No special colors, but I find this shot flatters the 1125R much more:
The low frontal shots exaggerate the size of the pods and the front fairing, making the bike look much more disproportionate. This shot makes the bike look more balanced (like it appears in person).
Re the different tails (Lightning vs Firebolt style tail) I like the fact that it has the 1125R tail because the seat is a *little* more two-up friendly than a Lightning style seat, but that's just me. I'd always wanted an XB12S with XB12R tail, though the XB12SS kind of fixes the problem with bigger seat anyway.
I don't think either tail works all that well for two-up riding, but, the Firebolt tail on the 1125CR means that my expensive new lockable hard luggage will click right into place - something that would be impossible if it were a Lightning tail.
I haven't had time to read this thread but thought I'd give my $.02....
What the F*@K is Buell doing over there? This bike is the most god awful looking thing they've EVER release. Nothing on this bike looks like it belongs there. The pods are hideous (moreso than the 1125R). And who puts a sportbike tailsection on a naked bike?!?!?! Are they blind to the competition (Speed Triple, Monster, etc)?
I've been riding Buells for 10 years and have loved every minute. But I think they've lost me forever on purchasing a new bike. The XB12XT is close to a cool bike but not quite there.
Sorry for the rant. Gotta get out and ride my beloved S3T
As excited as I have been waiting for this bike, I can't say that I am blown away with the result. I waited to post because I wanted to see if the looks would grow on me... they did. I am now feeling that I want one. The only thing that would make me consider another bike would be if Ducati put the 1098S motor in a new monster on the lines of the 696. NTFL. I felt the pods were a non issue on the R but on the S they are really dominant. Maybe they can be trimmed down a bit. If not, I'll mount flush mount signal lights from them and go with bar-end mirrors.
Just my 2 cents. FWIW
I'd be happy to own one. After a couple of mods, I'd be ecstatic to own one.