| Author | Message | ||
     Ratbuell |
Just got back from the Pocono 1125 class. There are many words I could use to describe this machine, but "Holy CRAP" is about as far as I can go here on a family board, LOL. Let's see...is it the powerband that is so XB-like down low that I kept shortshifting it? But ooohhhhh, the sweetness of that extra 4k rpm when you remember it's there! Is it that awesome snarl sound? (the videos are NOT dubbed, that's the music this bike makes) Is it the fact that I could (and did) ride a bike set up for a 250 lb rider (I go 195, tops) and all I noticed was a hard feeling through the handlebars with no wheel chatter or hop through turns? Could it be the Corsa III tires, that'll be the next tires on both my bikes when they wear out? Glue. Period. Maybe it was the fact that we were going down the back straight whacking the rev limiter in third (114-ish), shifting to fourth, running WFO for about 3 seconds, ONE-FINGERING THE FRONT BRAKE, hammering 2 quick downshifts thru the slipper clutch and nailing a 40 mph off-camber left with no problems. Nah. The best part was when we were in the classroom, and badweb was listed as one of the most popular (and best) places to get Buell information. This was an awesome day. The track is junk, so it was just like riding on the street (potholes, bumps, dips, you name it). The bike is awesome and is FAAAR more than I personally can capitalize on. The Buell staffers are top notch. Oh...and the new map that was put in the bikes right before we rode in the morning (along with brand new Corsa IIIs) is dead on - no popping, no hesitation, and I lugged it all the way to 2k in a couple turns in third on purpose (thanks Tripp, great to experience a whole track in one gear!). What a day. Too bad my S2 felt like a truck on the way home by comparison, LOL! In the words of Ferris: "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up". Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable. Great work, everyone. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Nice review..Looks like our friends at Buell are working out the kinks as we expected. I have seen some ask if it the 1125R is faster all over the speedo than a 12? Can you answer that? Also, what about the vibes? | ||
| Blake |
Great report! Thanks! Faster at all speeds? With the same torque, less mass, and 43 additional HP, how could it not be?  | ||
| Az_m2 |
Good report, thanks. Did you experience vibes at the higher rpms? | ||
| Az_m2 |
nevermind . . . just saw your other post | ||
| Ratbuell |
Once I had a chance to collect my thoughts, I realized there weren't many vibes at all when you're lumping around, like on the orientation laps or rolling in/out of the pits. Smooth from 2k up. When you whack it, 122mm of throttle bodies start gulping, tires start grabbing, and the motor really starts pulling against its mounts...then you feel the bike being a bike. It didn't rattle my teeth (at least not the one that wasn't set up for somebody 60lbs heavier, LOL) or wiggle my eyeballs, and my hands didn't fatigue from anything other than the small diameter stock grips (I wear an XL or XXL glove; stock grips feel like pencils to me). With no speedo, I couldn't quantify the "at all speeds" part...but I do know I had to make a conscious effort to hold a gear longer because down low, it behaves just like an XB and I kept shifting at 6500-7500 just from habit. Once I persuaded myself that there was a higher rev ceiling...wah-HOO, that thing is FUN! | ||
| Torquemonster |
 Good to hear. Im saving my pennies as we speak. (Message edited by Torquemonster on September 27, 2007) | ||
| Ratbuell |
Unpacking, I just found my logbook. They asked us to make a couple notes after each ride while it was still fresh. Direct from the book: "#1 - 250# suspension. tight but no chatter. POWER!!! small grips, good ergos. Quiet zone works! soft/no rear brake this bike (setup on purpose?)" "#2 - right bodyweight, 170-190. MUCH better, noticable difference. incredible stick, great transients. 3rd gear laps no problem" "#3 - WFO? HOLY S**T!!!! 3rd / rev limit = 114. one finger 120+ to 50, no problem. super tires, no fear. mustgofaster" No notes after the fourth session - the sky was black and I hopped on my S2 to get outta dodge before we got soaked, but it just built on the first three. Ran harder, faster, braked later, leaned further...and learned I need to look with my head thru turns, not my eyes (thanks Steve!). I can't say enough about this bike. Anyone got 12 large they want to 'donate' to me? LOL. | ||
| No_rice |
I CANT WAIT!!! ten days and i'll get to see what she can really do!!!! i really like the idea of being able to ring the neck of one on the track. that way when mine shows up here i will really know what i am getting myself into... (Message edited by no_rice on September 27, 2007) | ||
