| Author | Message | ||
     Ferrisbuellersdayoff |
The pods are so similar to these http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/270 985/300178.html?1183944517 | ||
| Striperx3 |
Pods are pods some like'm, some don't. Most of like them bigger in symmetrical pairs. All right I'll stop. I like my pods, just the right size. Later Neil S. | ||
| Andella |
People do not like change. | ||
| Teddagreek |
Been on dirt bikes for years... RC51 had them as well as others.. But with fairings and plastics they look far less pronounced.. | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
The main problem is the XB is a very good looking motorcycle. Most people who don't care for the XB's limited performance (vs liquid-cooled bikes) still admit it's a striking design. Unfortunately, with all of the options available for the 1125R's design, Eric decided on odd, out of proportion "pods" in combination with a comically over-sized upper fairing. The exhaust is, well... don't even get me started on the exhaust (he should have kept the XB design). The 1125R is bi-polar: the performance Buell needs to compete with liquid-cooled liter bikes, but so lacking in cosmetic design you almost pity its ugliness. I was so upset when I saw the pre-production pics of the 1125R that I called HD/Buell and begged them not to make this mistake. Buell is going to learn the hard way that getting customers to defect from other brands takes a bike that people are proud to own. Pride of ownership takes more than sheer performance, it has to be attractive to the general riding pubic (Ducati, for example). Otherwise, only hard-core Buell fans will accept the bike- and they're gonna like it no matter how butt-ugly it is. It broke my heart to see this design go forward (and now the CR- jeez), but some bikes have sold and the results from the track have been very promising. I support 1125R racers as much as the XB guys, and hopefully the success will continue. I do hope, however, that sometime soon Eric will bless us with a Buell that balances performance with aesthetics so we can all be proud of it. | ||
| Jpfive |
I don't think Buell made a mistake with this bike. I like the organic shape, and I think it flows well. IMO, it's a beautiful bike, and I am proud to own it. Bonus points for getting off after a ride and thinking, 'Damn that's a sweet ride...' Jack | ||
| Krassh |
Brad...? | ||
| Unibear12r |
Walks like a duc(k)! And talks like a duc(k)! Just might be!  | ||
| Alans |
Is there an absolute gauge or measure of aesthetics as there are benchmarks and agreement on, say, the precise weight of an avoirdupois pound, or the exact length of a meter? There is not. So, if I say something is 'ugly', does that make it ugly, other than in my own perception, within the confines of my own grey matter, according to my own personal benchmarks? Again, I think not. So, what if I pronounce to a group that I deem this thing or that thing unacceptable, aesthetically--does that make it so? What if I believe my pronouncement makes it so? What kind of man does that make me? Who, and what, am I then? | ||
| Oddball |
I'm one of those possible defectors. 98 Superhawk so I'm used to side mount radiators. I looked them over again this weekend at a couple dealers and was ignored again at both places. They were quite busy though. One was on it's last day of 'trade in anything on a new bike'. That rear header is very close to the frame. Shame it couldn't be routed like the ktm. Might lessen the frame heating. I'd do like others have done and go through the hassle of wrapping it. The frame hugs the engine much tighter than the xb's. I just don't see much of the airflow happening that Erik talks of in this vid. (min2:25) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjhmppGV5r4&feature =user Unless he's meaning at triple digit speeds? Hwyranger and others blisters show that heat isn't all being carried away. Perhaps it's flowing out of the gaps between the seats, plastics and the frame and venting against the legs. I noticed those gaps (rather large) on every bike i saw. I don't know.  Hopefully all the updates will fix the probs people have. Now I like the upper fairing (excluding the "Tivo" mirrors). Yes it's wide, but from everyone it appears to do the job it's intended. Looks positively huge from the seat. And I think it and the CR look downright mean from the front. I lashed out a bit at the CR when it was released. I was disappointed that the seating position with that bar look more extreme that the R. I would definitely have to do a bar swap along with lines if they aren't long enough. Maybe some cityX or TT bars will work? I guess I bitch because I care. I like the bikes but want to be able to love'em. Until I can cure my reservations I just can't marry it yet.  | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
EXACTLY! If I didn't love Buells so much I wouldn't be so damn mad/let down/frustrated/tired of apologizing for my brand/tired of waiting for Eric to get it right/ sick of listening to others dismiss Buell out of hand/crazy for liking these bikes so much. But I do. The next best form of therapy next to riding is... venting. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
