| Author | Message | ||
     Rick_a |
I love the looks. With a lower fairing they are sexy as hell. It's got all the virtues I like about Buell plus some serious balls...however, I don't have a need for such a bike. My next bike will be a high output single. Unless that happens from Buell, the 'ol S1 will remain my favorite and only Buell. | ||
| Spectrum |
Bob I've been tracking the bad web data on 1125R's. There have been 209 1125R owners posted here and only 3 that had serious issues. The biggest issue (percent wise) by far has been drained batteries. While dead batteries are an annoyance most of us who have had this issue consider it minor. Of those resolved there have been varying sources indicating it isn't a pervasive quality issue. For example the source on the problems have been tracked back to: a few bad VR's, a few bad Stators, a few bad batteries and a few with grounding problems, etc. Again indicating no single pervasive problem. I'm one of those that had a drained battery issue and I consider mine resolved. | ||
| Jerseyguy |
See my post (if you haven't already). http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290 431/368144.html?1213334676 | ||
| Doerman |
...a few bad Stators, a few bad batteries and a few with grounding problems, etc. Again indicating no single pervasive problem. Let me add to that a perception I have. 1) 1125Rs have gone out the dealership door with batteries that were not fully charged up and that causes problem since many owners initially just do short stint trips and the battery got depleted 2) the re-flash procedure is done with the ignition on and I have seen recently owners reporting dead batteries after reflash. Dealers should have put it in the charger while doing the reflash The 1125R lights/ODIS/ECU/fans have a significant draw and when the alternator is not spinning, the battery gets drained very quickly. 3)Improper use of trickle charger. A trickle charger is for maintaining a charge that is reasonably well up there. You would need a charger to bring a drained battery up to full charge (DAMHIK). The above is based solely on personal experience and observations and must be taken for what it is.. my opinion. | ||
| Brad1445 |
Spectrum Posted on Friday, June 13, 2008 - 08:38 am: Bob I've been tracking the bad web data on 1125R's. There have been 209 1125R owners posted here and only 3 that had serious issues. Some people would consider what I guess you have categorized as less than serious issues as important. I know I would not be happy if my brand new bike - Stalled and stumbled - Boiled Gas - Vents fuel on the bike itself - Ate the battery, even once on the road - Ran worse after you took the trouble to bring it in for service. - Bara sensor requires my attention. All those issues are small when your in love but their are a lot of people waiting that will put money on one of these when few MAJOR problems becomes, No problems. I know when I have had bike trouble in the past I would be upset as people minimize the issue. Call me a troll or negative but I have received enough emails from people here afraid to post they are also waiting for version 2.0 but are afraid to post their opinions here.} | ||
| Spectrum |
Brad your a Troll  Just kidding! Absolutely if you're having any of these problems it's frustrating especially if it is taking time or not getting resolved. I was extremely frustrated when I had my battrey issue and BMC didn't seem to have a fix. The point is these are fairly minor issues and occur on a low percentage somewhat random basis from what I've been tracking. I'm not trying to say these teething issues are unimportant or down playing any individual's problems. I'm just trying to point out that the data just doesn't support any claims of "Serious Quality Issues". (Message edited by spectrum on June 13, 2008) | ||
| Big_dog |
Of course people will have different opinions on what's serious or not. I know that my bike runs great 99% of the time and that 1% that it stumbles is upsetting and I want it fixed!! However, it still doesn't take away from the pure enjoyment I have when riding my bike through the twisties and leaving most of those other sport bikes behind. I think people are posting what's wrong here on this blog to find anyone that has reached resolution to their problem so they too can get their's fixed. My recommendation for those that want one and are waiting for version 2.0. DON"T WAIT!! Electronics today can be fixed with a reflash or a whole new box; the 99% they missed they can't get back. | ||
| Brad1445 |
I might add that the threshold from nuisance to problem may be higher here as we have so many industry people and engineers here. I'm unfortunately held hostage to to the service departments if attention is needed. | ||
| Doerman |
I've had more issues with my 1125R than I have had with my XB9R (you can't get less than 0 issues - just turned over 20K miles this morning on the XB). But I had more issues with my BMW R1100S than either of them. I am VERY happy with my decision to replace the BMW with the 1125R - both from a performance and reliability perspective. | ||
| Jpfive |
I've joined and participated in a numerous, brand specific, motorcycle forums, either because I was interested in purchasing a bike, or because I was an owner. This goes back to my Compuserve days, back in the days of 300 baud modems. I am searching my memory here, but I can't remember the 'no problems' bike that Brad expects the 1125 to be. This forum is not the first place where I have heard of boiling gas, heat management, EFI mapping, batteries going dead, weak charging systems, fit and finish complaints, etc. Some common complaints that I haven't seen here yet...water pump failures, coolant leaks, defective rings, oil consumption/smoking and probably some others. The perfect bike is a myth. Jack | ||
