| Author | Message | ||
     Bigevildoer |
Hey... I'm starting to get really frustrated by the lead times for parts on my beloved 1125r (will be missing 8+ weeks this summer due to parts availability). Final straw was when the clutch weep fix failed 6 weeks after installation (after 4 week wait for parts) and ruined my vacation to the Dragon (where I should be right now). Don't get me wrong - she's a great bike when she runs, and she handles better than anything else I've been on (nothing else has been correctly set up for my weight etc). But, it might be time to let her go. Rode a Ducati Streetfighter today (2nd time) - can get a nearly new (2500 miles) used one many carbon upgrades etc for a real deal. Handling is totally different than the 1125r due to rider position and lack of fairing. Only 2 things I didn't like were the rearsets - they were set too high for my liking, and the fact that 5th and 6th gears are next to completely useless. You can't put it into 6th until about 85 mph or it shudders badly. 5th is OK, but need to be going a good speed. Haven't ridden the Aprilia RSV4R yet. The dealer doesn't have a demo available. Look great, sound even better. An aquaintance has one and loves it (but asking to him to test ride it is like asking if I can test ride his wife). I've heard that there were some serious engine problems with them, and quite a large number had complete engine swaps. So, it's come down to this: Keep the Buell and deal with extended down times or Buy a Streetfighter or Buy an RSV4. Thoughts anyone? | ||
| Kinder |
What year Fighter/ RSV you looking at? Budget? What is it you like about the 1125R and would like to see replicated in your next ride? | ||
| Imonabuss |
Why the extended parts time deliveries? It seems this is dealer driven, not actual. The strong Buell service dealers appear to get parts very quickly. Do NOT expect Aprilia to be better, from my experience!!! | ||
| Froggy |
He is in Canada, all the Canadian Buell dealers are terrible from what I've read. | ||
| Thefleshrocket |
On a bike-to-bike basis (not taking into account service or parts, etc), I'd say the RSV4R hands down. I love my 1125R but if someone offered to trade me for an RSV4R, I'd do it in a heartbeat. The Streetfighter, not so much. They have their share of problems too--rideability, leaking plastic gas tanks, etc. | ||
| Bueller4ever |
I would not buy the streetfighter. As you say, 5th and 6th gear are useless. I've read many complaints about the poor fueling below 4,000 rpms and it can't be easily fixed with power commander due to the 02 sensors. I'd jump on a rsv4 if they weren't so expensive. The new ones look great. | ||
| Freezerburn840 |
Irvine Harley in the O.C.. Had a VSS sensor in stock only 1. They got me some plastics in a week (right radiator pod and passenger seat cowling) and an oem windscreen kick ash in a week. not bad they initially quoted me two weeks. | ||
| Chessm |
im seeing used streetfighters for sale which tell me that the magic wears off pretty quick with those. maybe wait for the new tuono to come out? | ||
| Sprintst |
add a 2nd bike | ||
| Bigevildoer |
OK Guys, here are my answers so far: Kinder - both bikes are 2010. Duc has 16 months warranty left (bought RC8R) and $2500 in upgrades (inc. Termignoni slip on etc). RSV4 is brand new. What I would like to see replicated? Nothing in particular except sharp handling and a great sound (have HMF on Buell, which I love). Price - RSV4 is $15,600 (prices in Canada are $2.5K + as compared to US. US dealers generally are not allowed to sell new to Canadians (part of contract with manufacturer to protect Canadian dealers). Price on Duc is $14,500. All taxes (13%) are extra. Imonabuss - 6 weeks for Rev. C upgrade kit. 5 weeks for new cluster (which didn't solve problem), 2 weeks (and counting) on new clutch kit (methinks it was installed poorly and damaged internals, requiring full new kit). I'm sure you can see why I'm frustrated in lead times now. Froggy - Yup. The dealership I'm at now needs serious babysitting (i.e. call regularly for updates etc). Other dealership I went to plain and simple pi**ed me off with incompetence, so I don't go there anymore). Bueller4Ever - both bikes have issues. Streetfighter has leaky gas tanks, RSV4 has explodey engines. Ducati parts are much more readily available too. Freezerburn - lucky you. Parts availability here sucks as noted earlier. Deeley's (HD Canada supplier) has 2 warehouses, both are bare bones for Buell bitz. Chessm - am considering waiting for Tuono, but several people I know have/had them and have tons of electrical issues. SprintST - lucky Americans have cheap insurance rates. I have spotless record and pay $1400 a year for the Buell. RSV4 would be $1900, Streetfighter is $1600. We have to pay full liability on all our bikes, even if we sign the rider exclusivity papers (save maybe 5% with those). Sure, we have free healthcare (for the most part), but we get royally screwed over in many other aspects like 13% tax on everything, really high property taxes etc. | ||