| Djkaplan |
That was a great write up. I can't wait to find out myself. | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Great write up!! I can't wait til Mid Ohio!! | ||
| Eboos |
Hey Ratbuell, I was the guy sitting at the bar with you Tuesday evening. Like I posted in the quick board, this is the best bike that I have ever ridden. There is nothing that you have to get used to before running this bike hard. I had so much fun. | ||
| Dre99gsx |
I just returned from the track day myself. I was definitely impressed. I must say the staff was exceptionally courteous and tried their best to fit me in on the 1125r. Food was also excellent! My first hand experience when hopping on the bike for the first time, is a reminder of your basic sport bike. Handlebars way down there (vs my XB12ss), large fairing, etc. It took a bit of adjustment to ride the bike as I got used to the upright position on the XB. I went over most of the bikes for quite some time, looking at design problems and anything that caught my eye. There were issues. Some belts were fraying badly, some bikes had a plastic cover that was eaten away by the belt (possibly due to large boots?). I noticed your brake is so close to the clutch housing, that your toe/front of your right shoe is limited in movement forward-wise. Not an issue, but something I noticed. Immediately shifting, I couldn't hear the thing getting into gear. They were right about the "snick, snick" shifting. Its way super smooth. I was having trouble finding neutral simply because there was no clunk or jab or anything indicating you were in neutral, other than the dash light. I'm 135lb rider, there were no bikes setup for my weight. I rode the best I could. At first, I made the mistake of shifting through all 5 or 6 gears at 6000rpm! That was a waist of a session as I found myself shifting most of the time, sometimes matching my revs, other times feeling out the slipper clutch. I was hitting the brakes hard after the long stretch and felt the rear slide around quite a bit, but never felt scared. I was hoping to touch knee but didn't have the lines figured out. My second session went better as I learned (actually was informed) that you can do the entire thing in 3rd gear. I did, and I spent more time learning my lines. And thats just it... suddenly the bike disappeared. I felt it had enough power to get me from one curve to the next, and as I got used to the lines, I started leaning her more and more. While leaning, I made the mistake of not looking ahead of the turn, and not turning my head. Why? I kept drifting off with thoughts in my mind. Such as how those who've fallen (and quite a few did today) faired, including the chick from yesterday who get hurt pretty bad. The bike just felt great, definitely not the low end grunt of my XB around 2000-3500 rpm, but past that range, she was always trying to wheelie. I left each session shaking. The bike is a thrill and vary balanced. I'm still pumped with adrenaline, need to gather my thoughts. Through each turn, I actually spent time unsettling the bike. I would try to shift my weight a bit while leaned over, tap the gas, tap the break, just to see how it twichted/reacted. If felt extremely solid and forgiving, definitely a stiff chassis. Two things I would like. If possible, would be nice to add 4 bolt holes on the upper triple tree. Wouldn't it be great if we could bolt on XB handlebars? 2nd, the exhaust was way too quite. It needs some bass. Just a hint. I ride by ear more than by watching the tach and wish there was a bit more noise. Other than that, I was also impressed how little (or none at all) wind interference was felt. It was a bit windy, but my head felt solid. 4th gear on the straight was solid, no need to tuck! There was also a bike which was giving me problems shifting up from 3rd. I kept feeling as if I had no more gears, this was the "no-number bike" as it was called. I was able to shift below 8k, but not above 8k. Strange... Anywho, thanks to Anthony from Liberty Buell for some encouragement, and the rest of the Liberty Buell folks for hosting/assiting this event. I keep saying this again but its a sign of relief when a Buell dealer exists who will KNOW how to work on your bike if when its needed. | ||
| Eboos |
The chick yesterday was a Buell employee. She highsided at turn 10. I didn't see it happen, and I don't know much of the details. All I do know is she spun up her back wheel while taking the corner pretty fast and opening up the throttle while leaned over. | ||
| Brumbear |
I was there today I completely agree I was impressed and although this was my first time on the track I was in no hurry today and was more comfortable on my ss I could quickly learn to love this machine I actually think I will buy one I no longer have to look at triumphs if I buy another bike I want the R. I saw unfortunately someone get med evaced today I hope they are ok. As well as the older gentleman who highsided I think in the 1:40 novice class | ||
