G oog le BadWeB | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile

Buell Forum » Big, Bad & Dirty (Buell XB12X Ulysses Adventure Board) » BB&D Archives » Archive through August 02, 2008 » Explanation needed: 1125 Rotax vs. 1203 Thunderstorm » Archive through July 24, 2008 « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Hooper
Posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 10:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I almost hijacked the 2009 models thread, but the topic keeps coming up: many wish the Uly would be redesigned with the 1125 Rotax. I understand that they're cooled differently and have a different capacity, but can I get a quick summary of why some folks wish they could unload the 1203?

What's the difference? What's better about the 1125? Why shouldn't I want to stick with my 1203?

Thank you...
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Froggy
Posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 10:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I want both in my stable. Buell needs a fighter for this:

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Photos/81407Kawasaki_Concours_14_27.jpg
(hope that pic works!)

(Message edited by froggy on July 24, 2008)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dio
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 12:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I don't know what's all that bad about the 1203, but the 2 major differences between the 2 are that the 1125 is liquid cooled and has a higher redline-10,500 rpm IIRC. They don't shake like the 1203. If you get an opportunity to demo an 1125R don't miss out, because they are IMPRESSIVE!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Skifastbadly
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 12:21 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

No way do I want an 1125 in my Uly, unless I'm prepared to totally give up on taking it off road. The available power and torque that the current engine has make it suitable for off road, I wouldn't want to have to spin it to 3K just to get it moving if I were going up a rocky dirt road.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Kpfetz
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 01:19 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'd definitely like the extra power and the 6 speed gearbox on my Uly. It handles great but top speed and acceleration could be improved.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Thespive
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 01:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

1203 gets waaay better MPG.

--Sean
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jameslaugesen
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 03:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I've been lucky enough to demo a 1125R and both engines are brilliant for different purposes IMO.

I think the fact that some Uly riders want a 1125R Uly and some don't, suggests that there is a market to branch the Uly into two model lines; one more sport/touring focused (akin to the XB12XT?) and the other more dirt/adventure focused.

The 1203 is so close to perfect (for the frame) on mild dirt, dirt touring, etc. With a shorter ratio 6 speed gearbox and maybe lightened (somehow) it would be magic.

The 1125R's power mapping/power delivery, fuel consumption, maintanence and liquid cooling components really have no place on dirt... at least without some decent sacrifice to Buell's design & marketing philosophies.

Although on the plus side, 1125R style radiators & scoops would help protect the Uly frame in a crash on rocks *says the guy with numerous dents in his frame*.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buelldualsport
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 06:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Two different types of power plants.

Do a bit of research on both and satisfy you quest for knowledge.

Air Cooled vs Water Cooled, V Twin vs .... and the list goes on.

Buells to Alaska ALCAN 5000 2010
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jlnance
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 07:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

1203 gets waaay better MPG.

For a touring bike like a Uly with $4/gal gas, that's a big deal.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buelldualsport
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 08:13 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Really, will that stop you from riding?


Buells to Alaska ALCAN 5000 2010
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Josh_
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 10:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'd rather ride my wife's XB12Scg around town or on a road I don't know and my 1125R on the track or a road I know well.

Love all that torque!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cohiba
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 11:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Their are a lot of buell riders out their who still own tube frame touring bikes and would like to upgrade into a true sport touring powered by the 1125. Something similar in design to the S3T buell stopped making in 2002. A bike that has would not be used on dirt but which would make a great touring and windy back highway bike.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Slowride
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 11:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

+1 on a branched Uly line~

XT with a Rotax

X with a 1203
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Tocramed
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 12:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I think Buell answered this with the 1125CR...although, it still is on the aggressive side and mean't for pavement only.

(Message edited by tocramed on July 23, 2008)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Thunderbox
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 01:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Putting an 1125R in a Uly is like putting a GSXR into a VStrom. There is no way a bike like the Uly will benefit sales for Buell by doing that. If it ever shows up in then adventure bikes it will be in a totally different state of tune with much less HP and way better fuel economy. If you are waiting for the Helicon before you buy you may wait for a long time. They haven't even replaced the XBs with the new engine yet so dream on fellas. After riding the 1125R I was very glad that engine had not been offered in the Uly. It is a true Sport Bike Engine and needs to stay there. It's a great engine but not for an adventure/touring bike. Forgetaboutit.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Atoms
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 01:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I concur. I'm glad that Buell keeps on experimenting and developing new stuff. If it expands their market it will be good for all of us. But I most certainly don't want the 1125 in my Uly. And I'm not much of an adventure rider. But for the 2% of the time I'm on fire roads and gravel and the like I most definitely want more or less exactly what my Uly is now. And it is more than adequate for the other 98% of my riding on pavement.

