| Author | Message | ||
     Brapbrapbrap |
+1 that this is the most heated part of the Buell Fourm but so is the bike so don't just blame the people for expressing their thoughts. Buell loyalty is strong, so there is where the emotion comes in. The 1125 series seems to be polarizing bike, split between the those that are loyal to a fault (the emperor has no clothes) and those that want a no excuses American Made bike that is the best in all things, performance, reliability, styling. I can only speak for myself but I want a new water cooled Buell and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the evolution to get us to that "best in all things, performance, reliability, styling." | ||
| Jmr1283 |
it does seem hostile more then not. do i have a reason no. more squids umm anyone that buys a 1125r in my mind is not one. they are a brother in a effort to have a really great time. some personalities are a little over the top yes. is the arguing old, indeed. i think theres some people that come off as well you know. but the 08s are as good as the 09's. there isnt any differnce. well there are but un noticable. its interesting that people pop in and say things that put down the model in a whole a lot. why? umm another ? when someone is asking a ? like this or many other types of ?. dont interject ur sour out look on the 1125r. because ur not happy with it. unless it says why u dont like the 1125's in the thread then there u go keep it to ur self. follow the context. | ||
| Court |
Reminds me of the controversy in 1989 . . . . when we were all arguing about a "flip up seat". | ||
| Xbswede |
All I can say is I love mine. Just did 330 miles today in 70 -80 degree weather without a single complaint. Ran the piss out her the whole time along with 6 other buell riders.  | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Passionate people in exciting times for Buell, both on the street and racetrack. Not surprising that sparks are flyin'. As the market grows, more diverse people enter the fray. With this bike, buell is exiting the niche status. I can't wait to see what the next 5 years brings.... | ||
| Chadhargis |
My advice is that unless you're last name is Eslick...don't worry about different fuel injectors, 02 sensor location, yadda, yadda, yadda... I'm guess there are only a handful of folks on this forum who can ride an 1125R to its potential (I'm not one of them), so worrying about trivial differences is, well, trivial. I rode a very early production 1125R at Barber, and it was AWESOME! God, I wish I had the money to buy one. | ||
| Rockstarblast1 |
see nice ppl with nice comment that DONT own a 1125r we all should take some tips | ||
| Bcrawf68 |
This bike is everything I hoped it would be. It's very narrow. That is, my feet aren't splayed outward like on an I-4. The suspension, once sorted, does a very good job. The light weight and flickability of the bike allow me to treat it like a motocrosser. The motor is spectacular, once tuned properly. Fast smooth. In case anyone is wondering, almost all of the mechanical thrashing noises go away when the ECM is properly tuned. | ||
| Clarkjw |
I love my bike, now that it's tweaked. The 2008 isn't perfect out of the box. The 2009 is closer to perfect in stock trim. Both need modest tuning. 2008 needs official recalls, tail light fixes, clutch cover swaps, mirror pinchbolt tightening, cluster updates/replacements, and maybe a new paint job. Also given the kickstand spring, you may need a new left pod! The injector swap does work with the new spark map. I'll update chevy's thread once I talk to the Poster Who Must Not Be Named and reveal details on his site next week All these things take time from riding. Something only an OWNER would notice. Notice how even the most supportive owners admit the 2008 needs tuning, very precise suspension setup, and has undergone...numerous recalls or required fixes. For those of you who haven't been through 2008 ownership teething problems, what makes you think you can make a fair assessment? Riding it once at a trackday with Buell techs and suspension specialist all around? Putting 200 demo miles on it then giving it back? Hmmmm.... If you have a vested interest in the success of Buell, embrace the critiques as a learning opportunity. You'll sell more books/bikes/gear if Buell perfects the bike. | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
Thanks Clarkjw. Great post. It adds so much credibility to the forum when the statements are balanced logically and factually. Thank you. You helping future purchasers deal with facts. The issues are far easier to accept when discussed honestly. | ||
| Chadhargis |
My comments regarding the bike aren't uniquely mine. Can you imagine how many development hours, and Q/A hours went into developing the 1125R? I'm guessing there were engineers riding the 1125 YEARS before it was released. Some with professional riders (ie Jeremy McWilliams). If the bike was good enough to get their stamp of approval, then I'm guessing it's not bad. Sure, tweaks and updates are going to occur. And luckily Buell is forthcoming with them. Ask a BMW owner with a surging 1150 engine how many updates BMW has released to address their issue. Doesn't mean the BMW is a bad bike...just means you have to accept the surging as a quirk. Thank goodness Buell doesn't expect us to do that, and releases timely fixes for things. If I could find a 2008 for dirt cheap (think under $5000), I'd pick it up. I think it would make a fantastic track bike. I'm not prepared to shell out $10k+ for a bike that might end up in the gravel trap the first time I take it to the track. | ||
