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.

[Rogue]

You want a Triumph Triple anyway.  

 

I do want a Triumph Triple.  There is a left over 2010 Speed Triple at my local dealer for $10k.
   
Nevertheless, despite my concerns about the 1125R and this bike being a 2008, the deal is very hard to pass up at $3800.  If I am able to sell my Firebolt for a low, low price, my friend's 1125R would almost be a straight swap.  I got more details from him.  The bike has had all the recalls done:  the latest ECM flash, new instrument cluster, new fans, kickstand, something in the transmission, and it just had the major service done at the dealership ($580).  The bike has new tires and has just under 14k miles.  It also runs like a champ has been very reliable.  I will have to see how the extended test ride goes then decide.  

I know there is a chance this bike’s motor may not last as long as the Firebolt’s 1203 Thunderstorm….maybe….it is a 2008 after all so it will need careful attention over its life.  From what I’ve been reading at BWB, the ‘08’s have quite a few quirks that do not exist with ‘09’s and ‘10’s.  Most of the quirks are addressed by the recalls, but not all.  Who knows.   Since this bike has been reliable for my friend, who used to commute on it, it may remain that way for the next 80k miles.  If so, I would be quite happy.  I have always been partial to the Villain Black with the Diamond Blue frame.  The test ride will decide which direction I will go.    


Here is the bike last year.  Still looks the same today.

[falconati]

I love the bike, and I think you should go for it.  It freaking HAULS, and sounds mean.

[sammyseaman]

Those 1125R's are ass ugly but in a good, kinda tough way. I say quit fretting and buy the feckin' thing already  

[atadaskew]

I wouldn't buy it.  This site is like craigslist - lots of peeps claiming they're interested in taking it off your hands. Very very few that actually would.

Look at it.  Now look away.  

Get the bike you really want.  And yes, that maintenance makes Ducs' maintenance look simple.

[Rogue]

I wouldn't buy it.  This site is like craigslist - lots of peeps claiming they're interested in taking it off your hands. Very very few that actually would.

Get the bike you really want.  And yes, that maintenance makes Ducs' maintenance look simple.

I know what you mean about Craigslist.  You can say that about all other places you sell motorcycles--lots of interested peeps but very few REAL buyers.  Everyone wants stuff but not a whole lot have the money, space, time, or real desire to actually act on it.  I've sold bikes on Cycle Trader before and you get tired of all the lies and BS.  The people I hate the most are test riders who just want to joy ride your bike but has no intention to buy.  

Yes the maintenance concerns me, mainly because it's something I want the dealer to do.  The closest one I would actually let touch my Buell is Glendale H-D/Buell, but the one that really does the job right and knows Buells inside and out is San Diego Buell.  They are a not-so-convenient 75 miles away from me.  It's a nice scenic ride over though.    If I were to think logically about this issue, if it will cost me $600 for the major service every 12.5k miles, amortized over 12 months, it's $50/month, if I put 12k miles/year.  The rest of the service I can myself.  How much would a comparable Ducati work out in maintenance costs?  

Modified to add:  the bike that I want is the one that will give me maximum Enjoyment* at the best price.  

*Enjoyment = the Quan = In love with bikes' looks, performance, brand identification, attitude (how the bike makes me feel), along with peace of mind that it will work every time I thumb the starter button.

[Rogue]

Those 1125R's are ass ugly but in a good, kinda tough way. I say quit fretting and buy the feckin' thing already  

Guilty of fretting as charged.  I'm not procrastinating, I just have time to make a fair evaluation before I make the leap.  The plan is to get the 1125R for an extended test ride (a couple of weeks).  My intent is to see how the bike works on a day to day basis, evaluate it very carefully, listen of weird noises, look for abnormal leaks, ride it in all the places I intend to ride it, etc.  As is, the bike is sitting inside a warm garage under cover so my friend offered the extended test ride to me prior to him putting the bike on consignment.  I think it would be a damn shame not to take that offer.

I'm actually one of the few who likes the look of the 1125R.  Buell and American Sportbike sells the full fairing for the R, which is THE fairing that Buell actually intended to sell the bike with but Harley vetoed for production.  It's a $500 item and comes already painted in Villain Black.  It's a bolt-on.  If I got the bike, I plan on putting this fairing on.