| Duphuckincati |
Considered the Monster 1100? No issues, air-cooled simplicity and all kinds of other good points. Or a used Monster and keep the Buell too. | ||
| Guambra2001 |
Have you considered a Triumph Speed triple, from what i hear they handle like a dream, they are not your average Japanese bike and they look good. I like the Ducati streetfighter and the Monster, but the service interval on the monster is every 7K for valves, that's just too much money. The speed triple is fast has about the same horsepower as the 1125's and torque for that matter. Haven't really heard of any real issues with them either, well good luck. | ||
| Avalaugh |
My thoughts on the rsvr tuono http://badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290431/ 639465.html?1309197113 I'm keeping my 1125r | ||
| Buellmojo |
The Triumph Speed Triple is a nice bike, the more you ride it, the more fun it becomes. The 2012 Tuono certainly has my interest too! | ||
| Trojan |
A couple of thoughts.... Both the Ducati and Aprilia are great bikes to ride. If you don't like the rearset position on the Ducati you are pretty much stuck, as all aftermarket options are higher and further back than stock. You won't find any lower footrest options for this bike unless you adapt or make something yourself unfortunately. The Aprilia RSV4 is great when it runs. If you need warranty work or spares back up this can be patchy at best to poor. We have a customer who has the top of the range factory model and waited 9 weeks for a starter motor when his failed. In most dealer surveys Aprilia/Piaggio score badly for spares backup unfortunately. The 2011 Speed Triple is very nice and we have had no reports of any issues with spares ar dealers over here  Of course if you decide to get any of the above bikes and need parts we can supply them for you www.twinshack.com (Message edited by trojan on July 14, 2011) | ||
| Wbrisett |
hmmm... If this way my choice, I would seriously look at another alternative as well...the BMW S1000RR. From what I understand (I haven't ridden it, but do know somebody who races one), it's hands down one of the best bikes out there today. | ||
| Trojan |
I would seriously look at another alternative as well...the BMW S1000RR If you are looking for a track bike ar a VERY focussed sports bike then yes. If you want a bike that you can use every day at less than 110% then it may not be the one to go for. After the initial surge of enthusism for the BMW most road testers now feel it is just too track focussed for practical everyday road use and is more suited to track day use. Same goes for the new Kawasaki ZX10R as this was built primarily as a WSB race bike then adapted for the road, rather than the other way around. | ||
| Jdugger |
Buddy of mine just picked up an rsv4. It's so small and compact and amazing! I didn't ride it, but sitting on it, the ergos are *perfect* for me at 5-10, 165lbs. My pal offered a session on it, but I am always scared to rider other's hardware, especially when I can't afford to wad it up. | ||
| Milezero5 |
Street fighter is kinda eh for me, no real wow factor, Cant ride it anyways cause of my height and those uncomfortable pegs. Would love to own a v4, the sound is amazing but parts availability I think is worse than the buell. The new speed triple is quite nice, lots of upgrades and also sounds really good. Bmw is too much unusable power for the street, still think they are bad ass though. What about the new kawasaki z1000, I test rode one at biketoberfest, and was quite impressed. It has readily available parts, no real issues, and lots of upgrades. In the end there are too many good ones to choose from. | ||
| Bigevildoer |