| Brad1445 |
I have had zero issues with the majority of my bikes. Nothing more than maintenance. That goes with three of the 5 Buells i have owned. It is possible, I promise. | ||
| Badlionsfan |
My recommendation for those that want one and are waiting for version 2.0. DON"T WAIT!! Electronics today can be fixed with a reflash or a whole new box; the 99% they missed they can't get back. That's true, but down time sux! Here in northeast ohio we've got about 6 or 7 months of riding season, and I'd hate missing time due to the new bike I just dropped $12k is at or needs to go to the dealer. If I didn't work as many hours and had a dealer closer to me it might be different, but it is what it is. The perfect bike is a myth. My CityX disagrees with you. I bought her used last spring and have 0 issues. Of course I'm going to now, but she's been rock solid. | ||
| Zac4mac |
In the last week, Loretta has learned she's not on the coast. She's running so smooth, I rode into my neighborhood today, CT@183˚F, and idled in 2nd sitting up hands free thru the turns and speed bumps at 13 mph. At least for the time being, I have the perfect motorcycle. Z | ||
| Surveyor |
I haven't been around since I started this thread so I was more than a little surprised to see the response. First off I am in Ireland and I am the first to test ride the 1125r here. I've been looking forward to the 1125r for 18months now and I was not disappointed with the bike other than with its shocking aesthetics. The bike was beautiful to ride but all the reports of technical problems are really unnerving. I'm definately going to wait for the Mk.2 version now. A couple of points of clarification; I am not a troll (whatever that is) Beauty is not in the eye of the beholder - beauty exists whether you can appreciate it or not - just because you think a 916r is ugly doesn't make the most beautiful bike ever made ugly. I'm afraid ugliness also exists and the 1125r is it. I'm really looking forward to the next version of the 1125 which hopefully will be love-at-first sight just like it was with my Firebolt. In the meantime I'll satisfy myself with owning the corners if not the straights. Thanks for all the interest.....watch this space. | ||
| Jpfive |
"..beauty exists whether you can appreciate it or not..." I'm sorry that you can't, but some of us are able to appreciate the beauty that is in the 1125. I had to have one from the first time I laid eyes on it. I think I was right with my first post of this thread, Surveyor...but glad to have you back aboard nonetheless...  Jack | ||
| Alans |
I always try to keep in mind a few things: I don't have the 'official' say on what is boring, ugly, cheap, stupid, [insert adjective here]. Just because I make a statement doesn't make it so. I am entitled to my opinion. Sometimes it's fun to 'tweak' someone's ear, or to give someone a 'wedgie', etc. The difference between administering a 'wedgie' to a friend, or the drunken [insert physical trade here] stranger in a bar is the difference between a good laugh, and waking up on your ass. Sitting behind my keyboard, typing into the ether, I am physically the most formidable man on the face of the earth. | ||
| Slypiranna |
Rick_a, Your waiting might just prove to be REALLY worth it all come Buell's 09 release! Keep with that mindset...as we all are close to being enlightened to what is already done. | ||
| Madav8tr |
I learned a loooong time ago that if you always wait for the better product or the updated bike you will always be waiting. I plan on buying an 1125 as soon as I sell my latest project and I won't worry about the next best thing. This is the NOW for a lot of long suffering Buellers. | ||
| Brad1445 |
I too never worry about waiting for the next better model. I often buy the first model release of most things. But in this case I think the bikes looks did imply a job not finished or rushed. That is not to take away from the people that enjoy their 2008 1125. But, I think it will become obvious when the next 1125 is released and you park them side by side that waiting in this case may have some advantages. | ||
| Mustangturbo |
I couldn't sleep at night because I wanted this bike so badly... I talked about it so much my wife begged me to go get one so that I would stop bugging her with random tidbits of tech specs. I watched every video available on it 10 times! I've read every article on it several times over! I wanted it from day one! It is Beautiful! Everything on the bike is purpose driven, it isn't like the Suzuki I used to own. That had plastic on it just for the sake of plastic... The fit and finish was no where near that of the buell. The 1125R says purpose built all over it! It has it's quirks, but my brand new 2006 Gixxer had it's hic-ups from the day that I bought it! It spent 3 weeks at the dealer because of a Fuel Injector light that kept popping up. They never fixed the problem. At times the front end would clunk under hard braking. The funny thing is, it wasn't just limited to my bike... My brother bought his at the same time I did and had exactly the same problems! Every new model has it's bumps, I know that Buell cares enough to do all they can to smooth everything out. This bike makes me smile every time I look at it! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
I'm waiting for the Buell "Shiver":  I want a smaller, lighter displacement naked. | ||
| Madav8tr |
