Was Offered An 1125R For A Low-LOW Price

[Rogue]

So, my very good friend who bought a 2008 Buell 1125R in 2009, told me he is selling his Buell.  He has two other bikes (cruisers and full dress tourer) so one has to go.  He enjoyed the Buell immensely but his physical condition prevents him from riding it for longer than 30 minutes due to the sportbike riding position.  
Details:  2008 Model in Villain Black and Diamond Blue Frame/wheels.  
14k miles
All recalls completed by Buell dealer.
All maintenance performed by Buell dealer.
The bike is completely stock with no known issues to speak of.  

The bike is currently offered at $5k to the buying public.  All other  2008 1125R’s in Cycle Trader for sale for over $6k.  My friend wants to unload the bike asap to help finance his next purchase (new ST Bike).  My friend then throws me a curve ball and reminded me of some money he owned me from a firearm sale.  Now he is offering me this bike for $3800 along with Factory Service Manual & 2 Buell Tail bags.  I’ve seen and ridden this bike extensively.  I’ve even helped change the tires on it at one time.  I know this bike well.

M current situation on bike purchase is no big secret.  I’m looking…..I’m open to new, Used (not abused) sporty bike.  I’m ready to plunk down $14k for a new bike but this latest offer is damn tempting.  There is also a used ’04 BMW R1100S with 25k for $6k I was kind of eyeballing.  In any case, what would you do if you were in this situation.  I mean…..$3800 is L-O-W!  Of course, no dealer support nearby.  Do I like the 1125R? Let’s just say I was about to trade the Firebolt for a white one when H-D pulled the plug.  

[veefer800canuck]

What are you waiting for, open up the chequebook and let some of those moths out.  

[Tyrroneous]

I miss mine. Do it! Do it now!

[falconati]

Buy it.  I would.

[veefer800canuck]

Or give us your friend's contact info.  

[Bueller]

I'd buy it for $3800 and sell the tailpacks for $4000.

Sounds like a bargain to good to resist.

[Rincewind]

That's a hard-to-resist price for a very fun bike - I love that motor.  And seeing that you are already a Buell enthusiast, it seems like a no-brainer for you.  

I'm not sure I'd buy it myself, considering the dealer/support situation.  And if you have additional $10k saved for a new bike, you can get something with a warranty and have more peace of mind.

[Rogue]

That's a hard-to-resist price for a very fun bike - I love that motor.  And seeing that you are already a Buell enthusiast, it seems like a no-brainer for you.  

I'm not sure I'd buy it myself, considering the dealer/support situation.  And if you have additional $10k saved for a new bike, you can get something with a warranty and have more peace of mind.

Well, my plan was to pay 50% for a new bike and finance the rest if I can get a favorable APR.  Dealers are hungry and I know I would get a deal if I did my homework on a new bike.  

My only concern about this '08 1125R is the near-zero dealer support unless EBR comes back to life.  But even then it would be iffy.  So I would have to do all the maintenance myself.  That's not that hard except for the valve inspection.  

Can anyone with experience in this matter give me a low down on maintenance on the Helicon engine?

How hard or easy is it to do the major service on this bike?  

I looked up parts for the 1125R and it is plentiful so far.  Buell even sells a full fairing kit for it.  American Sportbike has the full middle portion, leaving only the lower muffler esposed (which is good for maintenance anyway).  They're all straight bolt-ons.  With all that cash left over, I can really put some nice parts on the bike.  

The presence of that '04 BMW R1100S at the dealer really puts a big spin into it.  I've always liked that bike.  Otherwise, it's either going to be the new R1200R or the Speed Triple--both of which are $14k.  The Accountant in me says, get either the 1125R or the R1100S.  The Devil/Consumer's Advocate in me says buy new and get the warranty and piece of mind.  In any case, the way I am I may end up dong something totally different!

Had a hard time sleeping last night thinking about this.  