| Clarkjw |
Chad, you don't own the bike. Thus you are guessing. Commenting on it's performance and ownership merits is out of your domain. You don't even want to own the bike at it's current price. If $ talks, what are you saying? For a 12k bike with no import tax, minimal marketing and negligible shipping cost, we expect a premium product. The 2008 1125R was NOT a well sorted product. Every bike magazine said as much. I know that many people on this board are dealers or work for one. I have this to say to them: YOUR LONG TERM INTERESTS ARE NOT SERVED BY IGNORING BUELLS SHORTCOMMINGS. PRESSURE THEM TO MAKE THE EASY FIXES SO YOU CAN MOVE PRODUCT AND MAKE MONEY. THE BAD REPUTATION OF THE '08 WAS OUT BEFORE I CAME TO THIS BOARD. IT LINGERS. YOU CAN CHANGE THAT BY SAYING "BUELL GIVE US YOUR BEST." | ||
| Brapbrapbrap |
Chadhargis Posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 - 04:23 pm: Can you imagine how many development hours, and Q/A hours went into developing the 1125R? If the bike was good enough to get their stamp of approval, then I'm guessing it's not bad. Do you realize how odd that sounds when it's clearly documented now that the first 2008's had a mathematical english to Austrian translation error in the fuel mapping system. Not to mention the other oversights. I don't think they deserve accolades such as that. They have cost each 2008 owner thousands of dollars in lost resale value. You use the words good enough, there is a famous saying "Good Enough" Never is. Why were so may afraid to state the obvious before the bikes release (professional riders) . The bikes were not running right. As a Buell owner and fan I feel like there was not enough questions asked and we all payed for it in damage to the brand. | ||
| Chadhargis |
Someone explain to me why anyone would buy a bike that didn't run right? Did the bike just suddenly start running bad? Now that Buell has corrected the mapping, I was under the impression that everything was fine with the 2008. I've got an eBay bid on one right now. Probably not going to win it, but I'm keepin my fingers crossed. Then you can't pull that "you don't own one" thing on me. I am, however, a proud owner of a 2006 Ulysses. You know, the ones with bad steering lock, soft front forks, bad bank angle sensors, bad voltage regulators/stators, wire chafing issues, bad fans, etc.....and I LOVE it!!! I ride the holy crap out of it, and other than a few trips to the shop for warranty fixes (done in the first year of ownership), it's been rock solid perfect. | ||
| Clarkjw |
LOL, again under the "impression". The uly board is down the street. I purchased the bike based on handling history with Buell (XB9r) patriotism, hype, shaking Eric's handm at Liberty, and price ($9405 OTD). It's also hard to know how bad a bike performe in the city when you buy it in GA and ride it back to NJ K, my bike finally runs fine. Other than many hours of my time, this is what it took: Learning more about suspension setup than a non racer needs to know (+1 on this and we get stiffer springs...don't need to upgrade for the track) Burnt out 02 sensor Scratched left pod (kickstand failure) Factory recalls Turn signal replacement Mirror pinchbolt replacement, then tightening $276 for 2009 injectors $69 for •••• 10mpg over 4k miles I'm not here to antagonize you. You should thank me for the warning. If you can deal with the above, the bike is a great pleasure to ride. No offense to any pipe modder, but you won't need an exhaust unless you're the chrome bits, wake the neighbors, MC gang prospect. (Message edited by clarkjw on April 21, 2009) (Message edited by blake on September 14, 2009) | ||
| Buellsrule |
My "ownership" experience has been a very positive one. Having gotten a really good deal on a used 1125R with all the recalls and re-flashes done and now with you know who's tune on board, I couldn't be happier with the bike. It does everything well. Very well. I think the '09's are better out of the box but a "sorted" '08 is just as good. This bike may be the ultimate track day weapon. Easy to ride fast, very confidence inspiring and power everywhere. Ride safe, Frank | ||
| Court |
>>>>My "ownership" experience has been a very positive one. Frank, your experience is consistent with 94% of owners according to warranty data. There were 3 recalls on the 2008 1125R and some of the well documented "first year quirks". As a basis for comparison the 2008 Ducati 1098S had 2. Not, by all standards, a bad showing. Buell has done a good job of addressing the concerns promptly and effectively, witness the 2009. | ||
| Clarkjw |
I haven't sent my "warranty data" in. I'm pretty sure many frustrated people used time to fix the bike or help others  Is that water heavy? | ||
| Dano_12s |
When I got hooked on the Buells in the late'90's I found out what it was like to ride a bike that could outride me.That same feeling is still there now,8 Buells later '08or'09 you wont be disappointed.Just a great company+great bike!Remind to tell you about the "Dingbats Spring Rally"Greensburg,Pa. | ||
| Buellsrule |
