Extended Test Ride of 1125R

[Rogue]

This weekend, me and a friend of mine went to a H-D/Buell dealer and went on an extended test ride of the 2008 Buell 1125R.  The bikes we tested had around 800 & the other 2,500 miles and we rode them in a mix of city, freeway, and twisty roads.  This review is based on a mix of opinions between my friend and myself.  Keep in mind that we are both Buell enthusiasts, and I also currently own a VFR800 &  Firebolt, while my friend has a Bandit 1200.  Thus, we are both biased.  Even then I will try to keep it as unbiased as I can based on my limited experience.

From the start, our Buell salesman was extremely knowledgeable about Buells and very friendly.  He was very up to date with everything going on about the world of Buells and is fairly active in BWB.  He assured us that our 2008 1125R's had the latest software download and it should not have any FI glitches that afflicted early 1125R's.  The new FI mapping promised clean and glitchfree running at low RPM, cooler engine temps, and better gas mileage.

At a glance:  The 1125R truelly is a peculiar looking motorcycle that is tricky to photograph.  It is not immediately photogenic and requires just the right angle to look good.  However, in person and in motion, the bike looks really good.  It's tough to explain and better experienced in person.  The fit and finish of the 1125R doesn't break any ground but it is clean, looks sturdy and of good quality, while being extremely orgnanized.  It is amazing how Buell was able to make all the hoses and hard fluid lines flow cleanly in and out of their respective spots.  There are no visible electrical wires to be seen.  The paint on the bodywork and finish on the hard parts look high quality yet subdued.  Most of the hard parts are wrinkle flat black or an off grey.  The finish on the frame and wheels is called Diamond Blue and it is shinier than the flat colors but it has visible metallic finish yet not glossy.  It makes a great contrast to the black and grey without screaming look at me!  A young kid walking by looked at us, we were wearing all black gear, then our bikes which were all black, then said, "Look Mom!  Batman's bike!"     Indeed it is!  The 1125R could be Batman's bike.

The 1125R's ergonomics is slightly more relaxed than the Firebolt, but not as relaxed as the VFR.  The reach to the bars is short, the footpegs set high up but not too far to the rear.  However, it is far from being anywhere near a standard seating position.  There is a very good reason for this riding position which maked itself evident in our riding later on.  Neither is the position as racebike-like as the current crop of supersport motorcycles from Japan or Italy.  Having sat on a 1098S, I would say the Ducati is the most racebike-like, with the Japanese bikes being more comfortable, then the Firebolt, then the 1125R being the most comfortable supersport bike.  The VFR is most comfortable. 

All of the 1125R's controls are standard with no weird placement or operation.  The feel to the controls is very much like that one would expect from today's Japanese bikes, with a light/medium throttle, relatively light clutch pull, and switches that move and feel good with gloved hands.  The instrument cluster consist of a large Tachometer in the center that dominates the cluster, below it is the large digital speedo, to its right are the Odometer/Tripmeters/ below that are the alphanumeric display for a host of things like diagnostics, ambient temp, engine temp, lap timer, engine diagnostics, etc., etc.  It displays a lot of information.  Our '08 bike didn't have it but the '09 bikes have a gear indicator. 

Around town:  I was curious if Buell truelly fixed the FI glitches that plagued earlier 1125R's so I paid close attention to the way our test bike ran around town.  Both our bikes started right up from a cold start and idled smoothly.  On occassion, the idle rose up about 400 RPM then settled back down.  While the bike was warming up, the words, "Cold Engine" flased on its display.  The engine sounded like a high strung V-Twin, with a distinct but subdued gear whine, and a surprisingly strong exhaust sound from an OEM set up.  Riding around town it was clear that Buell indeed fixed the low RPM fueling glitches because our bike was smooth off the line and accelerated cleanly from below 4k RPM.  I put the bike in high gear then picked up the throttle from 2k RPM and it accelerated smoothly.  I was surprised to feel vibration similar to my Firebolt (not at idle but at revs), which is to say, it has a smooth, V-twin beat with an edge.  It is not the kind you would feel on an L-twin Ducati but not the jarring vibration from the old school H-D solidly mounted V-Twin Sportster either.  I personally felt right at home on the 1125R since I'm used to my Firebolt.  The riding position felt natural for me and even around town with speeds so low, the riding position was not uncomfortable.  The 1125R's suspension was not set up for my weight, but it felt just like my Firebolt--sportbike firm but surprisingly compliant.  The roads around our dealership had lots of potholes and bumps, and our 1125R absorbed the road imperfections well.  The big bumps didn't throw us off the seat nor did the sharp potholes jarr our backs.  This is to be expected on any high quality supersport motorcycle with top notch suspension components. 

