| Author | Message | ||
     Jerseyguy |
OK, I've been riding motorcycles for 48 years and XBs for 5. I'v test ridden all the Buells and done track days too. I've owned an XB9S,an XB12S and I currently own an XB12Ss and a 1125r. I'm a Buell loyalist, no doubt. I've only got a few hundred miles on the 1125 so this may not be a totally fair comparison. Perhaps I'll do an update at some time in the future. For me the XB lightnings that I have owned are a much more enjoyable street ride. Sorry if that aggravates some of you but that's how it is for me. That isn't to say that I don't like my 1125, because I do. But the XB's are better every day ride and I'll explain why. 1) The seating position is just too extreme for me. It's nowhere near as bad as the rice burners and the Triumph 675 I've ridden, but at legal speeds it just puts too much pressure on these 59 year old forearms. On the open highway or on the track it's fine. 2) This engine wants to spin. It's a dog under 3000 RPM and I find myself lugging it by mistake. When I do it produces a death rattle that lets you know its very unhappy. So on my 20 minute commute to work on 30 to 40 MPH country roads, I'm in 3rd gear where as on the XBs I'm in 5th. I'm constantly looking at the tach to see that I'm over 3k RPM and it just feels and sounds very "busy" for just loafing along. I get the same feeling from my buddy's MV Agusta Brutale. I guess I'm just used to a torquey 1200 to 6000 RPM power band, my bad. On the positive side, wheelies in first or second require no finesse, just twist the throttle and up it comes. Plus with a little throttle control and self restraint, you cam carry it a long way without even getting close to the balance point. 3) The front brake is very powerful but it is a bit touchy and I don't feel it's as progressive as the XBs. Maybe it has to break in more. I find that when coming to a total stop, I'm doing a nose dive like a freaking squid unless I'm very precise on the lever. The back brake pedal is tucked in too tight to the motor for my big foot to get to it easily. The back brake is also very weak and howls if you stand on it with any authority. I know that 90% of the braking is on the front but during every day driving I generally use both brakes together depending on road conditions. 4) Initially I found the suspension to be extremely harsh - to the point where a typical Jersey pothole/patch would pogo it almost out of control. I did find the suspension to be totally out of adjustment for my weight and since I've adjusted it, it seems much better. 5) Nit picking: It is not a visually stunning motorcycle like my friend's Brutale. I will say that it has a organic style that sets it apart from all the transformer like rice burners. The rear tail section has a nice shape but the rough, flat finish is impossible to keep looking clean. The neutral light isn't always exactly in sync with the actual neutral. It seems like the front of the muffler will get grit blasted and then rust. My conclusions so far are that I will use the 1125 for track days and occasional short, highly spirited rides and I'll use my Ss for commuting and longer spirited rides. I've got a track day coming up in July and I'll put some more time in on the 1125. Maybe my initial impressions will change.... | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Sounds to me like you the 1125r is just not the bike for you. I agree to a varying degree with a couple of your points, but the 1125r is just simply refined and the power is simply addicting. I still own a 9SX, so I do have some experience there too. I have to wonder about your point #4 tho, is that really an issue at all now that you adjusted the bike. | ||
| Ccryder |
1) Ok how about a set of Convertabars. 3" up and 3" back. "S" pegs give you 1" more leg room. BTW, I'm 5'9", 29" inseam, 225# and a 32" sleeve. 2) After a few thousand miles it gets much better in the 3000-4000 range. Like you I have a 55 mile commute on GREAT 2 lane TN roads. If I'm having fun I keep it around 5k. If I'm enjoying the ride it's around 3.5k. If I'm having a lot of FUN, it's anywhere b/t 5 and 9k. 3) After the brakes are bedded in they are very progressive. I had a 12r before this 25r and owned a S2T, X1 and, a S3T. Rear brake is tucked in but that keeps your toes safe. 4) I had the dealer set mine up and it was a little to hard for me. I ended up backing off compression dampening and now all I get is bigger grins and train like tracking with very light and secure turn in. 5) Well we are just lucky that we all don't like red heads. Otherwise there would be a lot of lonely brunnetts and blonds ;+} I have added the convertabars, Throttlemeister heavy, Spencer modified seat, Passport 8500 X50, MP3 player, Amplirider and, this weekend she is getting a set of Givi V35 bags (I promise!). If you need any more info on any of these goodies PM me and I'll get you some answers. If you are around Nashville or Home Coming you are more than welcome to take her for a ride. Time2Work Neil S. | ||