[Dan K]

I don't get the lack of dealer support.  I just rented a bike from a Harley dealership in Miami and they still answer the phone, "Harley Davidson Buell, can I help you?" And that was this morning. Do Harley dealers refuse to service Buell's?  Trust issues as to one particular dealership aside, I thought one of the Harley plusses was that they had such an excellent dealer network?  Does it not support Buells for service?  

- Dan

[Rogue]

I don't get the lack of dealer support.....I thought one of the Harley plusses was that they had such an excellent dealer network?  Does it not support Buells for service?  

- Dan

   Does anybody care to comment?  

My personal experience with H-D dealer support is this:

If the H-D dealer is also a Buell dealer, then support is a mixed bag.  It can be great, or it can be questionable.  In SoCal, there are only a few H-D/Buell dealers that can really be trusted and they soon develop that reputation.  Glendale HD/Buell and San Diego HD/Buell is one.  The one closest to my house is a also HD/Buell dealer and those guys can't even do a proper Throttle Position Reset and was ready to remove my swingarm to get to my Firebolt's fuel pump.  I refer to them as wrench monkeys.

If the H-D is not a Buell dealer, don't even think about walking in there as they will treat you like you were a ghost.  Some H-D/Buell dealers don't know the front or back end of a Buell motorcycle.

[falconati]

^^^^^^I've seen the same thing.  Some dealers were enthusiastic about the Buell brand, but not all were.

To answer your question on Ducati maintenance, you're looking at a similar or slightly more expensive program.  Valves every 7.5k, belts every 12k (maybe they've updated this to 15k).  The expense of the valve check depends on the model you buy (time to disassemble plastics and valves per cylinder).

[cooter]

Modified to add:  the bike that I want is the one that will give me maximum Enjoyment* at the best price.  
 

Go for the Buell. If you don't likey you can sell or trade at that price and not get hurt.

I have the same one and am just over a year in. The only problem I have had so far is the year brake lock-up. Everything was handled under warranty just fine. I will go ahead and recommend your first mod be an EBR programmed ecm. It makes it an entirely different and happier animal.

I have ridden the Speed Triple a couple times and there isn't a lot of comparison. The 1125 feels like it weighs half as much. The handling is almost telepathic. I found I really had to slow down my thought process to smooth things out.

You'll see when you borrow it. Let us know how you like.

[falconati]

Interesting comment, I didn't find the 1125 any lighter-feeling than my triple

[Lawn Dart]

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!

Jordan,

Being a bit of a BMW devotee, I don't think I could say that you would be entirely happy with either an 1100S or the R12R.  The 11S is one of the sexiest BMW bikes ever made.  Still, It's heavy, slow steering, and a bit dated now.  The VFR you have is, indeed, a better bike  (you do still have the VFR??)  on just about all counts.  

The R12R is pretty much the Teutonic version of a Speed Triple.  It's about as Hooligan as you can get on a BMW.  Durable, comfortable and super easy to work on.  The R12 boxer motor spins quickly and it's a lightweight bike with hardbags.  It's a great bike - truly a great bike.  But would you be happy on it???

I dunno.  The R12R would get my nod, but I'm not sure either way.

As to the Speed Triple, they're evil.  Really evil.  That motor.  BRRRAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.  You can't help yourself.  BBRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!  

If you want, I've got a 2001 Speed Triple in the Garage - I'm going out of town for a couple weeks.  Want to borrow it?  

[Rogue]

Robert, thanks for the generous offer.  Everyone seems to be tempting me!  I'm picking up my friend's 1125R in San Diego this Thursday for a two week "test ride".  On Sunday, we are heading to San Diego BMW to look at the R1100S and R12R.  He is seriously looking at the R1200GS (like yours) and he wants to test ride it.  He was very impressed with its utility when he saw it at the dealership last week, and he likes the simplicity of the Boxer engine.  I do too.  

I like the idea of the R1100S because I liked it before I got my '01 VFR.  But yeah, I think you're right.  Technology has moved on and the bar has been raised.  I still do have the '07 VFR but it gathers dust in the garage.  It is the Firebolt I prefer to ride most of the time and I know this type of bike is what will make me happy at least for now.  So, Speed Triple, R12R, 1125R, and that's really about it.  The test rides will decide which way I go.  

[Tpoppa]

I bought my 1125R during the fire sale.   8k later, I would do it again.

It's stupid fast.  Handling is top notch.  The Helicon motor is stout.  I've done amost 700 miles in a day on it in relative comfort.

