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Blake
| | Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 - 07:52 pm: | 
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Your idea to have a test ride on one will likely answer your question. Let us know what you find.
I've not ridden one yet myself.  |
Dalton_gang
| | Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 - 09:59 pm: |
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"I've not ridden one yet myself."
Unbelievable!
I kinda figured that you would have had an opportunity to ride one before most of us. |
Ruprecht
| | Posted on Friday, August 29, 2008 - 02:46 am: |
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Yeah... Taking the fault reports in context, and reading the positive owner experiences, makes the 1125R sound more and more like my sort of bike. I think any more analysing would just be spinning my wheels until I actually ride the thing.
When I finally manage to take one for a spin, I'll post my own comparison with the TLS and other impressions.
...and if I end up buying it, I'm sure I'll be here a fair bit.  |
Lemonchili_x1
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2008 - 08:26 am: |
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Hi Ruprecht, have you ridden an 1125R yet?
Although I never owned one, I'm a big fan of the TL1000S. There's something about them, that elusive grin factor  . They tamed it a bit in the TL1000R, removed it in the SV1000, and the VTR1000 never had it in the first place  . The TL's are also a good "do everything" bike.
Now I've haven't ridden an 1125R (yet!), but all the other Buells I've ridden have, to me, had that "grin factor", that "is something this much fun really legal?" kind of feeling . So in that sense I'm guessing you can compare the TL to the 1125, though you won't know for sure until you ride it yourself.
As for the "buying American", I live in Brisbane and I had similar concerns before I bought my X1, though I'd thought about a Buell for several years. It came down to an '01 Speed Triple, an '02 X1 or an '01 M2 Cyclone - the grin factor got me and I haven't looked back since I bought the X1
I have done over 20,000km's on it now and it has been very easy to live with. Parts prices are quite reasonable, and H-D/Buell Australia carry a suprising amount of stuff in stock. If it's not in Sydney or Melbourne it usually is in stock within 4-6 weeks at the most. I have bought parts from American Sport Bike, one of the sponsors here, and the prices have been good (current exchange rate is great!) and they have given great advice too. To save money I've also bought stuff from the classifieds on BadWeb and from ebay (one seller turned out to be a BadWebber too).
The local dealer in Brisbane is only so-so, in my opinion, but I wouldn't rate them any worse than the Suzuki dealer I went to when I had my GSXR. What does make a huge difference is the Buell community - I've never experienced such enthusiasm for a brand, whether it be a motorcycle, car or whatever. (Maybe Ducati for example might be comparable, but I doubt any Ducati executives ever look on owner forums.) The amount of information and support available is astounding, though I'm guessing you've probably started to see that if you've been looking around BadWeb for a while.
The other thing is to realise that a Buell is NOT a Harley-Davidson. Yes, H-D owns Buell, and yes H-D and Buell have the same head office in Australia and are generally in the same dealerships, but Buells are not a product of marketing. Buell built bikes for the rider before the 1125R. I think Buell truly believe in their bikes, and they believe in building bikes for riding in the real world, and they're not afraid to do it differently to other companies and advertise that they're different
Oops, I think I got carried away again... What all that really means is go ride one! And grab a ride on a Ulysses and a Lightning or a Firebolt too if you can. Looking forward to hear what you think
cheers,
chili |
Zac4mac
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2008 - 09:37 am: |
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"the Buell community - I've never experienced such enthusiasm for a brand, whether it be a motorcycle, car or whatever."
The closest I've seen are Apple/Mac fansites, but BadWeB surpasses them even.
Same "fanatic/religious" nature, but more "follow-thru".
Speaking of, gotta find some Firebolt info for my brother.
Off to the XB forum...
Z |
Ruprecht
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2008 - 01:02 pm: |
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Hey Chili,
Good to hear from an Aussie about their Buell experience.
There is only the one Buell dealership in South Australia, and Buells themselves are pretty rare. I've seen a couple of Firebolts on the street (it might have even been the same one twice), that's about it.
The internet, and specifically boards like Badweb, are invaluable as a resource.
Same with any special interest group I guess. If not for the net there'd be a whole bunch of isolated weirdos doing their thing and muttering to themselves in a strange esoteric language no-one around them can understand.