| Jerseyguy |
On the suspension (#4) issue the jury is still out, but it is vastly better since I set it up properly. | ||
| Jerseyguy |
Convertabars might work, but I'm also still waiting for the "naked version" to come out. I couldn't pass this one up though, due to the $9,600 price with only 245 miles on it. | ||
| Jrockne |
I recently attempted to take a test ride on the new 1125. I rode my xb12s the hour away the dealer is. I pulled up and saw TWO 1125's and a Uly sitting under a tent in the parking lot! I was kind of excited since this must've meant they are actually trying to sell buells now. I asked to do a demo only to find out that one of the 1125's had a dead battery, can't ride that one, so I took out the other one. At first everything was great, he informed me to let it warm up a bit before opening it up. So I just cruised around town pretty slow and didn't notice any sluggishness in the lower RPMs. The seat was actually much more comfortable than my S, but the seating position sucked, I hate being leaned over like that... I did notice the clutch was MUCH nicer/smoother than my xb. So I just got her to warm up a little and decided it was time to take her to the country for some twisties. Not one mile after turning onto the road it starts running rough as hell all over the RPM range and the check engine light came on. I kinda chuckle and say to myself "At least it's not my bike" Rode her back to the shop and told them they need to take a look at her. The bike only had 5 damn miles on it, 20 when I brought it back. Overall it wasn't a bike I would buy, the looks don't really do it for me either (Cannot believe they only have one color BTW). Maybe I would feel differently if it was running properly, but it was so nice to get on my S after that. I will try again some day, but it def. won't be in my garage until they fix the bugs, make an 'S' version, and get some more colors. Surely I would have been much more impressed if either one of the two were in 100% working order. I didn't even get my hydration pack..  | ||
| Ducxl |
I asked to do a demo only to find out that one of the 1125's had a dead battery Not one mile after turning onto the road it starts running rough as hell all over the RPM range and the check engine light came on. Anomalies? Or serious quality issues? | ||
| Ccryder |
If you want to try the feel of the convertabars, mine is open for test rides, they do work and do make a BIG difference, at least for me. Time2Ride Neil S. | ||
| Jdugger |
> at legal speeds it just puts too much > pressure on these 59 year old forearms. > On the open highway or on the track it's > fine. Are you leaning on the bars? If your forearms and wrists are tired after a ride, your posture isn't correct. You should be supporting your upper body weight with your abs. Lightly rest your hands on the bars... unless you are providing countersteering pressure for a turn-in, think "paper-light" weight on the bars. Your elbows should be bent, and you should be able to esily do the "funky chicken dance" while riding. Loose, light, easy... Use your legs / knees to grab the tank and hold on. Don't hold on with your upper body. | ||
| Zac4mac |
" Maybe I would feel differently if it was running properly,.... " I assure you, you would. Loretta is running as smooth as an inline-4 now. I don't know if it's something I did, she finally "learned" or the planets are in alignment. I could win a slow race on her, she's that smooth in the low-end. Feathering the clutch, I rarely put my feet down, even in heavy traffic. Still have a bit of a stutter if I go WFO from low rpms, but otherwise, smooth as silk again. Sorry for those of you who get a bad first impression. As Court says, The 1125R is an amazing motorcycle. Z | ||
| Adoogie3 |
where did these convertabars come from .or who sells them? I dont regret my 1125 overall .sometimes ya gotta give a little to get a bunch.had a xb12s,good bike just not enough power.  | ||
| Krassh |
http://www.convertibars.com/ | ||
| Brent1125russ |
When I rode an '07 12r, three thoughts crossed my mind: 1. Man, 3K more powerband and this thing would be sweet. 2. 50hp more, and this thing would be perfect. 3. A little bit more forward riding position would be awesome. So when I rode the 1125r, it was the answer to all those critiques. Other than one episode of the dead battery during a re-flash, and the rough running between 2500 and 3000, I absolutely love the 1125r and it keeps getting smoother as I ride it. It's kinda quirky like the Triumphs and Ducatis I've ridden, but motorcycling to me is all about the perfect corner, and this is the only bike I've ridden where I don't feel like I am even close to being a good enough rider to push it to it's limits. This is the only bike I have ever ridden that has never pulled back in the garage without leaving a huge grin on my face. | ||