More replies: Dophuckingcati - Not really a fan of the Monster. So it's not in the equation at all. Guambra - Don't like the styling on the front of the Speed Triple much. If I were to lean anywhere in the Triumph line it would be the Daytona 675, and it looks really tiny under me. Closest dealer for service etc is 1 hour away. Trojan - Heard about the lead time in parts for Aprilia too, which kind of worries me and nudges me towards the Ducati a bit more. Again, Speed series hasn't sold me on the looks at all. Wbrisett - BMW would be nice, but do I really need something like that? Nah. It's as Trojan said - track focussed - sat on one, and it's much more of an aggressive feel than just about anything else I've ever sat on. Besides, insurance would be through the roof. Milezero5 - bunches of people are telling me to check out the Japanese bikes - I'd really like a V engine bike first and foremost, followed by a triple, then an inline 4. Just my personal preference. Z1000 is supposed to be fantastic from what I've read. | ||
| Thefleshrocket |
As others have suggested, why not keep the Buell and buy a cheap but reliable second bike? Any real motorcycle enthusiast NEEDS to have at least two bikes because there are always going to be times when one bike is down for maintenance, repairs, etc. If you like the Buell aside from the downtime, then keep it and have something else to ride in the downtime. So then the question becomes, do you want something similar to the Buell, so you don't get too much withdrawal when it's being serviced, or do you want something different so you can have something else when the mood hits you? | ||
| Stirz007 |
I've heard about the Streetfighter issues too - enough to give me pause. Not to hijack, but throw the RC8 into the mix? Again, maybe too track oriented, but this thread has some interesting perspectives. Trojan - thoughts on the KTM? | ||
| Milezero5 |
Love the rc8, but its too track focused, I would think the superduke would be more fun. But you also have to look at them as another group that have questionable locations for parts, dealers, and downtime. Yea im with you on the speed triples styling, the front just looks like its unfinished, as if there was supposed to be something there or a broken stunt bike, otherwise awesome bike. What about an rc51? | ||
| Trojan |
Trojan - thoughts on the KTM? Both the RC8 and the RC8R are beautifully made and it is astounding how they can sell them for the price they do. The RC8R has better fuel injection mapping apparently and is quicker, but you can get an early RC8 much cheaper. Seating position is fully adjustable and they are very comfortable for a sports bike and nowhere near as extreme as the Ducati/Aprilia/BMW sports bikes. If you want a more street focussed model then the Superduke and Superduke R are also extremely well put together and nice to ride (if a little mental!). Teh most pratical of the KTM models is probably the SMT and that gets rave reviews by all the testers I have read as being practical and fun. The Honda RC51 is nice but showing its age now. It also has a paltry fuel capacity and is thirsty, which adds up to annoying frequent fuel stops  Early models have dodgy fuelling which was sorted for later bikes. If you think the Streetfighter has uncomfortable footrest position you need to try an RC51 before buying! However, probably the closest any of us will get to a 'real' HRC bike without having to pay a fortune for an RC30/45. If you want a cheap V-win then take a look at the old Suzuki TL1000R. Much maligned when new these can be bought realy cheap and are brilliant real world sports bikes with a stonking V Twin motor | ||
| Stirz007 |
Trojan - thanks. Unfortunately this is the current object of my lust.... (Still trying to figure out if I should pull the trigger) http://www.ktm.com/us/superbike/1190-rc8-r-track.h tml | ||
| Jdugger |
Yummy. Just yummy. | ||
| Buellmojo |
Under 20K too, really nice! | ||
| Northernyankee |
Yeah there is an article on that in Sportbike Rider this month. The only other race ready bikes are made by Erik Buell Racing and Aprilia and this is half the price. | ||
| Bigevildoer |
As mentioned earlier, Ontario has draconian insurance laws, and are completely in cahoots with the insurance industry. We have to pay full liability on EACH bike we have on the road. So, keep Buell, pay $1300 ish, buy another bike, pay another $800-1600 depending on bike etc etc. So, one bike for me only. I like the RC8, I really do. Would have to ride it to see about comfort before dropping that money on it. And of course, the availability in Ontario is pretty much none. 5 were brought into the whole province, and about 10 for the whole freaking country. 1 is destroyed (lasted about 100 miles before being totalled - not rider's fault). None left in Ontario. Don't mind the SuperDuke at all - took the Duke out, and *HATED* the seat. SuperDuke is much comfier. Have started looking into an SV1000 now as well. | ||
| Thefleshrocket |
