| Author | Message | ||
     Rocketsprink |
After 2 dead batteries, clutch weeping, speedo that works intermittently, and an electrical problem that leaves the battery drained, I can't take it anymore. I am as pro-Buell as the next guy, or I wouldn't have been so involved in Home Coming. But after this morning, all geared up and ready to ride, turn the key on and nothing, volt meter reading 5.38V, and NO reason the battery should be drained, I have finally had enough. This bike (08 1125R) is a great bike. Love the engine, the handling, looks, but can't stand the unreliability. This is by far the most problem prone bike I have ever owned, and I've owned many. Ironic that 6 XB's I've owned and my Wife's 2003 9S which we still have, have NEVER given me one problem. Yet I have a Rotax engine that pukes clutch fluid and has all kinds of electrical issues. The bike is going in tomorrow and getting looked at. The clutch repair kit has been ordered and isn't available until 9/30/10. When the bike is fixed, I am getting rid of it. Don't know what I'll get to replace it. IF it's a Buell, it will be an XB. But I don't know if I want another Buell. It's a shame that a bike with such great potential was released before all the issues were worked out of it. But it has soured me to Buell. Don't want a bike I can ride one day, and find dead in my garage the next. That's not to say other makers don't have issues, but this seems to be the running theme with the 1125's and I've had enough. | ||
| Bosh |
Go buy a KTM 990SMT and report back.  Sorry to hear you got a crummy Buell. Mine's been nothing but joy so far. | ||
| Whatever |
Sorry to hear that Rocco... hang in there... had an issue with the M2 yesterday... man did I get pissed... it isn't worth your peace of mind... | ||
| Ducxl |
I have finally had enough. That's unfortunate.Aren't you a racer? I've never had any issues with Buells' really.XB headlights were one that Erik rectified. Now i also have a Ducati ST2 that every ride finds a few seconds a few times that it loses ALL power.Frustrating.But I ain't giving up. Best regards | ||
| Pwnzor |
My XBR was solid as a rock, right up until I hit the 45,000 mile mark. Then it was nothing but electrical gremlins, one right after the other... | ||
| Americanmadexb |
First Dana, and now Rocco! Who's next? Spidy? | ||
| Crusty |
Rocco; I know exactly what you're feeling. It's called the straw that broke the camel's back. With me, that moment came when I was sitting in a rest area on I-80 looking at the dead wheel bearings on my wife's XB. It was one problem too many. I hope you find a bike that fits your needs quickly. I had a hell of a time, as nothing else felt quite as good as a Buell. However, there are lots of really sweet bikes on the market; one of them will be right for you. | ||
| Dynasport |
Sorry to hear about your issues with the 1125. I know all bikes have the potential for problems, but I am not very patient with cars or motorcycles that don't run when they should. Mine has been trouble free and I hope it stays that way, especially since it is so much fun to ride and really seems to be the right bike for me. One thing to think about is finding a new 2010 1125. I think there are still some out there. They should have the bugs the 2008 had worked out. Just a thought. Best of luck to you, whatever you decide. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
I was thinking about a change myself, but I think I'd rather get a second bike that offers a different type of riding experience. I've always liked the triumph modern classics, and think that having the 1125r for more spirited rides and a bonneville for putzing around on would be the ideal situation for me. I'm realizing that there isn't a single bike that does everything I like to do. | ||
| Kyrocket |
I'm with Pwnzor and Badlionsfan, I couldn't brag on my X1 enough until it hit 24K then all Hell broke loose. It's on stands right now partially tore down...AND I went and test rode a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 yesterday. It's coming home as soon as the owner gets the title back. A long hauler and a corner carver, I'm living the life of Riley.  | ||
| Rocketsprink |
The fact of the matter is I know the issues can be resolved. The bike has a warrant till 10/2011. I, however, can no longer trust the bike. It will always be in the back of my mind that if I go for a ride" will this thing be able to make it?" That is unacceptable to me. Some choose to live/deal with it. I have chosen not to. I am considering looking for a newer 12R. I will have all the problems taken care of and make a decision then. I truly belive Buell was not given enough time and control by HD and was forced to release a bike they knew had issues. Erik has already stated that the side mount rads were HD doing. God know what else they made him change | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