Off to the Races:  After our stint in town we hit the freeway and our local twisty roads and we were off to the races!  If there is a lasting impression the 1125R will leave even on a short ride, it is that V-Twin engine and its power delivery.  One of the best things I love about V-twins is its instantaneous power delivery and torque.  The 1125R's Helicon engine does not disappoint.  Right off idle the engine was extremely strong, needing very little revs to take off from a standing start and it just catapults the bike down the road with authority.  The 1125R feels like it has high gears because first gear gets it going to 60 in a heartbeat.  Exiting 90 degree corners has the back tire clawing for traction then pushing the bike quickly down the road thanks to the abundant torque that doesn't have to carry a lot of weight.  The engine has tremendous headroom with power being available from off idle all the way to 10k RPM!  In the lower 3 gears, the bike explodes down the road at WOT, and if you happen to hit 8k RPM, which has a noticeable power step, the bike's front end starts to come up on its own!  Holy horses Batman!  Now the bike's ergonomics really makes sense!  It reminded me so much of my Hayabusa's ferocious acceleration, except the 1125R seems to deliver a stronger punch below 6k RPM.  The 1125R didn't have that jet-like top end rush of my Hayabusa, but it was close!  Believe me when I say, 6K RPM is enough to blow the bejesus out of most everything on the road, with 8K RPM available for that ace in the hole, afterburner take off into orbit.  I keep comparing the power and acceleration to my Hayabusa because it is THE bike that comes closest to mind in comparison.  The 1125R is THAT fast!  Maybe because I'm so used to the Firebolt and VFR, with a mere 100 horses.  Who knows.  However, my friend agrees, even though he is coming off a 115 rwhp Bandit 1200 that the 1125R is "Stinky Fast"! 

The sound of the Helicon V-Twin engine is somewhat unique.  There is no mistaking it for anything other than a V-Twin.  It sounds slightly more tinny but not ratty.  Even at low RPM the exhaust can be heard easily, which surprised me.  At WOT, that exhaust got much louder and distinctive with a combination of V-Twin rumble and gear whine.  It sounds like a cross between a Ducati L-twin liquid cooled motor and a piped BMW Boxer twin.  Strange.  The amount of the exhaust sound surprised me since this is an OEM offering and not aftermarket. 

With its sneaky, stinky fast power delivery, the 1125R manages to feel very relaxed in the Highway.  70 mph comes in around 4,200 RPM, and 80 comes in around 4,800 RPM.  This is just at the point where the engine is wide awake.  It has a very relaxed V-twin beat at that point and it is very smooth (but not VFR smooth).  From there, whacking the throttle open has the bike exploding down the road well into the triple digit speeds.  One needs to be very careful on this bike as it is indeed very sneaky fast.  At 80, there is plenty of wind protection from that big, wide fairing.  Above that, the wind gets stronger but it is very well controlled and smooth.  In fact, it added to the comfort level because it eased pressure off the wrists. 

All that power was backed up with very powerful braking.  The ZTL2 braking system from Buell does a great job of hauling the 1125R down from triple digits speeds very quickly.  We did several high speed runs followed by hard braking without any noticeable brake fade or change in brake feel.  I was expecting to get weak braking from initial application immediately followed by strong braking power as was the complaints from some early test rides.  Our 1125R did not exhibit any of these.  The ZTL2 provided very strong power and excellent feel.  One finger braking was sufficient for most riding situations. 

Out on Ortega Highway, we got to test the 1125R's handling and headlights as the light was beginning to fade during our ride.  I won't go into detail as it is a foregone conclusion that the 1125R has no weakness in the handling department.  There is the Buell characteristic initial resistance to turning with light bar pressure, but once turned, the bike was extremely stable with gobs of ground clearance and great front end feedback.  Again, that riding position became evident as the bike generates lots of confidence to its rider during aggressive cornering.  1125R's ship with Pirelli Diablo Corsa III's and these tires felt like glue on the pavement and gave us so much confidence and feel.  All I can say is the bike felt great in the corners as it should be.

The headlights on our 1125R deserves special mention.  With the low beams, it generates two very bright beams across the road, with two more side markers, making the bike very visible from behind.  In high beam, the lights have four, count them FOUR beams of light shining down the road.  These, along with my VFR, offers the best lighting of any motorcycle we have ever seen.  My VFR also has four beams in full bright setting.  The 1125R's turn signals are LED's and mounted on its mirrors.  They were bright and easily visible from behind.  BTW, from behind, the 1125R looks mighty sinister.  It has a frontal signature unlike any other bike out there.  Especially in all black and with the angry headlights along with a rider wearing a black helmet, the whole ensemble looked bad-ass.  Batman's bike indeed!

