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

Buell Forum » Knowledge Vault (tech, parts, apparel, & accessories topics) » Troubleshooting (Poor Starting/Running/Handling/Ride Issues) » Archive through December 17, 2008 » 1125R issues « Previous Next »

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

Jotrevza
Posted on Sunday, June 29, 2008 - 12:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi Gang,

Well, I took the plunge and bought an 1125R earlier this month. So far, it's a really mixed review. I have quite a bit of experience/history with japanese bikes, and so I'm not sure if my expectations of Buell (both the bike and the company) are right, wrong, or indifferent???

So far, with about 580 miles on it, I've experienced pretty much the same difficulties others are commonly seeing (according to different forums) with this bike, such as: poor idling, surging below 4000 rpm, battery charging light on occasion near idle, flickering lighting throughout the bike at or near idle, reflash of the ecm required, inconsistent/sporadic stalling upon rolling the throttle back from a stoplight, a LOT of clatter from around the gearbox area, mirrors that refuse to stay up above 60 mph, and several other issues that run the gammut from pretty damn annoying to down-right frustrating.

To cap all this off, I'm not real happy about the fact that my local service dept. keeps telling me: "I don't know anything about your bike because it's too new!", and, "we haven't sold that many and so we haven't worked on any". I'm hearing this CONSISTENTLY from the service manager himself who genuinely doesn't seem to know much about this bike. This puts me in a difficult situation. I'm not sure I can trust that any work performed there will be done correctly, and I'm coming due for the 600 mile break-in service, as well as the safety recall for the 5th gear clutch shaft galling problem. I spoke to him at great length about setting up an appointment to get it in and worked on, and it just went down hill from there. I tried to reach someone at Buell (several times) to discuss my concerns, and that didn't work out too well either. I was placed on indefinite hold and finally decided to hang up after almost 35 minutes.

I guess the bottom line is this......

I'm hoping I didn't make a bad choice! I really think that the bike has a lot of potential once all the bugs are worked out, but, I'm not used to feeling like a "guinea pig" for a motorcycle company. Every japanese bike I ever rode was near flawless in it's function and design. I owned a fair balance of both new and used and never had to take a single one in to be serviced. I guess I just took that for granted until now!

Anyone out there got any feelings (good or bad) that they'd be willing to share to shed a positive light on this?

Thanx a bunch
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jsimpkins
Posted on Friday, July 04, 2008 - 10:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Dude,

Sorry to hear about your issues. I'm glad you brought these to the forefront. Too many Buell owners do not speak the truth about their experiences with the 1125R. I bought new a 2002 X1 and its been a nightmare. Many of the same issues you speak of including dead beat dealers who refuse to work on it because its a Buell. The HD/Buell factory has dropped support for the older bikes, only providing parts. This will happen to your bike as well. I wish I had answers for you, can you turn it back in an get your money back? I'd try.

I'm dumping my X1 and buying a Ducati Classic this weekend. Almost considered a 1125R, but once bitten....

Good luck.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Buell920
Posted on Friday, July 04, 2008 - 11:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I take it you had better techs and service with the imports? I have been in this field with Buell for almost 14 years, things have changed for the better, things are still changing, people who don't give a S^#! will never change. ( you service manger may still think the SHOVEL was the best thing to happen and it's down hill from there.)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jotrevza
Posted on Saturday, July 05, 2008 - 07:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi Buell920 and Jsimpkins,

Thanks for both of your responses......

Normally, I did most of the servicing on my japanese sportbikes myself over the years. When I made this purchase, I didn't want to screw with this particular bike, at least till it's out of the warranty period. Now, I'm just not sure I want to chance it to the "pros"! It's really a double-edged sword.

My perception from most of the reading I've been doing is that the guys back east are not having as many problems with dealer support as us poor slobs out west. I may be completely wrong about that, but, it sure seems to be the case??? What do you think about that observation, and if it's accurate, why do you think that would be the case?

