| Author | Message | |||||||||||||||||
     Mr_incognito |
First of all, ive been on here since the first day I got my bike, and was very optimistic about my purchase. Despite what people said and the reputation Buell has around my area, I still had faith in the bike. Now, 5 months later im so fed up with it, im ready to just go trade it in and take the massive loss. Ive had the bike reflashed 3 times, 5th gear replaced (those were the warranty recalls), my clutch is practically fried which makes no sense and Buell wants to charge me almost 600 dollars just for the parts, the gas overflowed and geysered out of the gas cap the first day i got it (sat in the shop for 2 weeks after owning it for 2 hours), and most importantly having to deal with the terrible studder under 4k. So Friday morning I wake up early and take it down to my local HD shop (which is terrible btw), and get the latest reflash to fix the studder. Everything is all fine and dandy on the way home (about 20 miles) the bike feels great, like brand new. So I load it up in the truck and head down to Arkansas for Bikes Blues and BBQ (about a 5 hour drive). Got there, unloaded, rode a mile, and getting on the highway at about 6k it sputtered like it was only running on 1 cylinder. I shifted and it went away and I didnt think much about it. We pull over to get gas, and after filling up the bike wont start. So I let it sit for a little bit and messed with it for a few more min. and it finally started. Got back to the hotel and tried to start it again and it just kept cranking over. So basically I drove 5 hours to Ark, got there at about 5pm, and at 10pm I was headed back home with my bike in the back of my truck. The last time I was at the dealership trying to talk to them about the clutch, I was annoyed so I went and talked to a salesman about what I could get trade in on it. He told me theyve been giving people 8k trade in, but they didnt even want any of them at that time....I payed 13k for a bike and 4 months later they will only give me 8k, and thats *IF* they will take it. Sorry for the rant but im hoping to get some other stories whether they be good or bad to maybe make me feel like im not alone here. I honestly feel like a sucker for buying this bike....over 5k miles and Ive not felt like I was riding a sturdy or well built bike the entire time.... | |||||||||||||||||
| Smoke |
different dealer may be your solution to your woes. i am not familiar with your area so have no advice on that. good luck, tim | |||||||||||||||||
| Usmoto |
I have to tell you that I was very skeptical about buying the 1125. I'm a long time Bueller and owned a Firebolt previously. I could have bought one of the first 1125's but I waited for a year and rode the Badweb like a hawk to learn all the good and bad about the bike. I've seen in the past where a new design of pretty much any vehicle has "bugs" that have to be worked out. I've noticed with the 1125 that some bikes are better and some are worse when it comes to the bugs. Mine seems to be ok so far. I haven't gotten the 3rd reflash because the bike appears to be smoothing out around 3K and below and I simply don't want to ruin a good thing. I've read posts on here about the bike doing some kind of ECM learn thing on it's own and maybe that's what mine is doing. I've also read that many folks on here say that the bike runs better after they've put at least 1000 miles on it. Mine has 700. I realized going into this that the 1125 had some problems. I've owned a number of bikes and this is the first one to have any problems at all. If I had to give a percentage I'd say the 1125 "out of the box" is about 98% done. In my opinion, Buell should have waited just a little longer to release the bike until the bugs were worked out. I can't complain because I knew what I was getting into. I'll fix the problems and get the other 2%. I think I have a good bike. When I'm done, I'll have a great bike. | |||||||||||||||||
| Dano_12s |
usmoto,I had new reflash done+the bike is now great instead of really good!Cold start is perfect,picked up 7-8 MPG,school zones are a breeze 10-15MPH. (Message edited by dano_12s on September 28, 2008) | |||||||||||||||||
| Jpfive |
I'll make two suggestions. Take them for what they are worth. Use a battery tender. Many seem opposed to this on principle, but it is a simple thing that will eliminate/avoid many problems. I have used them on my last five bikes. After service, my bikes usually take an extended time on the tender to top off. Hey, I know you 'shouldn't have to have one of these'... but you have a small little juice box doing a big ass job in this bike. Try the procedure for cleaning plugs. I do this periodically, and absolutely after every time the bike is in the shop. 'Check run switch ON, twist throttle WFO, turn ignition key ON, hold 3 seconds.' Jack | |||||||||||||||||
| Buellborn |
I have never had a fear of first year model releases, But I do admit The 1125 did cause me to wait. Its very appearance (mixture of parts) makes one wonder if some short cuts may have been made in getting it to market. (still waiting) | |||||||||||||||||