Yeah, it's ironic that the only Buell (out of four) that has given me no trouble I had to let go. H-D will not get another penny out of me, and therefore I could not keep the XB even though the bike had been problem-free. As the truth has been revealed about the H-D/Buell relationship since 15 Oct '09, I find it unconscionable to be associated with any H-D product. And now I find myself witnessing the miserable way they are handling Buell parts and warranty... I know I made the right decision. The only Buell motorcycles in my future will be "H-D Free" (post-MoCo) offerings- and I look forward to being the proud owner of one. | ||
| Spiderman |
Since it is an untrustworthy bike, I'll give you 500 for it... | ||
| Danger_dave |
$550. | ||
| 2kx1 |
Ducxl what year is your ST2. I have a 98 which is the worst year for them and have fixed all issues . They are fantastic bikes. | ||
| Jramsey |
>>dead wheel bearings on my wife's XB... If a maintenance item such as wheel bearings makes you sell a vehicle then you should go back to walking. | ||
| Rocketsprink |
I believe he said the last straw, meaning there were many more leading up to the bearing problem. Is it a maintenance item when it take a shit with a few thousand miles on it? Bearing aren't meant to last longer? I have come to realize that the bike has the instrument cluster that drains the battery due to some software glitch. Seems odd that it waited a year to act up. If the problems can be fixed, I will keep the bike. But if it continues, goodbye. | ||
| Ducxl |
I hope your 1125r can be properly sorted out.We've all heard the horrors Erik endured to bring this machine to market.Still a fine bike. To "2k1" see my profile | ||
| Smoke |
turn it off with the kill switch every time and then the key switch. it works for me after killing the battery a couple of times. of course i bought a new battery as well for peace of mind. going on 2 years since the last time the battery died. the new type cluster is also supposed to not drain the battery. best luck Rocco! tim | ||
| Doerman |
I have come to realize that the bike has the instrument cluster that drains the battery due to some software glitch. Seems odd that it waited a year to act up. If the problems can be fixed, I will keep the bike. But if it continues, goodbye Using the kill switch before turning of the ignition prevents the quiescent battery drain in IC software versions prior to 5.4. | ||
| Dennis_c |
My best offer $673.95 | ||
| Crusty |
Jramsey; if I detailed all the things that have gone wrong with all my Buells, I would easily double the length of this thread. I have put almost a quarter of a million miles on my Buells in the past twelve years, and remained intensely loyal in spite of numerous problems and breakdowns. For Chrissakes, I have a Pegasus tattooed on my bicep. However, there comes a point where some stupid little thing tips the scales. In my case, it was my wife's bike having a wheel bearing take a dump. I got tired of always having the thought in the back of my head asking if the bike would make it this trip. I want a bike that I can ride to Oregon for dinner without worry. I no longer had that feeling with Buells. I still like Buells; my XT is sitting in the garage, and my wife and I made up 500 key fobs to give away at Homecoming. However, I can very easily understand the frustration and disappointment that Rocco expressed in his first post. | ||
| Bads1 |
I knew this has been in Rocco's mind a bit. However,myself I was ready for a change is all. Loved my Buell and it showed in my bikes condition. The 1125R just doesn't interest me enough to be chained to it in any way. If Erik does something in the future I'll be there. I think Rocco is maybe getting closer to feeling the same. Rocco do you ever answer the phone???lol | ||
| Badlionsfan |
Ky, I can't do the full on cruiser, but I know what you're goin for. I want more of a standard, but with a classic/retro look. I think the triumph modern classics will do what I want, pending a demo ride of course. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Re-posted in the 1125r section. How much sympathy do ya need man? | ||
| Rocketsprink |
Stuff it jack@ss. The point is people I know don't always read all the different topics. It's also a good way to fish for ideas and possible solutions. Kindly keep your moronic comments to yourself. Nothing constructive to add? Don't waste your time typing and my time reading. | ||
| Doug_s |
badlionsfan, triumphs are ok, but you want a ducati gt1000.    there is a reason eric buell needs to continue making air-cooled bikes, even if they are not powered w/h-d engines... doug s. | ||
| Gunut75 |
I like the Triumph Thruxton.  I like that Duc too..... | ||
| Kyrocket |
Triumph is my bike of choice, a Rocket III is what I really want but I can get the Vulcan for half the price. Of course it's another full on cruiser which at this point in my life I think I'll enjoy. When I bought the Buell I was 11 years younger with no children, I think they'll be more comfortable with more seat. The Buell will stay in the family for the foreseeable future. The times they are a changin'. | ||
| Bcordb3 |
The Buell and I are parting ways..................….. There is not a bike made that doesn't have problems, all problems can be fixed by the right tech whom ever that may be. Sell the Buell and take a beating and by something else and suffer the depreciation again. Good luck. |