Upon returning our test bikes, we had to ride around town for a bit again.  I paid close attention to engine temps to see if the bike would run hot and noisy.  Even after some pretty hard runnning at high speeds, then some stop and go, as I pulled into the dealership the engine temps never exceeded 180 degrees.  Proof that the lean fueling has been sorted out well.  Also, it may give others who have the sensitivity of a female, like say Aaron Frank of Motorcyclist Magazine, comfort to know that the 1125R's twin electric fans are quiet when they are running, and quiet after shut down.  Oh they do still run to keep engine temps low but they are nowhere near as loud as the XB models.   In addition, the 1125R's turn signals or any part do not vibrate at idle so the Aaron Franks of the world won't feel embarrassed when little kids walk by the 1125R.

Overall:  Both my friend and I agreed that the 1125R is a worthy competitor in the market it is in.  It is THE sportbike that puts Buell head to head with the other mainstream makers from Japan & Europe.  It has the power and the handling to compete, without loosing site of Buell's original mission:  to be different and innovative.  The 1125R offers buyers a few features that differentiate it from its other competitors.  It has one of the lowest maintenance schedules of any of them.  Belt drive means no final drive maintenance.  It has normal oil/filter replacement intervals and 12k mile valve inspeciton intervals.  Even that is done without the need to remove the DOHC cams.  It has the protective fairing and the reasonable riding position that should make long distance riding pleasant.  As mentioned, its headlights are the best in class.  Buell also offers a large, custom tailbag for the 1125R (and Firebolt) along with with saddlebags and tank bag so one can easily turn the 1125R in a SPORT-touring bike.  Finally, at its price of $11,995, the 1125R undercuts its European competitors and puts it in Japanese literbike pricing territory. 

Dislikes:  My friend didn't like that the rear seat needs to have two torx screws to be unscrewed to remove it.  This makes rear suspension adjustment awkward to do on the road.  I was surprised and turned off by the hard edged vibration when the engine hit 8k RPM.  I was expecting Ducati smoothness until I realized, this is afterall a 72 degree V-twin with a single balancer shaft and solid mounting.  In that respect, it is no VFR and every bit a Buell sportbike.  Nevertheless, the harder edged vibes above 8k RPM didn't last very long because the engine raced to redline in very short order.  Also, the rider would normally be too busy keeping his/her attention on the road as the 1125R rushes down to triple digit speeds to pay much attention to vibes at high RPM!  This is NOT a gentleman's ride but a sportbike with tons of attitude!  If you're looking for a pussycat that occassionally becomes a tiger, stay away from the 1125R.  If you're looking to ride a Lion at all the times, this is your ride! 

[kevin_stevens]

Great review, Jordan!

Riding the 1125R back-to-back with my ZX-14 at Willow Springs last week; yes, you've just forgotten what the Hayabusa felt like.    The 1125R does have nice power everywhere, and I also noticed that 8k boost, but it didn't remind me of the ZX-14 at any point in the powerband.  It did remind me of my TL1000.

KeS

[Bueller]

Holy write-up Batman  

[Phenix_Rider]

That's probably the BEST picture I've seen of the 1125R.  It comes the closest to capturing the bike in it's natural (everyday rider) environment.

[1KPerDay]

Nice report. Thanks.

[TheCloser]

Rogue,

You need to quit your day job and go full time into motorcycle evaluations.  Heck, you are even now rivaling BMW-K for thoroughness.  

[Rogue]

Great review, Jordan!

Riding the 1125R back-to-back with my ZX-14 at Willow Springs last week; yes, you've just forgotten what the Hayabusa felt like.    The 1125R does have nice power everywhere, and I also noticed that 8k boost, but it didn't remind me of the ZX-14 at any point in the powerband.  It did remind me of my TL1000.

KeS

So what did you think Kevin?

Be honest.  You probably rode the 1125R harder than I did.

[Rogue]

Rogue,

You need to quit your day job and go full time into motorcycle evaluations.  Heck, you are even now rivaling BMW-K for thoroughness.  

Thanks my friend.  

BTW, the had several 1125CR's there too.  As I suspected, the 1125CR's riding position is identical to the 1125R.  I do like the CR's looks better than the R.  

[kevin_stevens]

So what did you think Kevin?

Be honest.  You probably rode the 1125R harder than I did.

Oh, I loved it!  Didn't you see my report?

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,32846.msg742195.html#msg742195

Only real downside was that I *did* feel some steady-throttle surging.  But I liked it more than any other big sporting twin I've ridden (which hasn't been all of them by any means).  Very comfy and confidence-inspiring.

