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Buell Forum » 1125R Superbike Board » Archives 001 » Archive through June 10, 2009 » WHY IS THE ROTAX ENGINED APRILIA SO RELIABLE, AND THE BUELL IS NOT? » Archive through June 03, 2009 « Previous Next »

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Socoken
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 08:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Most here are ... in lust with their 1124 penis extender!

Sounds like someone has little D'ck syndrome!

I love my bike, but I think brap makes a good point about a bike being ready when its released. It seems the shelf life of motorcycles gets shorter and shorter, now maybe just a few years before designs and models are outdated. If a bike only has a few years to earn a solid reputation, spending the first two on updates seems counterproductive.
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Zac4mac
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 08:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

+1 Badlionsfan as far as Gunter.
The ECMSpy was huge, but now all I see from him is FUD.

Loretta rolled off the line at the end of the first week. #154.
She has 18,400 miles on her.
Damn unreliable, pre-release grade models...

sheesh

Zack
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Thedavyboy
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 09:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

No problems with my 09 cr
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Badlionsfan
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 09:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Socoken, We can debate til we're blue in the face about if it was ready when released, but the past is the past. The one thing all us owners can attest to is the way Buell has stood behind their product, offering free ecm upgrades, addressing the turn signal issue some have had and others. Buell could have just added this stuff to the 2009 models and said "too bad" to us 08 owners, but they didn't. They're continuing to improve a product that in some cases has been sold to the customer 18 months or longer ago.
EVERYONE ELSE--

Sorry if I'm a little cranky, but I just get so sick and tired of people telling me and potential future Buell family members that there's something wrong with our bikes, when there isn't. It's the whole "don't confuse me with the facts, my mind's made up" mentality that really irritates me to no end. I would never go comment on a Ducati board about what a POS one of their bikes is based on what I've read in a retarded magazine or what a small minority of owners were reporting on a message board. Why some here insist on doing so around here is beyond me.

The 1125r IS NOT FOR EVERYONE!!! Nothing is. (Can you imagine if everyone like the exact same motorcycle? That would be pretty damn boring if you ask me.) If you don't like it, cool. I've never been a fan of the Kia Rio. Believe it or not, I don't go to the Kia Rio message boards and tell the owners there that their car sucks. In fact, the way I deal with that situation is avoid places where mass amounts of Kia Rio owners, who are proud of their vehicles, like to hang out such as Kia Rio boards and such. I suggest you try my method if this bike isn't your deal, you'll be much happier.

Good day.
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Ruprecht
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 09:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Loretta rolled off the line at the end of the first week. #154.
She has 18,400 miles on her.



To be fair Zac... I think you're the only regular here that I can remember actually having engine related problems (pitted cams?).
The two "design issues" I'm aware of being the recall for the oil jet (would probably never have known if not for the recall) and the leaking clutch cover.

As a "window shopper" myself, and keeping an eye on all this for a while now, I'm more than happy with the reputed reliability of the Rotax engine.

If only my finances were as reliable...

(Message edited by ruprecht on June 03, 2009)
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Badlionsfan
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 09:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ruprecht, welcome.

Please don't take my post as not wanting non owners here, because I feel I can speak for everyone saying all are welcome around here. If you have any questions, post 'em up.

(Message edited by badlionsfan on June 03, 2009)
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Id073897
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 09:25 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Gunter, do we really need to go thru the list of Buell innovations???

Yes please, especially those since 2002.

And innovations only please, not just changes that fix previous design flaws. Perhaps we could then compare the number of "innovations" to those of Yamaha, Honda or even BMW, if you like, for the same period.

And I want to be fair. You may skip all third party parts that proved faulty, like the ECM and it's "innovative" mapping, the front caliper and it's sticking pistons, the engine and it's weeping clutch, the transmission and the failing 5th, the infamous corroding muffler and similar stuff, which just leaves ... well .... what?

Ho! Now I got it! That's the innovation, buying parts all over the world and marketing the assembled product as truely "American". Bravo! Erik, you're a real genius!

Edit: BTW, came across this lovely little side note: http://www.motorradonline.de/test/einzeltests/nachgehakt--buell-nimmt-stellung---motor-aussetzer-bei-buell-1125-cr.328858.htm

(Message edited by id073897 on June 03, 2009)
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Gentleman_jon
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 09:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks for all the positive, (and negative) replies.

It is great to see so many happy owners. As has been often remarked, learning about a bike on an owners board is a bit like learning about humanity in the Emergency Room at a hospital.

That being said, I think most will agree that the 2008 1125R's were a work in progress, and released a bit prematurely. This has had made a very poor impression on the public, reduced the resale value of all the Buells, and this in an arena where the first impression is the most important.

