| Author | Message | ||
     Lemonchili_x1 |
I finally took an 1125R demo for a ride on Saturday and while I was mighty impressed, it didn't scream take me home like I thought it would... I also rode an '09 XB12R and I think I preferred it over the 1125R. The demo rides were only short, about 15 minutes each, but what got me about the 1125R in particular was how quiet it was. It did everything really well, but it didn't seem to have a definitive character jumping out of it. You open it up and it just gets on with it, with lots of mechanical werring and pumping noises. The XB was better, it has a bit of throaty rumble to it. By comparison I jumped on the X1 to go home and it shakes and rumbles and roars, and it seems to have more "grunt" just off idle, it seems to say "Come on, let's GO!". Anybody else had similar thoughts? Maybe I need to take the 1125 for a longer ride? Or ride one with an aftermarket exhaust? Or maybe I just like air-cooled motors that don't have a perfectly linear power delivery? | ||
| Froggy |
When I get a 1125, my first mod is to remove the counterweights in the engine, I want it to shake! | ||
| Eaton_corners |
There's a lot to be said about "character". My 1125 is so smooth and easy to ride. Yet for some reason I can't resist a ride on my old Shovelhead. | ||
| Eaton_corners |
By the way I have also owned a tuber and an XB. The cool thing is they are all unique. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
Apparently I need an S-1, that bike is pure hooligan and according to Erik, a bike that you can ride anywhere, even into a field if you wanted to .... MMMM Mud. | ||
| Lemonchili_x1 |
I'd have to agree that even on my short ride the 1125 was very easy to ride, and it definitely wasn't bland... but something seemed missing, that grin factor. Maybe a longer ride would reveal more of the 1125's character? Or maybe it's because I was expecting a lot of the 1125? (And I'm still itching for a ride on a CR) My best example of "character" is the VTR1000F vs. TL1000S, two fairly similar bikes on paper, but totally different in character - I found the Honda bland and boring, and I loved the TL, it had a real hooligan streak. There was a kick in the midrange that gave me that grin  , which they then went and tamed in the SV1000  . Mmmmm, I've never ridden an S1, but I'm guessing it has the factor. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
A supervised ride is no way to get the "character" from an 1125r. I traded my cityX for an 1125r about two months ago and I haven't missed the cityX at all, even tho I loved that bike. The 1125r does everything the cityX did and more. | ||
| Xl1200r |
When the dealer first started an 1125 for me in the showroom almost a year ago, I couldn't get over how LOUD it was. I think stock 1125 makes more noise than a stock XB. The 1125 is far smoother than an XB, but by no means smooth. When you get on it, she'll roar for you. I'm actually HAPPY with a stock exhaust for once! I've owned both an XB and now this 1125. Sure, the XB was a bit more raw and just had that "sound", but I haven't missed my Firebolt for a second since getting this bike. However, if it doesn't speak to you, then don't spend your money on it. Bikes are emotional purchases, and you should only own the one that tugs you the most. | ||
| Lemonchili_x1 |
It sounds like it takes a little while to get acquainted. My local dealer used to encourage people to come in during the week (rather than the weekend) so he could take you on a decent test ride loop (about an hour or so). Hopefully he still does the same thing and I'll see if I can do that with the CR when they get here. However, if it doesn't speak to you, then don't spend your money on it. Bikes are emotional purchases, and you should only own the one that tugs you the most. Couldn't agree more. The X1 was like that, it won't be sold even if I buy another bike, I like it too much! I guess it's that I want to like the 1125R and 1125CR. | ||
| Thumper74 |
