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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 04, 2009 « Previous Next »

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Brapbrapbrap
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 08:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

+1 Mainsreamer!!


Lets Rock!
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Rfischer
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 08:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

What's up with the Squarehead? What's got his shorts in such a knot? Did Buell have a lawyer contact with him regarding a possible intellectual property trespass issue with his Buell ECU break-in? Hmmmmn..?

Curious minds wonder about all this Teutonic vitriol. As in, what's really behind it.
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01xjbuell
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 09:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I don't post here as much as I read (and reread... and reread) but I think some have hit the nail on the head..... We are simply scaring away potential buyers with this nonsense. I know of two... yes two perspective buyers that I sent here and another Buell forum just to "check out the community" and they both asked about ALL the problems they read about. I must be the minority on here with a PERFECT running bike that hauls arse, pulls hard in every gear, sounds great, and turns heads everywhere it goes. Oh, and my dealership experience? PERFECT! My only complaint about the 1125R is, well... I'm the only one around my area. Every bike night I go to I try to quell the rumors about poor running, shotty fi, hot frame, hot feet, lack of power.... I'm doing my part to increase the knowledge of these amazing bikes. Lets all not forget why we do this to begin with, THE RIDE... that HUGE grin you get every time you dismount your bike after a nice hard ride through the twisties and look back at her and say, damn girl... you gave me a ride this time... I love my 1125R, and have since she was brandy new and stock.

Nick
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Teach
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 09:19 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks Court!


(Message edited by teach on June 04, 2009)

(Message edited by teach on June 04, 2009)
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Black9
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 09:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Crap, your not a "reporter" repeater, maybe, but not a reporter...
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Pariah
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 11:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

To survive Buell needs to capture more market share.

My point is that one does not buy into Buell for entirely rational reasons. There is a spirit to these machines--- call it what you will--- a spirit of innovation. Do you need ZTL brakes and an under-mounted exhaust? Some might argue not, but these inventions sure are cool...

Useless AND DISPROPORTIONATE negative comments are counter-productive, and give the public the erroneous impression that there are serious flaws with these bikes. Yes, this is a sure-fire way to capture more market share.

People like Brap (and Id) come here and spread lying crap on the Internet, and actually hurt the brand that they claim to support (in Id's case, I think he's just angry). I seriously doubt Brap's on the fence because he's not sure about the machine. Maybe he has sour grapes, and wants to piss on the people who own and enjoy their bikes. I don't know, I'm just tired of his pissing.

Does he really think Buell will listen to him? Come on... enough already.

(Message edited by pariah on June 04, 2009)
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Brapbrapbrap
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 11:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Name one lie I have ever told. I have been a Buell evangalst for years. I'm frustrated by how lightly the rollout of the 1125 is taken. The hatred spread by the "true fans" ridiculing people researching here that question issues reported in the press are damaging ownership perception more than the problems themselves.
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Pariah
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 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)

By giving the impression that the problems are bigger than they are, you are effectively lying.

Why don't you collect some data? Here's one piece of critical information for you. It's called a "fraction":

You take the number of dissatisfied customers and then you DIVIDE by the TOTAL number of customers.

You may even multiply by 100 to get a quantity in "percent form"...

What is this number? Do you know what it is? Before you spread your BRAP, you should...

(Message edited by pariah on June 04, 2009)
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Brapbrapbrap
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 12:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sounds like you know. I can only guess. But if we count flash corrections (5) brake recall 5th gear recall bad speedometers upside down mounted sensors taillights etcim going to guess were taking 100%. Now who's the liar? That's just off my head I'm in the car typing in my phone .
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Josh_
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 12:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Geez guys, get a room.

Dissatisfied customers is certainly no where near 100%.

And since my last bike was an 05 FJR1300 with extreme heat issues, several recalls, a motor prone to valve issues and fuelling issues only corrected by Yamaha in subsequent models I'm thrilled with Buell's constant support of existing bikes.

Support of a sold product (aka 08 ECM revisions) is not a "bad" thing.
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Pariah
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 12:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You have to go by whether or not people are actually dissatisfied. Plenty of manufacturers have recalls--- just check out the recall notices in the pages of MCN each month. This is not unique to Buell.

I do not feel dissatisfied with the machine as a result of the issues you cite. On the contrary, I am happy that Buell takes continual steps to improve it (at no cost to the owners). The bad display issue you cite is not common to a majority of customers.

The onus is on you--- since your claims are potentially damaging to the brand and annoying to many enthusiasts here--- to prove your position that the 1125R is a failure.
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Brapbrapbrap
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 01:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

That is not my intent.
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Boltrider
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 01:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Brap - Buell is increasing their market share. I can't find specific numbers that pertain to the 1125, but Harley's annual report shows a 14% increase in Buell bike shipments from 2007 to 2008. That doesn't mean their market share increased 14% since Buell's overall numbers are so small against the big bike makers. But I believe 2008 was a record year for Buell, and you can't ask for more than that.