KeS

[1125Rider]

Rogue,
  If you and your friend like the 1125R so much why don't one (or both) of you put your money where mouth is and go buy one. Yeah, it's a bad ass bike, trade in what you are riding and give it shot.  You give a nice report but I think you need to step up to the plate "walk the walk!"

1125Rider

[Rogue]

Let me guess, Brad in disquise......    

First, my Firebolt is only 2 years old and 20k miles.  Second, my wife just won't tolerate a new bike right now as I just got a VFR!

I plan to re-visit my situation in 2010.

[1125Rider]

Brad? No, this is not Brad!  Dude, I've read this thread and that dude Rogue doesn't have the taste to like or the balls to ride a bike like the 1125R! Pulleze! If you really give the 1125R a fair shake you need to ride it in all of its glory, try it not only on the freeway but in the city and the twisties as well. Try logging  a few hundred miles on the 1125R in all different settings and if you are anythihg else less than impressed I'll make an offical apologyl.  Let the1125R speak (and perform) for itsefl!

1125Rider

[Brad1445]

I don't hide.
I tell people they have ugly bikes to thier faces, lol

[kevin_stevens]

Brad? No, this is not Brad!  Dude, I've read this thread and that dude Rogue doesn't have the taste to like or the balls to ride a bike like the 1125R! Pulleze! If you really give the 1125R a fair shake you need to ride it in all of its glory, try it not only on the freeway but in the city and the twisties as well. Try logging  a few hundred miles on the 1125R in all different settings and if you are anythihg else less than impressed I'll make an offical apologyl.  Let the1125R speak (and perform) for itsefl!

1125Rider

Wow - on the ignore list in only two posts!  I think that's a record!

KeS

[Rogue]

Brad? No, this is not Brad!  Dude, I've read this thread and that dude Rogue doesn't have the taste to like or the balls to ride a bike like the 1125R! Pulleze! If you really give the 1125R a fair shake you need to ride it in all of its glory, try it not only on the freeway but in the city and the twisties as well. Try logging  a few hundred miles on the 1125R in all different settings and if you are anythihg else less than impressed I'll make an offical apologyl.  Let the1125R speak (and perform) for itsefl!

1125Rider

Hmmmm....okay not Brad then I wonder....  

I'll bite since you're gracious enough to come out from under your rock.  I would love to log in a few hundred miles on any bike I'm interested in (who wouldn't).  Unfortunately, reality dictates a limited test ride.  Didn't you test ride your 1125R first before you bought it?  Or did you buy it on faith alone?  If you did test it, you know you are sort of limited in distance.  I'm lucky to have gotten a ride on a twisty road like Ortega Highway!  In any case, we put about probably 100 miles on ours and that was enough for me to make a pretty good determination of whether I would like this bike or not.  Honestly, seeing it next to the 1125CR has given me pause.  I love the CR's looks.  The 1125R is more practical thanks to the fairing.  As much as I love my Firebolt, I'm not THAT blind.  Sounds like you're a bit too blinded.  

[rauchman]

Very nice write up!!!  Would you know if the new fuel maps have made the MPG any better?  I was surprised to read when the 1125R's first appeared that the mileage was horrible.  Especially, when compare to the XB series.  Like you, the 1125CR is really growing on me.  Can't wait to see one in person.

[Tyrroneous]

I've been doing a lot of research on the 1125R lately.  It might be the fact that I haven't recovered from surgery fully and so haven't ridden for months, but I'm jonesing for something sportier and stronger than my VFR without sacrificing the comfort.  I've been snooping around the Bad Weather 1125R forums for a few weeks and like what I see there.  I can get past the somewhat awkward looks too.  Perhaps in a couple years, I'll be able to add one to the garage.

Anyways, from what I've read, yes, the new ECM flash has made a big improvement in fuel mileage.  I have no personal experience to back that up though.

[Bueller]

Very nice write up!!!  Would you know if the new fuel maps have made the MPG any better?  I was surprised to read when the 1125R's first appeared that the mileage was horrible.  Especially, when compare to the XB series.  Like you, the 1125CR is really growing on me.  Can't wait to see one in person.

A friend says that the map that came out 4-6 weeks ago fixed everything for him.  The power is smoother with more of it and the fuel consumption much better.

[ccryder]

Wait until you ride one that is completely broken in!!  It gets even smoother and stronger after about 5,000 miles. Good evaluation.  After 16,000 miles in 6 months, and a few modifications mine does EVERYTHING that I want.

Take a look here for some picts and such: http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,28285.0.html





The last mod I did was a Rick Mayer seat, now I have butt bliss and an even bigger SEG on my face than before!

Later
Neil S.

[1125Rider]

Those are some serious bags you are packing on the 1125!  I have the tailbag and can tell that I'll need more space if I were to take any long trips. Nice job on the luggage.