Extended Test Ride of 1125R

[rsrat]

Thanks for your thorough report. I just rode it myself, but only on a five mile dealer demo ride. Subjectivity aside, do you think the typical sport touring rider will be able to ride all day on this bike?

I typically go 200 mi. or so between fuel stops and do 500 miles pretty easily on my Sprint RS when doing weekend or longer ST rides. Locally I ride half to full days with breaks every 30 minutes to an hour. I've kept the RS because its well suited for my riding here in Colorado but would love to step up to something a bit more on the sport side like the Buell, if I can determine its long term comfort ahead of time. I already use an Alaska Sheepskin on my oem seat and it makes a big difference in long term comfort, so presumably I can transfer that to the Buell when the time comes.

And one other question- I'd be a newbie to the Buell/Harley world and wonder how the service and support side of the purchase would rate? At first, Triumph had its issues and there are still some lingering parts availability and cost issues, but overall they've done pretty well so far. My Buell dealer would be much closer if I do go that route.

Thanks for your suggestions.

[kevin_stevens]

The problem, of course, is defining the "typical sport touring rider"  I found the 1125R pretty comfy, but a sport riding position doesn't bother me.  You might take a closer look at the CR, since the traditional bar style allows for easier modification (even though the stock clubman bar is actually *more* aggressive than the R's clipon).

KeS

[Rogue]

Maybe 1125R rider can chime in here about the bike's long distance capabilities?

Hey 1125R Rider!  Wake up man!  Speak up and give a guy your expert opinion!   

Do I think the typical sport-tourer will be able to ride all day on this bike?  Well, it depends on how you define a "typical sport-tourer".  I'll be honest and say, if you are used to riding ST bikes, have a bad back, way overweight, have aching knee joints, arthritis, and so on, don't get this bike!  However, if you are reasonably healthy, don't have Santa's belly, no joint problems, you have a good chance of adopting to the bike.  I do believe that if you are healthy enough to ride a Sprint RS all day, the 1125R is not going to present a problem.  It's definitely sportier but you will easily adopt.

The 1125R's riding position is almost identical to the Firebolt's position.  I personally have toured on my Firebolt and have done 500 mile days on it with no problem and I'm not exactly athletic!  What I don't have are joint problems, and I am used to riding sportbikes.  So, I can tour with my Firebolt easily.  You did bring up the seat.  The 1125R's seat is pretty damn good (as is the Firebolt's) but it is firm.  Yet, it has enough padding so it won't transmit harsh bumps directly on to your bones.  But it is also meant to "communicate" to the rider what the bike is doing.  So, the seat will not be VFR-soft.  The one thing the 1125R excels in is protect the rider's upper body from wind.  That along with the forward riding position makes high speed running for long periods very easy.  Understand though that it's not a barn door like on a dedicated ST machine.  But for a sportbike, it is excellent.  Compared to other sportbikes like the 1098, GSXR's, CBR's, Ninja's, etc., the 1125R's ergos will seem incredibly comfortable!  Compared to a VFR, the ergos will feel a bit tight, especially the legroom, but close.   

[Rogue]

 You might take a closer look at the CR, since the traditional bar style allows for easier modification (even though the stock clubman bar is actually *more* aggressive than the R's clipon).

KeS

Kevin, I found the CR's and R's position to be identical.  

Buell does offer the "comfort bars" for the CR as a dealer installed (or owner) option.

[Rogue]

And one other question- I'd be a newbie to the Buell/Harley world and wonder how the service and support side of the purchase would rate? At first, Triumph had its issues and there are still some lingering parts availability and cost issues, but overall they've done pretty well so far. My Buell dealer would be much closer if I do go that route.

Service and support side of Buell ownership depends heavily on your local dealership.  A great dealer makes all the difference.  A lousy one will ruin it for you.  In that way, it's not any different from other makes.  Also be aware that not all H-D dealers are Buell dealers.  Only H-D/Buell dealers will do business with Buell owners. 

My experience with H-D/Buell dealers when it comes to parts and parts availability has been excellent.  I have tried a few dealers close to me and all of them either stock the parts or have gotten the parts within a week or two.  In addition, believe it or not, Buell parts are relatively inexpensive compared to Japanese/Euro brands.  I mean it.  That includes maintenance parts as well. 

Buell also sells touring bags specifically for the 1125R.  So they do cater to sport-tourers in that way.  Buell does offer the Ulysses XT as their dedicated sports tourer.  But understand that the Thunderstorm engine is an acquired taste.  You'll either love it or hate it. 

[kevin_stevens]

Kevin, I found the CR's and R's position to be identical.  

Buell does offer the "comfort bars" for the CR as a dealer installed (or owner) option.