Jason, I'm curious to know if you are simply venting or something else. I've been riding Buell's for 10 years now and it hasn't always been pretty...BUT...Buell's are what I like and Buell has stood behind their product as well as anything I've ever owned if not better. Buell has a history of releasing bikes when everything isn't sorted just right. Not with every model but it has happened. Ex. Tuber fuel injection, exhaust, shocks, brake rotors and XB belts, cooling fans, electrics, etc...What Buell has done remarkably well is in dealing with the issues that are obviously not right. With all 3 of my Buell's I've had an overall very positive experience. I've ridden and owned other brands and like all kinds but Buell's are my favorite brand. IMO, nothing is more fun to ride than a Buell. You seem to have an attitude of someone who's been burned. If you're unhappy,give Buell a chance to make it right, if not, sell the Buell and move on. There's plenty of excellent bikes out there and I'm sure you can find one that's right for you. This is a Buell forum where Bueller's gather to share ideas, likes and dislikes and solutions to hopefully make the Buelling experience better for all of us. YOU IN OR OUT? Thanks, Frank. | ||
| Clarkjw |
Buellsrule, First, you don't know me. Call me by my SN. We are not friends. If it's you're way of control or antagonism, grow up. I've given Buell a chance to make it right. Then I fixed it myself. I don't like that= a dislike = forum permitted? Note the many other post I've made describing the problems and what I've done. Note my posts in other 1125rtopics. Then read into my motivations This escalated due to Court and a long history of his blind dismissal of Buell's 2008 failures. He doesn't own the bike. He didn't have to drive 1hr to get a reflash. He didn't have to do all the other things I listed. As far as in or out, unless you are a mod and intend to ban be, what is the purpose of the comment? | ||
| Buellsrule |
Jason, how old are you? | ||
| Ponti1 |
Clark, it seems as though you are an unhappy owner. Perhaps your experiences are such that you have a reason to feel that way. At least drawing from the perspective you convey in your posts, it seems that the bike has obviously left you with a bad taste. Guess what? Most others are pleased with their ownership experience, and consider the few issues with early-year 2008 models part of the risk one accepts when buying a first model year. Half of the things you rant about are not valid issues, and seem to me to be just you trying to validate your unhappiness... Suspension setup. Did you not do any research on Buells before purchasing? Everyone knows the short geometry makes suspension setup important.} Burnt 02 sensor. Is this Buell's fault? This is not a common failure from what I've read. Further, if you tuned the bike, did you not disable O2 activation anyway? Scratched left pod (kickstand failure). Your kickstand failed? Or, are you merely listing this because it was part of the vent line recall? 2009 injectors. Nothing to do with a shortcoming of the bike. This is something you have done completely by choice. Tuning program. Another purchase you made by choice. Will you blame BMC for all of your elected purchases? I bought the software as well, and am happy with it. However, to say you HAD to buy it is an obvious exaggeration. 10mpg. If your fuel economy was truly ever that bad, it's well under half of the lowest reported MPG I have seen. Here's a reference thread for you... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290 431/325100.html?1198294016 | ||
| Redscuell |
"Why don't you go into some detail about what exactly you don't like about the ergos and design. Love to hear it." Fresno, I've told you before not to comment on any/all my posts that are not addressed to you, or I'd have to call you a 'wanker' again. Wanker. | ||
| Court |
>>>>Buell has a history of releasing bikes when everything isn't sorted just right. ALL . . . (go check the Ducati 1098 and all the other 2008's released) manufacturers do. The difference is in how you handle it. Some here may have gone through the "the frame may break, just take it to a welder and have it beefed up" ordeal. It was followed by a second recall from Honda. Some here, like myself, did the 9 year dance with BMW over the surging. Buell has an excellent reputation in the industry and has (in MANY cases) cheerfully handled things on 10 year old bikes without so much as a second thought. Find me another brand that has the detail Buell does on suspension set up and has the factory platform engineers doing seminars for owners on suspension. Buell has become the MOST RELIABLE product with the highest quality scores in the entire Harley-Davidson family. I'm really proud of what they have done. | ||
| Buellsrule |
Well said Court. | ||
| Clarkjw |
Ponti, I beg your forgiveness. The 2008 ran perfect out the box because Buell is perfect and can't be criticized on BWB. Even if they don't think to hire an English/German translator when using an Austrian motor. Buell everything you do is perfect and flawless and American and pretty. The time we spent visiting HD dealeships was pure bliss I long for and will surely have again and again and again. | ||
| Redscuell |
I like you, Clark  . Let's tell it like it is, which'll piss 'em all off. | ||
| Scubarc51 |
isnt there another post where all this bickering should be had | ||
| Chadhargis |
I can honestly say that I've never owned a bike that didn't have some sort of issue or issues, and I've owned a few bikes. Sadly, I didn't win the 1125R I bid on. Too bad, because my $5000 bid would have been a sweet price.  |
