| Author | Message | ||
     Randomchaos |
So, I finnally got to testride the new 1125r. Here is what I thought of the bike. Likes ----------- -I like the front fairing. It does an amazing job when compared the my firebolts fairing to cut through the wind. When I rode the bike, there was a decent crosswind of about 15-20mph. The bike barely moved in those gusts. -I like the gauges and the ammount of information they provide. Knowing the exact engine temp and outside air temp was very nice. I also like the mix of the analog tach with the digital speedo. -The mirrors were very nice. Gave a decent view of what was behind me and off to the side of me, along with my elbows  . -The transmission was silky smooth. Felt like it would be nearly impossible for me to miss a shift. -Front brake was AMAZING! Plenty of stopping power, yet smooth when being applied. Dislikes ------------ -I hated the throttle. It felt like I had to have a kung fu grip on it to be able to turn it. Also had alot of freeplay in it. Might have just been out of adjustment, or binded. -I did not like the clutch at all. Im used to being able to feel when the clutch grabs through the cluth lever. I could not feel anything the clutch was doing through the lever. -The power output below 5k RPMs felt extremely weak. I might just be used to the low-end grunt of the HD motor, but I felt like I was having to go full throttle at anything below 5k to get the bike to move. -The bike vibrates the complete opposite of my Firebolt. It is rock steady at idle, but anything over that felt like my hands/arms/legs/body were going to go numb from the vibrations. -Heat, good god I felt like I was going to melt. When I got on the bike, it had already been warmed up. The gauges indicated the engine temp was at 165 degrees. Before I got moving, it indicated it at 180, with the fans blowing hot air right up into my face. When moving, it felt like that hot air would not leave the cockpit area. -Rear brake, I could hardly feel the lever. It felt really soft/mushy. Might have just needed to be bled though. -Engine sounded very "pingy" at idle, and only slightly better down the road. -Handling felt alot like my FZ6 did, just with more feedback from the front-end. Felt heavy and like it wanted to fall over in slower tighter turns. Also didnt feel as nimble as my firebolt. Overall, I would not buy one. It just did not put that big ol grin on my face like my Firebolt does. I am sure it would be great as a trackbike, but as an around towner, it would not cut it for me. Now, to find a way to get that front brake, and maybe mirrors, on my firebolt | ||
| Bearly |
That's fair Geoff, thanks for the review. One thing that I've noticed is how sensitive the bike is to set up. Every time I just tweak it just a bit, I feel like I've just climbed onto a new bike. I remember when I first test drove mine, I didn't think it could turn with my Uly and I was somewhat disappointed. I bought it anyway though trusting that I could make it behave differently. That was very easy to do once I set the suspension to my weight per the Owners Manual then started to vary settings from there. One interesting thing that I did while I was setting up my bike to my weight in my Garage, I noted incorrectly that ALL of the setting started from the clockwise position. Still I thought this thing will not hang with my Uly unless I throw my self off the side of the bike. Then I re read the manual to find out that the fork spring pre load was the exception and started from the full counter clockwise position. Ooops, my bad! I've never ridden a Bolt, but I did want to share with you (as you probably know from your Bolt) how much the 11 can change with setup. Cheers (Message edited by bearly on April 14, 2008) | ||
| Randomchaos |
Yea, I figured some of the handling feelings were the suspension setup. In the parking lot though, it was a little more difficult to manuver at slow speeds than my bolt. Figured that was because of the longer wheelbase. I testrode a regular Uly with side bags as well. Man that bike was FUN! If I had the money, I would probably buy the new Uly XB12XT as a 2nd bike for touring. Only problem I had with the regular Uly I rode was the seat height and the mushy suspension. Im thinking of testriding another 1125r. With the way the one I rode felt, it might have just been severely mishandled. Had a little over 600 miles on it, and was a demo bike. | ||
| Spectrum |
The heat in the face / cockpit area is not something I've experienced. I have felt heat coming from the back left side of the bike when the bike is setting or in slow traffic after being ridden hard. But even then, that's the exception, not the rule. | ||
| Zac4mac |
Prior to getting my 1125R, I had a 2003 XB9R I put almost 20k miles on. Got to ride it a couple of weeks ago when I was visiting my Brother and folks down in Texas. It felt primitive and clunky after 5000+ miles on the 1125R. I was happy to see my 1125R on the road from a different perspective, but couldn't wait to get back on the 1125R. That XB was the same bike I thought was the best riding bike I'd ever been on, less than a year ago... Zack | ||
| Randomchaos |
Is the vibrations a normal thing for the bike? Also, is the throttle tight feeling to you guys that own one? I was really excited about the bike, and was considering getting one in a few years when I could afford it, but this testride really turned me away from it  . Im hoping alot of the problems I felt with it were either me being too used to my current bike, or the bike itself had been mistreated. | ||
| Zac4mac |
