Test rode an 1125CR

[BrookR1]

I didn't get to really stretch out its wings...I had to follow a sales guy on a Harley. But, I loved the grunt of the motor and there seemed to be tons of torque. It has lots of character and the vibes at idle don't bother me. Riding at low speeds was effortless and balance was great. Maintenance and dealer support is a huge plus.

Things I wasn't too crazy about...the cockpit seemed a little cramped. I'm a tall guy and there was barely enough leg room, but the handlebars came in a little too close to my knees. The salesperson said I could also drop the pegs for a little more room. I felt like I was perched on a stool.

Things I was indifferent about...it handled much heavier riding than when sitting on the showroom floor. This thing was a bull compared to my Multistrada. Wind protection seemed OK (it had a laminar lip installed).

I'm probably going to use this bike for commuting. I know other bikes would be better, but the styling and rumble and sound of that motor makes me believe I could live with it...and a decent rain suit.

 

[tankhead]

Suspension settings weren't set up 4 your weight prior to the ride, right?  It will handle on a different level (proper level) when set correctly.

[falcofred]

There is also a bar option to raise the bars to a real comfortable position. A coworker of mine has a CR and loves it. He loves the bike and the deal he got when Buell went under was outstanding.

[xbud]

 Once you upgrade the ECU to an Erik Buell Racing ECU and aftermarket exhaust it will run even better, smoother, with more midrange torque.

[falconati]

I didn't ride the CR, so I can't comment on the ergos; however I rode the R and agree with your comments with the motor.  I thought the powerband was nice, vibes had nice character, and stock exhaust note was really original.

[BrookR1]

Thanks for the comments. Hopefully it will still be around when I'm ready to pull the trigger in Oct. I'll have to say...the local Harley shop has been very cool and very attentive. After hearing all of these horror stories about dealerships completely ignoring Buell customers, I've been pretty impressed. Of course with this economy, every salesperson I've run across has been extra attentive.

I'm going to demo a Triumph or two in the meantime. The bikes fit me better...if only their engines can stir me in the same way...

[falconati]

That won't be a problem - the triple mills are incredible.  I'm not certain you'll want the Buell after riding the Triumph (I didn't), but to each their own

[Kootenanny]

That won't be a problem - the triple mills are incredible.  I'm not certain you'll want the Buell after riding the Triumph (I didn't), but to each their own

I rode my Buell to a Triumph demo a couple of years ago; at the demo, I rode a Street Triple R, a Speed Triple, and a Ducati Monster 696, among others.  

I really liked the Street Triple, but...I preferred the engine in the Monster.  Although I preferred the Street Triple overall, I liked the Ducati engine better, even though it's not as powerful.  The Triumph triples are too smooth and somehow bland for my taste.  That said, between the Street Triple R and the Ducati Monster 696, I'd take the Triple, but not because of its engine--and right now, neither one would replace my Firebolt!

[BrookR1]

I went to the local Triumph dealer and sat on a Street Triple and my long legs couldn't get comfortable on the bike. My knees were tightly wedged under the gas tank crease.

So, I went back to the Harley shop and put a deposit down on the CR1125. Once the bank loan gets approved this AM, I'll hopefully be the owner of lightly used Buell. This is a different bike from the one I demoed. The new one had clubman bars installed which i will eventually swap out with a set of higher bars. My Multistrada felt like a La Z Boy recliner after switching back. Pics to follow once everything gets worked out.

[Rincewind]

Awesome, Brook.  I look forward to your pics.  I had a pretty positive test ride on a CR before buying my Triple.  It's like riding a snorting bull.  Lovely bike, I wish you well.  

[Mastros2]

They are great bikes! Same here, waiting on the review and pics!

[Kootenanny]

Congrats on the new Buell!  You will enjoy it!

[BrookR1]

OK, well after going through a bunch of BS with a few different lenders, I was finally able to work out a deal.

I didn't get the black Buell with the clubman bars. I ended up with a (really) red one with the high bars. On the plus side, it came with bar end mirrors and bolt on turn signals, which I would have done eventually. The previous owner took care when removing the badging. The only mods I may do would be to purchase the clubman bars and possibly add some tasteful graphics to tone the red down a bit.
 

I wanted to avoid red. Every vehicle I've owned over the last 10 years has been red. I've had a red Dodge Dakota, a red Honda Shadow, a red Ducati, a red Honda CR-V, a red hang glider, and now this. A really red Buell 1125CR. It was in cherry condition with about 3500 miles on it. Has about a month left on the factory warranty. I could only find two visible knicks on the rims. The spot you see on the front fairing is just a bug splatter. The chicken strips on the bike were 2 inches wide, so I think the previous owner must have used this mainly for commuting or (who knows?) drag racing. The tires were in good shape...getting a little flat, but still plenty of miles left.

I pick it up this Sunday....this bike didn't even make it to the showroom before I snatched it up.  

[aseecobra]

Nice choice

Black is faster  

[Castaway]

Nice bike, Brook, and aseecobra. I hope to give one a ride someday.

[Mastros2]

Congrats!   I do like the red though.  Now ride it like Erik wanted it to be ridden!