| Author | Message | ||
     Howworkclutch |
Hello, I'm not new to motorcycles, but the fastest bike I've ridden was an old gxr and I only took it around the block so the ride was over in about 3 seconds. I've always ridden bar hoppers or metric cruisers. I had a magna in high school. Also rode a chopped cb450. I got out of bikes for a long time and then picked up a sportster in the spring of 08. Its been a year and a half, and 40,000 miles since. I ride a LOT. Any bike would be an improvement over my sportster since its the lowered nightster variant and has about 3/4 inch of suspension travel. There is no protection. Hard lean angles of 32 degrees. I mean, this bike just plain sucks for the kind of riding I do... which is best described using the term "primary transportation". I'm talking to dealers, trying to get a good price on an 08 with tailbag/saddlebags. They're certainly offering good prices. My concern, and this may be completely invalid, is that the 1125R is a bit much for everyday riding. I certainly want more power because of the safety it brings in traffic. I also want protection from the elements as I ride rain or shine no matter what. And a 12 hour day with windblast tends to wear thin now that I'm pushing 40. Suspension compliance is important. I've never owned a bike with tunable suspension so I've no idea what is possible. Can I soften the suspension for longer trips? Does this type of suspension require maintenance? How clean is the engine? The sportster needs its oil changed a lot. HD recomends diesel-rated oil because of the need for detergents. Is the Rotax engine hard on engine lubricants? I like to do my own maintenance and need to know how difficult it is to work on the bike. What kind of fuel economy can I expect when commuting? How about interstate riding? How far on a tank? How is economy when blasting around the mountains? I realize the bike is an excellent value, and this is definitely tipping the sales toward BUY. Its just that I depend heavily on my bike for transportation and I want to make sure I'll be happy with this model. Your comments are greatly appreciated. | ||
| Danxb9r |
Just some quick input but I ride mine about 80 miles round trip to and from work in the summer and its very comfortable to ride. If I was riding it 8 hours a day I could see getting very tired. Best bet is to get out and ride one and see what you think. As far as maintenance I hear they need valve adjustments at regular intervals. | ||
| Ccryder |
29,000+ miles in 20 months, 150 round trip commute each day. Depending on your needs, and what you want to do, will depend if it's right for you. I get 40 mpg during the daily commute. Besides that, you couldn't pry my hands off the bars! Later Neil S. | ||
| Clarkjw |
First, get a 2009 for 6k OTD. Tell them to toss in the Uly pegs and the XB touring seat. Order the double buble windscreen from easyrider or Al at American Sport Bike. The 2008's poor fueling and other woes aren't worth it (ask me how I know). There is a non sponsoring tuner who will make your bike run even better. You can get 48 real world highway. 30 mgp in the city. Unless you're a ham fisted clutz who can't operate a manual transmission, the 1125R isn't too much. Actually, gearing is a bit tall for the road. Torque is predictable through to redline. Change the oil (trans), do a valve check at 12k This suspension will do anything you need, but don't trust the manual. I'd really reccomend you do a novice track day on the bike and see a suspension specialist who can explain the basics to you. I run no preload (click 1) but would never ride with bags. IMO, click 2 or 3 is the farthest anyone should go. I think CCryder has put bags on the 1125R. Talk to him or Zac4mac and you'll be on your way. | ||
| Zac4mac |
Wow lotsa stuff - 1)Suspension adjustment is very broad, early 08s had stiffer springs, in the forks IIRC - if you weigh less than 180 with gear you might want to get an 08 built after March 08 I think. 2)Engine is very clean, 22k and no oil seep anywhere, clutch dribble is another issue tho. Mine will be fixed soon, parts are in. I run Red Line 20w-50 Summer, 10w-40 in Winter, change at regular 6k intervals. 3) Fairly easy to work on, I've done all my own services so far, 22k miles done. Valve adjustment is involved, but not difficult just time consuming. 4) I get 39 mpg avg, on trips I get 200 miles to a tank. When I hit the hills, I get 150 miles to the tank. I ride almost every day in Colorado, heated grips are a NECESSITY. The Tour seat from Buell is a Godsend. Ulysses pegs are also a necessity for my 33" inseam. BUY IT, I love mine. Zack | ||
| Clarkjw |
haha, like I said cc and zac will set you straight! But DONT BUY THE 2008! | ||
| Not_purple_s2 |
After reading your post I'm thinking you'd be really happy with a XB9SX, XB12Ss, or Uly. "Similar" motor to your sportster only with lots more power. Easy as pie to work on yourself, again similar to the sportster so it will be familiar. Plus they get great gas mileage and the XB9SX was literally made for urban riding and commuting. They're a blast to ride on a twisty mountain road and comfortable on the freeway too. | ||
| Jdugger |