| Geforce |
Here's what I would do. Call Cycle COnnection out of Joplin, MO. They are very very very Buell friendly. Get a hold of Tom and explain to him what is going on and see if you can bring your bike down there. They might keep it a little bit and work on it. I went down to cycle connection to get my 1125r reflashed and man, these guys know what they are doing and really care about getting it done right. If it makes ya feel any better, their Buell section is the largest I've seen yet in a dealer. I haven't been all over and seen em all, but it's nice. When I was there they had at least 12 1125r's. a few XB12rs and a Uly or two. I'm in Waynesville, MO but let me know via PM if you need any help. I'd hate for you to sell your bike and take that loss when I think it can be fixed. There's still hope! | |||||||||||||||||
| Mr_incognito |
Thanks a lot for the info Geforce. Ive never been skeptical about new year models either, infact I bought my last bike brand new and it was the first year they did a "redesign from the ground up," and it was the best bike id ever owned. I love the ergonomics of the 1125, I just havent got to ride it without something being wrong the entire time ive owned it...Its just kinda hard for me to swallow when ive owned bikes that I payed 5k less for and they ran perfect out of the box... (Message edited by mr_incognito on September 28, 2008) | |||||||||||||||||
| Geforce |
I know what you are saying. I would seriously call Cycle Connection and ask for Tom in the service department. Explain to him what is going on and see what he thinks. I still think there's hope for ya, let me know what you plan to do I'd like to see what they can find. | |||||||||||||||||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Welcome to Buell ownership. My '08 XB12R is my fourth Buell, and the only one that has not had some sort of problem in the first 1,000 miles. Hell, my '02 X1 had ten warranty issues in the first three months! As with any H-D product, your desire to own it has to outweigh your lack of patience to put up with a sub-par product. The key is owning more than one bike, that way you'll always have something to ride. There are good Buells out there, not everyone has to put up with the problems you're experiencing. I used to work in the firearms industry, and Buell can be compared to Colt products- you don't want one made on Monday or Friday after lunch. What really sucks, though, is if you get rid of your Buell you will realize that there's nothing else out there like it. You may own several other makes, but you will always end up comparing them to the Buell- and in most ways they'll come up short. If you're like me, you'll end up owning another Buell, and the more of them you own, the better your ability to accept their "idiosyncrasies". Your bike, most likely, will not get any better. You have to choose for yourself what to do. I understand the the pain and embarrassment of being on the bike that everyone is making fun of- many a time have I endured the dismissive comment "what ya expect- it's a Buell". Not only are the bikes different, it really takes a different kind of person to ride a one- someone who can persevere against the odds. The reward is, for those who can, an experience that is satisfying in a uniquely Buell way. Good luck. | |||||||||||||||||
| Bpt |
I agree with Geforce. Get to a proactive dealer that cares about Buells. You need to contact Buell customer service and let them know what is going on. If you are a reasonable customer with concerns that are real you can usually get help. I know the folks a Buell and H-D customer service will help if you need it. | |||||||||||||||||
| Usmoto |
(What really sucks, though, is if you get rid of your Buell you will realize that there's nothing else out there like it. You may own several other makes, but you will always end up comparing them to the Buell- and in most ways they'll come up short.) I agree with you there Redbuell.... I sold my Firebolt last Oct and bought a Triumph Speed Triple. The Triple is a great bike but I really missed my Buell. I swore after that I'd always have a Buell in my stable. Got the 1125 a month ago and even with the little kinks, I absolutely love it. | |||||||||||||||||
| Mr_incognito |
Maybe I just havent caught onto the Buell fever like you guys have. Yea I like the vtwin and the ergs of the bike, but im used to owning a bike that you could run off a cliff if you wanted and still ride it the next day. Yes the 1125 is a nice bike, but honestly I wish I had went with something I know would run properly...even if it didnt have the "rare" factor that the 1125 has...id rather ride a bike that people see a couple times a day than have to sit at home friday night while everyone else is riding because my bike wont start. | |||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