I do hope, however, that sometime soon Eric will bless us with a Buell that balances performance with aesthetics so we can all be proud of it. Already done, Brad...errr RedBuell. I couldn't be more proud of my 1125r. | ||
| Madav8tr |
It's amazing to me how self absorbed some people are. Just because you don't like the way the 1125R looks doesn't mean a damned thing. Some of us do like it. Some of us also like the fact that it is different looking when compared to conventional sportbike. Personally, I am glad that Eric took the styling risk he did to build a more functional motorcycle. Had I wanted a cookie cutter Gixxer clone that would have been easy enough to buy but, like most Buell owners, I wanted something out of the ordinary. If you don't like the 1125R fine, it isn't for everybody, but is there a specific reason to come on here and bash the bike on a forum dedicated to it? Most of the people here are owners or prospective owners and we already know what it looks like and really don't care for your type of "input". | ||
| Zac4mac |
I can't count the number of times I've sat in the garage staring at Loretta. As far as I'm concerned she's more beautiful than any other bike made. Ducati, Aprillia, H-K-S-Y-Asian et al... I love this bike.  Z | ||
| P_squared |
You mean I have an UGLY bike??? I must have missed that memo. She looks pretty sexy to me, but then again, I like my women with big "scoops" and a slender waist.  | ||
| Pariah |
This thread is pointless, but great procrastination.  "The next best form of therapy next to riding is... venting." Why vent here? You are never going to justify your position to 1125R enthusiasts who love the bike. It comes down to taste, and how can we argue about that? If you really, really want "therapy" the only thing that might work is electroshock. Gaze at pictures of sportbikes and when you see anything other than the 1125R, administer the requisite voltage (whatever needed to induce excruciating pain). The 1125R needs to look pungently unique for what it represents. I am glad for it. Besides, it's gorgeous. | ||
| Clarkjw |
Fact is the 1125R is symmetrically balanced as. Front to back, top to bottom. Whether it's asymmetry makes it ATTRACTIVE is totally subject to individual preference. For example, I'm not into Pam Anderson. Some guys value big titties, fake or not, more than anything else. I prefer the looks of Charlize Theron, even at the expense of some extra funbags* Seems to me there are 2 kinds of Buellers: 1) The Uly riding 40+ year olds who may be on the larger side, and do alot of touring and don't live on either coast. 2) The Firebolt/Lightning crowd who love their tourqey great handling unique bikes, go to road races/track days, live in/near cities and have friends with IL4/Italian bikes. These types will rarely agree on styling, because bike have very different functions to them. IMO, attraction is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty is not. Who would say the 1098 or Speed Tripple are ugly bikes? That's a different question from 'which would you rather ride everyday'? *I'm pretty sure if they were two random women we all saw naked, without makeup and plastic surgery, Charlize would win out. Just like an 1125r with smaller scoops and more faring would. But only one situation is realistic, if Eric let's it be. | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Krassh, Fresnobuell- my name is Peter, and I share my input here because because it was asked for (Madav8tr, Pariah). It's all good, though. I certainly don't go to other sites to vent- this is a family issue and should be kept at the kitchen table. I've owned 23 bikes, with 8 different manufacturers (Japanese, US, British, Italian and German), but there's an '08 XB12R in my garage right now, being prepped for Jennings GP and ERS Motorsports Park. I really wanted to like the 1125R- but it's not the bike it should be... in my opinion. I want Buell to flourish, not just subsist (as they have been)and the 1125R should have been the bike to do it- but it's not. As I stated above, in order to get riders from other brands, the bike cannot have "limited styling appeal". I'm not here to bash the bike you bought, in fact, I share your experience... imagine the things I've endured while owning a '97 S1 Lightning, an '02 X1 White Lightning, an '03 XB9R, and now an '08 XB12R. Imagine the hopes I had for the 1125R, and how deflated I was to see what has happened. I'm here for catharsis- not bashing. I apologize if I've hurt anyone's feelings, that's not my intention. I enjoy reading and commenting here to share my knowlege/experience/opinion while learning the same from others. Defending one's point of view is healthy- it helps organize your thoughts and hone the skills necessary for successful debate/dialog. It warms my heart to know so many of you love your 1125R- that's part of the Buell ownership mystique... and I do know where you're coming from. | ||
| Black9 |
Brad , knew you couldn't resist..... | ||
| Badlionsfan |
Brad , knew you couldn't resist.....  | ||
| Madav8tr |