[JReazor]

The presence of that '04 BMW R1100S at the dealer really puts a big spin into it.  I've always liked that bike.  Otherwise, it's either going to be the new R1200R or the Speed Triple--both of which are $14k.  The Accountant in me says, get either the 1125R or the R1100S.  The Devil/Consumer's Advocate in me says buy new and get the warranty and piece of mind.  In any case, the way I am I may end up dong something totally different!

At that price, screw the warranty. $10,200 will pay for a lot of time and parts at a good independent shop.

[falconati]

If you don't like the 1125, you can always resell it and get your money back quickly - clearly if even on this message board.  Spend your cash on your friend's bike, and if you don't like it, unload it.  

[chornbe]

At that price, screw the warranty. $10,200 will pay for a lot of time and parts at a good independent shop.

Plus a huge plus one!

[Mastros2]

I agree with JReazor.  Get the shop manual for those "ain't going to try that" fixes and send it to a local shop.  Both of my local HD dealers guaranteed me that they will keep servicing my bikes.  They techs are already trained so unless they go and the shop cannot find new trained techs, you will be fine.  

I really like the 1125's. The "r" has great wind protection.  If the pods really bother I recommend getting the fairing kit.

Great price from a great source.  My simple answer... Buy it!

[falconati]

(PS I've actually ridden the bike, and I'd buy it    )

How close are your local Harley dealers?  I've got several within an hour - and they will all work on Buells.  I'd recommend calling around to shops and seeing if they have/will work on the 1125.  If dealer support is a key concern for you, I'd recommend calling around until you have a level of comfort for where you can get the bike maintained/fixed.  If there aren't any places, let one of us buy it  

[Rogue]

My friend has offered to "loan" me the bike to help me decide!  

Unfortunately, rain this weekend in SoCal.  I'll try to pick it up after XMas.  According to him, the bike is literally sitting, unused, hooked up to battery tender, under cover, inside garage.

He is only selling it to me for $3800 due to some $$ he owes me.  Otherwise, $5k for all other interested parties.

If anyone in here is REALLY interested, let me know.

[vitaminC]

3.8k + 6k = 9.8k

14k - 9.8k = 4.2k

Buy both and keep the change  

[Bueller]

Rogue

It's a 5hr  engine rotation to change the plugs and shim the cams.  It's easier to remove the swingarm to get to the rear header than it is to rotate the engine.

The stock muffler is a bitch to get on.

[Rogue]

I take it that needs to be done every 12k miles?

That sounds like quite the job.  I thought it was just an early estimate of the job back in 2009, and perhaps someone has figured out how to do it without rotating the engine/removing the swingarm.

To be perfectly honest, that right there is a deal-breaker for me.  I don't have any Buell/HD stores near me that I trust.  The only one near me fooked up my Firebolt's TPS reset so I would not trust them with an 1125R.  The next nearest is about 75 miles out.  

[Bueller]

It is a killer

If you want a practical bike,  compared to the XB the 1125R just doesn't make it.  The 1125R has exceptional handling; quite a way beyond the Firebolt, but it is a weekend luxury bike in comparison.

I love the 1125R but aound town, in the wet, on gravel the XB is much easier to ride.  You need them both Rogue, and you'll need to learn how to rotate the motors in both if you aren't near a dealer you trust.

Peter

[Rincewind]

I take it that needs to be done every 12k miles?

That sounds like quite the job.  I thought it was just an early estimate of the job back in 2009, and perhaps someone has figured out how to do it without rotating the engine/removing the swingarm.

To be perfectly honest, that right there is a deal-breaker for me.  I don't have any Buell/HD stores near me that I trust.  The only one near me fooked up my Firebolt's TPS reset so I would not trust them with an 1125R.  The next nearest is about 75 miles out.  

You want a Triumph Triple anyway.  

[Tyrroneous]

It does sound like a long process for a valve job.  But the 1125 uses the same shims as a v-rod, so just buy the shims from your harley dealer and do the job yourself.