| Author | Message | ||
     Superman217 |
Hello Buell owners, I need your help. Which is a better more reliable bike, the XB12R or the 1125R? My friend Rob had the 2008 1125R, but decided to trade it in for another Harley. =) Anyway, he had some problems with his 08 and now that the 09s are out and they both come in the White and Blue, I’m not sure which to get. I want a bike that’s not going to cost me an arm and a leg to keep running. I have an F150 to put gas in for that. I want a bike that I can ride to work, take off and chill, and hit the corners without it crapping out on me. Also one that the maintenance isn't going to kill me. So any information that you can give me about the two bike, the differences between the years of the bikes and any issues anyone has had, it would be greatly appreciated. Cali Time 4:49pm | ||
| Doerman |
Comes down to the reliability question for you I guess. I have an 03 XB9R and an 08 1125R -- 21K and 12K respectively. I consider them both very reliable. Neither has stranded me anywhere and all shop visits have been in and out the same day. I gravitate toward the 1125R for most of my riding because it does all things well-- spirited riding as well as commuting/sport touring. What it comes down to is what you want and a test ride will shed light on that question. There's also the matter of the $2K price difference between the two. However some of that you can overcome by picking up on incentives for an 08 1125R. If you select an 1125R, make sure all recalls and available upgrades have been performed by the dealer. Have fun making your decision. Cali Time: 5:05 | ||
| Pridayr |
Couple of thoughts. 1. Don't overlook the S model in the XB lineup. If you're mostly at city speeds it's a good option. 2. The XB has less maintenance. No valve adj. 3. The ONLY reason I got rid of my XB was power. If there was a way to get 140 hp out of it, I would not be on this forum today. What are your wants/needs, and your level of experience and comfort with powerful bikes? They both are wonderful, and if you are already a skilled rider the xb may leave you a little flat, unless all you're doing is twisties. But if you are getting started, the XB may be the way to go! Just depends. R | ||
| Superman217 |
Thanks guys. KG | ||
| Superman217 |
Does anyone know if the 09 1125s are better than the 08s? | ||
| Jmr1283 |
i think theres some small adjustments with the 09's but depending where u live hot or colder climant u might not notice the heat that the 09's will take better care off. but when the aftermarket catch's up we can run a fatter fuel map and that should take most of the remander of the heat away. u could save some cash and get a 08 and u wouldnt tell the differance between the 2. i have a 08 and i saved a grand. and after the reflash this bike shows no weakness the problem with the xb's is ull get tired of it faster then the 1125. the capabilities of the 1125 is just more. but theres plenty of people happy with the xb's. well maybe they just havent drove the 1125  | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Maintenance costs for the XB should be considerably less. If following the recommended schedule ('08 on) there's a minor service (oil change) ever 5k miles, and a major one every 10k miles. There is no valve adjustment. My dealer charges (approx) $200 and $300 respectively. Of course, you can do most of this work yourself for the cost of parts & lube. The 1125R is more complicated- liquid cooling and valve adjustments for starters. The dealer's hourly and parts will be higher. Again, most work can be done by you, however it's note quite as simple/straightforward as an XB. The 1125R is a higher performance bike, and therefore more complex. You should be pleased with either- it's basically "old school" vs "modern technology" when servicing these two. | ||
| Superman217 |
Thanks RBJ, that helps a lot. Ok, got a Speed question about the XB12R. Since it has a bigger "cc" motor and more low end torque than the 1125R, how is it's acceleration and top speed? I know it has less horse power, but the torque has to make up for something. | ||
| Superman217 |
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/327 77/401013.html?1223177074 Now I'm really confused. I put the same post on both the XB and the 1125 Forums and it seems as if the XB owners like the 1125 and the 1125 owners like the XB. | ||
| Superman217 |
 | ||
| Fresnobuell |
