| Author | Message | ||
     Jbarros |
Hi Guys, I'm new to the forum, and have been off 2 wheels for a few years. I swore I wouldn't get back on a bike till I couldn't possibly avoid it. I think that time was some months ago and I've been fiending bad. I decided when I got back in, I'd get a world class motorcycle, and when Erik put the Austrian mill in his venerable chassis, I felt pretty sure it had to be the 1125. Unfortunately, at the time, I had no money. When Buell left HD, I tried to reconsider. I tried to tell myself to get something that'll be supported, have aftermarket, and not get another rare bike… Well, I threw a leg over a few Japanese bikes, and even one Brit which were all kinda, sorta, almost what I wanted… but not quite. I learned to ride on twins. I put 40,000 miles on my GS500. On my SV650, I routinely spanked kids of my skill level in the canyons, not because I was a better rider, but because while they were busy searching for the right gear, dealing with rear wheel traction issues, and just trying to hold on, I was able to just lean over, roll on the throttle and go. No problem. I looked like an ace. I've got some substantial seat time on a few 4's (an fzr1000 and a CB750) and they're nice, but I love the torque, the compression braking, and the ability to just grab a handful of throttle from near idle that a good twin gives. Now I'm looking for a bike with that twin powerband, real world ridabiity, (I'll admit it, most of my time will be spent splitting lanes to work and back on the 101 in LA) but at the same point, I want world class suspension and a chance to get it bent over in the turns, maybe even hit the occasional track day. So… my questions are Is the 1125r the bike I'm looking for? and… after having heard about all the electrical issues with the 2008, is a 2008 an ok bike to get? If I get one, what changes do I need to make as soon as I get it, (or check to make sure the previous owner made) Are there things which aren't recalls per-sei, but which need to be handled none the less? I'm really sorry about the second question, I'm SURE it's in the forums somewhere already, but after > 10 minutes of searching, I was unable to find it, so I thought I'd ask. Thanks -- James | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
the 08's don't really have many elec issues. perhaps the cluster. the 09-10's have teh stator regulator problems made worse by the bandaide harness. none the less your local HD dealer should be able to check for the tsb's that were issued for the 08's such as cluster, evap canister(upgrade for those of us that don't like gas fumes int he garage), clutch slave cyl, cam chain tensioners(narrow window of engines on that one) it's not a true 'street' bike it's a race bike in street clothes. none of the 1125's like much of anythign below 4krpm but if you must a tune/ebr ecm will help. if you don't care for the stock exhaust there are several to choose from icluding a few hand made by guys here caveat; they are all LOUD. otherwise ride the piss out of it. synth oil period good tires(debates rage). keep the front brake well serviced. | ||
| Albert666 |
most of the issues will probably have been sorted by now, but as boogieman says clutch weep seems to be the only major issue with the 08's, i have one and no regrets whatsoever | ||
| Stirz007 |
I have an '08 and have thrashed it. I had a harness issue right after purchase (intermittent short) - it was a warranty issue and was corrected. Other than that, no problems whatsoever. It has quirks, just like any other bike, but none of them are serious, IMO. Boog's post pretty much nails it - the bike likes to RUN!  | ||
| Gbackus |
cluster and hot legs are the only issues I ever experienced. | ||
| D_adams |
EBR race ecm, hand built exhaust, relatively low rpm operation. No problems here with it. | ||
| Boogiman1981 |
Dean didn't say couldn't be done. They just don't like it. | ||
| Father_of_an_era |
I have an 08 that I bought new in October 08. I have had the recall issues taken care of and I just replaced the "clutch weep" by replacing the stock actuator with the EBR replacement actuator. She wasn't quite fast enough for me so I installed a K&N filter, velocity stacks, EBR ecm (because the stock ecm tune sucked) and D adams's RT2 muffler (for added performance as well as the added benefit of allowing others on the roadway to hear me. I also added the LED tail light for the extra security since it is a lot brighter. I don't believe the 08's have the electrical issue with the exception of the parasitic instrument cluster. The bike has been very reliable and its a hell of a lot of fun to ride. Also, I live in Moreno Valley Ca. and I bought my R in Riverside so, the Cali can was already installed. If the R you are considering purchasing was originally sold from a Cali dealer, then there should be a Cali can already in it. If nothing else, I really recommend an EBR ecm and EBR clutch actuator. Worth every penny!!! | ||
| Rogue_biker |
