I love my 1125CR!

[kevin_stevens]

So after four months with the 1125CR, I'm really digging it.  Everything but the oil change process, which is very weird and impossible to do without getting oil all over.  Only 4K miles since I got it at the end of October in the fire sale, but it's getting better and better as I put miles on:

-  Transmission was fine to start with, now has smoothed out amazingly.  In combination with the slipper clutch, makes very lightweight upshifts and downshifts.  I added AGV shorty levers to move the engagement in closer to the bar, and it's perfect now.

-  Best stock suspension I've had on any bike (not the best overall, but the best stock).  I was able to pull in the sag numbers I needed without re-springing, the shock preload is accessible under the seat, and the track settings are damn close to the comfortable street settings.

-  Perfect powerband for me, nice cruising midrange 4-7k and then you can extend the top end when you need the HP.

-  Nice but quiet noises from the exhaust, no annoying buzz or vibration at any particular speed.  A few vibes above 7K, but you're in a hurry if you're running up there, so don't really care.

-  I started out with the touring seat because I had it; and the clubman bars were a little low.  Now I've gone back to using the stock seat and it's just about perfect; very comfortable for commuting as well as my typical "tank of gas" rides and weekend trips.  I'm taking it to Ensenada for the second time this weekend.  I think the CR works great as a cafe/streetfighter type bike, it's the perfect bike to rip around town.

-  Dealer isn't the best informed on Buell stuff, but they are very accessible and helpful.  A couple of the service guys have sport bikes, so they understand what I'm saying.

-  Bike gets more attention than my S1000RR; everyone thinks it looks like a "Batman bike" with the huge intakes and the way the bars frame the cluster and pick up the lines.  

So I'm a happy camper; the Buell guys talk to me, the Triumph guys talk to me, and while most of the Harley guys don't talk to me, I don't care because I'm always busy eating something when I'm over there!

[Brad1445]

Holy vow does your baby shine.  What kind of polish are you using?  The finish looks like a mirror.

[SalsaShark]

Nice!

I picked up my R last October and have only managed to get a little over 600 miles on it due to the snow (the day after it was delivered we had a foot of the white death).  However, spring is around the corner, the sand is clearing up and we'll be back in the mountains in no time...

I had the suspension set up last weekend and have been riding it while my other bike is in pieces. It's been a blast!

I can't wait to get it on the track this summer. Miller, here I come!

[Tpoppa]

Good write up!  I put about 1,500 miles on my '09 R before winter arrived.

I hear you on the oil change.  Very easy to make a mess.  I came up with a way with electrical tape and tin foil to make a temporary funnel under the oil filter.  I made the job WAY less messy.

I go about 185lbs in full gear, and the rear still seems slightly stiff.  I have only ridden in cool weather, so hopefully it will feel lighter in warm weather.

The motor is...well damn it's a beast.  The power delivery is exceptionally linear, with more power than anyone needs on the street.  On a desolate stretch of road...under hard acceleration, I pulled the front wheel off the ground shifting from 3rd to 4th (I had no intentions of a wheelie).      

Of the 20 or so streetbikes I have owned, this is definitly the most capable in the corners.

My only complaint is that the clutch engages a bit sooner that I would like.  I'll probably wind up getinng some Pazzo levers to address this.

[falconati]

Holy vow does your baby shine.  What kind of polish are you using?  The finish looks like a mirror.

Seconded.   What black magic are you using?

[kevin_stevens]

Seconded.   What black magic are you using?

Either that "Original Polish" that used to be sold under Honda's name, or Pledge, whatever can is at hand.  Pledge doesn't clean as well but otherwise seems interchangeable.

I have the Novus polish from H-D for scratches.  Odd how easily this Suralyn material scratches if it's supposed to be used for golf ball covers.

I had to wash this bike shortly after I got it, as I rode through a 6x6 foot pool of oil and got it everywhere.  Normally I don't wash bikes, just spray and wipe them off once a week or so.