| Alchemy |
I got one session with the 1125R today and I had one overarching impression - it is a forgiving motorcycle. It has brakes to handle those time when you are going too fast and a clutch to help at those times when the downshift comes a little soon. And when you did not zip through the turns as fast as you might then it gives you lots of ever-flowing grunt to take your breath away in the straight. The transmission shifts smoothing even though if you are distracted when you should be shifting, it seems to just keep winding. One gear for the track is completely possible. I was impressed in ways I did not expect. It is quite a machine. | ||
| Njxb12s |
I had a great time with the bike!!!! Wow  . Hey guys, I'm the cat that was there wednesday with the 2004 xb12s with highway pegs hehe. What a great fun powerful bike. I didn't use tach to shift, used rev limiter till I got to know it better (they said go up there, so i did). Didn't use clutch either. I'm only sorry I couldn't spend more time on it. Now my XB12 with 13,600 miles really seams old and outdated  | ||
| Eboos |
Hey Nj, I was the one with the Nicky Hayden helmet with the number 205 on it. I saw your bike at the hotel. Don't be a stranger on this board. | ||
| Ratbuell |
NJ, loved the pegs, man! I was the guy on the red S2  Glad to read I wasn't the only one impressed with the bike. The only niggling little thing is I wish it had brighter indicator lights. I always second-guessed the neutral light, dim as it was... | ||
| Fresnobuell |
GREAT to hear some Badwebbers get on the 1125r and give feedback. I hope to be at Willow Springs to give some as well. just hope that the bikes are not too torn up as y'all seem to be putting it thru its paces really well. Sweet! | ||
| Patrickmitchell |
I rode at Pocono yesterday. If you have the chance to attend one of these days, you are a fool if you miss the opportunity. PTT runs a great show and Buell was VERY generous with their time and bikes. I don't know of any other company who would put this much into promoting a new product. There were at least two bikes dropped hard by demo riders. The Buell crew simply dragged two more bikes out of the trailer and kept the demos going. A huge thanks to Buell!!! 1125R. 1. This thing hauls a**. Going down the back stretch in a tuck there was almost no wind or disturbance. It was shocking how much faster this bike was than my XB. 2. The brakes will knock the fillings out of your teeth. It was astonishing to see how fast you could scrub speed off. My XB brakes are great, but these new ones are a huge leap forward. 3. The slipper clutch can/will save you from a mistake. The shift peg on my demo bike was not exactly where I would have liked it, and I mistakenly dropped two gears going into a corner. All I got was a slight tail wiggle and a quick rise in RPMs... awesome! 4. The handling is typical Buell, meaning great. I did think the bike seemed heavier steering than my XB. It took more effort to flick it through some of the tighter corners. It took me a lap to readjust to my own bike, after two sessions on the 1125. I'm not sure if this is a complaint or just a difference. I'm now hooked on track days. (Message edited by PatrickMitchell on September 28, 2007) | ||
| 1stxb |
Not much I can say that hasn't already been said. For me being on a new bike and the first time on a track, the bike was a real confidence builder. By the end of the last session I felt very comfortable on it. It's handling and power was amazing, and the torque incredible. The perfect package... | ||
| Jerseyguy |
First, I’d like to say thanks to Buell for sponsoring a great track day and for letting us demo the new 1125. I’ve been on the Pocono East track before so I pretty much knew what to expect. I did a couple of sessions (intermediate class) on my bike (XB12Ss) first and then got to demo the 1125 in the afternoon. After a couple of laps on the 1125 at a moderate pace, I stepped it up. I have realized by now that I can’t find the back brake (it’s just adjusted differently than mine) so I forget it. I have also realized that the clutch is unnecessary in most cases as the thing shifts like butter and finally the RPM range is much broader than an XB. Let me take you on a hot lap inside my head. Starting down the front straight there is a little kink before the first left turn that forces me to slow down and enter the turn awkwardly. I’m not comfortable here and I’m not hanging off like I should. (Ant and Seth are scolding me all day for this & they are right) I exit that turn pissed off at myself and enter the next left hanging off but not enough, then