That sucks about Insurance--serious rape-age! I had an '03 sv1000s before my 1125. The SV is smoother, more comfortable, and probably more reliable. In every other measurement, it comes up short. The engine is at least 20-25hp down on the Buell, and the suspension and brakes are noticeably inferior. In short, don't bother. | ||
| Zcat |
Evil, I have owned a Streetfighter "S", the premium model with Ohlins, Traction Control and more. I installed the Termi's cause thats what I thought you were supposed to do with a Duc, the kit also came with a supposedly reprogrammed chip that would remove those low rpm fueling issues (and they are a real concern), but it didn't. Two things I did made the bike dramatically better and that was a 1 tooth drop front sprocket (who needs to go 165 on a naked bike!) which really, really improved the acceleration and "fun factor" IMHO. The most important thing I did was to purchase a TuneBoy program tuning kit from Australia and that bad boy was the one thing that improved the bike the most. Throttle response, tractability, low rpm fueling and power were all instantly better. That was around 6 or 7 hundred $$$ and worth every penny. Personally, I like the way the 1125 handles and I think the ergos are better too. Now, another thing I have done with both bikes is to add a new footpeg assembly that allows 360 degree adjustability, the 1125's was by Cycle Pirates, can't remember the Duc kit but they are custom built by some Duc-loving-Dudes in Washington state or Portland Or., somewhere out there. They are easy enough to find on a Ducati forum. What I did like about the Duc was the quality of workmanship over the Buell, they are just more fun to look at and they will get attention in most crowds, although I think some of that is fading with the cheaper models becoming more common. Now, if was me, I'd take the extra money your gonna spend for those bikes and put some of it into your 1125 and wait to see how the new Aprillia Tuano (or whatever) is like cause that looks real interesting with the V4 powerplant  , nuff said, its all fun man. | ||
| Jraice |
The fact that you are looking at an SV1000 and an RSV4 for the same bike amazes me. One is a WSBK champ, the other a budget twin. Duc's are notorious for high gearing, you can always put a big sprocket on there and use 5th and 6th all day every day. If you can afford it, get the RSV4. It is not going to be the most comfortable ride ever, but man is it a sweet bike! The RSV4 had serious engine problems. The issue was corrected, all bikes were replaced with brand new engines from the factory. No need to worry. Aprilia fixed the recall in a very timely and professional manner. No band-aids, just new motors. | ||
| T_man |
Honestly, I've ridden the Streetfighter and IMO it came up short against the 1125R (back to back same road). The low speed fueling was atrocious. I think I know what your aiming for in terms of a bike and I would like to throw two others into the mix for consideration; 1) 2009+ R1 - crossplane crank gives it that V4 sound and feel. Reliability is not an issue, are readily available and looks like a firebolt to boot! 2) TL1000S - do not mistake this bike as similar to the SV1000, it is a whole different animal. Modern suspension (well forks, the shock position was a 'novel' idea). Its comfortable, at least 10-20hp up on the SV, handles well and most importantly has real character. The most wheelie happy bike I have ever owned. Avoid the TL1000R though - big, heavy, top heavy powerband - no wheelies. | ||
| Jjk |
Hey T_man - good calls on both the crossplane R1 and the TL1000S - I own one of each! The R1 replaced my beloved CR (that lost a battle for the same piece of pavement w/a big Chevy 4x4!). Bigevildoer - if you want a new bike, the crossplane R1 ('09+) is a really good choice for a variety of reason. 1st of all, they have tremendous charisma based upon the engine sound and torque-that-never-ends feel. 2nd, they have very few problems. 3rd, you can buy them cheap as heck (at least here in the US). 4th, if you like to tinker, the R1, like a Buell, needs a little bit of fettling to truly realize it's potential. Reflash the ECU, put on better tires and brake pads, a 16 tooth front sprocket, and get a 3/4 exhaust system and the bike is truly amazing and an absolute blast to ride. By the way, I have ridden a 2011 RC8R and it was fantastic but it honestly didn't get under my skin the way that I had hoped it would. Not to mention it costs nearly double what I paid for my still-in-the-crate R1. Good luck! It's fun to have 'problems' like what sort of bike am I going to get next! |