When my XB found me I was tired after looking at Triumphs, Harleys, Ducatis, metrics, etc for weeks. Everything seemed too sanitary, too smooth, too refined. I really hadn't considered a Buell, though I was a fan. I was wandering through the warehouse of the oldest Harley dealer in the country. I've always loved the looks of Buells but it never entered into the equation until I fired up the bike in the warehouse. "When first sitting on an air-cooled Buell at idle, it seems that folks experience one of two reactions, either they feel revulsion at the raucous almost rabid shaking, or they feel kindred appreciation even affection, like that of a tough old cowboy for an unbroken stallion yearning to run free."-Blake | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
It's the difference between an LS460 and a 69 Chevy Nova SS. Both have their charms. The Nova is raw, unrefined, and brutish. The LS is nothing but refinement and luxury. Both are fantastic for what you want. Tubers are the nasty dirty tramp ex-girlfriend from high school who still gives you a run from time to time. You can't really take her out to the big dance, though. | ||
| Bikertrash05 |
Since I recently got a S1 after getting accustomed to XBs, here is my take: The S1 is a raw hot rod with no apologies. Stiff clutch pull, loose shifting, analog everything, but damn is she fun! The XB is a refined hot rod. I like Corvette analogies; the S1 is a '67 Tri-power, and the XB is a new Z06. | ||
| Lemonchili_x1 |
Hmmm... I own an X1, plus I have a 1970 Valiant Hardtop, and I sold my 2002 Ford ute (pickup) so I could buy a 1973 Ford F100... Maybe there's a trend there  | ||
| Jlnance |
Anybody else had similar thoughts? Yes. I rode an 1125r at VIR when they first came out. I was seriously toying with the idea of trading the Uly in on one at the time. When I left, I knew I was keeping the Uly. That's nothing against the 1125, it is a great bike. It corners worlds better than a Uly, it goes faster. It's not a Uly though, and for me the Uly is a better bike. | ||
| Bill0351 |
I just spent my first weekend with my new GSXR1000. I know it's not an 1125R but riding it back to back with my Cyclone gives a great taste of the character of two totally different performance motorcycles. The GSXR is a whole new world of power and polish. All weekend I took corners at speeds way over what I would have felt comfortable doing on the Buell, and the speed the bike is capable of on the straights is just plain goofy. In some ways it just plain embarrasses the Cylone, but in others, the Cyclone is the clear winner for me. I love the Sportster based mill and the way it makes the bike feel like some sort of hot-rod. I also like the feeling of going up through the gears and shifting just short of redline. If you try that on the GSXR, you will be at 140 before you know what happened. The Cylone has it all over the GSXR when it comes to character. That, and tube framed Buells have to be some of the most beautiful motorcycles ever built, and the GSXR looks pretty much like any other sport bike. My goal for next summer is to ride the GSXR, the Cyclone (assuming I still own it) and an 1125R all in the same day. Bill | ||
| Edgydrifter |
90% of the time, the Uly is the better-fitting bike for what I need to do: commuting, errands, touring, etc. For that 10% of the time, though, when I absolutely MUST knife through traffic at *ahem* a good clip laughing in my helmet like a maniac, there is no substitute for the 1125. Which bike is "best" for you probably depends on your particular practicality/passion ratio. | ||
| Lemonchili_x1 |
Cool, I'm not the only one. I guess the character of the 1125 motor just isn't grabbing me like the air-cooled motors do. "The S1 is a raw hot rod with no apologies. Stiff clutch pull, loose shifting, analog everything, but damn is she fun! The XB is a refined hot rod." "In some ways it just plain embarrasses the Cylone, but in others, the Cyclone is the clear winner for me. I love the Sportster based mill and the way it makes the bike feel like some sort of hot-rod." Hot rod analogies seem to be the perfect way to describe tubers (well, hot rods that go 'round cornerswould be more accurate )... I wonder if a CR with a pipe and a few mods could get some of that hot rod feeling back? I guess we'll see over the next year or two as owners start playing with them  . | ||
| Lemonchili_x1 |
PS I saw the XR1200 at the Morgan & Wacker open day (see Oz thread)... I might have to check one of those out... It has definite hot rod potential | ||
| Buellfighter |
Worked at a Suzuki/Harley Davidson shop for six years and have ridden plenty of smoother faster rides...but none badder than the S1! | ||
| Imonabuss |
