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Bads1
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 05:59 pm: | 
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Steve here in Wisconsin or in my area anyways if the Bartender serves by chance and a officer under cover cards that person the bartender gets a 1200 dollar fine and the bar gets a on premise fine of 1200. Grand total 2400. They are cover their butts. I'll be there even though I have already seen the bike at RA. |
Thunderbeast
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 11:46 pm: |
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Much appreciated Jim. If anyone else that RSVP'd or has an extra spot, I could use one more. Chad |
Firemanjim
| | Posted on Thursday, July 19, 2007 - 12:51 am: |
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Just got a confirmation e-mail back regarding the VIP gig.
Buell Enthusiast:
Thank you for your RSVP. We are looking forward to seeing you at the 1125R launch party this Friday in Monterey. As you may know, we are expecting a capacity crowd so early arrival is suggested as space is limited. Please bring your Buell key with you so that we can identify all current Buell owners.
See you there! |
Hughlysses
| | Posted on Friday, July 20, 2007 - 10:09 pm: |
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Just under an hour. Hopefully we'll get some on-the-spot reports tonight.
Man, you west coast guys get to do all the cool stuff.... |
Bigdog_tim
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 02:34 am: |
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Ok - just got back to my hotel room. I booked everything very last minute and am staying at a REALLY crappy Econo Inn in Gilroy (about 45 minutes away from Laguna-Seca and about the same distance from the launch party).
Work got in the way - so I ended up having to Iron Butt it here. I did not get out of Seattle until 7:00 PM last night - checked into my hotel in Gilroy at 7:40 (yes - I did sleep for a few hours somewhere in Oregon).
Ok - enough trip report - now for the launch report.
The bar is a pretty typical club in Monteray. Nothing fancy - and it was PACKED. Several large breasted (ok - it may have been pushups) women were handing out drink coupons. I ended up having 6 beers - would have stay later but was already 3 beers past my limit.
The crowd itself was mostly enthusiastic. I met several other Buell heads from my part of the world (Pacific NW) - but did not meet anyone from this site or the two different Buell riding groups I tend to hang with.
Now for the good stuff.... the bike is absolutely gorgeous. Nearly EVERY photo I have seen thus far makes the air ducts look ... funny. In person - they look like they belong. I am 6' and 240 (give or take a few lbs). I couldn't be more comfortable in the saddle. I sat on the bike 4 or 5 times - I was really curious about that. Remember - I iron butted it there and wrists and shoulders are very sore. The bike just felt natural. No strain. I tucked in - expecting the tuck to put pressure on my shoulders (does on the GSXR) - and to my surprise, it was just fine.
In short - I found the bike MORE attractive in person than I did in the video that caused me to put down a deposit sight unseen.
I asked EVERY person I saw wearing anything that resembled Buell factory clothing (most people wore Buell shirts - hard to tell who was factory, who was dealer, and who was a real buyer). Of those who PRETENDED to know the "when" - they were all consistent - early December.
I was a little disspointed in the amount of SWAG. All I got was an aluminum kickstand plate/coaster. It does say 1125R on it - so it will go to my office.
They do have brochures out - I have not read mine yet (I did grab 3).
I am WAY tired so am sure I am ommitting an observation. Ping me w/questions - will see if I did not kill that brain cell.
Oh - and for what its worth - I stopped at the Aprilla VIP event on my way back to the hotel. I did not register, I just dropped in. I scored 3 t-shirts, a little tool thing (will disintegrate on first use), and a ball cap. I plan to send feedback to Buell that they need to up the ante on SWAG for these things. Looks bad that a bike that sells VERY few (on these shores) out does them so significantly. On the other hand, if I had a hotel walking distance from the Launch Party - Buell would have won hands down. Free drinks from drink coupons delivered by large breasted women always wins something in my book. |
Fresnobuell
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 02:44 am: |
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Bigdog, nice report. I assumed that the pics did not do this bike justice. You must be exhausted and get back if you have some more tidbits to throw in. I feel like we will have some more reports in the morning and early next week. God it is great to be a Bueller right now! |
Fresnobuell
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 02:50 am: |
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PS, I am way jealous that you got to SEE and SIT on the 1125r. But you certainly deserve it riding down from OR or WA. Good for you, brother. I feel like a schmuck as I am only about 3 hrs from Monterey, but I couldn't get a positive confirmation on the Launch Party. My loss BIG TIME.
On question, were you able to flat foot on the 1125r? |
Rex
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 03:01 am: |
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just back to the room.
good party. lot of old friends.
the bike in person is even better than in the photos. I personally like the pods. especially the fairing.
the pods are small in person, I think, compared to photos. I have short legs, 30 inch inseams, and I could sit flat footed.
the instruments were cool. they started the bike, and revvvved it up. very nice. more people around the bikes than the food.
big shrimp! artichokes, etc.
very nice. thanks buell...rex |
Court
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 07:42 am: |
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Remember a week ago when I was saying . . . "I never even noticed the pods. The bike looks much better in person than in pictures".
