| Author | Message | ||
     Dman |
After 20 yrs on literbikes, including a X1W in my history, I've been hoping for a time I could get back on a Buell, trying the 1125 for my next bike. 08R - was fairly disappointed, bike felt like a moderate 600cc sportbike, stalled a few times on its own, ran rough, etc. Started research & got info here, to send me back & try again ... plus I found this vid that made me question that 1st demo ride - no way could you do this on the bike I rode http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKOgFxc7jhc 09CR - wow, I had fun on this bike, being a new bike I kept the revs down, but at 4-5K revs a little pop yielded wonderful football field length wheelies in 1st & 2nd, balance point was very comfortable & easy. The peppiness was great, bike felt light, and very short (cause of the bars I think - which were also pretty uncomfortable). 09R - put me a white/blue one, gotta say if you said you had a white bike, I'd say yuck, but this bike looks stunning. The ride was great, so much better than the 08R, had to be a flash issue with that 1st bike or something. Again, a lot of fun, but not enough gear for me. The CR vs R difference in gearing is quite significant, I'd liken it to a literbike going +2 on the rear. If you like to play (I'm a wheelie kinda guy, and carver, not so much high speed guy, I like to play at lower speeds) the CR was just sweet, buttery in the torque, again 1st & 2nd too easy to play with, 3rd would be also - I just didn't want to push the bike at all, being brand new & knowing someone else will buy it. So, I love the look of the R, I love the performance (gearing) of the CR. I also sat on a bike that had the optional higher bars on the CR - this combo is also sooo tempting, it's absolute hooligan / stunter in riding position & feel. I don't know what I'm going to do. I'm lusting over the look of the white/blue 09R, if you haven't already, you've gotta see this bike in person. But I loved the CR, especially with the optional bars. Also, the dealer offered to swap the fairing to turn a CR into an R (like a member on here did), but the cost quoted was nearly $1800, well more than twice what a gear swap should cost, even with a swingarm - but the question is, R or CR with the optional bars, hmmm. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
08R - was fairly disappointed, bike felt like a moderate 600cc sportbike Uh huh. | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
My guess is that there will be a white CR option for 2010. | ||
| Carbonbigfoot |
Do the CR. From how you describe your riding habits, that's the ticket! R | ||
| Pizzaboy |
that's the ticket! did someone say ticket??? 08R - was fairly disappointed, bike felt like a moderate 600cc sportbike to compare the 08r to a 600cc bike is impressive. i dont know what kind of 600cc bikes youve been riding, but theres a pretty significant difference between one of those and a 1125r. i think this very comment invalidated everything you said before and after in your post, to everyone reading this thread. | ||
| Bikejunky |
The ride was great, so much better than the 08R, had to be a flash issue with that 1st bike or something. Again, a lot of fun, but not enough gear for me. I think this is the key statement. The proper flash in my 08 25R made all the difference! Of course the flat torque curve makes even a poorly running 08 25R feel deceptive. They are much faster than they feel (all the 25s). | ||
| Dman |
Pizzaboy, what gives?? You're defending a bike you don't even know & taking a shot at me, pretty much discounts you on a couple levels.  You're also obviously not too familiar with sportbikes' performance, what do current 600 class bikes run in the quarter? Mid 10's (I know cause I've done it a dozen times), what does a stock 1125R run? Hmm? All I know there is what I read, but the numbers look familiar, bro. That 1st bike was like a mousy 600, and like I said, there was something wrong with it, cause the 09 25R was a totally different bike. I'd think the 2nd R I rode was more representative of these bikes, it was a blast & not even broken in (35 mis on it), I'm just glad I went back - thanks to this forum. I don't know about you, but I'm not looking for the fastest bike out there anyway, been there done that & I'm over it. I want fun, differnt, attitude, & if it can US made, all the better, hence my strong interest. Cheers. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
1/4 miles times are about the same between the 1125r and 600cc supersports--but that is about the only spec sheet stat where it's even close btw them. The torque of the buell will eat the 600cc alive. Just look at the area under the torque curve on a dyno plot. Also, if you look at Daytonta SPortbike, an essentially stock 1125r motor is over-powering factory race-built 600s. | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