"I enjoy reading and commenting here to share my knowlege/experience/opinion while learning the same from others." Fair enough. What 1125R knowledge would you like to share with us? Is the overall design on the motorcycle not conducive to an enjoyable riding experience? Does the overly large front fair work as it's intended or not? How about the power-to-weight ratio and mass distribution? What experience do you have with the 1125? Surely it isn't limited to simply looking at in a magazine. Have you had an opportunity to test ride one? I didn't care for the way the 1125 looked until I saw it in person. The kicker for me was the test ride. In the world of performance twins, IMO the 1125 is a great bargain and a fantastic overall machine. We got the "opinion" part I think but I am curious if your opinions are limited to aesthetics or would you like to voice other your opinion on other shortcomings the 1125R may have to you? | ||
| Fresnobuell |
I want Buell to flourish, not just subsist (as they have been)and the 1125R should have been the bike to do it- but it's not. Your opinion. "limited styling appeal" Again. You know what the say about opinions, right? | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
I went to the dealer specifically to buy an 1125R, but didn't because of it's looks. In my opinion, the performance of the 1125R cannot make up for the aesthetic challenges... and I was very let down that it wasn't designed better (don't confuse design with engineering). The knowledge I have about the 1125R is second hand- mostly from this web site, from riders on the street, the industry publications, and my customers (I'm the Customer Service Manager for a Powersports dealer). I'm sure the bike does everything its touted to do (good and bad), and I'm very interested in the changes being made to the race bikes in an attempt to solve the shortcomings that are exacerbated by race conditions (cooling/fairing, brakes, FI, heat). It will probably be these changes/upgrades that will eventually result in a bike I would be interested in purchasing. I spend a lot of time in the pits at amateur and pro road racing venues, and I'm quite aware of the amount of R&D it takes to "get it right". In my opinion, the 1125R could have used some more of this before being released to the public. My opinion occasionally has some factual basis, compare the success of other manufacturers who have recently introduced new models and have gotten stellar reviews/acceptance: Triumph 675, Ducati 1098/848, KTM Super Duke & RC8. These OEM's definitely do not have deeper pockets than H-D/Buell, but seem to have gotten it right. You keep harping on my opinion, so I reiterate that this is an opinion thread, and will continue to provide it whenever a post asks for it. I don't understand the amount of anger that seems to be behind many of your comments- this is a forum for the dissemination of thoughts, ideas, opinions, and suggestions. As I said, I would rather converse with fellow Buellers than people with no interest/experience in our product. I tend to look at the "big picture" when it comes to Buell, and that's because I want them to be successful enough to stand on their own. I sincerely hope that there's someone at Buell reading these posts that has the ability to influence the changes suggested for products by the members of this site. I would not be doing my duty as an Buell onwer/enthusiast if I said everything was great- when it's not. Nothing I share here is meant as, or should be taken as, a personal attack. But sometimes there are things people can only learn through age and experience. And, would someone mind explaining who Brad is? Go enjoy your Buell, what ever model... I'm sure you would not have bought it if you didn't like it. (Message edited by redbuelljunkie on August 11, 2008) | ||
| Court |
I just think it's an amazing looking motorcycle . . . .but then I dig the looks of the 911 Turbo and the A-10 also . . .  Like women . . . if it's fast enough, looks become insignificant. | ||
| Pariah |
Therein lies the rub... design and engineering are, for some, inextricably tied. The shapes of many parts were dictated by CFD simulations. I find that beautiful... just as men first stood upright to free their hands for masturbation (Lily Tomlin), so the 1125R's pods provide optimum air flow and protection for the rider and bike. YOU NEED TO SEE THE 1125R IN PERSON. It looks much more balanced that way. I gather from your posts that you have not. This is picture of mine:  How can you not like this bike?!? I get compliments from people all the time--- especially from non-riders, it seems. That tells you something... perhaps you expect the bike to look Japanese or German/Austrian or whatever. See? You're the problem!  Just as Brad left, you appeared. Brad was always down about the 1125R's looks. You appeared literally as he departed... | ||
| Hayabusa |
I ride with all imports and they swear that my bike is the best looking in the group. However, we all have opinions and things we like and don't like. To para-phase Bruce Lee, "use what is good for you and get rid of what doesn't work for you." If the 1125 doesn't suit your fancy, that is your choice and that is cool. I hate the way the 1000RR looks, but there are plenty that love the look...to each their own. Enjoy what you ride! | ||
