| Author | Message | ||
     Snackbar64 |
I found it more than a little strange that the 1125R was not mentioned anywhere in the entire article. I just skimmed through it, but the word Buell never showed up. There were more than a few Ducati comparisons. Have the motorcycle authorities just dismissed this bike as viable competitor to the others? Was it the price difference? What gives? They basically handed the RC8 the crown for comfort and other creature comforts, as well as its performance. | ||
| Pridayr |
Another thing I noticed absent was the power ratings for the motor. Either observed, or KTM's #'s. Odd. But not unexpected. R | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Isn't that thing supposed to sell for $20K. If so, no one seems to care that the 1125r is 60% of the RC-8 price. That is probably why it was compared with the Ducati, as the target market is the same. | ||
| Court |
A $20,000 motorcycle is like the Playmate of the Month . . . fun to look at but of little practical value. | ||
| Pridayr |
Sooooo... does that make a $60,000 Chopper like the Girls Next Door? (3x$20,000)? I'd rather have them in my garage... R | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Buell needs to make an RR version (I know, I sound like a broken record). I have seen what BMC can do with a $12,000 bike, I can only imagine what it could do with an extra $3,000 or $4,000. | ||
| Gschuette |
I might send them a letter. The Buell did not get one mention in their article. IT sells for 7 grand less and was criticized for having the same three problems as the KTM. Heat, lack of smoothness in the fuel injection, and suspension that was not fully sorted. The Buell gives up only 1 lb-ft of torque and about 5hp. Despite all this the Buell has "Ok, a lot of things to sort out." All the while the KTM has "Come amazingly close to hitting a high-water mark on the initial attempt." WTF? For seven grand more the KTM better be not only perfect but a 1098S beater. As it is the bike is neck and neck with the Buell. What a bunch of jackasses. I want an 1125r but I don't think the inital 08 bikes were perfect. Regardless of how the 08s ran they do not deserve the lack of respect that magazine gives them while praising a nearly identical performing KTM. | ||
| Ruprecht |
Didn't one of the bigger Euro rags do a three way comparison? I seem to remember the Buell didn't fair that well, but I don't think price was taken into consideration. Nor maintenance schedules and costs... Katooms have been given pretty good press, but still haven't sold that well from what I hear. Mostly because of the price I guess. Sales aren't likely to improve either, considering that next year the Ducati will be an 1198... | ||
| Cobralightning |
All we can do, is write the magazines and let them know what we know and think. Secondly we need to get out and show people what amazing machines these 1125R are. I let one person ride mine once and he went out and bought one and then joined this site. Lets get the word out and keep those magazine editor mailboxes full. | ||
| Dtx |
This month's Cycle World tested the KTM vs a GSXR 750. They actually mention the 1125R in the article and note that the power and torque are practically identical. They seemed to be just as harsh on the KTM as they were on the Buell. The GSXR 750 won the comparison easily... | ||
| Htekwo |
The motor in the RC8 is the same motor that's in the Super Duke R. The specs on it are published. | ||
| Ruprecht |
...are you sure? I think the Super Duke R is still the 990 engine isn't it? To be honest I don't think it's and apples with apples comparison between the Buell and these narrow focus Euro twins (including the BMW R1200S HP). I would like to see a comparison with the Moto Morini Corsaro 1200 though. | ||
| Citified |
cycle world also asked to have the 1125 at next years masterbike challenge. !!!sweet!!!! aprillia won the twins class this year, should be easy pickings for the buell. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
cycle world also asked to have the 1125 at next years masterbike challenge. !!!sweet!!!! aprillia won the twins class this year, should be easy pickings for the buell. How do you know this? It makes sense. Remember the twins class was without the Ducati as for some strange reason they had a tough time fitting the front tire. I can see the twins lineup--1098, RC-8, RSV, 1125r. I can't wait. | ||
| Gschuette |
I think the 09 would be a standout bike in that group. | ||
| Oddball |
Wouldn't that be the 1198 next year? 1098 is supposed to be replaced with an 1198 for 09. Might not be so easy a fight anymore. The race tracks should be interesting places come spring if all these new machines battle. | ||
| Gschuette |
The more I thought about it the more the review pissed me off. I couldn't sleep so I just sent them this e-mail. I hope it shows up in the magazine. I am writing in response to the KTM RC8 article. I found it rather odd that the Buell 1125R was not mentioned once in either the article or the editor opinions. What is the reason for the omission? Is the 4.5 hp or .8 lb-ft of torque the Buell is down to the KTM just too much to overlook even when factoring in the Buell's $7503 price advantage? I also find it strange that the three main knocks against both bikes were nearly the same. The Buell needed extra help with the suspension to handle properly. The KTM is sprung too stiff for your rider preferences. Both the KTM and the Buell suffer from low rpm surges. Both bikes also suffer from excessive engine heat regardless of it originating from a hot engine or poor airflow. So why does the Buell have "...some things Erik Buell and his team need to sort out (Ok a lot of things)." while KTM "came very close to making a winner in its first try at a supersport machine." Do you guys really hate the looks of the 1125R so much that you wouldn't advise an average joe to buy it over the RC8? That $7503 still goes a long way. I think the new Buell colors for 09 are a huge improvement over the odd blue/black combo of 08. Finally 09 Buell owners and demo riders are reporting that heat, mileage, and driveability have all improved tenfold with the new updates this year. Please don't chalk this up to another disillusioned Buell owner who is off his rocker. You guys really missed the mark on these two reviews. I look forward to hearing your explanation for how you arrived at these two very distinct conclusions. Greg Schuette Cedar City, Utah | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Nice letter. I too believe that we need to be calling these mags out on some of the BS they sling. It might not get published, but if enough get read by the editors, it will have an impact. I wish I had followed my instinct and written the mag that published the Aprilia vs. Buell article. There were several things in that article that could have been called out. I did however send a letter about the 1125r being omitted from the Masterbike competition. I suspect that they might have gotten a few similar letters, hence the report here that it will be included next year. Damn sweet. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
PS Greg, If your letter does get published (it would be fun to see which Badwebber gets published first regarding the 1125r, it WILL happen soon), I am sure the editor will have some self-serving comment about how you are wrong and they are right. But shrewd readers will realize that you are spot on no matter what smart rebuttal the editor makes! | ||
| Ruprecht |
Maybe the severity of the heating and fueling issues wasn't the same...? ...or maybe they don't consider the 1125R truly in the same class due to it's lower price and oddball nature? You don't really see any comparisons made with Buells, unless it's oddball bikes with obvious similarities (ie the Yamaha MT-01). I think it's more to do with Buell's niche nature, rather than an overwhelming anti-Buell prejudice or a conspiracy to hold Buell down. It clearly wasn't Buell that KTM had in it's sights when penning the RC8. There has been no comparisons with the Moto Morini Corsaro 1200 either, which was the first of the new generation liquid cooled 1200cc V-twin sportbikes. I just hope we get to see the 1125CR get a full review... | ||
| M1combat |
There are plenty of comparisons  ... You just have to stay away from Sport Rider. Just posted on Roadracing World KAL-GARD LUBRICANTS HEAVYWEIGHT TWINS: 1. Shawn Higbee (Buell 1125R) 2. Matt Cusumano (Duc) 3. Eric Nolan (Duc) 4. Rick May (Duc) 5. Jerry Mendzer (Duc) HD BUELL OF GLENDALE FORMULA TWINS HEAVYWEIGHT: 1. Shawn Higbee (Buell 1125R) 2. Matt Cusumano (Duc) 3. Eric Nolan (Duc) 4. Rick May (Duc) 5. Bob Setbacken (Duc) I haven't looked at the issue, but take note of how much advertisement there is in that rag for each bike. | ||
| Duggram |
M1, do you have a link to that page? Just did a search on Higbee at RW and it didn't show up. Thanks, Doug | ||
| Buellborn |
Buell may be better served by not making a lot of noise about 08 models and as the 09's come out NOW asking to be recognized. To help break old stereotypes a bike with zero problems would go a long way to helping change these pre conceived notions in particular at a time when the USA is blamed for all the worlds woes. | ||
| Cobralightning |
Just finished reading the Motorcyclist artillery comparing the RC8 to the 1098. I sent a letter to the editor asking 'Where is the 1125R?" Maybe if we bombard them with letters will see our beloved bike in more mag's. | ||
| Khill |
I rode a RC8 at a trackday a few days ago. The bike was stock except for a set of Dunlop slicks and I rode it for 5-6 laps at Infineon raceway. Very interesting bike. it seems it is not sure what it is. Very high bars, low pegs even at their highest position. Ergonomics were confusing. Motor was good, not great, lot's of vibration, flat power curve, revved out better than the 1125R at the very top. Very top as in the last 500-700 rpms. I felt the 1125r accelerated better, especially in the midrange. Tranny has issues, but could have been the linkage adjustment.....Suspension was very good as were the brakes. Handling was very good, held it's line well, no grip issues, easy to ride fast on. The 1125r turns easier. The rear suspension worked well, as does the Buell. The best thing on the RC8 was the forks, very nice on the brakes with great feedback, no issues. Very stable. And remember, this was all on the track, no street impressions. All my .02... Ken | ||
| Fireboltwillie |
the RC8 motor is 1148cc. straight from the ktm website. | ||
| Buellborn |
I just read the article'(s) Is says right one the cover Austria vs the world. It was not a twin shoot out, or a super-bike comparo. It was a issue featuring Austrian Bikes. No Buell Conspiracy. If there was they left out a lot of other bike too they could just print them all in one yearly issue. lol | ||
| Htekwo |
are you sure? I think the Super Duke R is still the 990 engine isn't it? }You are correct, I read the article wrong. } | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Umm, wouldn't that make the Rotax-Buell a contender for the article? It could be Austrian powered bikes vs the world. | ||
| Buellborn |
Good call RBJ | ||
| Smoke |
harlan horvath alias fresnobuell is the published letter writer to cycle world who posed the 1125r masterbike question. thanks fresnobuell!! tim |