"As with any H-D product, your desire to own it has to outweigh your lack of patience to put up with a sub-par product." That is one of the most ridiculously and blatantly false statements that I've ever seen posted on this site. Who would ever want to own any kind of sub-par product? LOL! Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles are among the worlds best, certainly not "sub-par". "Welcome to Buell ownership. " Thanks, I've been a Buell owner for over ten years now. I've owned three Buell motorcycles and not one of them ever had any problems within the first 1,000 miles. I had one that had one problem in the first 10,000 miles, a leaking intake seal. Took it to the dealership and they fixed it under warranty while I waited. Perfect. While the experiences of others may differ from mine, some in the extreme, I'd strongly caution against giving too much credence to someone trying to peddle the ludicrous idea that "As with any H-D product, your desire to own it has to outweigh your lack of patience to put up with a sub-par product". Steven, There are two choices for you as I see it. Either take your bike in and get it fixedor trade or sell it. There is absolutely no reason why a competent shop cannot have your bike running perfectly. | |||||||||||||||||
| Painkiller |
Mr_incognito I feel your pain. I had JUST PICKED UP my 1125R from the dealership and it had a nice little 3" scratch along the side. I asked the dealer WTF was up with giving me a scratched bike, so they took it back and said they'd fix it. Their fix it was to keep it for 2 hours put paint thinner on a rag and buff it out... So now I have a 4" faded black circle on my bike... Soon after their "fix" I was pulling out of the parking lot got to a stop sign and the bike stalled (while the clutch was pulled in.) So I rode it around the dealership and it happened again... So I take it back to the service department, they said they'd look at it, they took it back for another 2 hours and said they couldn't replicate the problem... (Maybe because the guy revved the bike to 4K before dumping the clutch?) Since then same problems, stuttering below 4K, intermittent stalling, lagging and surging. I have taken it in to several dealerships and either they "No longer work on Buells" they "Don't have any Buell trained mechanics" or simply don't give a $..+ I have put 1000 miles on my bike and still no success with the ECM "learning." The funny thing is at the bikes first service the guy didn't even know how to reset the service meter on the bike. He conference called another dealership and spent 30 mins trying to fix it... (Maybe I should have had them come to BadWeb for the answers??? So far you guys are the only ones who have any clue about what is going on...) I am not a super mechanic like Al. I can change my own oil, plugs, and brakes. Put on a pipe and some grips... You know the small stuff. All of my GSXR's and TLR I have never had as many problems with combined... But this... I don't know. I love how everyone here is passionate about Buell, I really do, an AMERICAN SPORTBIKE is something to be proud of... But the 1125R... I am just not proud of anymore... | |||||||||||||||||
| Jmr1283 |
"As with any H-D product, your desire to own it has to outweigh your lack of patience to put up with a sub-par product." jeeze thats so far off i dont even know where to start. blake,geforce have the idea. theres no reason a competent mech. cant solve ur problems. Mr_incognito good luck on the bike problems. and also try the battery tender. this bike needs a good charged battery itseems. | |||||||||||||||||
| Court |
>>>>"As with any H-D product, your desire to own it has to outweigh your lack of patience to put up with a sub-par product." A mind is a terrible thing to waste. | |||||||||||||||||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Blake- that's why I made the statement: "There are good Buells out there, not everyone has to put up with the problems you're experiencing." My years in the motorcycle industry have allowed me to talk with thousands of people, and my personal experiences with many manufacturers has backed up most of the opinions I've heard. When it comes to quality, reliability, fit and finish, and durability, H-D products rank at the bottom of the list. I know this statement will not be popular here, but from what I've read, the people I've spoken with, and my personal experiences- it is the truth. Here's a small sampling of my personal experiences with the following brands in regards to mechanical failure in the first 10,000 miles of ownership: H-D (3 models)- 5+ failures Buell (4 models)- 10+ failures Ducati (3 models)- 0 failures Triumph (5 models)- 1 failure BMW (1 model)- 0 failures Yamaha (2 models)- 0 failures Suzuki (1 model)- 0 failures Kawasaki (2 models)- 0 failures Honda (2 models)- 0 failures I have had an absurd number of people who were trading in an H-D product (we were next to an H-D dealer) because it was the worst motorcycle they had ever owned. I have never spoken to a non-harley owner who was getting rid of their bike because it was sub-par. However, I have spoken with several