There is no comparison of acceleration or top speed. The 1125 will eat the XB for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you want to run with modern day sportbikes, go with the 1125r. If you are happy with mid-level performance, then go with the XB. I rode an XB for 2 years, then went with the 1125r. I haven't looked back yet. The XB was great, but the 25r is giving me even bigger grins. | ||
| Superman217 |
Fresnobuell, have you had any problems with you 1125? So it's worth the extra 2G and cost of maintenance? | ||
| Krassh |
Not sure which dealer you are going through. I see you are in Redlands. I live in Crestline up in the San Berdo Mtns. I have the 1125R. I have previously owned a XB9S and a XB12X Ulysses. The only outstanding issues I have with the 1125R is the rear turn signals. (there is a thread on this) The last flash fixed the low speed issues and overall driveability. I just did the Inside Pass Track day in Las Vegas. It ran flawlessly. There is an Inside Pass at Willow Springs Nov. 3rd. If you want a chance to demo the whole Buell lineup then cough up a $150 and sign up. You can demo any Buell bike all day except for the first and last session of the day. | ||
| Chameleon |
The XB was great, but the 25r is giving me even bigger grins. +1 The 1125R is better in every way. So it's worth the extra 2G and cost of maintenance? Yes. Definitely. Ok, got a Speed question about the XB12R. Since it has a bigger "cc" motor and more low end torque than the 1125R, how is it's acceleration and top speed? I know it has less horse power, but the torque has to make up for something. The XB12R has 84 ft/lbs torque vs 82 ft/lbs in the 1125R. It also weighs 395 lbs vs the 1125R's 375 lbs. The weight kind of kills the equation. Both bikes are VERY enjoyable and if you will never have a desire to go faster than about 140 mph the XB12R is still a wonderful bike. You'll also potentially get better gas mileage on it than the 1125R. | ||
| Clarkjw |
I came off an XB9r to a 1125r. The XB looks and feels smaller, it's also a bit better round the city and for MPG. But I would never go back. There are no serious issues once you get the latest reflash and remove solenoid. The 1125 handles better too. I suggest you get an 08 and not pay more than 10,300. I got mine for 9405 at StoneMountain HD in GA with 675 in free gear. The XB just isn't worth the 1000 you'll save. It's a great bike, but you may want more 6 months in. The 2009's look great, so if you've got money to burn, pick up a white one. Or, you could get the new Yamaha R1 and the 12r, which is what i'd do if cash flush. | ||
| Zac4mac |
Just the diagnostics available on the 1125 makes the difference in price over the XB. Loretta is my second Buell, an 03 XB9R with race kit was my first. Pepper dyno'd at 78 HP, Loretta does ~128HP, do the math... Z | ||
| Jmr1283 |
i bought the 1125 with out knowing much about the maintance cost and now that ive bought it they seem well worth the fun. i do do my own oil changes, but i think the 1000 mile is pretty important for vavle lash adjustments so i was quoted 250 for that one. after that i think its just personal oil changes. for awhile so the maintance is nothin compared to this wonderful bike.  | ||
| Pariah |
I have had no serious problems with my 1125R that a battery tender didn't cure... I use a battery tender frequently, but YMMV. Stalling virtually ceased. And I haven't even done any of the ECM updates. It shocked me how expensive it was to replace the rear tire (like over $300, if I remember) and oil changes are expensive. If you ride hard, you'll probably want to change the oil more frequently. These costs may be comparable on the XB, though. I don't think anybody truly rides performance (large cc) bikes to save money--- if you sit down and compute, you might find that running costs between a decent car (4- or even 6-cylinder) and a performance bike are about the same (including gas, oil changes, tire replacements, etc.). Embrace the fact that you aren't really trying to economize (running costs)! Then, it's a question of which bike you can afford... (Message edited by Pariah on October 05, 2008) | ||
| Badlionsfan |
Just to clarify, I used to own a xb9, and now have an 1125r. Just posted in the xb forum cuz that's the thread I saw first. I've had the 1125r for about a month and a half, and haven't missed the xb at all. As has been previously stated, the 1125r does everything the Xb does and more. (Message edited by badlionsfan on October 05, 2008) | ||
| Superman217 |
All great info guys. I've been on an 08' 1125 and it was great. I guess I'll just see how the Economy thing plays out with my job and see what kind of weather we are going to start having. I'll be done paying for my F150 in April so if the weather gets bad and business doesn't pick up I'll wait until then to get the new bike. Thanks everyone  | ||