They felt lower to me, but I just sat on the broken CR without riding it (I knew it wasn't my first choice so I skipped over it).  I don't know if they're rotatable or pinned somehow, if the former that might explain the difference.  I think it's a bigger deal that there's a way to replace the CR bars, you'd have to replace the entire upper triple on the R to change the orientation as far as I could see.

KeS

BTW before someone jumps on the "broken CR" thing, it had just lost the sidestand spring somehow.  

[1125Rider]

Maybe 1125R rider can chime in here about the bike's long distance capabilities?

Hey 1125R Rider!  Wake up man!  Speak up and give a guy your expert opinion!   

Do I think the typical sport-tourer will be able to ride all day on this bike?  Well, it depends on how you define a "typical sport-tourer".  I'll be honest and say, if you are used to riding ST bikes, have a bad back, way overweight, have aching knee joints, arthritis, and so on, don't get this bike!  However, if you are reasonably healthy, don't have Santa's belly, no joint problems, you have a good chance of adopting to the bike.  I do believe that if you are healthy enough to ride a Sprint RS all day, the 1125R is not going to present a problem.  It's definitely sportier but you will easily adopt.

The 1125R's riding position is almost identical to the Firebolt's position.  I personally have toured on my Firebolt and have done 500 mile days on it with no problem and I'm not exactly athletic!  What I don't have are joint problems, and I am used to riding sportbikes.  So, I can tour with my Firebolt easily.  You did bring up the seat.  The 1125R's seat is pretty damn good (as is the Firebolt's) but it is firm.  Yet, it has enough padding so it won't transmit harsh bumps directly on to your bones.  But it is also meant to "communicate" to the rider what the bike is doing.  So, the seat will not be VFR-soft.  The one thing the 1125R excels in is protect the rider's upper body from wind.  That along with the forward riding position makes high speed running for long periods very easy.  Understand though that it's not a barn door like on a dedicated ST machine.  But for a sportbike, it is excellent.  Compared to other sportbikes like the 1098, GSXR's, CBR's, Ninja's, etc., the 1125R's ergos will seem incredibly comfortable!  Compared to a VFR, the ergos will feel a bit tight, especially the legroom, but close.   

  Long distance touring on the 1125R? Yes Rogue, I think I can address that issue and do so in relativley few words.  The 1125R is very well suited for distance riding with the exception of stopping for fuel every 140 miles but besides that there are no limitations.  The wind protection shields the rider from windblast and with a relaxed seated position it's hard to get really tired unless you are some fat lazy bastard that can barely manage tying ones shoes. A reasonably fit person can easily do 4-500 miles a day on the 1125R without even really trying.
  In all reality I don't think there is much difference between my 1125R and your Firebolt.  Both bikes have close to the same ergonomics so with the exception of the powerplant and a bit of shielding from the increased fairing size both bikes are close to the same.  I guess my question for you is, can you/do you ride you bike on extended tripsa and if so, how do you like it.

1125Rider

[Brad1445]

I can do 500 mile days on my Firebolt and the 1125 is slightly more relaxed, I bet its awesome for long hauls. And more power to boot!  





the pods sux

[BlueRidgeKat]

Understand though that it's not a barn door like on a dedicated ST machine.  But for a sportbike, it is excellent.  Compared to other sportbikes like the 1098, GSXR's, CBR's, Ninja's, etc., the 1125R's ergos will seem incredibly comfortable.

You certainly have that right!

Love the V-Strom but have been longing for another sportbike lately and was looking at the R1 & R6 but really leaning toward the GSXR 750 then just for the hell of it while in Charlotte NC for a couple days dropped into the HD dealer to check out all the Buells. The 1125R totally surprised me, shocked even. Rogue is right, the thing is very comfortable compared to all the clone sport bikes. It reminds me alot of my old ZZR1200 in many ways only a ton lighter. I also found out that pictures do not do it justice, its a damn sharp looking bike. Not sure if this was Buells intent, but  with the comfort and wind protection the 1125R has, it seems to me that it can easily be used as a all day SPORT-touring bike. Price is certainly alot less than a Duck or BMW and a little more than say a R1 or 10R so not bad.

Trying to learn more about the 1125R and my local dealer has one 08 left but I have some concern over the fuel injection map that it came out with. Apparently this has been updated in the CR and can be downloaded to the 08 1125R as well ??

This thing is nice and anyone who hasnt checked one out closely needs to do so before passing judgement.

Oh.....I'd would like to see Eric put this engine (or a detuned version) in the Ulysses as well and someone here could have a real deal on a loaded V-Strom.

[Rogue]

It is tempting to go for an 08.  But remember that the 09's also come with updated mechanicals, which includes the Fuel Injectors.  So it's not just the mapping that needed fixing.  