H-D owners who had not had any problems with their bikes. The overwhelming evidence, in my experience, is that H-D does not make a product that can stand side-by-side with those of other current manufacturers. If you noticed, I have owned more H-D products than any other brand. I like them. I certainly wish they were better. My '08 XB12R has given me no problems, and it might not ever. But I do not fool myself by thinking it won't- it most likely will let me down. That's why I own more than one motorcycle. I'm sorry if my objectivity bothers you. I do not intend to piss anybody off, I'm just telling it like it is. There's a good chance you will not have any problems with your bike, and you have every right to have a positive opinion of Buell/H-D based on your experience. But, I guarantee that you are not in the majority (at least of those willing to admit it). | |||||||||||||||||
| Fat_kid_racing |
So I take it you are looking to sell your bike? I need another good project bike. | |||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
"Blake- that's why I made the statement: "There are good Buells out there, not everyone has to put up with the problems you're experiencing." " Yes your shrewd interspersing of seemingly positive, yet dimly so, statements concerning Buell motorcycles is obviously intented to avoid appearing as someone out to blatantly deride Buell motorcycles. The simple truth is that outrageous statements like yours are not objective. Please don't pretend that being critical is the same thing as being objective. It isn't. I don't want to argue the point any further other than to advise that if you truly hold that Buell motorcycles are "sub par" then you are absolutely on the wrong website. To believe your stats one would need to believe that you've put near a million miles on motorcycles. Or do you sell all your bikes after just 10,000 miles? Kind of tough to believe either way. Frankly, you come off as a troll looking to raise a ruckus and stir the pot while belittling and deriding Buell motorcycles. You sound very much like another fellow from Florida who did much the same here over and over and over again under multiple aliases. He even bragged about being banned 30 times from a Triumph forum. The guy turned out to be one truly despicable human being whose behavior here became so outrageous, harmful and disruptive that we had to report him to his ISP. I'd hoped that he had found reason, a life, love, something, and finally given up on his crusade to deride Buell motorcycles. Now I'm starting to wonder if he's back. He too was constantly touting his vast knowledge of the motorcycle market and all his personal experience on a wide variety of machines. His opinions were so outragous and negative that his only means of gaining any credibility was to offer up a shroud of vast experience and knowledge. The short of it is that he was here to badmouth and belittle Buell. Most likely he was being paid to do so, I cannot think of any other convincing reason that explains such repetitive behavior. I hope you are not that same person and are instead reasonable and thoughtful and willing to support the intent of this forum (for Buell enthusiasts). If you care to offer informative and helpful information, that would be great. If you intend to chime in damning Buell motorcycles with faint praise or to pile on with your so-called "objective" derision (complete baloney in truth) of Buell motorcycles, that would be entirely unwelcome. Time will tell. For now it would be best if you back off so as to ease suspicion as to your intent here. "you have every right to have a positive opinion of Buell/H-D based on your experience. But, I guarantee that you are not in the majority (at least of those willing to admit it)." What would you care to bet on that? Name whatever sum you like. I'd put my entire life's savings and income for the next ten years up against that nonsense. Put up or shut up. What do you say? (Message edited by blake on September 28, 2008) | |||||||||||||||||
| Smilesracing |
If some the earlier statments were true most "other" service departments would seem to be extremely slow and not busy. I worked in a multi line japanese dealership for 7 years and our service dept could not keep up. All makes of bikes have issues of some type, its the nature of being an internal conbustion engine. If it has a engine-bike, car, plane, train or moped IT WILL FAIL in some way. Harleys/Buell are no better OR WORSE than any other brand. It simply is luck of the draw to some extent. I have tons of customer "horror" stories from all my years in the bike industry. Since coming to work for a HD dealer I can say that HD/Buell is no better or worse. Yes the 1125 does have some minor issues, but its still not worst bike ever I can assure you of that. They do make great race bikes...  . Some dealers do appear to be struggling with the new tech in the 1125 My 2 cents | |||||||||||||||||
| Redbuelljunkie |