| Boltrider |
Well I love my 12R but I already feel like I've outgrown the power it makes. I bought it in June, and as soon as I can afford it, I'm gonna buy an 1125R. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Fresnobuell, have you had any problems with you 1125? So it's worth the extra 2G and cost of maintenance? I have been one of the lucky ones. Other than a dead battery once about a month after I bought it, it has been a pleasure, problem-free ride. Although you can probably find some sweet deals on a new '08 right now, EVEN at MSRP I would say it is worth every cent of the extra $2K. Whenever, I get on my XB (which is extremely RARE--usually when I am waiting on rubber for the 25r) my first thought (it's impossible not to compare the two bikes) is that it's underpowered and unrefined. the 1125r is simply Buell's next-generation--much like the XBs vs. tubers. However, if MPG is a large concern you will get about 7-10 MPG better on the XB. My 1125r is getting about 35MPG post flash and XB traditionally got about 42-43 MPG. I use alot of gas versus most people. | ||
| Cobralightning |
If cost is the issue. Cowboy HD of Austin, TX was selling the 08 1125R for $9500. So the 08 are actually cheeper then the Firebolt. One of the guys in my riding group went down a picked on up for that price, I was so jealous. | ||
| Superman217 |
Outfreakinstanding.  Semper Fi | ||
| Imshaun |
Here's my two cents: As a proud owner of a 2005 xb12r and 2008 1125r, I am recommending the 1125r. It's no surprise that there will be a few problems with the 1125... it's the first of it's kind. They are both reliable, however, the xb models have been perfected over the course of several year. I put 12k miles on the xb w/ no problems. After 400 miles on the 1125r my fule pump went out. Regardless of that, the 1125r is hands down more fun to ride imho. I've never felt anything like it before, all that power between the legs... seriously, when you run it at around 6k rpms then open it up... it's amazing!!! better than sex. | ||
| Spectrum |
dealer's hourly and parts will be higher. This is an inaccurate statement. The hourly rate is the same at any given dealership regardless of the which model HD or Buell they are working on. Many parts are shared between the various Buell models not to mention where they are different corresponding prices are very similar. There is some additional maintenance items on the liquid cooled bikes that the air cooled do not have. So yes maintenance cost will be higher, but the 1125R has a number of designed consideration that were intended to reduce the time and labor for maintenance. In addition, corresponding maintenance items are the same between air and liquid cooled models. For example oil and filters changes, fork maintenance etc would be very similar if not the same number of labor hours. | ||
| Superman217 |
Ok, so the bottom line is that I will outgrow the XB12R in a few months, but the 1125R will keep giving and giving. The extra cost is worth it plus most of the problems with the 08s have been fixed in the 09s. Thanks for all of the info guys | ||
| Xl1200r |
Need to clear some things up. I don't think people get "bored" of XBs. I had one. I loved it. I could have kept that bike, never gotten my 1125 and been perfectly happy, even knowing what the 1125 is capable of. I got one because I was ready for something new, which happens fairly frequently with me. As far as maintenance goes, yes, the 1125 is liquid cooled and needs valve adjustments every 12,000 miles. BUT the front end service happens HALF as often as an XB - that's a big service as well. During a quick running of the numbers, the 1125 was really not that much more to maintain. I love mine. You'll be happy on either. | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Spectrum- you answered your own question about my comment... I didn't mean the hourly rate and individual part prices would be higher because it's an 1125R, rather there are more hours and parts required to maintain the 1125R. Everyone here understands the wide range of hourly rates set by different dealerships, but not everyone knows a service on an 1125R may take longer and use more parts than a comparable service on an XB. The bottom line is that both the 1125R and the XB are less expensive to maintain that most other bikes out there, and we can thank Buell for designing them that way. | ||
| Doerman |
The 1125R 12,400 miles service has labor set at 4.2 hrs. I do not believe that is significantly different from a 10K service for an XB. |