(Message edited by boltrider on June 04, 2009)
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Elvis
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 01:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Here's some real data from Kneeslider:

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/category/motorcy cle-recalls/

If you look through those recalls (back to June 2007 - just about the time the 1125R was introduced), you'll see that the 1125R had three recalls.

By comparison, the 1098 had 4. The Aprilia only had one - but the Aprilia is obvioulsy a very mature model.

The BMW F-800 had 3 and the R1200 had 2 etc. etc. etc.

I would say - using that REAL data - that the 1125R, while not flawless, seems comparable to other bikes - even those that are more mature and produced in larger numbers by larger companies.

I wouldn't thump my chest and say the quality of the 1125R is beyond reproach, but expectations should be realistic.

This is a completely new design using a completely new engine from a very small manufacturer who has never even made a bike with a radiator before.

From that perspective, I would say that the quality and reliability of the 1125R is better than would be expected for such a bike from such a manufacturer. . . and that quality and reliability will only improve in the coming years.

If somebody's primary requirement in a bike is reliability, I wouldn't expect them to buy a Buell . . . or Ducati . . . or Benelli, but if they want a unique, fun bike that is generally well made the Buell is a great choice.
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Mbsween
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 02:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Elvis,
I think your last statement nails it, if you want a bike that's as reliable as a honda accord (fill in your brand/vehicle to suit tastes), then maybe you ought to buy a honda accord. (yes I realize it is not a bike)

I'm a tuber owner (40k miles and still running strong) and I also own very bulletproof KZ750s. The tuber has had its share of issues. For lack of a better term, I consider it a character of the Buell brand. You are way out of the mainstream, so expect some hiccups or at the very least a different experience.

I love the KZs, but the Buell is the fun bike.

Just my 0.02
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Dave_bogue
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 02:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have been registered on this forum since July 2007, almost two years. I currently own an Suzuki SV1000 and a ZX-10R.

I want to replace my SV1000 with another twin. I like the 1125 concept and read this forum almost daily. I want another V twin sportbike.

After owning many Japanese motorcycles, I am accustomed to basically doing oil changes and tire replacement. The Japanese motorcycles rarely see the selling dealership after purchase because they are very reliable.

A couple of observations from my two years on this forum:

Buell owners are very loyal.

Buell owners are very defensive when the marque is criticized.

Buell owners are tolerant of problems with their motorcycles, including trips to the dealer for warrantee work.

Buell owners are not tolerant of critics of their motorcycles.

A good running 1125 results in a happy and satisfied Buell owner.

BMC is trying to make good on defects of the 1125, is making progress, but some problems still remain.

There are probably numerous guests and also members of the Badweather forum who, like me, are waiting for the 1125 to evolve a bit more into a more refined product before they make the purchase. At this point, the bike still has some issues that need to be resolved. They are discussed every day on this forum.

Best wishes,
Dave
Bradenton Fl
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Brapbrapbrap
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 03:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Very intelligent logical and fair Post Dave.
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Josh_
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 03:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

So you'll buy an 1125R when:
A) Buell stops releasing updates for it
B) Buell releases the 1200RR
C) Brapbrapbrap says its ok

If Buell stops innovating/developing and releases nothing but BoldNewGraphics for next year, that's the model you'll buy?

Just curious. 'course I bought a early 99 S3 (first year for fuel injection) one of the first fuellies sold in St Louis, the first Blast sold in St Louis and the first 1125R sold in St Louis so obviously I'm not much on waiting.
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Carbonbigfoot
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 03:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If you talk to a service manager at any brand of any dealership, most of them don't drive what they work on. Strong bias against, cause all they see is the broken ones!

This is just where we talk about the problems that do exist, or questions about the bike. Earlier, someone said judging the situation by reading this forum is like judging humanity by an ER room!

Well put, and 'nuff said.

R
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Badlionsfan
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 04:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Brap, for the last time--
NO ONE HAS TAIL LIGHT FAILURE ISSUES.

Your constant miss-information just proves your ignorance and isn't doing the brand you claim to love any favors.
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Xl1200r
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 04:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Dave -

Motorcycles are, for the most part, a very passionate item. On top of that, if you're on a discussion board such as this one with any regularity, chances are you are even more passionate than the average owner.

Something else to consider - Buell owners, by an overwhelming majority, decided to purchase a Buell because nothing else would do, despite magazine reports, spec sheets, etc. Most (not all) Japanese sport bike riders, when shopping for a bike (at least their first sport bike), will pick the best performing of the 3 or 4 they're considering, or the best priced, or the best looking, etc. Brand loyalty is not as strong in that situation. Buell owners own Buell because they believe in the company.

Kind of like a girlfriend. Surely, you didn't walk into a room and pick out a girl based on chest size (or any other spec), apprearance, hair color, "cost of ownership", etc, purely. It was a combination of things, and if you're anything like me, there's that *one* thing that makes them extra sepcial, even compared to ANY other woman.

Now imagine I just called your girl a slut. Would you get defensive?