I'm curious as to why you're so angry? I am an honest, ethical, straightforward person who is a member of this forum because I love Buells. I, like many people here, have a love/hate relationship with H-D products. They are like beautiful women that are high-maintenance- you must put up with all the crap in order to experience the good. You would probably be surprised at the number of forum members who are reading this thread and thinking: "You know, it kinda bugs me to hear R.B.J. say it, but he's got a point". If I'm wrong, I'll gladly admit it. I do not have an ego complex- everything is a learning experience, and I don't claim to be an expert in any area. Let's hear what others think about this discussion... so far, there's been posts by people who are happy, and those who are not pleased with their Buell experience. We want to hear from you... If you had the time, I'd ask you to read all of the comments I've made on BadWeB. You would see that I do share my opinion, and that I have nothing against Buells. If anything, I wish they were better than they are- that way this thread would be unnecessary. But the reality is that H-D has a well-earned reputation for letting customers down- no one can seriously question that fact. Some of your comments make it seem as if this forum is only for espousing the unending perfection of Buells. That is strange to me. Have you ever seen the sign in a business that reads: "If your happy with our services- tell your friends, if you are not- tell us."? BadWeB is a place for owners to share their experiences- good and bad. Did you ever consider that some members may have an opinion that's not positive, but they are not comfortable to share it out of fear of being flamed? My feelings are not hurt when people disagree with me, and I think my opinions may be shared by others who may not wish to speak up. Or I could be wrong. Do some personal research, talk to many motorcyclists from all over the world, read as much as can and take note of the opinions. You may come to a different conclusion than I, but I personally don't think you will (if you can remain objective). There is a Buell in my garage now, and there will always be one there. I love them, I have hated them, I have sworn I would never own one again (3 Buells ago). There really is nothing else like it, but it is, without any doubt, not up the the standards of the other brands I have owned. As to my guarantee, unfortunately it is impossible to quantify as of now. However, I will say this- if J.D. Power releases a survey of motorcycle owners who rate Buell in the top five after two years of ownership... I will buy you a new Buell. Yes, I am serious, and I do what I say. I have no other motives for being on this site (unlike your odd opinion of who I might be) other than a genuine love of motorcycles, motorcycle racing, the motorcycle industry, and everyone who shares my passion for riding. It's really just that simple. | |||||||||||||||||
| Buellborn |
R.B.J has a point. Here is another way to look at it. If defending B.M.C or anyone or anything for that matter during any and all discussions you will lose credibility as no one is infallible. Its funny as Buell is now addressing quality issues one by one yet you could go back and read where they now corrected issues were defended as nothing was wrong it was the owners that were in error. The Buell reliability issue is out there real or perceived. I defend my bike every time but the reality is they do get attacked.  | |||||||||||||||||
| Zac4mac |
Harsh Got Loretta back today, first major downtime since I got her. Four weeks of madness, now a new cam and back on the road. I played a lot of years in R&D and knew what to expect with a MAJOR RevA product. I have the finest motorcycle I have EVER ridden in my garage. I and Buell have dealt with the few minor niggles and the one big one perfectly. I haven't drank any Kool-Aid but I have seen a company that stands fully behind their product. No other company I know or can afford would do what Buell has done. period. Zack | |||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
I asked you politely to back off. Why am I not surprised you refuse to honor that simple request?  That's all I pretty much need to know. Why am I so angry? I'm not. I do however become vigilant when I sense that someone may be looking to $#@% with this forum and cause trouble. But I'll happily give you the benefit of doubt for now. I'm wondering if Steven's 1125R issue ends up being bad or contaminated fuel how you will respond. The truth is that you jumped at the chance to launch into your dismal characterization of Buell motorcycles, exploiting the problems of one in order to broadcast your ludicrously negative views of Buell and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Oh, I forgot, but you love Buells.  "Some of your comments make it seem as if this forum is only for espousing the unending perfection of Buells." That's usually the first rebuttal a troll will put up when confronted. But again, I'll graciously give you the benefit of doubt and explain what this site is truly about. The problem at hand is not with folks who share their own personal experiences in order to thougtfully inform and advise other here. That is always welcome and always encouraged here. It's why BadWeatherBikers.com exists. The problem arises when a naysayer takes to relentlessly deriding Buell motorcycles just for the sake of deriding them. This is my take on what you have done here. You offered nothing of value to the man with the issue. If your idea of thoughtful informative commentary is to glibly spout off "Welcome to Buell ownership" in response to a fellow BadWeBr who is very frustrated and trying to solve a problem with his motorcycle, then you don't belong here, period, end of discussion.  Honesty is also important here. You state above that... "My '08 XB12R is my fourth Buell And also... "Here's a small sampling of my personal experiences with the following brands in regards to mechanical failure in the first 10,000 miles of ownership: ... Buell (4 models)... Yet in your BadWeB profile you state "Five Buells so far...". Now that you've managed to completely derail Steven's thread, (job one of a professional troll) let's review your supposed "objective" commentary here in response to Steven's plea for help, shall we? Maybe you can point out what among your commentary is supposed to be helpful or informative to Buell enthusiasts here? Welcome to Buell ownership. My '08 XB12R is my fourth Buell, and the only one that has not had some sort of problem in the first 1,000 miles. Hell, my '02 X1 had ten warranty issues in the first three months! As with any H-D product, your desire to own it has to outweigh your lack of patience to put up with a sub-par product.  You are changing your tune as to my offer of a wager. Way to wiggle out of that one. Initially you stated that: "you have every right to have a positive opinion of Buell/H-D based on your experience. But, I guarantee that you are not in the majority (at least of those willing to admit it)." Now you've changed your tune to "if J.D. Power releases a survey of motorcycle owners who rate Buell in the top five after two years of ownership... I will buy you a new Buell." Way to wiggle out of the bullshit. It's clear that you aren't willing to back up your derisive nonsense. Whatever. We once took a poll here on BadWeB, this was during the troubled days of the tube frame era when the first release of fuel injected bikes were suffering a number of issues, shocks were leaking, mufflers cracking, isolators failing, paint was bubbling, saddle bags were failing, rocker boxes were leaking and more. The result of the poll was that the vast, vast majority of participating Buell owners at that time stated that they were "satisfied" with their Buell motorcycle purchase. I take that to mean that they had a positive opinion of Buell. Here's the results repeated for your pleasure. You are thus proven wrong. It's too bad you wouldn't step up to an actual wager. The RoadRacingWorld.com airfence fund could have used a donation.
So contrary to your ridiculous assertion, even at the height of the Buell problem-plagued tube frame era, a full 75% of Buell owners polled maintained positive opinions of Buell motorcycles. Soon after satisfaction rose to 81%. Today I'd be surprised if satisfaction isn't at an all time high for Buell owners. I'll ressurect the poll and see what we find. I'm asking you once more, please back off. Leave it alone. For the sake of the forum and all involved, let it die. (Message edited by blake on September 29, 2008) | |||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
"Its funny as Buell is now addressing quality issues one by one yet you could go back and read where they now corrected issues were defended as nothing was wrong it was the owners that were in error." I'd like to see where you find that on BadWeB. Please point me to such nonsense. | |||||||||||||||||
| Painkiller |
Please remind me to never piss in Blake's cornflakes... Holy crap! As for the poll Blake you did take it on a BUELL forum that's kinda like going to the republican convention & asking how many think McCain would make a better president than Obama... | |||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
This forum seems to garner its fair share of folks having trouble with their Buell. Your estimate may well be exactly opposite, take for instance the originating author of this thread. Buell owners who don't experience issues with their bike aren't as likely to be compelled to search out advise or solutions or to vent on a web forum. (Message edited by blake on September 29, 2008) | |||||||||||||||||
| Krassh |
Painkiller, Where did you end up taking your 1125R? | |||||||||||||||||
| Blake |
We do after all need to be polling Buell owners, yes? And a significant number of respondents did indeed express dis-satisfaction, yes? That would not be the case in your analogy, no? So I offer the alternate analogy that a poll of Buell owners here may be more akin to a poll of movie-goers concerning the movie they have paid money to see. |