IMHO, the differences are mainly due to the ever-crushing government regulations. The X1 had a much smaller airbox and muffler, and most of them have been modified by now. An 1125 with an open airbox and pipe would probably bring back the character you mean, and then some. I need such a bike. Now! | ||
| Dynasport |
Well, I haven't owned any of these bikes, but I did the little test ride thing at Biketoberfest this past weekend. I rode the XB12R, the 1125r, the XB12XT, and the XB12Ss. My take, I love the 1125r. I agree that it may not have the "character" of the other bikes, but is seemed like a better bike to me. I am used to riding a cruiser with a very upright sitting position, but I liked the leaned over feel. I am not sure how long my body could take it though. After riding the Firebolt and the 1125r, the XT felt like a sofa. It was much more comfortable, and in many ways much more practical for me. The truth is though, I'd rather keep my FXDX for when I want more practical or a more upright ride, and have the 1125r for the rest of the time. Also, the heat on the XT was by far the worst of all the bikes. They must have really done a job on the 1125 because I didn't notice any heat at all. The XT on the other hand felt like riding a BBQ. | ||
| Skinstains |
Just my opinion.... Tuber = Sportster (motor anyway) XB = smart, soul, and shenanigans, and soul 1125 = selling out Just one misfits opinions boys and girls be nice. | ||
| Xb9ser |
Haveing never rode a tuber or 1125 . after reading alot of post. It seams the X1 is a mid to late sixtys 427 vett raw hp and stare me down pose. An xb which I have is a late 80s early 90s vett does every thing well. 1125 is so well refined it sort of takes the fun out.Like a new vett. Way faster but just not the same.Not knocking anyone. Just my thoughts | ||
| Imonabuss |
So raw it up a little. To me bad means fast, and the 1125 has it all over the old ones. All it needs is stuff like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HF-5VE7ATFY | ||
| Jon |
The "raw" factor, or "rude" factor for me is a draw. The X1 has that hands down. It's not to be compared with the new 1125 or even the XB's. JT&S gave me the 1250 kit and it is a sight ruder yet. X1 is what it is. A non-poser rude bike. Would I like a newer Buell? Yes. My wife publicly gave me the go ahead at our last American Sport Bike Night meeting. I said PUBLICLY, as in front of 28 witnesses. That means an 08 Uly or a TT. Being an enthusiast means never having to say, "which one?" or "eeny, meeny, miney, mo..." | ||
| Smoke |
my s1's and s2 will not be sold but i have mostly ridden the 1125r this year since picked up in december. although not recommended, i have been putting the miles on it as a sport tour, the most recent being a 500 mile run to birmingham saturday to watch the ahrma racing and then back 500 on sunday evening. both ways i stayed about in the 5200-6000rpm range in 6th for the majority of the trip using additional acceleration as necessary. got 2 iron butt certificates with her last july for the trips up and back to the 25th homecoming. done a few track days with her too until i finished fixing a wrecked 1125r i picked up from medic52 in tulsa to ensure that the street 1125r doesn't go down at the track. once you spend some time with the 1125, you will find that it has a lot of character- fast, smooth and aggressive and runs all day at 1/2 throttle(5200rpm in 6th=85mph) i like the stock exhaust (quiet)noise although i am considering boring the exhaust tips on the track bike to check out the difference. if you get a chance to demo the 1125 on an inside pass track day you might get hooked. YMMV tim | ||
| Slaughter |
I have a tuber, a couple XBs... a couple dirtbikes. The only reason an 1125R isn't in the garage is the racing budget is eating me alive (I shoulda NEVER ridden an 1125R at Inside Pass last year!) - there WILL be one in the garage too within a year-ish time. Brunette, blonde, redhead... which is better? | ||
| Spiderman |
All it needs is stuff like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HF-5VE7ATFY Imona, I thought you didn't like loud pipes? | ||
| Spiderman |
1125 = selling out And Chevy really sold out when the switched from points to solid state...  | ||
| Greenlantern |
Hey, if you have to "jump the shark", better to have 146 ponies under your butt!  |
