Nothing wrong with the 1125R being compared to a VTR-1000 rather than an RC51" I think it is really wrong. It is like saying to the readers "DO NOT BUY" No it isn't. It is saying that if you want an out and out sports bike then this may not be the bike for you. However if you want 'real world' practicality then it may be a better buy than a 'race rep'. The VTR1000 is considered a classic now and one of the best V-Twin road bikes ever built. It was equally good at trackdays, touring, racing and commuting, and a superb all rounder. The only criticism ever levelled at the VTR was poor fuel consumption. Comparing the 1125R to this bike should be seen as a compliment. After all, they could have compared it to the VR1000, TL1000S or Bimota Mantra. |