If my only option from Buell was bikes with liquid cooled engines I'd be forced to look elsewhere.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Froggy
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 02:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)


quote:

They haven't even replaced the XBs with the new engine yet so dream on fellas.



Flick even said they will keep making air cooled XB's as long as people keep buying them. They will exist side by side, not get replaced. The same way a Super Sport Tourer could sit side by side with the XB12X.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Chadhargis
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 03:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I can give you a laundry list of reasons why *I* want the 1125 motor:

1) It doesn't shake at idle
2) It's liquid cooled
3) It's MUCH more powerful
4) Had a lot more rev range so I'm not always banging the limiter like I do with the 1203.
5) Did I mention that it has more power??
6) The Ulysses is a great chassis. It's NOT a dirt bike. Give it an engine that will put it on par with the V-Strom and Tiger. Even the air-cooled mill in the Ducati Multistrada will out run the Ulysses.
7) No "rear fan" needed.


There are good attributes to the 1203, and I've learned to like the engine, but there are things that I just HATE about the 1203. It's the turd in the Buell punch bowl (in my humble opinion).

Motorcycles aren't about fuel mileage. They are about performance. If the 1203 was perfect in every way, but a bit down on power, then I'd forgive it and love it. But the fact that it has so many warts, AND it's a relative slug (when compared to the Strom or Tiger), well, that sort of seals the deal for me. I want an 1125.

I want to leave darkies coming out of turns. I want to be as fast in the straights as I am in the turns. I want a motor that has more power than I can use most of the time, but it's there when you need it.

When my sportbike riding buddies make an uphill pass around three cars, but I can't because there isn't enough room....that sucks. I want to be on their ass, not having them waiting on me because my 500lb bike with 85hp can't keep up.

Some will dismiss my needs as "unsafe" or rationalize them away by saying that the 1203 has "plenty of power". Well, it makes "okay" power. It's not weak.

If Buell doesn't make the 1125 Uly...then I'll be looking elsewhere when it comes time to replace my Ulysses. Sad, because I LOVE the bike. Just want a monster motor in 'er.

(Message edited by chadhargis on July 23, 2008)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Red_chili
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 04:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Sounds like the Uly is the wrong bike for ya! Good on Buell for diversifying.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Chadhargis
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 06:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Nope...at 6'5", the Ulysses is one of the few bikes that fit me. I just want a dang motor in it. Leave everything else alone (well, at least the way I have it set up on my bike). I lowered the bars, put on a race suspension, bought lighter wheels, and upgraded the brake pads.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cohiba
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 06:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Let me clarify my request I don't want a 1125 Uly. I want a true sport touring bike with a belt drive, something similar to the zx14 but with buell mass centralization of weight and handling.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Treadmarks
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 06:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

If it ever shows up in then adventure bikes it will be in a totally different state of tune with much less HP and way better fuel economy.

+1

Just like Triumph with the speed triple vs. same engine, only detuned in a tiger.

I honestly don't know how you could keep the front end down with that much power in a uly. I probably have a lil more power than a stock Uly and If I'm not careful speed shifting will make it go right over.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jettdawg
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 06:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I think Slowride nailed it... XT with a Rotax (sport tourer), X with a 1203 (adventure bike) : ) Just my .02
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Iugradmark
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 07:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm wondering what motors MV Agusta may have that would pair well with the Buell designs. No doubt that the current motor is an overall liability to the bike. The heat issues, power issues, etc. will always give the press a reason to beat this bike and will hold back sales. I think they have done all they can with current configuration.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Neurorider
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 09:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

y'know, Chad, if all you want is more power...you probably would be someone who would like one of those bored-out motors that Hillbilly or Nallin or someone similar does. For what you would lose in trade-in or have to spend extra, you could have your Uly, and like the motor. Just a thought!
Rich
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cdale136
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 10:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"Motorcycles aren't about fuel mileage. They are about performance."

When you are riding an 'Adventure tourer' with a 4.4 gallon tank it is about fuel mileage. Sometimes gas stations are pretty far apart on trips out west.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Chadhargis
Posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - 10:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yeah...but I don't live out West. : )
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Electraglider_1997
Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2008 - 10:01 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Take the 1125CR, move the preying mantis pods to the rear so they look like the number plates on the TT. Or maybe they would look like luggage.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Spacecapsule1
Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2008 - 10:06 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

.....sure would be nice if they could slap the RR motor in there. air cooled/v-twin/lots mo' power!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Uly1080
Posted on Thursday, July 24, 2008 - 10:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I agree with Froggy, way up at the top. A "sport tourer" utilizing the 1125 engine in a platform that can compete with rides such as the Concourse would be cool. Whether based loosely on the Uly or not, it could be more of a long haul rocket, rather than a hyper dirt bike. However I must admit, an 1125 Uly would be a nice OPTION as well. I want it all!
« Previous Next »

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration