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Buell Forum » 1125R Superbike Board » Archive through August 23, 2014 » How to notice familiair 1125 failures when testdriving « Previous Next »

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Lp77
Posted on Sunday, July 20, 2014 - 05:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi Guys,
Spend the weekend reading on the forum while I consider to buy a white 2010 1125R which seems to be standard (at least the exhaust and when changing anything on a bike this would be the first thing). While the price is good, I doubt if there may be a familiar 1125R failure. To avoid a lot of expenses after buying the bike, I hope you can help me. Is there any possibility to notice the stator/rotor failure during the test drive? What else to look for (and where)?

Any help will be appreciated. Might spend a lot of time over here when I will buy the bike. Especially interested in getting torque at low rpm's to save some fuel while I read the 1125 is pretty thirsty.
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Sprintst
Posted on Sunday, July 20, 2014 - 06:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It's unlikely the stator will just fail on the test ride.

Ask what's been done for the stator fix. Minimum should be the harness fix, they may have had a stator replaced under warranty

Neither is a fix. I consider the EBR stator fix a real fix, and if that hasn't been done, I would figure on needing to do that.

One thing would be to switch the display to volts while riding it and that will tell yo;u some.

Clutch weep - ebr fix is good, cheap, easy.

I think that covers the biggies. I've had to do a few other things to my 09, but nothing systemic to the design.
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Mhpalin
Posted on Sunday, July 20, 2014 - 06:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Buy the bike you may have to change the charging system which is a simple job if you can pull a wrench.Just google the EBR rotor upgrade and you will find the info.
Mike
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Dannybuell
Posted on Sunday, July 20, 2014 - 08:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You are looking at a bike that will need open road to be happy. This is not a good around town type of bike. The only way to keep the electrical system happy is to keep the engine at or near 4000 rpm's. The EBR rotor fix will happen to my 09 CR eventually, when the need arises. I have 21,000 miles so far. A battery tender is a must.
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Bubba_
Posted on Sunday, July 20, 2014 - 09:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I think Froggy told me the 2010s had the clutch weep corrected.
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Ratbuell
Posted on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 12:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

A '10 should also have the stator harness from the factory, as well as the oil sight glass in the engine case.

It is a rare bird. If you don't buy it, post the information here...I'm certain someone will grab it. Quickly.
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Sl33py
Posted on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 01:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If you can get it running hot i'd look for dropping voltage. Not always much warning, but sometimes you might have a couple weeks of lower and lower output before it fails completely. Worth a shot if you are taking it for a test ride.

GL!
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Bubba_
Posted on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 05:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Kinda goes without saying...
if you get an 1125R, (or CR), the EBR rotor upgrade is needed (unless already installed).

even if no symptoms, plan on doing the upgrade.
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Brokengq
Posted on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 10:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Kinda goes without saying...
if you get an 1125R, (or CR), the EBR rotor upgrade is needed (unless already installed).

even if no symptoms, plan on doing the upgrade.


Depends on year model ('08 rarely had this issue), but in the case of a '10, probably. Also depends on how you ride. Ride it hard, keep it spun up, factory charging system lasts longer, according to what I've seen here.
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Bubba_
Posted on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 10:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

True
True
The 08s were ok
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Zew2888
Posted on Monday, July 21, 2014 - 11:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Just Get It! The 1125r is worth every penny spent. I wouldn't pass on that bike.
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Lp77
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 03:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ok guys, thanks for the advice. Reading a lot on this forum about 1125 issues which can get over, but don't like the amount of maintenance in comparison with the thunderstorm engine, also as the fuel consumption. Although I like the looks of the 1125R a lot, I don't like the aspects just mentioned. I guess I will start my search for a XB12R which has similar looks, but the advantages and 'harley' sound of the thunderstorm. Won't use the bike on the circuit and 200+ km/h is not that smart with all the speed controls over here.
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Bubba_
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 05:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Link for the 2010 1125?
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Froggy
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 07:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

but don't like the amount of maintenance in comparison with the thunderstorm engine, also as the fuel consumption




There is less scheduled maintenance on the 1125 than the XB, especially the older XBs. The big service on the 1125 is the 20k KM interval, which requires valve inspection/adjustment and plug changing. On the XB the big service is at 16k KM intervals, and requires more things to change/adjust. Also the XB requires servicing more frequently.

Fuel consumption does favor the XB. My real world day to day riding gets me about 45MPG-US (5.2L/100KM) on the 1125, and about 55MPG-US on my 08 XB12XT (4.2L/100KM).
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Sl33py
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 08:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Fuel consumption varies a lot. I consistently get 29-30mpg on my 09 1125R, but i ride it a bit harder than i should, and I'm not in a tuck most of the time unless really getting on it (well over 200kmh).

I don't hypermile, and i'm a big ass wind obstruction (6'8", 2m ) - not aerodynamic at all... Doing some longer rides up into the mountains i was tucked down more and it made a pretty large difference in instant mpg on the console. But daily driving and commuting it's not as comfortable to tuck all the time so i don't. mpg be damned.

I had a GF who worked at local HD stealership for a while and IIRC the XB9R (might've been the 12R) should do 200kmh - just not super easily and without 6th you are pretty wound out. Fun bikes!!