Thanks for chiming in on this. Tracy
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Smokeflogger
Posted on Saturday, July 05, 2008 - 11:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Jotrevsa - Also sorry to hear about your problems. I've had some of the same. Mine will backfire on the overrun, miss on accelleration, stall at idle and do some of the other stuff. Also, when I'm cruising, it lays down a trail of blue smoke. I don't know if this is oil from the engine, or the clutch housing, or what, but it's troubling on a brand new bike. Still, it's the exceptionally fine handling, that I love. Sometimes when I'm jamming, I'll get it laid over 30 or 40 degrees from verticle. Trouble is last Saturday, I lost power in the turn. When I rolled more in, it stalled again and slid in to the oncoming lane. I missed traffic, and no big deal or damage.I think the oiled up rear tire might have played a part. Still, don't give up on your bike. It'll keep growing on you. I'm sticking with mine. It's like a project I've got to stay with until the finish.

Fraudulent post by non-Buell owner
IP Logged: 159.49.254.2
User banned


(Message edited by Blake on July 08, 2008)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jotrevza
Posted on Sunday, July 06, 2008 - 06:01 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi Smokeflogger,

Thanks for your thoughts and support. It sounds like you're having much bigger problems than I am! Most of my stuff is annoying as opposed to crippling. I'm glad to hear you made it out of that close call with your bike. That really sucks!

I'm loving my bike too, and TOTALLY agree with you about the handling. Most of my gripes are with the lack of support from the local service dept. as opposed to the bike itself. I want to believe that we'll get the issues worked out eventually and it will prove to be a good overall design and a reliable machine! Only time will tell whether I'm right or wrong, but either way, I'm no where near ready to give up on this unique machine. The more I ride it, the more I want to ride it!

Be safe out there.

Tracy
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cheesehead
Posted on Sunday, July 06, 2008 - 09:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi Jotreva. I'd say you've had it pretty good, so far. I just got mine and had a funny sound out of the clutch or tranny from the start. It would shift hard, then it started popping out of gear. Then last week I was tooling along about 35 and it snatched and jerked twice and before I could do anything, it LOCKED UP solid, put me right on the pavement. My brother and I loaded it in his pickup and took it back to the dealer, and then, like you, things started going downhill from there. When I tried to explain the problem, they started questioning me, like maybe I caused it. When I asked them what could I have done to avoid crashing, the service manager said, "Shift into neutral." Then, when I tried to find out when I could make an appointment to get it fixed, they suddenly got real vague and started looking at their watches and rolling their eyes around at each other. The manager, finally, after I pressed him, said to "...come back in a couple of weeks" when "...we can get some parts for it." Later, when I was pushing the bike back to the shop, I noticed several of the guys riding away on CBRs and R1s. That put me in a bad situation, just like you. I went back up front and said to the service guy, "You guys don't really seem to have a very good attitude about your own product. Don't you like Buells?" He said, "Sure. I like them, they're money in my pocket." Then one of the sales guys said, "Look, anyone can get a Honda or Kawasaki and just ride them, but they won'teach you any lessons in life." Another one said, Yeah, Buells will build your character." Then, as I was leaving, someone must have said something funny, because I heard them laughing. Now I feel just like you, Jotereva. I'm wondering if maybe these won't be the best people to be working on my bike. What do you think I should do? I'll call Buell and stay on hold all day if I have to.


Fraudulent post by non-Buell owner
IP Logged: 159.49.254.2
User banned


(Message edited by Blake on July 08, 2008)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jotrevza
Posted on Monday, July 07, 2008 - 01:35 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi Cheesehead,

I'm really sorry to hear about your spill! I hope you weren't hurt in that lockup!

I'm thinking out loud here, but, I would be firing a letter off to Buell corporate explaining the treatment you received, and, possibly even filing a state attorney general complaint form (forms are on line too) to wake some folks up about their "attitude"!