KeS

[Mastros2]

I like the bar end mirrors.  Great looking bike!

[Spiffious]

Great thread!

I just did the 620 service on mine and got oil everywhere.  

Took it for a ride last night, I basically crapped my pants from the power.   I have never ridden a v-twin that revs like this!  Power is everywhere.  It makes my SV1000 feel like it has a cruiser motor.

I. Love. This. Bike.


Kevin- What brand are the bar end mirrors?  Also, what did you not like about the touring seat?  I can't decide if I should stay stock, or go with a touring seat or a corbin.

[Rincewind]

Nice little review, thanks.  That was probably my favorite of the Buells that I've test ridden over the years.  


I'm gonna miss testing Buells and getting free shwag in the upcoming summers.  

[kevin_stevens]

Kevin- What brand are the bar end mirrors?  Also, what did you not like about the touring seat?  I can't decide if I should stay stock, or go with a touring seat or a corbin.

Mirrors are a cheap Rizoma knockoff from eBay.  Also available from Cycle Gear under the Motrax brand.

I only got the touring seat because they had them on sale and I expected the price to go way up (which it has), and just buying the bike I didn't know if I'd hate the stock seat (which I don't).

Pro:

-  It's very wide and flat and comfortable
-  It looks quite nice in and of itself

Con:

-  It's a royal PITA to get on and off, practically requiring the American Sport Bike retention pin solution rather than the stock seat screws
-  It's quite a bit higher than stock.  That makes the pegs and bars lower, relatively, neither of which I care for

Basically I find the stock seat just fine.

KeS

[xbud]

 I'm enjoying my CR as well, only problem has been the clutch weeping, I rode it 40 miles to the dealer for them to tell me that the clutch cover was damaged as well and they would not have one for another week, advised me not to ride. Instead I just take a bottle of DOT4 with me in case I need to refill.  

 Dealer wants $200 for the 620 service. I said for an oil change?

 Think I'll do it before I take it back for the clutch repair. It's a nice ride to my local dealer through the mountains, so I'm not complaining

[Rogue]

Glad you're liking the CR Kevin.

Tip on oil changes:  Use aluminum foil to direct oil away from muffler and into the drip pan.

[Spiffious]

Went riding yesterday, took some pics:

[kevin_stevens]

Start your own damned ugly-ass-mirror thread!  

KeS

[omnivore]

I am so jealous!!
I test rode a black CR last October and fell in love. The only thing the bike needs is ABS, and an optional windscreen.

If I could sell my GSXR I'd buy a CR tomorrow.

[wbrisett]

I am so jealous!!
I test rode a black CR last October and fell in love. The only thing the bike needs is ABS, and an optional windscreen.

If they put a windscreen on it, then I think it would really take away from the cafe look.... wait, they do (or did) have an option windscreen, it's call the 1125R.

Wayne

[Tpoppa]

The CR looks a lot more aggressive with bar end mirrors.

I am really digging my R.  I just put on my Corbin, it moves the riding position down almost an inch and a half inch forward, which is just about perfect for me.  And the motor pulls HARD!  

[Spiffious]

Start your own damned ugly-ass-mirror thread!  

KeS

While I agree that your bar ends look better (more badasser - F grammar.)  I like the very visible turn signals, and I've yet to see someone with a good alternative.

[kevin_stevens]

While I agree that your bar ends look better (more badasser - F grammar.)  I like the very visible turn signals, and I've yet to see someone with a good alternative.

I liked them too, however, there was just no way to make the mirrors work.  I don't really rely on my front signals for much, so I'm ok with the LED flushmounts.  I'd be a lot more concerned if it were the rear signals.  BTW, the 2010 LED tail light looks a lot better with those white-lens turn signals.  For $58 not a bad deal.

KeS

[xbud]

 Finally finished my mods for the spring, I really like that exhaust, sounds like a Ducati 916 with a set of Leo Vince pipes. Gave the bike a nice bump in mid-range torque.