Let me be the first to try to give you non-glowing assessment of 1125R ownership! LOL! 1125R ownership is not going to be a cakewalk. You will need to be committed because these bikes are not going to be the kind you ride to the ground and nothing ever goes wrong in them. They have a few peculiarities that require you to adopt, accept, and be very understanding as an owner. They need regular maintenance and the major service is not cheap (if you take it to a dealership). They won’t be 100% reliable most of the time (it’s a Buell/HD product with a Rotax engine!). If you find a 2008 that has not had all the recalls and TSB’s done, then you will need to get them done (the 2008 bike was a first year production of an all new model). If not, you will have problems. The bike is not a Honda CBRxxxxx, where you can put them through the ringer and most will come out alive. Nor will an 1125R run like a Prius because it will have a lot of personality unique to Buells and 1125R’s. Let me give you a laundry list of other things you need to be aware of before you take the plunge: They require engine rotation to inspect the valves every 12,500 miles—not something most people and many mechanics will or can do properly. They run hot—they will boil fuel in the frame on a hot day and the fans will bathe you in hot air in traffic (neither of which will affect its rideability). The stock fueling on ’08 1125R’s are okay above 4k RPM but raggedy below that—they need that Erik Buell racing ECM upgrade so they run the way Buell intended! They will leak fuel if you overfill the tank. They don’t tolerate overfilling of the crankcase with oil so monitoring oil level is important. The front brake rotor needs replacement every 25k miles….maybe sooner with stock pads due rotor deposits (but it’s easy to replace the front rotor). The front brakes do not have the feel of a really good braking system like that of a Brembo radial monoblock brake system, and the rear brakes are weak. 2008 models have overly firm suspension—you need to turn it way down if you weigh less than 200 lbs. just to get an acceptable street ride. Their belt final drive will not tolerate rocks and other crap. Most H-D dealers are dicks and may not be all that helpful to you since they no longer carry the brand. The state of the art has moved on (Ducati, Aprilia, MV Agusta, BMW, etc.) Good things about the 1125R: It’s rare and you will have a unique sportbike in SoCal where Ducati’s are a dime a dozen. The 1125R will keep up with the latest and greatest most of the time because it’s still fast—you won’t have an excuse to be last! It handles great and the front brakes are powerful. The fairing on the R is unbelievably effective. 1125R ergonomics are one of the most comfortable among sport bikes. The Belt Final drive is quiet & maintenance-free. It weighs 450 lbs. wet, which is still light even in today’s state of the art bikes (although not the lightest). 2008 models has the best color scheme that is still bad-ass today (black bodywork with diamond blue frame). This website is an invaluable resource filled with loyal owners. American Sportbike in San Diego has many parts for the bike and participating dealers in SoCal are more than willing to get you parts. The 1125R is generally easy and simple to work on (does not require camshaft removal to replace valve shims). The bike sounds awesome at full song (superbike V-twin sound). Riding an 1125R around SoCal is great. The motor is perfect in urban environments where torque is king, yet it has more than sufficient top end power for doing all the things sportbikes like to do, like go fast! The protective fairing on the 1125R means it’s well suited for the high speeds in and around the local twisty roads you will frequent. It’s a very satisfying sportbike to own and ride if you can overlook its downsides above. | ||
| Sprintst |
Well I'd like to share some perspective. Valve check price comparison, at dealership 2008 Triumph Sprint ST - $850 2008 Buell 1125R - $500 Buddy's CBR1000RR, Repsol edition - in the shop getting defective stator and regulator replaced. Known problem with all of them, Honda extended the warranty on these parts They will leak fuel if you overfill the tank. Really? Name a single bike that won't.} (Message edited by sprintst on July 05, 2012) | ||
| Smoke4ndmears |
Jbarros Go for it. As of now, I would say the 1125R is the only big sporting twin that fits the bill as a "real world" sports bike, the other choices being, well, old or hyper sporty. My '08 has had the usual issues, but they are all 15k miles behind me and it has been a trusty steed ever since. Mine doesn't boil fuel (proper fueling solved that) or do anything else bothersome. | ||
| Jbarros |