From day one when they rolled the bike out of the showroom floor and the salesman and I fired it up, it had a group of clattering in what sounded like it was coming from the transmission. The salesman actually said "let's go get the service manager, because something doesn't sound right to me". When I went to check on it shortly after they had brought it in the back, the technician came out at the same time and approached the customer service desk, blurting out to the gal behind the counter: "who's the !@#$%^& knucklehead who said this bike is making noise"? Needless to say, I wasn't too happy with that comment, so, I not so gently introduced myself to him and said: "I'm the !@#$%^ knucklehead who complained". Ever want to see a guy turn three different shades of puke green? He backpeddled HARD on his tone after that.

The moral of that story is......

I FEEL your pain brother!

Good luck with your resolution and keep me posted.

Tracy}
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Cheesehead
Posted on Monday, July 07, 2008 - 01:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Wow, Tracy, I almost feel like we're brothers for sure, now! Boy, you sure fixed that tech's wagon. I can tell you're not the kind of guy to take guff from ANYONE! One thing, though. Why did you agree with him that you were the !@#$%^ knucklehead? Shouldn't you have stood up for yourself a little better? Yeah, we've got to get these guys. I know some lawyer type guys and maybe I'll call the State people, too. Can't seem to raise anyone at Buell, though. The girl just asks who I am and puts me on hold. Then I just get the music sound. Say, you've got the same clattering sound in your tranny that I had. Do you think yours could seize, like mine did? Then you'd feel my pain alright - right in your ass. That's where mine is. I must've hit it hard on the pavement when I rolled off the bike. One thing's for sure: we don't have to take this sitting down. I can't sit down too good now, anyway. I'm going to go right back down to the dealership and stir that bunch up again, just like you did. It'll just about be worth it to let them know I'm not very happy about this whole thing, either. Thanks for wishing me to be safe, too. Except it's a little late, when I've already dumped my bike and busted my butt. I agree with you. This is all pretty damn annoying and downright frustrating. I'm hoping we didn't make a bad choice, too. Keep the faith! And let me know what else you're going to do.


Fraudulent post by non-Buell owner
IP Logged: 159.49.254.2
User banned


(Message edited by Blake on July 08, 2008)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jotrevza
Posted on Tuesday, July 08, 2008 - 01:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi "Cheeser",

I had one other problem that I forgot to mention. Like you, I keep shooting holes in the walls and floors of my home everytime I play with my .50 BMG. What do you advise I do? I feel so damn stupid that the cost of wall patching compound and paint is getting sooooo expensive! Whoa is me. Just like you "brother", Maybe I better stop playing with things that go bang before I hurt myself. By the way, the NRA called and said they want their spokesdoggy back.

Nice doggy, nice doggy........
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bad_karma
Posted on Tuesday, July 08, 2008 - 01:32 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

John sorry to hear about the spill, glad you are OK. I wonder if your bike is part of the 5th gear recall? Let Buell customer service know, try to do it in writing.
Good Luck
Joe
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jotrevza
Posted on Tuesday, July 08, 2008 - 04:01 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi Joe,

Before this thing gets too far out of hand, let me explain about "Cheesehead"s" tales of woe......

I'm a REAL Buell owner who recently purchased an 1125R. "Cheesehead" (John)is
a guy I work with that apparently decided to start having fun at my expense.

He's "breaking my chops" about the issues with my bike as a joke. I guess he thought it was a cute idea to do it on this forum. I don't agree! Sometimes, people get a little overzealous in their attempt to get attention......

He is not a Buell owner, and not even a motorcycle rider. I apologize for his stupidity. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that this was going on until after his second posting. That's when I got suspicious. That's why I responded to his second post the way that I did.

I just wanted you to know so you wouldn't waste your time with him. Be safe out there and enjoy your bike! Again, I apologize for this crazy guy.