slide my ass over for right then back over left (watch out for the bump) and then out on the banked straight. Pin the f’ing throttle, up to the wall, tuck in, clutchless shift, pass the slower XB’s and hang on for dear life. On my XB, I get up to 110 or so before I brake. I have no idea how fast the 1125 got up to because I was way too busy. The end of the back straight comes up so much faster and I am going so fast that my mind is screaming holy shit, now you are in it bro! I 2 finger the front brake the tire howls loudly, the back end gets light, 2 clutchless snicks down the bike settles in, I hang off and dive into the left hander hard thanking God for the manners this bike has. If you match the downshift revs poorly at the end of the straight on an XB, you will get a nasty wiggle. Not so on the 1125, the slipper clutch eats it up. Next is a quick right then a sweeping left into the double apex turn. This is one of my favs and I hang way off and pass a guy on the outside cleanly trying to get a knee down but not making it. Feels good anyway. Punch it as I straighten up, then nail the front brake, downshifting 2, setting up for the bus stop, a 180+ hairpin. I mostly always do this turn awkwardly even though I know how it’s supposed to be done. There’s even a white dot on the track to help. For once, I get it right. I go around the dot, square it off, nail the throttle in second and the frigging thing wheelies big & I hold it up just for the sheer joy of it. I’m in heaven - sorry Buell. Then it’s brake, hang off for a quick left hander, then a short straight to my very favorite left hander. This straight lets me set up exactly to the line I like and I hang off as far as I possibly can and lay the bastard over. I’m accelerating hard and touch my knee down, the Holy Grail for me, and I’m in heaven again. Then it’s back down the front straight, past the kink and I screw up the first turn again. Needless to say, I loved the bike. It was easier to ride, more forgiving to my lack of skill and I know I was faster on it. I’m sure if I adjusted the back brake lever to my liking, I could have found it easier. I actually didn’t need it – the front is so good. The bars got a bit tingly on the banked back straight, but honestly things were happening so fast at that point it was hardly a bother. I had a really great time with the guys from Liberty including Pet and Seth the guys from CT, and the other old timer - gentleman_jon. If you can get it together, do not miss this event! | ||
| Trac95ker |
I had a blast at the Pocono event! I ran in the intermediate group and was waring a grey Shoei with an amber visor and black leathers. The 1125r handled very well even though the suspension was to soft for my weight. I was dragging my knees after 4 turns. It was so easy. The bike felt very refined. I thought it was well put together. I was really impressed with the shifting and the slipper clutch. On my xb12s under hard braking and down shifting the rear was lifting and wagging at the end of the straight before I entered the turn but on the 1125r there was no wagging while down shifting. The power delivery was very smooth and predictable, no power surge. I liked not having to shift much, the extra revs were nice. I liked the quiet zone cockpit too. It was so hot, I didn't notice the heat that some complain about. If I was in the market for a new bike, I would buy one. | ||
| Torquemonster |
Question... From the experience you had on this bike, and taking into account the skill level and abilities of professional riders, what do you think the 1125 could do for Buell as far as professional circuit racing goes? | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
Does anybody know what class it will be able to race in? | ||
| Trac95ker |
IMO the 1125r would be a great platform for racing. The 1125r was really easy to ride and forgiving as well. The engine is built with room to grow. I wouldn't be surprised if Buell has already designed a race kit (cam throttle bodies, exhaust) to be competitive. That would certainly supply the hp numbers. That handling is superb. I rode the piss out of it and I felt very confident. The whole package works very well. I hope they get into some racing, what class I don't know. | ||
| Mikef5000 |
I am going nuts here waiting. | ||
| Brumbear |
after seeing jerseyguy's post I too found the rear brake odd I think it is just lower and I couldn't tell wether I was on it or not so I didn't want to push to hard and slide so I just forgot about it. I didn't realy need it anyway. But I would be interested if anyone else found a similar problem or say situation. | ||
| Dave_bogue |
Chances are, the rear brakes were adjusted low by the Buell Techs to give less leverage so that the "over-enthusiastic" riders wouldn't get themselves into trouble. Dave |