Dman, Thanks for the write up. FYI, Some 08 owners are more dangerous than your wife asking do these jeans make my ass look big? You cant win with any answer. The 1125's were perfect at release. "Faster than a Busa" then it was perfect after the first reflash, and perfect after the second reflash, the third etc. You probably have a more accurate assessment than most riding all the available models as you did. Good luck on your Buell hunt, happy shopping. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Brap--at least some of us can say we are owners....what can you say? Not sure anyone has claimed the 1125r is perfect....why do you insist on stirring the pot? Saying the 08' 1125r (unless it has a seriously sick motor) is like a "moderate" 600c bike deserves a response. | ||
| Jmr1283 |
dman u should ride my 08 drummer, some other tweaks. and its smooth as a babies ass. and anywhere in 2 just blip the throttle and the front ends is flyin. 3rd takes a little more effort but its like 2nd used to be. well close to 2nd. pm. me might be able to save u some bucks. u can do alot with 3 g's savings and i think a blue frame and swingarm would complement the white plastic. | ||
| Kttemplar |
Dman, The first 1125R that you rode probably had a very low battery, which affects performance. I do not think it was the map, because I have had mine since the first '08 map and it was not low key. The first map on my '08 bike was quite the opposite. It was a lot more raw and prickly, but with plenty of power. I think that the difference with the maps is that the power coming on smoother now makes it feel like the first map was more raw. Anyway, I think that it was a battery issue not a map issue. You said you liked the CR better, so the CR sounds like the ride for you. -One of the things that I like best about this bike is the flat torque which allows you to roll on the power and not hit a spike. It makes it easy to ride this bike in any gear. -Also, the turns can be taken in several different gears without a huge difference, because of the torque. -This bike also handles like a dream, once you dial in the suspension. - I like that it is an American company - I like the V-twin without the higher price tag of other V-twin sport bikes. In any case, get what suits you and if it is not an 1125, so be it. You are the one riding it. It sounds to me like you want to get the CR because of the difference in gearing, but like the looks of the R. The R is plenty fun to ride and has plenty of torque and grunt for whatever riding you need to do. I like my R, but I wanted it as soon as I found out the bike was coming out. I also like the CR. In retrospect I wish I had been able to get a CR for driving in Manhattan and on the freeways here in NY. I like the R for all of the other driving that I do. Now I am moving out of NY and am glad that I have the R and not the CR. If you are doing a lot of freeway riding, get the R (you will appreciate the fairing). If you are going to be doing mostly metro driving, get the CR. Good luck and I hope that my rambling has provided with you with something useful. Mike | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
Fresno, I'm happy for you that you own an 08. You deserve it. I'll looking forward to getting my own when a bit more evolution has occurred. Until then I will just enjoy being happy for you on your 2008. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
By the time the next gen 1125 comes out, I will probably be ready to upgrade...do they do that on purpose, or what? j/k I am really excited to see what Erik and Co. have up their sleeve. | ||
| Jmr1283 |
i can say coming from non fairing bikes that if u ride long distances or even non city driving the r has some great wind protection. kttemplar really summed it up great. theres some small tweaks between the two the look of the r suited me better and once the cr came out the gearing really got me. but after test driving one recently the gearing isnt noticable between my r and the cr. there was a slight difference but thats a stock cr also. my 02 would be buy the bike that speaks to u. and dont buy the cr just because the gearing. its early in the game options come. ps u seem well thought out so youll be happy with ur choice. | ||
| Pizzaboy |