GL!
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Lp77
Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2014 - 01:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ok there might be less maintenance for the 1125 but it's definatly a lot more work:
- Checking/adjusting valves, for which you need to rotate the engine (even for checking the spark plugs)
- there is the radiator
- rotor stator issue will cost me a lot if not done by previous owner

For the buell XB it's as easy as my Harley...... And you might understand that while I'm a Harley rider I dont need to go 200+ km/h. Furthermore I will like the sound of the xb engine more than the 1125.
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Chameleon
Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2014 - 07:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The motor does NOT have to be rotated to check/change the spark plugs. I changed mine several times on my 2008 and never once rotated the engine to do so. Just used a shorty ratchet with jointed/articulated extension(s) on the front. Was tight, but not too horrible. The rear plug is piece of cake since it's just under the seat.

(Message edited by Chameleon on July 24, 2014)
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Froggy
Posted on Friday, July 25, 2014 - 11:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The plugs can be changed without rotating the engine should you foul them, and they are easier to get out than the XB. Changing plugs on the XB is nowhere near as easy as any Harley due to the frame, and it is stupidly easy to crossthread it. The valves in the 1125 rear head can be measured without rotating the engine, I know techs that will measure the rears first, and if everything is good will not waste the time rotating the motor to do the front. Both my 08 and 09 have about 35,000KM without needing any adjustment, I will see how they still are at the next service interval.

The radiators are no big deal in the grand scheme of themes, the coolant flush interval is 50,000KM. The XB has more pain in the ass things that need constant attention like the primary chain and clutch cable.

The stator/rotor is a weak spot on the 1125, but a one time thing for a permanent fix. The XB has a boatload of similar weakspots like isolators, clutch cables, ECMs, fuel pumps, crankshafts, headlights, and their own stator/voltage regulator issues.
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Froggy
Posted on Friday, July 25, 2014 - 11:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

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Sl33py
Posted on Friday, July 25, 2014 - 12:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Lp77 - it sounds like you want a more harley sounding bike. No knocking that - the 25C/R's sound like sewing machines from the factory.

Easily fixed w/ some $ to Dean for one of his Keda exhausts. Get the EBR ECM if you want the power gains to go with the more reasonable exhaust note.

If you have your heart set on a XB9/12R - cool! But don't be surprised when you post in the 1125 section that most still recommend a 25 over XB. more power and easier maintenance (says those who know (i'm not one of them)).

Get what you like and the people here will help you with any issues you do find! Great community of helpful and knowledgeable folks!

GL!

Rob
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Chameleon
Posted on Friday, July 25, 2014 - 12:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Froggy: The stator/rotor is a weak spot on the 1125
Point of contention: the stator/rotor is a weak spot on the 2009+ 1125R/1125CR. The 2008 1125R stators/rotors are completely fine and need no fix.


I had the valve clearances checked on my 2008 1125R at 13,204 miles (A little later than the recommended 12,400) and all was in spec. I felt like I totally wasted over $700 and vowed to not do that again. The next time the valve clearances were checked was at 62,889 and only 2 exhaust shims out of 8 total shims were slightly out of spec and replaced. Edit: The reason I had the valve clearances checked is because the bike was running hot and idling rough. Multiple independent techs had told me that reasons to check the valve clearances are if the bike is down on power, running hot, or not idling correctly.

Complete history of my bike.

(Message edited by Chameleon on July 25, 2014)
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Chameleon
Posted on Friday, July 25, 2014 - 01:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Sl33py: Lp77 - it sounds like you want a more harley sounding bike. No knocking that - the 25C/R's sound like sewing machines from the factory.

Easily fixed w/ some $ to Dean for one of his Keda exhausts. Get the EBR ECM if you want the power gains to go with the more reasonable exhaust note.


I kind of thought the 1125[C]R sounded like one of those rock tumbling machines to smooth/polish stones.

Dean does excellent work.
However, I believe the AmericanSportBike.com exhaust shootout showed that the best power-to-cost ratio was the Barker pipe.
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Lp77
Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2014 - 04:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ok guys,
Thanks for your support and advise. Will test ride both of them and hope I can make the right choice. Although I think both are nice bikes you can't go wrong with. What I do not like about the 1125 is the fuel consumption, but ok a lot of pony's make thirsty.
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04colly
Posted on Saturday, July 26, 2014 - 07:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Can't go wrong with the 2010 lol

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Captjoe
Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2014 - 07:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The gas mileage isn't too bad on an 1125R. Depends a lot on how you ride it. I regularly see close to 5L/100kms by keeping it steady at 100km/h. However, we do pay about have of what you do for fuel so I can understand your concerns.

If I remember correctly from the last time I was in The Netherlands, with the stupid number of traffic cams you have, you should have no issues keeping it drinking very little : )
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Shawns
Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2014 - 08:04 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Deans RT3= Loud and Awesome.
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Lp77
Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2014 - 12:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You are right. We are paying $2.28 per liter! And a "cheap" used 1125 will cost me $6700,- (it's not fair). But achieving 1 liter on 20 km's isn't that bad. Got a little bit nervous when reading most guys get <35mpg. I hope these guys drive it hard and aggressive on the throttle.
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Dhays1775
Posted on Sunday, July 27, 2014 - 07:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

My average mileage is between 30 and 34 miles/gallon. BUT, I've regularly gotten 40-42 highway while holding a 75 MPH constant. All hand calculated.

But, as Lp77 said, I tend to ride mine pretty hard. I also didn't get my CR for its amazing fuel economy. I got it for the Smiles Per Mile factor.

And boy, does she deliver!!!
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Chameleon
Posted on Monday, July 28, 2014 - 01:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I achieved 48 mpg average on an entire tank full of gas while riding through the Nevada desert at night, drafting a semi-truck for most of it. I was on my way to Beatty, NV which was the staging point for a ride through Death Valley.

Lp77: And a "cheap" used 1125 will cost me $6700,- (it's not fair).
You're right, it's not fair... I paid $13,500 for mine.
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