We now have independant confirmation.
Someone go the Italians so they can read this . . . that's been the major point of detraction. |
Downundabueller
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 08:07 am: |
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Thanks launch party attendees for the posts.
For a guy all the way down in Australia, its fabulous to hear first hand about actual impressions of the bike. Can't wait for actual ride impressions.
I have searched the net for everything I could find and read all the posts here.
My girlfriend says I am obsessed. I think she is right.
Its my XB9 on steroids and I will be acquiring one as soon as they arrive here.
No one can really tell me when, I hope for the middle of next year.
 |
Leftcoastal
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 02:03 pm: |
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BigdogTim -
You've just been assessed 5 demerits for failing to post pics!
(We've seen the bike photos - I'm referring to the drink coupon ladies)
AL |
Bobup
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 02:18 pm: |
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Great Launch!
Three of us got there plenty early about 6:00pm and had the place nearly to ourselves, less than 20 of us commoners, plus the Buell personnel setting things up.
We got to talk plenty and ask questions as well as sit and drool.
We were even sitting and enjoying liquids while most folks had to wait outside for 8:00pm to be let in.
There was plenty of food and drink. Some eye candy here and there.....yum
Got a lanyard along with the brochure. Missed out on the coaster thing...had to leave a bit early to get home 90 miles away...oh well.
The 1125R is most definitely a thing of beauty! My deposit is going to pay off. (anyone want to buy a '05 XB9SX ?) I am anxious to actually ride one, but was told that the demo fleet will not be using the 1125R until sometime in the spring, so at the CycleWorld shows this fall, Buell will not have the 1125R as a demo bike...too bad.
Erik was not in attendance as he and his family were on vacation.
bottom line...
Great Bike !
Good Times !
Thank you Erik and all of the Buell Staff !
bob
(Message edited by bobup on July 21, 2007) |
Unibear12r
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 03:20 pm: |
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Sadness....
I was supposed to be there but my plans fell through.
All you lucky dogs!!!!!!
Guess I'll just have to wait until it gets to the dealers! |
Court
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 07:02 pm: |
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>>>For a guy all the way down in Australia
One of the best launches ever was in Australia on October 23, 1997.
Everyone remember it?
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Downundabueller
| | Posted on Saturday, July 21, 2007 - 07:21 pm: |
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Buell held one of the coolest secret press intros ever in Oz} said court 2004
I am still waiting Court tell us about it?
I only discovered Buell with the launch of the XB series, and have since ridden some of the older bikes. |
Jiffy
| | Posted on Sunday, July 22, 2007 - 12:43 am: |
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We need photos from Laguna people...please. |
Bigdog_tim
| | Posted on Sunday, July 22, 2007 - 12:54 am: |
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Sorry Leftcoastal - of all the things I forgot (sunscreen, etc) the most important was a digital camera. I did buy one of those disposabal onees - but will have to to wait (yeah - I know it sucks). More importantly, there has been a TON more eye candy at Laguna.
If it makes the board feel better - I am massively sun burned (should NEVER had agreed to dance topless with the Ducatti girls).
FYI - there will be 10-12 sites around the US for a 1125R track day PRIOR to the bike being available. According to the guy that drives the truck - it is through your dealer. I left VM for my sales person and am planning on my first 1125R track day 9/6 in Utah (of all places).
Check w/your dealer - this was announced at the dealer show.
My math is as follows: $150 for a track day on a 1125R that doesn't belong to me. Yep - that passes the test for bargain - even if I have to fly in. |
Bigdog_tim
| | Posted on Sunday, July 22, 2007 - 12:58 am: |
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Sorry - left some cool details out - spent about 30 minutes w/one of the enginneers for this bike. He rides/races an XB9. He is a motorcyclist first - Buell employee second. He said "This is the best motorcycle I have ever ridden."
I jabbed him about on that statement - pretty bold - he backed it up big time.
Sad news is probably December before my bike shows up. |
Dbird29
| | Posted on Sunday, July 22, 2007 - 01:41 am: |
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Whooo Hooo
Miller Motorsports Park in Sept.!
I am there get out of the way! |
Hughlysses
| | Posted on Sunday, July 22, 2007 - 09:25 pm: |
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While waiting for someone to post photos of the party Friday night, I found a good photo of the cutaway 1125R on smugmug, taken at Laguna Seca this weekend:
Somebody let Kevin know about this photo so he can start working on a Drummer for it....  |
Firemanjim
| | Posted on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 01:53 am: |
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OK,boys and girls,just got back from my sojourn to Moto-GP and here is my report---Tell Buell to put on a second shift, cuz they are going to sell some bikes!!!