Pizzaboy, what gives?? You're defending a bike you don't even know & taking a shot at me, pretty much discounts you on a couple levels. You're also obviously not too familiar with sportbikes' performance, what do current 600 class bikes run in the quarter? Mid 10's (I know cause I've done it a dozen times), what does a stock 1125R run? Hmm? All I know there is what I read, but the numbers look familiar, bro. you must have bumped your head. i wasnt taking a shot at you. ive ridden a current 600cc bike or two. i know how they perform. im about the only twin in my local group of weekend riders. i know how their bikes perform compared to mine. guess which riders want to take a turn riding who's bike??? ill give you a hint- its not me wanting to ride their 600's or 1000's....... =] yes, you can find new 600 bikes that have the same ball park as the 1125, but, as fresno said, thats about as far as the comparison can go. comparing an I4 to a v twin is about apples to oranges. you should know this, mister former-x1w rider! with the (free of charge to existing owners and required on new sales) 08 bikes' updates, your going to find marginal differences between a 08r and a 09r performance-wise. FYI, Some 08 owners are more dangerous than your wife asking do these jeans make my ass look big? You cant win with any answer. The 1125's were perfect at release. "Faster than a Busa" then it was perfect after the first reflash, and perfect after the second reflash, the third etc. thank you brap^3 for contributing absolutely nothing of value to this thread! this is about the level of material i would expect from someone who owns none of the above mentioned bikes in this conversation to put is .02 in no one here has ever said the 08 was trouble free. i had my fair share of woes, but i would say it wasnt any more or less than average compared to the other american-made vehicles i own. 2 wheels or 4 (or 6 in the case of my dodge dually P/U) the 08 wasnt perfect by any means, but its just as inaccurate to say it was a basket case. good luck with shopping, d-man; =] (Message edited by pizzaboy on May 27, 2009) | ||
| Sleeper_777 |
Hi Dman, I have close to the same story as you, rode the '08 R un-flashed, did not like it. Rode the '09 R and CR+Upright bars latest flash. Loved both. My style is more upright, so I went with the black on black CR. No regrets. Previous bike's owned for comparison include: '08 Yammy FZ1, '03 Suzuki SV1000 Naked, '03 Buell XB9S, '05 H/D Sporty. Loved the V-Twin on the Suzi and the Buell XB, never been a I-4 junkie, just me. New Rotax w/latest flash is creamy and smooth with a kick, like a JAVA shot, love the bike. Happy Riding and enjoy your decision. Regards, Sleeper_777 | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
Pizzaboy , FYI, I do own an 06 600rr Just for the record. I don't share my other bikes here to avoid the prejudice that comes with non-conformity. Thanks for re-enforcing the party line to attack people who speak off the assigned talking points. | ||
| P_squared |
How about everyone shut-up & go ride already? Then come back & tell me how it was. I can't right now because I injured my left hand (~25 stitches externally & ~10 stitches internally). If that doesn't work for everyone, then remember what your mother taught you (or should have taught you): "If you can't say something nice...." | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
Deal! Brap- P_squared | ||
| Dman |
Did I mention that another reason I'd like a Buell is the bike culture?! Love the responses, all of 'em. I've tried bidding on a couple so far on ebay and tried to reach two private sales (no return calls, wtf). So far no luck. I'm pursuing the 08R at the moment, I loved the CR with optional bars, but I have a 08 KTM EXC I switch from enduro to SuMo & I think I want the sportbike vs Cafe for this one ... I think. If I can't get a deal soon, I feel I might wait, but I don't know. The most telling thing to me about the Buell is this - I'm dying to go back to the dealer & take another demo ride (I won't unless I'm buying), like a kid that wants to ride the roller coaster again. So I know I want it ... but can I find one I can afford, knowing I gotta invest in re-gearing. Money no object, I'd go for the 09R in white/blue ... did I mention I liked that combo?! Meanwhile I got guys with ZX10's and GSXR's calling me back repeatedly from earlier calls, dropping prices, really attractive deals but I'm kinda losing interest in them over the Buell. Hmph. | ||
| Madav8tr |
"I don't share my other bikes here to avoid the prejudice that comes with non-conformity." Interesting that you don't share your other bikes due to "nonconformity" but you are more than willing to share your negative opinions about anything and everything 1125 related on this board? The 1125R "Enthusiast" board at that. More ironic considering your lack of actual experience with the 1125. Makes you look more and more troll like each time you post. | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
You guys not serving the Buell family well when you attack people as negative for repeating well known issues because my buell is older than yours? Makes no sence. Try talking about the bike I'm hear to learn not get in an old lady pissing contest. | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
PS Sorry for the typing on my phone at the track. BRAP | ||