Tracy
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jotrevza
Posted on Tuesday, July 08, 2008 - 04:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hey again Joe,

By the way, I just checked and found "Smokeflogger" is another alias of our good friend "John"! I guess he needs more attention than we can give him? He's must be one LONELY person to have this much time on his hands......

Tracy
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Mikej
Posted on Tuesday, July 08, 2008 - 08:47 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi,

One of the admins here can probably clean up this thread a bit and remove the trolls, or at least edit out their comments so it doesn't look like you're talking to yourself.

I'm not sure what dealership you're working with so I'll tread lightly with my next comments. I've got a 2000 M2 that I bought new in late 1999, and a 1995 S2 that I bought used when my M2 had an encounter of the rude kind with an inattentive driver while I was out west there in Washington visiting relatives. Eastside H-D/Buell was very helpfull and ended up being the ones to repair the M2 once the insurance companies had each other's attorneys beat each other up a bit. So my direct experience with Eastside is positive, others have had similar or different experiences with them. But you're down southeast of Olympia according to your profile so Eastside might be a bit of a haul for you.

There is another dealership that became a sponsor of the site here, Legend H-D/Buell up in Silverdale just short of Bremerton and across the water a bit, probably not as close as Eastside, but probably a nicer drive to get to them. Here's the link to their section of the site here:
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/171 43/349320.html?1215373744
I haven't dealt with them directly so I can't really comment apart from the few posts I've read from the guy there who's on BadWeB here.

I know there are also a few other dealerships in your region, some people have had good service from, some have had less than good service from, which is part of the way things go sometimes where two people can go to the same dealership and walk away with totally different experiences there.

Your post count is still fairly low so I don't know how familiar you are with the site here, so in case you've not found it yet there is a section called the Storm Fronts with regional groups in it, here is a link to the group in your area:
http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/37/ 486.html?1215471306
They seem to be a fairly good bunch of people, some have Buells, some have gone on to or back to other brands, some have had Buells then gone away from Buells then come back to Buells again. They're not too shy to speak their opinions though so maybe pop into their section and post a howdy if you haven't done so already and see which dealership they'd recommend, or see if they can offer advice on improving the service from the shop you're already dealing with.

As to contacting Buell, are you trying their front desk in East Troy at the factory or are you using the customer service number? I've had variable experiences with the Customer service people, some good, some bad. The customer service number seems to service both Harley and Buell, so sometimes you have to call back if you get the BadDannaTudeDude like I did a few times (I let my BRAG and HOG memberships all expire after that for awhile he ticked me off so bad with his 'tude). In any case here's the customer service number that I've got in my cell phone:
1-414-343-8400

I've got no idea if any of this mile long post will help any, but hopefully it won't hurt. Hope your Buell experience improves. I'm an old 'tuber guy who likes carb'd bikes and haven't really been able to wrap my mind around the X-frame bikes. I've sat on but haven't test rode the 1125 yet so I don't have any real impressions of it, not sure what to make of the reports I've been reading about it. I also picked up a very used and fairly priced '91 FLT bagger last year from the nearest H-D/Buell dealership to me, they've got an 1125 there but not sure if they're test riding it or if it's already sold like the last one they got in, maybe I'll wander down there next week and find out if it's available for joy rides.

Have a good day, hope your Buell experience improves, now go pour a little salt into the troll's coffee cup. ; )
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jotrevza
Posted on Tuesday, July 08, 2008 - 06:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hi MikeJ,

Thanx for the wisdom, the friendly thoughts, and all of the contacts! They're all very helpful to a "new guy".

I feel bad about what this joker from work has been doing on the website. Guys like you take time to share great info. and then people like him screw it up and make it a pain for anyone who takes this seriously. Personally speaking, I don't appreciate it! I made contact with one of the site administrators named "Blake", who said he'd look into the matter.