As Spectrum points out, negative posts are not my usual MO, and certainly no one is more of a Buell fan-boy than myself.

What prompted the post, as I mentioned in my post, was setting up the suspension on a 2003 Aprilia Mille. I have known this bike since new, and it has not had a single problem related to the Rotax power plant. I rode it yesterday, and it looked like new and ran great.

As I previously mentioned, what was so disheartening about the fueling issue, is that it had been solved by Aprila, Rotax and Seimens, long ago.

Perhaps Buell's success on the race course, new favorable reviews, and improved customer service will give this bike the success it deserves.

I have not gone into any aesthetic issues, as they are perhaps a matter of taste. Suffice to say that the design of the air intakes, (the so called pods), and the muffler have not been universally appreciated.

Personally I find them to be a major stumbling block to the purchase of one of these bikes.

Having recently set up the suspension on a Ducati 999s and ridden it a bit, I must say that this is a six year old bike that is very impressive on ALL counts.
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Zac4mac
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 09:37 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

True Ruprect.
At the 12.4k service I had a pitted lobe(1 of 2) on my front exhaust cam.
The pits were shallow but wide on that lobe.
I found one pit on the follower under 10x magnification, very small.
<edit> I sent BMC/CS a picture of the lobe face, the following day I was told by them(phone call TO me) to put her back together and get her to High Country for warranty repair. <end edit>

The only real problem I've had is the ECM's inability to "learn".
Riding a popcorn machine sucks.

I have fixed that, no thanks to Gunter, and now have as close to the "perfect bike" as I've ever ridden.

Zack

(Message edited by zac4mac on June 03, 2009)
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Badlionsfan
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 09:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Gent, one thing to remember regarding fueling is the EPA, which has come down hard on vehicle builders of all types since 03. Aftermarket tuning solutions really smooth out and wake these things up by adding more fuel. If an aftermarket tune that "fixes" the fueling were submitted to the EPA, I bet it'd fail. That being said, my reflashed 2008 is more than acceptable to me for street riding. A little surging at very low rpms, but I really only notice it in our 20 mph school zones around here.
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Madav8tr
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 11:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"Madav8tr, this is the wrong place to ask that question if you want an objective answer"

I didn't ask a question and I wasn't seeking an answer. I replied to a poster with a statement, not a question. There is a difference and you may be well served in the future to learn what that difference is before you show your ignorance further with a reply like the one you gave. I do appreciate the ridiculous and borderline retarded comment about the "1124 penis extender" though .
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Josh_
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 11:18 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

>Were averaging a new re flash every three months.

Why is this a negative? Buell constantly refining a shipped item is a negative?

Of course realize that no other complex piece of electronics ever receives updates, other than maybe my iPOD, PC (motherboard, videocard, hard drive (which is unusual but I digress), DVD burner), server, router, cellphone, I believe my BMW is behind on its flash updates, my DirectTV DVR had a flash update in the last 3 months and I just flash upgraded my Canon DSLR, which I last did 3 months ago.

Oh, and my 08 1125R (first sold in St Louis) with 5500miles incl 5 track days and 3 races (won the first one) finally had a warranty issue - both rear turn signals died. ops. woe is me, let me gnash my teeth on a forum somewhere in screaming silence.
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Madav8tr
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 11:18 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"Having recently set up the suspension on a Ducati 999s and ridden it a bit, I must say that this is a six year old bike that is very impressive on ALL counts."

Wow, and I remember when it was 1st released Ducatisti all over the world were complaining about how UGLY the 999 was/is. In fact, those complaints are what led to the 1098 being redesigned to resemble the older, more universally appealing predcessor, the 916/996/998 platform. Interesting that now the 999 is impressive on ALL counts.
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Brapbrapbrap
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 11:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

People said the 999 was ugly as is Hayabusa's and many other bikes. They did not question the odds of getting one possessed by the devil.

I wish this type open discussion was not considered negative vs positive and was considered a review of facts. There are many silent readers out there that want to support their country.

I see people here posting they have had no troubles but in the past they posted questions of engine performance or how cool it is that the taillight is under warranty. To many other people those are issues. It's ok to have higher standards? If you demanded quality you would get it. It's not negative to ask for normal performance and to expect no visits to the service department between service intervals. It is 2009.
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Brapbrapbrap
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 11:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

PS, many of those that have reported issues have done sore in a more convincing tine of honesty, than the ones that say the bike is perfect go away troll and yet in past threads listed an issue. YOu lose credibility with inconsistent or hyperbole white washing.