| Madav8tr |
"I would not be doing my duty as an Buell onwer/enthusiast if I said everything was great- when it's not. " So you think that part of your "duty" is to criticize the machine for it's shortcomings without acknowledging any positive attributes that it may have? All the while making these criticisms without having ridden the motorcycle. Interesting approach to "doing you duty" and one that frankly, reeks of trolling. I find it interesting that you work for a powersports dealer, obviously not a Buell dealer, but are relying on input from customers that, obviously, don't own a Buell to help you formulate your opinion. That doesn't seem like a good approach either, but that's just me. I also think that before you dismiss the design of the motorcycle as being subpar that you actually ride it. You may find that the things you don't like actually work as they are intended to work. Comparing the Buell to other bikes doesn't work either since they don't share the same design parameters that Buell does(Fuel in frame, rake and trail numbers etc....). IMO, the bike looks great, works great, and does everything that the original designer intended it to do. It doesn't have "mass" appeal and really, that is the appeal to me. I don't want a cookie cutter clone sportbike with tons of bodywork and a the minimalistic fairings that look great but don't work for sh*t. If you do want those things, I am sure you can buy one at the powersports dealer you work for. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
this is a forum for the dissemination of thoughts, ideas, opinions, and suggestions. Absolutely, but you have to understand your audience here is comprised of mostly 1125r owners. Also, we have heard this same stuff from various people for over a year (yes, Brad was the loudest of the them). What kind of reaction do you expect? You don't like the 1125r. Great. Do you like your XB? There is a section of Badweb dedicated for the XBs. | ||
| Pabody |
Wow..Have you seen this bike in person ?? I have had a couple of sport bikes in the past (zx7rr R1 gsxr750) and I this one was love at first sight. Just to make sure I wasn't making an impulsa buy , I also went to every other manufacturer to see what they had in the showroom.....I just could not get the 1125r out of my head. Anyway , seems that everbody I ride with likes the look as well but each to his own right?? | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
911 Turbo- all the way!... as long as it's air-cooled (993 or earlier). The water-cooled models just don't do it for me. A-10... is there anything more bad-a$$?! Since childhood, I always loved the F-105 (never won any beauty awards), but did it's job like no other in SE Asia. I have seen several 1125R's in person, and I think they look better as a photo. I like my women honest and faithful before anything else. Having worked for both Suzuki and Yamaha (while owning a BMW R1200S and a Buell XB12R and riding them to work) I constantly get to hear what the "Jap" riders think about Buell. Surprisingly, most Jap bike riders want to like Buell. In fact, they feel kind of bad that there isn't a Buell model that is competitive with most other manufacturers. By this, I mean they want more than 100 hp (XB's), or wish the 1125R wasn't so "funny looking" (their opinion). Listening to the buying public everyday gives me real insight into what riders (both novice and experienced) are looking for. On many points I agree with them, and that adds to my frustration level. I understand completely that 1125R owners love their bike, but the truth is that a rather large percentage of the riding public does not like the design. My personal opinion, when combined with the large number of similar views expressed daily by people who are ready to purchase a new motorcycle, makes me worry about Buell's design choice. Let me look at this from another angle: if the 1125R had a design change which was different from the other offerings, yet was less "offensive" in the sense that a large percentage of the public liked it (and it improved the areas currently needing "tweeks")- would current 1125R owners like it? Who knows? My point is- I challenge Eric Buell (a brilliant engineer) to build an 1125R which is praised for both it's performance and it's aesthetics, or hire a designer to help get the job done. By accomplishing this, the people who love Buell still love their Buell, the people who used to dislike the looks now love it- and buy one, Buell quadruples its sales and breaks free from H-D and is able to expand the model line with cutting-edge technology, and Buell becomes the world leader in competition, style, production and technology. Now do you see the importance of building a bike that's different, but still wanted by a large percentage of the buying public? Until something changes, I will remain concerned about Buell's future viability (read- how long will H-D continue to bankroll a division that doesn't have great sales numbers and who "The Corp" has never really accepted anyway) given the costs/returns of a new platform like the 1125R. I just want it to be the best it can be... and it's not there yet. (Message edited by redbuelljunkie on August 11, 2008) |