Anyway, I'll try that # to HD/Buell you gave me and see if I get anywhere with it. I purposely avoided posting the dealership's name to avoid any direct "bashing". I think that most of the local guys I've talked to recently (since the purchase) are in agreement that this particular service dept. isn't very good. Unfortunately, I found that out just a little too late.

I just performed my own break-in service on the bike due to my concerns/doubts about their level of knowledge on it. I refuse to play "guinea pig" for them. I'll wait until they have a few teardowns under their belt before I bring it in this fall for the safety recall, ecm reflash, etc., etc.(assuming it holds up that long)

I found some trace amounts of brass and aluminum in the oil and filter housing when I drained it today. The drain plug magnet also had a considerable amount of grayish, pasty metallic buildup on it. I don't know if that's routine for a freshly built, first oil changed Rotax engine or not, but, that, coupled with the 5th gear galling problem that's created the safety recall for this bike has got me pretty concerned. I don't feel very good about all these stories of wheel "lockup", and seeing the oil come out that way justs aggravates it. I would think with the reputation Rotax has for quality, that this would not be normal to see, but, once again, I'm not certain what a "normal" amount of metal particles would be for a break-in oil change. I've never had a japanese engine show this much metal even in a newly broken-in engine. One thing's for sure, if the next oil change reveals more metal in it. I'm done screwing around with this bike! They can have it till it grows cobbwebs!

Take care Mike, and thanx for all of your help. Hope to talk to you again soon.

Tracy
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Mikej
Posted on Tuesday, July 08, 2008 - 09:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

No problem. And Blake is the guy to talk to since he's also the site owner, plus he's a nice guy.

I'm not sure what's "normal" for the 1125R engine, but what you described would be what I would expect to find on either of my tube frame Buells.

The local folks out your way will guide you right for figuring out who to work with and who to avoid. Hope things work out to your satisfaction.

Mike.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Coloradochris
Posted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 - 11:58 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Well im glad to hear all the problems with Buell and its customer service. I own a 2007 xb12r Firebolt and its a piece of JUNK. With in the first 1000 miles my push rod base gaskets were leaking, rocker boxes leaking, horn/brake light fuse blowing, headlights work intermitantly, took it to Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson and Buell where I bought it brand new and was told, "you are crazy there is no problem its all normal for the buell" what the hell???? after three time I got fed up and took it to another dealership which I was refered to by customer service, 5 weeks later and $1200.00 in warranty parts the problems are still not fixed so next March when it runs out of warranty they expect me to come out of pocket, I DONT THINK SO I will never own another Buell I will go back to my japaneese bikes and never have another problem for a lot less than the cost of a Buell. JUNK.\clipart i will be uploading a copy of the 3 page repair order so all can see what has been done.{bash}
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rick_a
Posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 12:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Coloradochris, you need to find a better dealer.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Bishopjb1124
Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2008 - 10:34 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The greyish stuff on the drain plug is some sort of grease to help collect the metal shavings. Sorry to hear about your dealer being so sorry, luckily I have a great dealership. One thing to remember you like many of us 1125r owners agreed to be guinea pigs when we bought a first year bike. Mine has its issues but man what a great bike. I have an 06 xb12ss also both of them are lots of fun but when I wanna get out and run the 1125 is the way to go. Buell is working on the issues with this bike. As for the 5th gear issue when was your bike built? If it was after may of 08 then no need to worry they came from the factory fixed. Good luck and safe riding.


Jimmy
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

1_mike
Posted on Friday, September 12, 2008 - 03:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Jotrevza -

I didn't notice where in the West you are...but the guys at Glendale Harley/Buell in So. Cal. seem to care about what they do. I was in there last weekend looking into possibly buying an 1125CR. Went for a ride on their demo bike.
Anyway, from what I saw in their shop and notes here on this board, if you're close, give them a try with your problems.

Mike
« Previous Next »

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and custodians may post messages here.
Password:
Options: Post as "Anonymous" (Valid reason required. Abusers will be exposed. If unsure, ask.)
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

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