The throttle tightness is most likely an adjustment. Mine is very fluid with no slack. Mine buzzes, but nothing like any V-Twin I've owned. I prayed for that heat you described, when I rode to work in 14˚. When I was in Texas it was already hot there. One day it got up to 91˚, my legs started to get warm. I got some gas and it was cool again. No heat in my face, no hotfoot. My 1125R didn't settle in and feel "dialed in" until maybe 1000 miles. It took a while for Loretta(1125) and myself to get to know each other. Z | ||
| Dre99gsx |
Fair review. I would suggest another test drive on another 1125R. I can personally say on my 1125R, none of your negatives were felt, except for the rear brake feeling. Also, how much do you weigh? | ||
| Randomchaos |
I only weigh 150lbs, maybe 155 in my gear. I would love to testride another 1125r, prefferable not after riding my firebolt too, that way my butt dyno isnt skewed for gobs of low-rpm grunt. | ||
| Krassh |
As far as the Kung Fu grip to turn the throttle, after disconnecting the cable for the solenoid (emissions crap) from the throttle linkage. The throttle action seems smoother since disconnecting it. Bike also seems to be a lot smoother in the lower rpm ranges. Could be me but seems noticeable after the disconnect. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290 431/350774.html?1208124198 | ||
| Spectrum |
The 1125R definitely doesn't have the low end torque of the air cooled engine (below 3K). But revs higher, has a nice flat curve and creates a ton more power. It also is geared much higher. It is just a different animal in terms of power generation/distribution and and there is an adjustment moving from one to the other. Once I got accustomed the the 1125R motor the old XB motor is the one that just doesn't fell right anymore. | ||
| Randomchaos |
Krassh, thats exactly what I was experiencing on it. Even the 3-4k stutter. As far as power output goes, it would probably take me awhile to get used to the need for slightly higher revs, like I had on my FZ6. Did it take you guys awhile to get used to the Hydro clutch? Are you able to feel the clutch engaging through the lever once you get used to it? | ||
| Dalton_gang |
+1 to what Spectrum said. "It is just a different animal" I ride lots of different "animals" from ultra torquey low geared 4 strokes to ultra pipey 2 strokes. You just gota know how to treat them. | ||
| Krassh |
It actually took me longer to get used to my 2 previous non hydro clutched Buells. I have maybe stalled twice from inattention. You get used to the clutch pretty quick. I took a ride on Saturday and it was real warm out here in SoCal and I have never experienced the cockpit heat you are referring to. | ||
| Blake |
"As far as power output goes, it would probably take me awhile to get used to the need for slightly higher revs, like I had on my FZ6. " Are you seriously meaning to equate the powerband characteristics of an 1125R to an FZ6? "Slightly higher revs"? Dude. I've not ridden an 1125R, but I've ridden and FZ6, and anything below 7 grand would have the thing falling on its face. Once it hit 7,000 rpm, it would pull respectably. I think at 7,000 rpm on the 1125R, you have close to 100HP on tap, no? | ||
| Socoken |
Power output below 5k extremely weak, and having to go full throttle? If you go full throttle at 4000 in first, the front wheel is two feet off the ground by 5000. Granted, getting in the throttle at below 3500 is not advised, but I wouldnt get into it until 2500 on my M2. | ||
| Randomchaos |
Im so used to the down low grunt of the XB model, the 1125 just felt weak up to about 6k rpm, where the power output started to pass that of my XB. I was using the FZ6 as an example because when compared to my XB, thats how the 1125r felt. It just felt like the big ol grin power, feeling of super acceleration, didnt come on until half way through the revs. | ||
| Bob_thompson |
Improvise, adjust & overcome. As others I too felt a lack of low end grunt after going from my modified M2 to the 1125. I was used to cranking on throttle from 2500 and pulling aggressively to redline. Had to change my own internal engine management. 2000-2500 to pull away from a stop, cruise at 4000 rpm's and if I want to accelerate aggressively crank it on from 5000. A world of difference in acceleration and "G" force comes in bunches. similar to IL4's but much better mid-range and sounds way....better. Enjoy the NEW ride. Bob | ||
| Sethbuchbinder |
"It just felt like the big ol grin power, feeling of super acceleration, didn’t come on until half way through the revs." If you really think about it, the"super acceleration" type power on most XBs doesn’t come on clean until just over 3k which is coincidentally just about half way through the revs of that engine... the fact that the numbers are lower only serves to remind us that the XB12 runs out of zing(revs)in the mid 6000rpm range.  So it should not be such a foreign feeling. Just a scale adjustment. it sounds as though the bike you got to ride may have not been properly set up with the throttle and other issues you mentioned. From my experiences riding 1125Rs, I can assure you that a stout handful of throttle @4000rpm in first or just below 5000rpm in second gear will have you accumulating rear tire only miles almost instantly. Hopefully you will have another opportunity to ride a different 1125R and possibly take away a different experience. Try to get some more seat time if you can like a few hours. They tend to grow on you. Good luck. Seth On edit, the front break will bolt directly on to your XB as a complete system. Just purchase a Master cyl, break line and caliper with pads and your in buisness. no fussin, no cutting, LOTS of STOPPING. (I feel The XB already stops extremely well on the street and the track with the OE 6 piston caliper.) In this case, more IS even better. (Message edited by sethbuchbinder on April 16, 2008) | ||