| Fresnobuell |
repeating well known issues and repeating and repeating and repeating....well you get the idea. | ||
| Jmr1283 |
well im not sure ill jump on the 600's are comparable power wise. Ive drove a couple newer 600s like r6 08. and a gsxr 08. also a long time girlfriend (separated rate now but still see each other constantly, dont ask we get along with each other better with out the bf/gl stuff i know?) and she has just bought a cbr 600rr 07' and its not even close to comparable. yah the 600s go fast but there no pull, u just seem like ur cruising but then ur at 120. but with the 1125 u feel the power it pulls ur arms out and pokes ur eyeballs in. the difference in feeling isnt the 20% less power of the 600s its the torque. i do like the 600s though theyre very good bikes. theyre lighter (im 5'6 145lbs) less vibrations. i would rather have a 600 for loudon raceway or similar tracks then my 1125r just because coming out of the corner at lean u dont have the power/force/centrifugal force from the motor standin ur bike up makin u go wide. u can just leave the throttle on. well if u buy a 600 and u dont want it ill take it. i think youll enjoy the buell longer, making it a wiser more financial sound decision. | ||
| Black9 |
Crap, why would you post anything on the 1125 forum? you don't own one and constantly post abrasive responses with no real knowledge of your own, then when someone calls you out for the troll you are, you whine about being picked on, go play on the XB board, you claim to own one, but I don't believe i've ever saw you bless that board with your "knowledge" | ||
| Madav8tr |
"I'm hear to learn not get in an old lady pissing contest." I guess "learning" to you means regurgitating useless negative information obtained by other people and not even attempting to experience anything 1125R related on your own? | ||
| Kttemplar |
Ducxl posted this in Jan '08 and I think it applies here as well. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290 431/330424.html If you think it applies to you; listen. If you do not think it applies to you, then ignore it. If you think it is just plain funny, as I did when I first saw it, then enjoy. Mike | ||
| Doerman |
Dman - You're doing the evaluation correctly: - 2/3 logic - 1/3 passion That's a good recipe for making a great choice, whatever it might be! Brap**3: FYI, Some 08 owners are more dangerous than your wife asking do these jeans make my ass look big? Funny!  See! Some 08 1125R owners have a sense of humor!  | ||
| Pizzaboy |
You guys not serving the Buell family well when you attack people as negative for repeating well known issues because my buell is older than yours? Makes no sence. Try talking about the bike I'm hear to learn not get in an old lady pissing contest. so what are you doing here, anyways?? you have nothing of value to say, nothing but negative attitude towards buells. as far as i can tell, you appear pretty troll-ish. have you ever contributed anything positive to this BUELL board, pimp-daddy-600rr-rider?? | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
OK, Back to original post. You cant go wrong with any model Buell. If the 08 model did not feel right I'm pretty sure that its you not the bike. It's almost magical how they do it but damn if they don't. The 08 should have enough power that if you are not careful you will loop over yourself but due to the low center of gravity it always lands on its tires. I would return to that dealer so the Service manager could show to you what you were doing wrong. AMERICAN MADE with AMERICAN Parts for AMERICANS F YEAH! Red White and Buell baby! | ||
| Bobby_fletcher |
brap, i got an offer for you...lets meet this weekend and you ride my CR and i'll ride yours. I have a sneaky suspicion you will change your mind on the 1125. | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
Hey Bobby, That is really cool of you. I love Buell handling and have ridden several Ducati's and one Rotax Aprilla I really do have no doubts when all the parts are doing what they are suppose to this is a great bang for the buck kick ass bike. Your a good man thanks, but seriously if you read my post the only time Im negative is on the looks but If I repeat something others say about mechanical some here think Im making it up, or enjoying it. What I'm really looking for is a convincing trend that shows the little things become history and I'll sign the check. I don't care id they are covered under warranty I really dont want to spend the time at the dealer. I love my Firebolt, but an ready for more engine. I Love V-Twins, I love Buell Handling, I love belt drive. I'm almost there on reliability and hope 2010 is my dream bike. I really do want Buell to do well grow market. Thanks again Bobby, I was not feeling the Buell Family love but your renewed it. Peace |
