| Author | Message | ||
     Rightpecial |
Hey guys I don't mean to insult anyone by asking such a vague question, but I simply don't have time to do all the research I would normally do on my own. Basically, I have been the proud owner of a XB12x for a couple of years now...pretty sure it is the best all around, do it all, bike ever invented. The problem is the bike is in storage a state away and I am home on leave from the military...and really want to ride while I have the chance. I have some disposable income and have found myself eyeing the 1125CR and Triumph Street Triple. Now I have been a long time Buell fan so naturally I want the CR, but I do remember many many months ago reading about a lot of electrical/clutch issues and that seems to put the triple in the mix. So, to the question: Have you guys found real world fixes for this bikes issues? I consider this more important than normal since I don't trust HD and Buell proper is no more. Thanks. | ||
| Mountainstorm |
Seems like the 2009 model year is trouble RE stator and charging. Unless you want to gamble go for the 2010 (if you can find one). I don't see threads on that model year nearly as often. | ||
| Froggy |
There are fixes for every potential issue. Regarding the 2010, the reason you don't see them mentioned ever is because only like 100 were built. | ||
| Budgolf |
The issues arent with the bikes themselves, the issue is the lack of service for them anymore. Depending on where you are, and what kind of HD dealers are around, yeah an 09 might be a headache for you. But then if Ray Price HD is right down the street, you'll be ok. All models have their problems, but with us, we're on our own for the most part. | ||
| Rogue_biker |
I was in a similar position late last year. I had the serious lust for the Speed Triple and was ready to upgrade from my ’06 XB12R. I wanted the 1125R but was really worried about its reliability. I would have bought a 2010/2011 1125R if H-D hadn’t pulled the plug. I’m sure I would have gotten the Barracuda but……that’s an alternate reality now. I ended up with a 2008 1125R that used to belong to a good friend. At first I was extremely hesitant given the issues the ‘08’s have, both recalls and warranty. Luckily, it was my friend who did most of the “leg work” for me, as he spent the time and money getting all the recalls done and warranty work done on all known issues, on top of paying for other items when the warranty ran out on the bike. That spared me the headache of doing all that myself, especially since my local H-D/Buell dealer at the time were one of the worst in the area. I do love the ‘08’s color scheme (black plastic/diamond blue frame & wheels). I’m also thankful that ‘08’s do NOT have the stator issue that ‘09’s have, which does NOT currently have a known solution. Would I do it again? Under the same circumstances, yes I would. However, if I had to shoulder the burden of fixing all the known/common issues back when I bought it, no I would not unless I got the bike at a bargain price and had plenty of time to wrench and fix things myself. Knowing what I know now, and having the time, patience, and $$ to fix everything myself, I would not hesitate to buy a 2008 because I do love this bike and I believe in Buell. If I had no garage space, limited tools, patience, and $$, I would buy some other bike with a warranty and existing dealer network. Today’s crop of street fighter style bikes like the new Honda CB1000, Kawasaki Z1000, and the upcoming Aprilia Tuono V4R, are simply so good that’s it’s hard to ignore them. Aprilia is even having a fire sale of sorts on the current V-twin Tuono’s to make room for the new V4 Tuono’s. | ||
| Guambra2001 |
Rightpecial Honestly, The CR is one of the best bikes i've ever had. So much character and ease of maintenance (for the most part). Right now there is no definitive solution to the electrical issues we have, but there are some fixes: 1. 08 setup ( very expensive about 1k plus) 2. Compu fire VR and Custom rewind ( a couple of known failures but they are working on it, also about $400 all together) But the speed triple is an awesome machine, and there isn't that many issues with them that i'm aware of. But good luck with your choice. | ||
| Jules |
Speed triples have their issues too - they use almost the same VR as the 1125 and the stator has been known to fail too.. The ignition lock is the same as on the 1125, the solder fails on that - the same as it does on ours (too tight a cable run causing stress). Per capita - the Triumph is more reliable and it's a great bike too. It's also more common than the 1125 so you'll see more of them - personally I prefer the exclusivity of the Buell. I have a couple of friends with Speed Triples, they are fun, but my 1125R can walk away from them on spirited rides and is just so rare that I hardly ever see another one at the bike shows we go to. BTW - the 2010 model has the same issues as the 09 but as was mentioned previously only ~100 were made that's why they don't get much of a look in on here. I have a rewound stator in mine and although it's early days that is holding up nicely. I also have the 08 setup waiting custom's clearance as I bought it off eBay. When that arrives I'll be confident that the 1125 will be reliable. Especially as Erik Buell Racing have brought out a new clutch kit! | ||
| Whippetlovr |
I love my bike, I really do. But, if I had known then what I know now, having just spent 6 weeks without her due to a faulty stator which I know will fail again, would I do it again? No. | ||
| Fio835 |
@Budgolf How is Ray Price HD? Buell Friendly? | ||
| Oyrider |
If it matters... the original post mentions a 'Street Triple', which is the 675 engine. If its the R model, with the upgraded suspension, its rated highly by the media. | ||
| Rt_performance |
been eyeing Triumphs since my 1125 let me down twice in the same trip 700 miles from home. 675 is a nice ridding bike i want a daytona. Power good and really smooth just doesn't have the arm torn from socket torque of the 1125's Personally the stators unknow longevity repair short of the 700 dollar 08 set up. Drive belts and clutch leaks are exceptable.(broke belt 15k have yet to have a clutch leak.But looks like Erik Buell Racing has a good well thought fix.) | ||
| Jdugger |
Belt Break: Still cheaper than the typical service intervals of a chain set-up. I'm sold on the belt for street. I think it's a shame no other street/sport bike will consider the set-up. I've run it for racing/track for a while now, and it's even worked dependably there, with some issues related to wheel/bearing life on the drive-line side because of the tension. Still... it's a pretty neat final drive solution, and for most riders, will offer easier care at a comparable cost profile. | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
How is Ray Price HD? Buell Friendly?" Very. | ||
| Bott |
I have '10 motor in my '09....stator troubles. E BR ecm , bypassed the "fix harness" and problem solved. Just saying-the '10s are NOT exempt from charging issues... | ||
| Budgolf |
Ray Price is awesome. Really understood the sportbike market, had a huge Buell display along with a ton of swag. Even sponsored an east coast Buell CCS race team. As soon as Buell was shuttered, the switched to Triumph. Now they have a huge Triumph display, along with all the swag. They know the deal, and the few times I've had my bike up there, the conversation with the sales staff and techs always turns to how HD screwed not just Erik, but all of us. One of the few places that I wish I could send money their way. Not a dime as long as I can get what I need from Erik Buell Racing tho | ||
| Mtch |
on my 2010 CR i had clutch fluid loss at 2700 miles. (not a weep, but the fluid 'disappeared', although it doesn't contaminate the engine oil. the harness update was done in march this year.the first harness failed after 200 miles. a new one was fitted a few days later and so far no problem. |