Well... that still might happen, but at least there's good company!
I haven't managed to organise a ride yet, although I stopped in at the dealer during my lunch break today. I think I might have been infected with the Buell bug, that thing looks better every time I see it. I think it's starting to talk to me in my sleep...
Funny that you mentioned the Speed Triple as making it onto your short list. I was also checking out the '08 1050 today. Mechanically and visually a very different beast, but many similar characteristics in terms of it's street focus. Lots of nice details too. I wonder how many test rides they will let me do in a day... maybe I will chuck a sicky. Like I said, the Buell Bug. 
The Buell dealership here does Harley, Honda, Suzuki and Triumph as well. I still haven't completely ruled out getting another Gixxer either, although in some ways it would be a step back. It was actually the search for something which combined the grunt and comfort of the FJ1100 I was riding, with the handling and aggressive character of my '90 Gixxer 750, (which I still own) which led me to the TL. ...and one ride was enough to get me addicted to the evil twin.
Like you mentioned... that grin factor. 
When I finally do manage to get a ride on the 1125R, I will report in.  |
Lemonchili_x1
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 02, 2008 - 05:28 pm: |
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Hmmm, we have a little in common - my gixxer was an '89 750. Took the fairing off, put a single headlight on it and rode it for 6 years, including Sydney to Tassie and back
Some dealers seem to appreciate it if you can come in during a weekday when it's quieter for test rides, hopefully they'll let you take it for a decent long ride
Oh yeah, take the 1050 for a spin too - hehehe!!!
"The closest I've seen are Apple/Mac fansites, but BadWeB surpasses them even.
Same "fanatic/religious" nature, but more "follow-thru". "
Yep, that's the kind of thing I meant, and I think it's the "follow-thru" bit which makes the difference. |
Vanvideo
| | Posted on Thursday, September 04, 2008 - 12:11 am: |
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Well, I've never ridden a Suzook TLS or R, but I do own a 2000 RC51. I had the chance to test ride an 1125R, and the difference between the two is amazing. The 1125R felt so much more lighter, faster and maneuverable. I guess it would, being an 8-year newer design. I do remember getting back on my RC and thinking, "oof, this bike's heavy!" I would imagine the TLs would feel the same. Actually, that's one reason I'm going to a ZX-10R for my next bike - the lighter weight.
Do yourself a favor and get on a 1125. It's a pleasure to ride. |
1_mike
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2008 - 11:06 pm: |
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I "still" own a TL1000R...
I think I finally have it fixed to be able to sell it...! Electrical problems....LONG story.
As noted in another post (under "tiredofthis"), I'll again...thank Ernie and Mario (Glendale Harley/Buell) for their help and quick cruise (though short) up Angeles Crest Highway this morning.
Anyway...as noted, I have a TL1000R.
The 1125R reminded me a LOT of the TLR.
Let me start with saying...I drove up on a Yamaha R1..with almost 88,000 miles on it.
My first 1125R impression...kinda slow steering while going slow. I expected more from the nearly straight up and down forks!
Got much better as the speed went up. (yes, the tire pressure was checked before we left).
I had forgotten about the "twin" pounding from the TLR, but the feeling came back very quickly as we got onto the freeway.
Fat seat. My legs are stretched wide! Used to the narrow R1 seat!
Engine -
While the "stock" 1125 is better overall than the "stock" TLR...it didn't quite match up to the way I had mine modified.
The Marvic, Penta wheels and D&D exhaust took enough weight off the TLR, and the porting and upping the compression 3/4's of a point and remapping of the computer, made the TLR a pretty nice bike. Even though still overweight...the light weight parts and minor engine/computer work, made a very big difference.
I am interested in possibly buying the 1125CR toward the end of the year.
I am hoping....that like the TLR...fuel and ignition mapping, a change or modification of the stock exhaust and modification of the air box, will make the 1125R engine a bit happier all thru the RPM range.
The moderate alterations I made to the TLR, the 1125 would have a very hard time keeping up...if at all.
The chassis/suspension was a different story.
While it in no way compares to my old 03, R1 (didn't think it would!)...it's much lighter feeling and quicker to change direction than the TLR.
I'd bet it would get even better with better profiled tires.
The transmission - very nice.