Brad, you may be right but Buell isn't known for making major changes to a new model the following year. I could be wrong and the "new" 1125 could be fully faired or whatever but I bet it at least looks very similar to the 1125 as it is now. If it is radically different, then that would be another advantage to having this years bike. That's my main reason I want a Buell anyway, exclusivity. Hell, it's hard enough to find one at a dealer so they should be rarer than hens teeth on the street. As for them releasing a naked, I hope they do. I won't buy one but there are tons of folks out there that would. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Just about a year ago, without having ridden the 1125R, I posted the following Ten Reasons why I would not be buying one. Since that time, I have ridden the bike on the track at Pocono, and on the road at March Badness V, and I must say, I have not changed my mind much, even though the bikes are readily available now. Here is my list. 1. There aren’t any available right now. 2. My current bike suits me just fine: it has over 50 modifications. 3. I believe that my bike will probably handle as well as a stock 1125R , because I weigh 235# in full gear and have modified the bike as follows: a. Ohlins forks/heavy spring b. Ohlins rear shock/heavy spring c. Ohlins steering damper d. Longer wheelbase. e. chain drive ( Note: having ridden it, I think 1125R does indeed handle better than a stock XB, but so does mine) In otherwords, my setup is more like the XBRR than the 1125R is. 4. My current bike is paid for. 5. I know how to fix it. 6. It doesn’t need much fixing 7. I don’t feel the need for more power - I don’t feel that I am using all the power that I already have, riding "The Pace". 8. I like the idea of a simple air cooled motor, even though the one I have could be, (and has been), improved. 9. I don’t have too much trouble keeping up with the guys I ride with. If I rode a lot faster, I would be a danger to myself, and I would be riding alone. 10. I am too cheap and too old . PS : Most of the above, (except N. 10, of course), could change. But it has not. I think the only thing that would get me to sell my current bike is a machine that was much lighter, say 300 lbs. with at least 75 horsepower. I doubt that even a new naked model would get me to reconsider. If I were a lot younger, feeling immortal, and with a need for the fastest twin on the street, things would probably be a whole lot different.  | ||
| Surveyor |
Jack, My original and subsequent posts are intended as constructive criticism which is the lifeblood of any R+D department, and is vital to the successful development of any product, particularly in the automotive industry. I respect your views on the 1125r's appearance, I just don't agree with you. There are relatively few bikes about which there is consensus as to their beauty - the 916 is one. However it is evident from this and other threads that there is no consensus about the aesthetics of the 1125r, and at best opinion is split, which to my mind is evidence of a problem, particularly where the opinion is that of a vested interest group ie. Buelligans. I'm a proponent of the 'Form Follows Function - decoration is crime' design philosophy but exclusive consideration of function alone doesn't always result in the perfect form - in my opinion Jon, I see you're an architect too but you don't comment on the 1125r's appearance....any thoughts? I love my XB9r too, but as I use it mostly on the track the lack of straightline power is an issue. The lack of power is becoming frustrating, and as the R1s, GSXRs, and CBrr's get faster and faster I'm having to ride harder and harder in the corners just to keep up. My ability is certainly (very) finite so this can only end in tears, so I feel the 1125 is safer in the long run - now if the 1125 motor could be squeezed into the XB chassis..................................... | ||
| Spectrum |
Buell isn't known for making major changes to a new model the following year. I think Charles it the nail on the head with this one. I'd expect to see different color(s) of the 1125R for 09 with minor updates to a sub-system or two. But no major body work changes. In one of the XB12XT articles (don't remember which one) a Buell official already stated there will not be a Uly variant with a Rotax power plant in 09. I'm still hoping for a naked 11 variant but not holding my breath. I can't see see a street fighter with the pods. If you think the 1125R looks ugly with the pods, imagine how bad a naked one would look. | ||
| Gtmg |
Ft Bstrd I got to see one of the Shivers in person the other day. Great looking and feeling bike. I do wonder if it will sell in the US. I have always thought Buell needs to get a lower displacement bike out as well. I am always attracted to naked bikes but I know others are not. Kind of funny because recently I have been thinking that I need a fared bike for wind protection but when I go to look at various touring machines I always end up sitting all over the naked bikes. Beauty truly in the eye of the beholder. | ||
| Brad1445 |
nekid u guys say? get these options then too.  | ||
| Zac4mac |
Beauty is indeed a personal concept. I find the Shiver and the Duc Hyper Motard to be absolutely hideous. I love my 11, both from a performance and visual point-of-view. The girls are hot tho... | ||
| Slinger |
Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't the Firebolt come out in 02' and the Lightning follow it up the next year in 03'? I know the Lightning came out in 03' because I have one. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Slinger, I believe you are correct...did you read the Buell article in Motorcyclist too? |