Manufactures do not get credit for fixing problems as much as they do for not having them in the first place. I have not bought a foreign car but I understand Honda makes a reliable product that does not require extra visits.

I still want to buy American, but I don't want to make excuses for the manufacture.
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Madav8tr
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 12:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"They did not question the odds of getting one possessed by the devil."

If they purchased a Ducati they did. I have owned 3 in the past and currently own one and the reliability between them and the Buells I have owned isn't even close.

"I have not bought a foreign car but I understand Honda makes a reliable product that does not require extra visits. "

What do you base this "knowledge" on? My wife recently traded her Accord for a Scion and both have been reliable but both have had issues or recalls dealt with by the dealer.

"I still want to buy American, but I don't want to make excuses for the manufacture."

No you don't, all you want to do is complain about a product that you have no actual experience with. You claim that as soon as Buell fixes the issues that some owners are experiencing you will buy one. Then you claim as soon as the looks meet your expectations of form over function you will buy one. The truth is, you will never buy one and there will always be excuses coming from you on just why that is but it won't be making excuses for the manufacturer that's for sure.
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Brapbrapbrap
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 12:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

This is our last hope for a American Motorcycle. Maybe that is why the emotions run high. I know it saddens me that this is the last chance and heck its American content is kind of low. But Dam I think we need a manufacturing base in this country. I take this serious.

If I did not want one I would not be here.
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Josh_
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 12:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"last hope"? WTF? Polaris quit making bikes? Fischer gave up? Everyone else (fill in your local chopper builder here) has quit making bikes and the country is headed off a cliff?
Or you think Obama is going to outlaw anyone starting a new moto company in the US?
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Teach
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 12:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Gunter

I went to this site, but I do not understand German, could you give us a brief overview of what was in the article.

Thanks,
Jim

Edit: BTW, came across this lovely little side note: http://www.motorradonline.de/test/einzeltests/nach gehakt--buell-nimmt-stellung---motor-aussetzer-bei -buell-1125-cr.328858.htm
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Id073897
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 12:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

and the reliability between them and the Buells I have owned isn't even close.

I'm pretty sure about that.
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Ruprecht
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 12:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

They are just bitching about the effect of the 'noid Teach.
Only interesting thing I found was that Buell themselves had apparently disabled the 'noid on the 1125CR test units for the Berlin release.
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Ruprecht
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 12:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

...course you know if ze Germans had designed the 1125R, it'd still have "unique" looks, it might in fact be more reliable, but it'd cost twice as much, weigh three times as much and come with electronic, self removing tire valve caps (plus a couple of center stands and a flip face helmut).

(Message edited by ruprecht on June 03, 2009)
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Id073897
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 02:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

but it'd cost twice as much

You're obviously not avare, vhat zese krappy bikes kost in Germany and zat spare parts are at least triple the price compared to U.S.
So it would be a good idea NOT to mention prices at all. That's definitely no argument pro Buell.
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Madav8tr
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 02:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"So it would be a good idea NOT to mention prices at all. That's definitely no argument pro Buell."

It is in THIS country.
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Mainstreamer
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 02:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sorry Modav8tr, I should have addressed The Gentleman-Jon.

As for innovations... they are only a small part of the equation for me. I want reliability, a good running motor, comfort, and excellent handling for the intended use of the bike. Bigger, faster, innovative is not what I look for.

"The good news is that BUELL CUSTOMER SERVICE is there to help"

The bad new is that support from BUELL CUSTOMER SERVICE is in such high demand.

"Why are you here."
I've owned 2 Buells in the past and someday may own another. My passion is motorcycling not motorcycles, and I'm awaiting a Buell that will meet my needs. I'm now satisfied with my penis size and what a relief that is!!
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Black9
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 02:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Crap, do you ever stop?you're like a little yappy dog!. Go chase a car on a freeway...its people like you than take up band width and get in the way of REAL owners discussing their bikes and their experiences so OWNERS can benefit from each other...
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Id073897
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 02:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It is in THIS country.

Yeah, we've seen that attitude from Chrysler and GM before ...
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Black9
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 02:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Mainveiner, I'm sure Buell is listening to you and the other whiners, creating the perfect bike just for you...be patient.. it would be a shame if you bought a Honda and "contributed" to their boards!
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Court
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 02:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

>>>>The bad new is that support from BUELL CUSTOMER SERVICE is in such high demand.

You never know it from call volumes or the warranty claims.

Where did you get your "high demand" data?
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Madav8tr
Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 02:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"Yeah, we've seen that attitude from Chrysler"

Was that Daimler Chrysler?
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