We wandered by the Buell tent on friday morn on the way to see the new Triumphs, when much to our surprise,they had the 1125's already out for show(I just assumed that we would not see them before the VIP gig) This bike is awesome,the more you look the more neat features you notice.The kickstand is sweet!It's seating and ergos are nice, not too much weight on the wrists.The radiator pods are much different in person and actually look good--can't wait for Al to ad some carbon fiber to them--There were tons of non-Buell riders checking out this bike seriously.We had our new landlord with us--he runs a HD repair business and drag races a mean bagger--he was impressed with the bike!Lots of Ducati shirts seen on folks ogling the 1125.Al said the tail section and front fender looked to be the same as an XB.And then they started it!! It sounds awesome!!! Suprisingly loud for that big muffler.Responsive,throaty,cannot wait to here it at speed with those huge throttle bodies wide open.Vibration looks to be a thing of the past.
The launch party was a hit.Tons of Badwebbers there--nice to see Bad S-1 and Naughtynurse all the way from Wisconsin! I was worried as it looked like a very small bar with not alot to it,but once inside it opened up and had a great patio and back room area.The Buell folks did a fantastic job! We got there real early as we were worried about there not being enough room for all the enthusiasts.Bob G and I helped out the Buell guy unloading the 2 1125's out of the back of a pickup. The cool alum sidestand plate was a nice touch.Flickenger(sp?) was there handing out drink tickets,Terry,Al, and I cornered the platform manager and got to quiz him on all sorts of stuff,very nice fellow.
Cannot wait to ride one,we are signed up for the Laguna trackday so will be able to try the 1125 at speed.
Oh,yeah--the tach needle lights up and gets brighter as you near redline,very cool. |
Lake_bueller
| | Posted on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 09:04 am: |
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Al said the tail section and front fender looked to be the same as an XB.
Unfortunately, that's not the answer I recieved here...http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290 431/294107.html?1185195540 |
Spiderman
| | Posted on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 09:55 am: |
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The tail section is, the subframe is not... |
Al_lighton
| | Posted on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 10:00 am: |
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The airbox cover, tail section, and front fender plastics are all from the same mold as the current XBs according to the guys there that would know. But spidey's right, not the underlying structure.
AL |
Al_lighton
| | Posted on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 10:08 am: |
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The event at Carbones was nicely done. Spent a long time talking to Tony Steffanelli (sp), the platform lead engineer. Quizzed him on all kinds of stuff, he was super nice and very informative. I liked most of what I heard.
The bike sure looks like a winner to me. The comments about the pods is pretty universal, they look much better in person.
There will certainly be challenges in making it "better" with aftermarket stuff. Buell did their homework on this beast.
AL |
Paintballtommy
| | Posted on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 11:39 am: |
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yes the pods do look wayyyyy cooler in real life. the only complaint i really heard from people at laguna seca was that the fairing was too big. i personally think it looks dead nuts sexy from the front and sides |
Bertman
| | Posted on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 05:40 pm: |
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Great party, and good to see a lot of old and new friends there. My deposit will soon be put on a 1125R this weekend. I don't think the side pods are an issue but I am still not style wise crazy about the fairing. If a bike or two are ready for the Laguna track day in Dec. that would be great because I doubt my Firebolt will pass noise regulations and I am not counting on having the new bike by then.
Ebear should have pictures of the event, I'm sure he will be posting soon. |
Xbolt12
| | Posted on Monday, July 23, 2007 - 10:40 pm: |
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I hear you on the noise issue at Laguna. From what I have heard even some stock bikes get kicked off the track. I guess they used to have a fixed sound test point at turn 5 or six and you could just back off, but now I hear that they do sound tests from different points on the track. For the Ducati, that would mean returning to the entire stock exhaust, and perhaps ECU. I was going to go, but decided that it's just too much work for a trackday a week before Christmas and by the time I saw the Laguna day opening up all that was left was the race group (which I wouldn't want to run with on a track I am new to).
Good to hear the bike looks better in person. Still, it will be interesting to see what improvements can be made.
Xbolt12 |
Jima4media
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 - 12:50 am: |
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Tony Steffanelli talking to Fireman Jim, Terry Parsley, Al Lighton, and Danny Goldsmith. Oh and me the camera holder.
Jim |
Jima4media
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 - 12:58 am: |
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Rex and Jim,
We have to be sure and invite Erik and Tony Steffanelli to the 10th Anniversary of ASBN in December. Start planning on it.
Jim |
Rhinowerx
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 - 05:07 pm: |
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A few more pictures from the party in this set
-Jack |
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