If I were in the market, I'd go for the 09 in white and hero blue.  

[BlueRidgeKat]

It is tempting to go for an 08.  But remember that the 09's also come with updated mechanicals, which includes the Fuel Injectors.  So it's not just the mapping that needed fixing.  

If I were in the market, I'd go for the 09 in white and hero blue.  

Agreed, the 09 is probably the way to go unless you could get one hell of a deal on a 08 and then buy the extended warranty, however I would want the extended warranty for a 09 as well.

The white and hero blue is starting to grow on me and in a couple of the 360 angles that you can look at the white and blue is awesome. Cant tell by the Buell site pics but I assume that for 09 the black one does not have the blueish color frame and wheels?

I think one of the things I like the most about this bike (besides the look, torque and comfort) is the belt drive that they claim "never needs replacing and never needs adjusting". I'm getting old and starting to tire of cleaning, lubing and adjusting chains.

Does anyone know if the very first valve adjustment is 12k or is there like one at 600 miles or so then its every 12k after that? Also does the 1125R take regular gas or is it like a Beemer and needs the Supreme stuff?

[1125Rider]

Does anyone know if the very first valve adjustment is 12k or is there like one at 600 miles or so then its every 12k after that? Also does the 1125R take regular gas or is it like a Beemer and needs the Supreme stuff?

  The first vavle adjustment is called for at the 12K, 31K and 43K service per the owners manual. I'm not sure where there is a 19K gap between the 12K and 31K so erring on the conservative side I would say that every 12K is probably a good rule to go by.
  Just like a Beemer the 1125R drinks the expensive stuff with an octane rating of 91.  The good news is that since gas prices have dropped back to an almost reasonable level it's not that big of deal.  I can't speak for anyone else but to date I have been averaging 32 MPG and that's a mix of steady slab and "spirited" riding.    I have heard other riders touting they are seeing 40+ MPG so next time I take the bike in I'm going to have the mapping checked and make the revised edition is loaded.
  Good luck and if you buy one I'm sure you won't be dissappointed.  

[Rogue]

I think one of the things I like the most about this bike (besides the look, torque and comfort) is the belt drive that they claim "never needs replacing and never needs adjusting". I'm getting old and starting to tire of cleaning, lubing and adjusting chains.

It's nice to have that belt drive.  There is no driveline lash.  Since there is no oil, there is no gunk build up, so it is clean.  You can handle it with your bear hands and not get shit all over your hands.  It is also quiet as heck.  Don't know why everyone keeps on insisting on chain drive.  Suckers are heavy, dirty, noisy, and much more complicated.  

[Brad1445]

And best of all no chain lash!!!!  Other than a few lost ponies I have no idea why belts are not more popular.

[1125Rider]

  A few lost ponies is a small price to pay for the convenience of belt drive but honestly, with the explosive power of the Rotax engine in the 1125 I have yet to find myself at loss for power.  In the world of racing where a minute advantage might be derived from running a chain I can understand this mentality but for the guy or girl that rides on the road it's just a messy waste. Besides not missing the mess of cleaning, lubing and adjusting the chain what I really don't miss is every 20K miles replacing the damn thing along with the sprockets.

[BlueRidgeKat]

In the world of racing where a minute advantage might be derived from running a chain I can understand this mentality but for the guy or girl that rides on the road it's just a messy waste.

Amen!

Well said. I think I will make this line my new signature.

[BlueRidgeKat]

Just had to go and look at one again today. Its different in such a good way.
Still amazed at how comfortable it is for a true sport bike.

[Kootenanny]

And best of all no chain lash!!!!  Other than a few lost ponies I have no idea why belts are not more popular.

Lost ponies?  Dunno about that...bikes use toothed flat belts, which AFAIK transmit power as efficiently as chains do (it's V-belts which lose power to friction).  Belt drives are lighter and far cleaner than chains, and there are other advantages--unfortunately, they are not as easy to change ratios on as chains, especially with the Buell "constant path length" design, and there are some strength concerns (again as compared to chains), so they are not popular with racers.

[2DFlyer]

Excellent read!  Every bit as entertaining as Aaron Frank without all the whining.  

This 'splains all the used Japanese iron sitting on the local HD/Buell dealer's lot.  All they lack for a full house is a ZX10R.
http://rayprice.com/sales-inv-other.htm
The owner of the white XB12R demo'd a 1125R while his XB was being serviced and went home on the 1125R.
Maybe I need to take them up on a demo ride offer.

One burning question though, how come this bike doesn't have a name other than it's model?

[nanbil]

Just had to go and look at one again today. Its different in such a good way.
Still amazed at how comfortable it is for a true sport bike.

Now that is pretty.