Neutral is a bit hard to find, but the overall shifting is very nice.
I'm not a clutch shifting person. Pulling in the clutch lever AND letting the RPM drop...is kinda redundant. My last bike (FZR 1000) I put over 100,000 on the stock clutch. I know this because I bought it new, and I do the services. My current R1's the same.
Anyway..I forgot just after we got onto the freeway and shifted without the clutch (sorry Mario)...worked great...both up and down shifts. Very nice, very smooth.
The brakes -
I didn't even use the rear...but the front are very nice...if not a little quick to put a big halt in the bikes speed. I'll have to get used to that...or find a harder pad material. But nice to see they work so well.
The ridng position is a little more upright than my R1...obviously. And I'm used to driving over 80 miles a day on the R1 with no problems.
The 1125R isn't so much different that it will take getting used to, to feel comfortable.
The frame...sucks -
That is the heat. Granted the ambient outside temperature was looking to go to 100 degrees...I found myself looking for exhaust pipes running along the frame...on BOTH sides!
Mario explained the Buell has..or will have insulation to be attached to the inside of the frame rails to help with this problem.
Other than the heat...the frame is fine. Notably firm. I'd bet it doesn't twist much.
The water temp. runs much higher than my R1 also. Though I didn't notice it getting much over 212F. That's still hot in my mind.
With some well placed insulation....exhaust pipe wrap, frame heat insulation and under the airbox insulation...this all might help in a few areas...maybe some alternate work with the radiators and or ducting might help the overal temp.
Well, this is a few of my thoughts..
Mike |
Fresnobuell
| | Posted on Saturday, September 06, 2008 - 11:54 pm: |
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Mike, what's the purpose of the 2 usernames? |
1_mike
| | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2008 - 02:16 am: |
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Fresno -
No good reason!
I was trying to get the system to let me use my name (Mike), but it was giving me a hard time with what I was typing in.
Hence "tiredofthis"..sh...!
Then another note popped up with some different wording about the username.
So...I'll use "1 mike" from now on.
Moderator - if you'ld like to delete the "tiredofthis" user name, feel free to do so.
Thanks
Mike |
Ruprecht
| | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2008 - 02:33 am: |
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Hmm... I hope they can do something about the heat.
The South Australian climate is similar to California. Summer months are the best riding, with sunlight stretching long into the evenings and 35C+ temperatures (that's 95 fahrenheit for you imperialists) pretty normal. We had a stretch of 15+ days straight over 35 this year (11 of which were over 38C/100F and a few over 40C/104F. A couple of nights where the temperature never went below 30C/86F).
My TL usually runs around 85C/185F, thermo fan cuts in at about 105C/221F and cuts off at 100C/212F.
Couple of times, stuck in traffic and sitting at the lights in 40C+/104F+ heat, the TL has hit 113C+/235F+ and actually stalled when I went to take off.
Might be worth waiting to ride a 2009 model before making up my mind?
(Message edited by ruprecht on September 07, 2008)
(Message edited by ruprecht on September 07, 2008) |
Doerman
| | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2008 - 10:41 am: |
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Chiming in for a bit..
I got my 1125R late December (07) and have 11K miles on it by now. I live in similar climate and riding conditions as you do (SoCal) and the heat is not an issue for me (it has been an issue for others). In rush traffic (up to 215F) in regular riding the coolant temp is as a rule ambient plus 100 (down to ambient of 70F).
I use it for commuting and for mountain road fun riding.
Never have I had such a great bike and put that many miles on that quickly. |
Fresnobuell
| | Posted on Sunday, September 07, 2008 - 02:13 pm: |
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Heat is my first and foremost concern at this point after going thru a hot Central California summer (still hot unfortunately.) It is not only the comfort factor, but also the power loss due to the super-heated fuel. Had her up to 219 degrees yesterday--the hottest I cab recall
HOPEFULLY, the newest re-flash will be what it is supposed to be....meaning it will reduce heat, improve fuel mileage and overall fueling. Unfortunately, Buell hasn't stated if all these newfound benefits come at an expense of the top-end HP. Pre and post dyno runs from someone with ready access to the proper equipment would be super helpful...
also there is the insulation kit, but it remains to be seen how effective or what the installation process might be... |
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