| Randomchaos |
Well, with the recent promo going on where you testride a buell, you get the hydration pak, I will probably be heading up to the dealership to test another one out. The XBs dont put out alot of HP in the lower RPMs, but they do have alot of torque down there. I know my XB12R pulls pretty hard from 2-3k RPMs, with barely any throttle. The more I read about the 1125r, the more I believe I just had a bad bike. | ||
| Xb9er |
I test rode a 1125r for the 1st time today. All i can say is wow, what a great bike. Boy does that thing pull hard. Me likey | ||
| Skntpig |
I rode one in 100* weather and it got over 200* coolant temp. I got the hydration pack and wished I had it for the 10 mile ride I took. I was baking. I didn't care. Great bike other than the fuel injection. It seems like it is on or off, no smooth roll on. This will probably be fixed with a tune. I bet it will growl with a different pipe. The clutch was a bit vague as I am used to cables. It stops like I thought it would, good. Goes like stink, is rev happy and lacks torque down low. You have to rev to 3K to get it to go. Power wheelies with a tug in second. Overall very impressive. I must have one in the garage and will soon. | ||
| Doncasto |
I took a demo ride on the 1125 yesterday during the High Country Harley Davidson/Buell (Frederick, Colorado) Open House. I was very favorably impressed with just about everything on the bike. I did not find any of the problems mentioned here, the bike ran strong and handled excellently . . .and I found the visceral impression unlike any Buell I have ever ridden before. It took a bit of doing to get my creaky steel knees up onto the pegs the first time, but after a few minutes things settled in and I was able to operate the foot controls without undo contortions or excessive discomfort. Which brings me to my first and most unexpected surprise . . .the silky smooth and very easy shifting transmission. The trans on this bike took so little effort to shift that I found myself having to be careful when bring my boot up over the peg for downshifting. I inadvertently caught the peg on my boot on the upward motion several times and the bike immediately shifted up. After a while I was able to establish an new muscle memory in the left leg that eliminated the accidental shifting. I actually found myself liking the 1125 a little too much. It has jumped to the top of the "possible additions" list for me, although there are a few concerns that will have me waiting to see how new models shake out in the next couple of years. As I mentioned above, the riding position is one suited for a smaller, less achy younger person. I am sure that in spite of the "a little to bent at the knee" ergos, I could probably enjoy the hell out of a couple of hours of canyon riding on this bike. I don't think I could make it past more than one tank of fuel without an overnight stop at the Emergency Room for leg re-straightening. Without any real idea of how it might be done, the plates that the pegs are attached to seem to allow the possibility for a replacement with sets that would lower the foot and move it back slightly . . .an absolute necessity for me. The other concern is one that I have become used to with every Buell . . .the view from the mirrors. It is, IMHO, the worst of a bad the lot in this . . unless you like to admire your elbows while riding. Bar ends mirrors might be the answer, causing me to wonder how a four mirror bike would look. I am operating under the assumption that removing the existing mirrors is not an viable option due to the incorporated signal lights. I have joined the ranks of those waiting an d hoping for a "sport-touring" model . . .equipped with thoroughly tested and uncompromising hard bags, new footpeg positioning, a little more weather/wind protection up front (both for torso and legs) and perhaps a slightly cushier seat. Don Casto Boulder, Colorado (Message edited by doncasto on April 20, 2008) (Message edited by doncasto on April 20, 2008) | ||
| Wgnzlz |
I was able to test ride an 1125r this weekend too. It has amazing power and a very smooth transmission. I can't really comment on the handling since this was a group ride with about 10 harleys and only 2 buells (1125r & TT), so we really weren't moving at a quick enough pace to really test the handling. After the ride was over the only thing that I really liked better than my XB12Scg was the smooth shifting. I really don't think I need the extra power to ride back and forth to work and hit the local twisties on the weekend. Maybe I'm just turning into an old man (I'm 26). If or when they do make a "1125S", I would like to try it out to see if the different riding position makes the ride more enjoyable to me. | ||
| Bud |
had the pleasure to test drive a 1125r on the track.. you really need to keep the reff up to feel the power.. ( above 7000 rpm ) steering was good, was not tuned to my weight, in needed to steer here in in the high speed corners, but felt confident, idiot lights ar very bad to see, 6e gear ?? ok now you tell me  never used it on the track. brakes front big plus.. after a few laps the brakes begon the sqeek ? better pad ? availeble ? rear brakes..? never used theme..or didn't they do any thing ? cold the engine is very noisy, it got better when she was hot, and she cept here cool on the track, never became over 80 deg. C vibration..low in refs she viberates more than all my other buells shifting, big plus.. heard the slipper clutch engage / disengage ? little clunk over all, not really my alday driving bike, but for sporty riding she felt good |