Rogue_biker, Thanks. I appreciate the honest feedback. Some parts I got. I need to maintain it regularly, and maintain it with someone who knows the Rotax Buells. (anyone have any good LA area recommendations?) Cool, can do. I need to remap. I was expecting to do that, and I'm going to bring it to racetech to set up the suspension anyway, so both of those are go. They run hot. Good to know. Will certainly lead to some unpleasantness.. but certainly not a deal breaker for me (despite the stories I've heard of melted boots, etc =( ) I fully expect I'll be playing with pads etc, to find the feel I'm looking for in brakes, as I expect that to just be part of learning any bike. (ditto tires) Rear brake's weak… wait, you mean the engine? You use the brake itself, not compression?  ok, bad jokes aside, I don't do race-pace, so compression braking on the rear has generally been all the additional braking power I need in addition to a front brake I trust. (not that I don't use the rear brake, I almost always do combined braking, but I rely on the engine to help out, and that's always been sufficient for me on my SV etc, which has neither the engine, nor the suspension, not the brakes of even a modest sportbike) The parts that I'm not sure what to do about: You mention that the belt drive doesn't tolerate rocks. I'm not sure what to do with this information… just don't ride it offroad? regularly inspect the belt system for damage to belt or pulleys? something else? At this point, I'm pretty much sold on one, just need to get my stuff in order and go get one. Thanks guys =) | ||
| Cutty72 |
Continually check your belt and you shouldn't have a major issue. Worst case, it snaps and you have to get a ride/haul home, or replace it on the side of the road. The majority of the belts are going 15k plus without issue. | ||
| Froggy |
Thats a bit of a yes and no. A belt is more fragile when it comes to things like rocks, but that said I've been riding around with a belt on my CR with a nice hole in it due to a rock. I've lost count of the miles its been there, and it has held up fine. I don't recommend you off road on it, wrong tool for the job but it will do it. Part of the scheduled maintenance is to inspect things on the bike, the belt and sprockets are among them. | ||
| Mackja |
1125r is just a great bike, if you ride one you will love it, once it is set up nothing lays into a corner like a Buell, they are so planted, rock solid and just plain fun!Put an EBR ECM, K&N air filter, and an exhaust and you will be well rewarded. | ||
| Nuts4mc |
Glendale HD used to race them - they may have "the" mechanics for you up in LA If the seals in the wheel brgs are "orange" in color keep an eye on them wouldn't spend the money on a upgrade/remap to the stock ECM atthe dealer - just buy the EEbbr race ECM - even if you keep the exhaust stock engine compression braking is not as evident as you may like - it can be "adjusted" on the ECM - you might talk to EeeBr about it if/when you place an order for the race ECM The rear brake caliper has been known to seize/lock up (the stock exhaust is aiming right at it) buy or go to a muffler shop and put on some turn outs to deflect the hot gases. clean/rebuild the caliper after adding the turn outs. the ign switch wiring is prone to failure ( not enough slack - lock to lock) turn the bike off with the Kill switch and then the key - the '08 InstPnl been known to have a parasitic drain on the batt. - by using the kill switch it disconnects the parasite down here in MC paradise (sun diego) - i run straight water and water wetter - Amsoil has new stuff on the market taht is supposed to work better - if you are close to the mountains where it get's cold every night might want to run some antifreeze...but straight water and an additive works well with this beast down here. (Message edited by nuts4mc on July 11, 2012) | ||
| Iamarchangel |
Forget engine braking. It's not really there with a slipper clutch. If you figure that's part of your style, be aware and practice it before you need. Brakes are good. I got mine a few weeks ago. I've made several 250km trips. The bike is better than I imagined it would be. Handles greats. I can use all the cornering lessons because the bike will actually do it. It is fast and quick. My first entry onto the closed highway had me at 176kmh before I knew it. The bike was smooth as silk and there was another gear to go. (Here, bike is impounded and licence taken away and several thousand dollar fine at 150kmh.) | ||
| Brumbear |
It's there with my CR Arch 4th and up it is very tolerable 1st and second if your in traffic and you aint paying attention it'll bounce your nose off the IC.  | ||
| Dktechguy112 |
really? 94 mph is enough for a impound and license revoke? Now I officially hate Canada. | ||
| Bigevildoer |
50km/h over falls under the Highway Traffic Act #172 section (Stunt riding, street racing etc). Instant roadside license suspension and bike impound for minimum 7 days. Cop is judge and jury on scene. When taken to court you can fight it of course. In the mean time, you're out $1000 for impound and tow, regardless if you beat the charge or not. So, it's not only 94mph that can get your license suspended, it's 50 km/h over the limit. Oh, and it's Ontario only... | ||
| Pgh_biker |
don't sweat it, thats only $977 and some change in US dollars! Today anyway. |
