1125R Test: Two Wheel Freaks (HUGE pics!)

[Schneegz]

Link to article:

[xbud]

 Call me crazy, but I think this thing is starting to grow on me, I am really starting to like it, and with the spacing on the front fairing you might be able to raise the handlebars at least a couple of inches and adapt some hard bags on the side, hmmmmmm posible a good sport touring bike.  

[FiremanBob]

Now that's a bike that could get me to give up my Sabre and go modern.

[SoloRider]

Ever since I heard it has a Rotax engine I've liked this bike more and more. Maybe in a few years everyone will think back on the Harley engined Buells and think, "What the hell were they thinking?" Head on it still looks weird, but I'm agreeing less and less with XLR8 that Sigourney Weaver should kick it's ass.

[MK96xj]

I think this will be a huge success for Buell and i can't wait to get on one at the dealer

[Clive]

Call me crazy, but I think this thing is starting to grow on me, I am really starting to like it, and with the spacing on the front fairing you might be able to raise the handlebars at least a couple of inches and adapt some hard bags on the side, hmmmmmm posible a good sport touring bike.  

As I was scrolling through the pics, I was thinking the same damn thing.

I'd planned to buy in mid-October, but I may just wait and see one of these in person before I commit elsewhere.

[JamesG]

Heck, since the upper is unconnected to the side, uh...  radiator shoud, nacelle things, you could probably make a rearset-like offset for the upper fairing stay to raise or lower the entire nose assembly a couple of inches.

[rauchman]

I hate to say it, but it's growing on me!!!

[Bunbun]

I really do like that bike, but I don't know if it'd be something I'd buy.  If it wouldn't make a good ST bike, I don't think I'd be interested in purchasing it.  Riding it?  Hell yeah.

Bun

[Rogue]

Maybe in a few years everyone will think back on the Harley engined Buells and think, "What the hell were they thinking?"

Buell is committed to the Thunderstorm 1203 aircooled motor.  In fact, they did a great deal of updates on it in '08.  In my opinion, it is one of the great things about Buells.  

People continue to criticize Buell for the Thunderstorm engine.  That's like criticizing BMW, Ducati, and Guzzi for their aircooled engines.  

[bizarro]

The biggest reason people rag on it is because they called it 'Thunderstorm'.  

[Schneegz]

I really hope they build an "adventure" bike with this engine and chassis.  I don't know how likely that is, but it would make one hell of a sport-touring bike with 5.6 USgal of fuel and the Uly's bags & back rest.

[SoloRider]

Buell is committed to the Thunderstorm 1203 aircooled motor.  In fact, they did a great deal of updates on it in '08.  In my opinion, it is one of the great things about Buells.  

People continue to criticize Buell for the Thunderstorm engine.  That's like criticizing BMW, Ducati, and Guzzi for their aircooled engines.  

There's a lot to be said for character, being different and having a second viable American motorcycle brand. But, just on practical terms, it's easier to get reliable performance and further development on a water cooled engine -- Formula Extreme? And, will Buell as a manufacturer want to have two engine suppliers?

[naustin]

 adapt some hard bags on the side, hmmmmmm posible a good sport touring bike.  

Unfortunatly, the handlebars and the top clamp are one peice (at least on all the pre-production bikes all the mags are testing), so you'll need some serious aftermarket help to change the bars.  However, the standard riding position is supposed to be very relaxed and comfortable with good wind protection out of the box - so a different screen may be all that is required.

Hardbags are my selling point.  I don't care if they are factory or aftermarket.  If Givi or anybody else comes out with an aftermarket hardbag kit (incl. top case) for this bike, I'm going to have to go into serious beg mode and convince my wife its time for a new bike...