Here's my thoughts... I have a slightly different take on it: > Can I soften the suspension for longer trips? The suspension is 3-way adjustable, but why you would want it softened for trips is beyond me. Generally in town is where you want a softer suspension for bumps and lower speed riding. When you get out into the country on a nice ride, you will want the bike firmed up to handle cornering loads and the faster pace. > Does this type of suspension require maintenance? You should change the seals and fork oil periodically (every year or so) for best performance. > Is the Rotax engine hard on engine lubricants? Run a quality synthetic motorcycle oil and change it on schedule. 40,000 miles on my '08, 10k of those are *track* miles! No issues yet. I run HD Syn3, just like the book says. I changed on schedule when the bike was on the street, and now that it's a track bike, I service the bike roughly twice as often just as a precaution. > What kind of fuel economy can I expect when commuting? 30-40 depending on how you ride and the tires you use. Honestly, I think the 1125r is a terrible choice for commuting. It's *sportbike*. Get something with handlebars for commuting where you aren't biased forward so much. A Uly would be a perfect commuter. But, the XB12s series in general is also a better choice in my opinion. I offer this opinion as the owner of THREE, yes THREE 1125r motorcycles. > How about interstate riding? The 1125r shuts the motor off and politely refuses to operate on roads that begin with "I-". Please only operate your motorcycle on decent roads, and avoid slab. Thank you. > How far on a tank? How is economy when blasting around the mountains? Depends on how you ride. I get 28-30 MPG in the twisties, so that's about 150 miles until bone dry. The 1125r has really good range for a full-on sportbike, honestly. The 1125r is a *great* bike. Obviously I feel strongly that way or I wouldn't own three of them. But your questions make me think there are better choices for you. The 1125r is a recreational bike. It would not be my first choice, not even by a long shot, for commuting in traffic. (Message edited by jdugger on October 22, 2009) | ||
| Tbenson |
I too think there are better options for you, CR and ULY seems to be my suggestion. I do not or have not owned a Uly but at times I wish I did, almost bought one, but I just had to have an 1125R! Commuting is not bad, but as others stated, probably not as friendly as the other two mentioned for a daily commuter? 09 or 10 would also be my choice if you choose the 1125R! | ||
| Hellgate |
Uly - The change from cruiser to clip-ons is a big one. Granted the 11 isn't a crazy stupid race position. I don't mind the position at all. I'll third the "don't buy an '08", it's been a painful year...If you want to put the shop time in you can make it a very nice bike, but if you can get an '09 for only a thousand more save yourself the headache and buy the '09. Cheers! | ||
| Daggar |
If it's only 1k more, go with the 09. If it's more, go with the 08. I have an 08 and love it. Best bike ever. Oh, I commute about 80 miles round trip daily. It can be made into a great commuter, or whatever you want it to be. (Message edited by daggar on October 22, 2009) | ||
| Slojon |
Aside from a weeping clutch cover and sore arse from a 700mi. plus day; no problems on MY o8. I see MANY trouble free miles with the 1125R.....commuter, touring, torturing, shall be fabulous. Oh, I'm over 50, and will ride anything with 2 wheels & a motor. Personally considering a 09 in white, but with all my other machines having bit of trouble justifying at the moment. | ||
| Sl33py |
For almost the same reasons i'd LOVE to get an Ulyses! but reality says one new bike at a time...  So i got the 25R! It's doable - get either and you will be happy. For commuting the Uly will be overall better/more comfy. GL! | ||
| Howworkclutch |
Well I pulled the trigger on a new 08. I'm hoping to pick it up this weekend, but may have to wait until next. I really appreciate your comments. Ultimately, it was the $4999 price tag that convinced me to pull the trigger. The XB12XT might be a better bike (for my needs) but I can forgive a lot of misapplication at this price. | ||
| Jdugger |
Enjoy the ride. Hit the canyons or the track soon. That's where the 1125r really shines. | ||
| Ratgin |
Howworkclutch I too had a nightster. Traded it in on a 1125r and rode home 500 miles. My 47 year old ass was never happier as it was light years better then the nightster. For everyday driving in town i will add convertibars but on the highway there is enough lift its not really needed. I put pegs on it so i can move my feet around a little if i want however again they are not needed. The air bubble the R makes is very nice and lets you ride for a long time in comfort. Fuel econ is directly related to your right wrist. I found a tank lasts me a fairly long time while commuting but i might ride slower then some do to working afternoons only ( cold weather , cold tires, 140hp = mind your manners ) I love the bike for both commuting and weekend riding. 1125R is just a great bike but remember she doesn't like to be babied as she is a true sport bike, My wish list Convertibars Buell Tank bag Heated grips Uly pegs (already done) (Message edited by ratgin on October 22, 2009) |