| Desrtrat |
Ditto Brent. Best bike I've ever owned. The highways are mine. Fast, agile, lite, and safe. Put your butt into it and it blows through the corners like it's on a rail. | ||
| Ccryder |
Take a look here: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290 431/354781.html Neil S. | ||
| Carmell |
Desrtrat, Brent1125, my thoughts exactly. Corners like a roller coaster, sweet power wheelies, huge grins. If I had wanted a bike without quirks and personality, I would have bought a Goldwing. | ||
| Big_dog |
I agree with all the positive posts here!!! This bike is just the best handling, feeling and pure enjoyment I've gotten from any other bike on the market... Yes, I've ridden R1's, GSXR's and the like. Can't say I've ridden Ducatti or Aprilla though. I'm out the door now for another 200+ mile ride with every confidence of having a good time and returning with that ear to ear grin!!!!  | ||
| Dentguy |
If your forearms and wrists are tired after a ride, your posture isn't correct. How would you know? Maybe his posture is just fine. 59 year old forearms and wrists can be very different than 32 or 33 year old ones (no offense Jerseyguy). At 42 years of wear and tear, mine are very different than they were 10-20 years ago. Believe it or not, this bike or riding position may not be for everybody. Don't just blame it on posture. | ||
| Jpfive |
I'll second that. At age 61, I am having some problem now with my right forearm and elbow. No surprise that is my throttle hand...  I may have to modify something to put the miles on this bike that I am used to. Jack | ||
| Bobup |
"Use your legs / knees to grab the tank and hold on. Don't hold on with your upper body." after 60+ miles last Sunday in 90+ temps....my inner right knee (just above it) was a large 1st degree burn...my wife even noticed it and asked what it was from I'm starting to wonder if this thing is worth it.... | ||
| Jerseyguy |
My posture is fine & I can clamp my knees to the tank and take all the weight off of my arms if I choose to. Perfect for on the track.  On the XB I don't even have to think about it - it's just more comfortable for daily riding. The XB ergos on the track are quite doable, but a bit awkward.  | ||
| Jdugger |
Yea, looks good on the track, indeed! Of course an 's' is going to be a lot more upright, but I find then my back is taking all the impact. The 1125r is the most comfortable bike I own. Certainly better for a long ride than even my ST1300... (just not 2-up!) | ||
| Kds1 |
Jon, Steve may be slow but he's ahead of you, maybe you need a Drummer!!! maybe the carbon one is faster because its lighter... just kiddin' buddy!!!! Kevin www.kdfab.com | ||
| Usroute66 |
Jerseyguy, The motor on the 12r is nothing like XB's. The 12r loves to rev. I have a similar Rotax in my Aprilia Tuono. I bet there are days I rarely leave 3rd gear, but can run up and down the power band and never need to shift. You can hurt by lugging it, but you sure can't hurt these babies reving it, that's for sure. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
the 12r is an xb.  | ||
| Usroute66 |
Excuse me...1125r vs XB. They got too many models these days. I think U get the point. | ||
| Josh_ |
You can clamp your knees to the tank and hold the weight off your arms for 3+ hours at a time? Who are you, Suzanne Somers? | ||
| Sound_uly |
Zack says - "Loretta is running as smooth as an inline-4 now. I don't know if it's something I did, she finally "learned" or the planets are in alignment. I could win a slow race on her, she's that smooth in the low-end. Feathering the clutch, I rarely put my feet down, even in heavy traffic." Zack, it's good to here Loretta is finally running properly! My 1125R has run good at low revs ever since I picked her up. I love the street manners of mine. I'm one of the lucky ones that has never gotten to even experience what some on here have been complaining about. This bike rocks and is one of the best all around handling and comfortable sport bikes I have ridden. And she just gets better with the miles! Ron | ||
| Zac4mac |
I put 700+ miles in one day on Loretta in April. Supported my weight with my legs and abs for most of it. Rode non-stop between a couple of gas-stops and was getting 180-220 miles a tank. Back was tired, butt was sore, arms were fine. I'm 53. Z | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Hey Kevin, You would think Steve would show a bit more respect for his elders. NOT!  |