With how small a company Buell is (Suzuki builds something like 10 times more GSX-R1000's in a year than Buell builds all models of bikes combined), how close knit the community is, and the fact that any owner who has even the slightest incling to meet Erik himself can and likely has, it's closer and closer to being a family. Folks get defensive because they almost feel they have a personal stake in the brand. There are reasons why, given all of the other choices out there, they chose an "unreliable, overpriced, underpowered piece of crap".

Plus, some folks just get real tired of hearing the same CRAP over and over again.

Go to a sportster forum and call them girl's bikes and see what kind of reactions you get.
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Doerman
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 04:24 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

+1 on Josh..
I have a first year S1, XB9R and 1125R. I am still quite sane and happy, though. But, that's me. My issues with the 1125R in 18K miles has inconvenienced* me at the dealership for a cumulative total of 6 hours. I guess I must be tolerant or something.

Or maybe I am having loads of fun? I know the answer to that. And the whole point here is that the answer varies from individual to individual.


* I use the time at dealerships engaged in friendly conversation with personnel and customers and find that satisfying. So in my case the time spent translated into pleasure and not inconvenience. You dealer experience may vary.
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Josh_
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 04:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm just wondering about the thought process behind "I'm not buying anything that the company is still enhancing/upgrading/supporting"

When they stop upgrading the 1125R it will be because they've released a new bike. Surely you won't buy a brand new model, but would you want to buy an old one? Did you buy the last of the tubers when the XBs launched? (better yet, are you lusting after the older Kawi Concourse and Yami vMax now that they are redesigned?)

People tend to want the latest and greatest. However "latest and greatest" and "stable and unchanging" aren't exactly compatible.

I like the people who have been waiting to buy a new PC for years, but want the latest processor but don't want to pay the premium, or don't want the old OS but don't trust the new one. There's always something newer, faster, more stable, cooler around the corner and when it gets here there is still something newer, faster, more stable, cooler around the corner.

Riding anything is better then waiting. I see a killer RS for sale in the classified. Don't worry, it doesn't even have an ECM to update!

(Message edited by josh_ on June 04, 2009)
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Clarkjw
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 04:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The bike is perfect. Die if you wanna complain about an American company that works hard! Hard work is all there is to creating a good product!
Hahahhahahah!

Half of the people on this board work for Buell or a Buell dealer. More BS excuses are no surprise.

If people didn't complain on this board, you think we'd have updates? No! The 2008 would still have the metric conversion system fueling. But cheerleaders came on here said their bikes ran fine! With a totally bogus fueling map! The engine was not sorted and still isn't.

The chassis is nearly perfect. The suspension setup has been addressed. The ugly can be remedied for $1000 or $2000 bucks.

The bike isn't perfect. I could never reccomend anyone buy it at MSRP. Between fueling, asthetics, and recalls...it's worth about what it races against - the $9,000 Kawasaki.
}
My bike is in the shop now. Failed starter! May be yet another looming problem for all. But someone will say, 'my bike doesn't need to start cause it looks so fast'

Also waiting for lights and clutch cover.
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Doerman
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 05:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

So, to sum this'n up:
The Rotax product, the engine - no difference in reliability - Buell vs Aprilia applications
- some owners are pleased with their experience
- some owners are not
- some non-owners chime in and incur a 15 yrd penalty for unnecessary roughness
- some dealers suck
- some dealers are stellar
- some people admire and are thankful for after delivery free updates
- some owners (mostly non owners) abhor the idea of post delivery support
- prospective buyers that come here to learn gave up 59,000 posts ago due to exhaustion
- and one more thread has deteriorated into a bs session

It's about par for the course for a thread that goes beyond 50 posts

That about sum it up?
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Hootowl
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 06:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Raise your hand if you work for Buell.

No one? I thought not.

There MIGHT be 20 people that work for dealers that post here, and they all clearly identify themselves as such.
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Teach
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 06:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I am with you Doerman, time for this thread to go away.

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Mainstreamer
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 07:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Dave_bogue, I live just down the road from you in North Port!

I owned a '06 Uly that did all I expected of it and more... More= way to much heat for the warm humid climate in our part of the world. Last week I spent about 1 hour on a 1125CR up in Pensacola, temp was in the low 80's but the heat was still an issue. Like you, I want to love a 1125 but just can't seem to make the connection.

If we hook up at Fuel Cafe in Sarasota I'll buy you the drink of your choice. We old wankers aren't so bad after all.!
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Madav8tr
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 07:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"Like you, I want to love a 1125 but just can't seem to make the connection."

Then why hang out on a forum dedicated to the riders that have made that connection and love the 1125?
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Black
Posted on Thursday, June 04, 2009 - 07:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It is amusing to me, the number of people who come to this site to dis Buell (and Buell owners). I don't understand them, but here is how they look to me. Imagine someone who would sit down beside a stranger and ask, "Is that your daughter?", and when answered in the affirmative, would then begin to tell the man how ugly he thinks the daughter is. Imagine the same person both amazed and indignant when he gets a major thrashing for only exercising his freedom to express his opinion. If you don't like Buell...don't buy one. If you hate Buell, why would you visit a Buell enthusiast site? Get a life. I feel better.......... I'm going for a ride now.
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