The downside is obviously dealer support (that was true before the fire sale).  The Buell service manuals are good.  Any motorcycle mechanic should be able to do the valve maintenance.  Also, It seems that Erik Buell Racing will be providing some support to the 1125...perhaps under the Can-Am name????

[Rogue]

So a week before Christmas, my friend offered to lower the price further to pay for another gun that he borrowed from me some years ago.  I get the feeling he's playing mind games on me!  

Well that was all it took!  I brought the bike home with me on Christmas eve.  

The bike has a few minor issues due mainly from neglect.  It had been mostly sitting in the garage for over a year.  My friend rode it here and there at times but luckily, it never sat outside and froze or baked in the California summer sun.  Still, some fading and scuffs and scratches on the fairing.  The wheels are caked in brake dust, especially the rear wheel, the front brake rotor is warped, and the rear has almost no brake fluid.  Overall, she is not ready for prime time!  So I plan to rectify these minor issues in the next few weeks.

I did get to ride the bike extensively.  Bueller, you are absolutely right about the way the 1125R is compared to the Firebolt!  The Firebolt is much easier to ride leisurely.  The 1125R's clutch and throttle are both heavier, but the transmission is smoother.  The engine has no vibes at idle but it feels more directly connected to the bars at revs.  Power is amazingly linear up to around 7k RPM, but by 8k, it just explodes and catapults itself to redline at around 10k RPM.  It’s easy to ride the bike around town with clean fuel delivery down to 2k RPM.  It does have tall gearing in 1st and especially 2nd.  The bike is narrower in the center, but much wider out front.  That big upper cowl provides massive amounts of wind protection!  Lots of power especially up top.  I haven’t tested the handling yet.

So far, it feels like a big improvement in sporting prowess over the Firebolt.  The bike came with a Service Manual and it seems simple enough to maintain, aside from the “Engine Rotation” every 12k miles.  I just went to the H-D/Buell dealer to buy some OEM parts and did not run into any problems with supply….yet.  Aside from the cosmetic issues that I plan to rectify, I’m happy with the bike so far.  No mechanical issues except for the warped front brake rotor.  Having replaced my Firebolt’s warped front rotor at 18k miles, I would say that’s par for the course.  Considering the price, I’m even happier.  

Now, what do I do with the Firebolt?    

PS:  Sorry no pics.  The bike is not yet ready to be presented.  I haven’t even paid for it yet!  Pics coming up in the next few weeks.

[veefer800canuck]

Good on ya! Enjoy it.


Thinking aftermarket fromt brake rotors are probably not available, yes/no?

[Rincewind]

Congrats Rogue!  

[Mastros2]

Congrats!  That is one hell of a bike.  At that price, I don't blame you for getting it.  

[Rogue]

Good on ya! Enjoy it.


Thinking aftermarket fromt brake rotors are probably not available, yes/no?

Thanks guys.  It's work in progress and a neat little project bike for me.  I seem to not be happy unless I'm working on something to improve it.  

Although parts availability for Buells is nowhere near that of a VFR800, you can get a lot of OEM or replacement parts for it.  The maintenance parts are still easily available from a few vendors and dealers.  However, American Sportbike is the foremost authority on aftermarket parts for Buells in the USA.  The people who run this place actually use the parts they sell so they know what works and what doesn't work.

Yes, the OEM front brake rotor and an aftermarket "wave" rotor is available.  I ordered the OEM along with all the mounting bolts.

Don't get me wrong.  The bike needs only that front rotor and all would be good.  But me being a bit of a perfectionist, I plan on replacing a few parts on the bike so that it looks "like new" and works as good as new.  I'm still debating whether to put the Buell lower fairing on it or not.  I think it looks good with it but I also like the look without it.  I'm thinking of just keeping it looking stock and just polish the pods just to annoy Brad.  

Most of my actual work is to detail the bike, literally inside and out with all the plastics off, and tighten all the major fasteners.  I plan to check to make sure all wiring is where they should be and if not, re-route correctly and secure them all.  This is all fun stuff to me.  

[Tyrroneous]

Way to go!  You're gonna love it Rogue.  

[Tpoppa]

I seem to not be happy unless I'm working on something to improve it.  
  

By far, the best mod you can do to the 1125 is get an EBR Race ECM.  I have the race ECM set up for the stock pipe.  It runs stronger, smoother, and cooler.  The motor vibes are significantly reduced above 6k.  With the stock ECM, it felt like I needed to shift around 7-8k.  With the Race ECM the motor is happy all the way up to the redline.

[falconati]

I toldja, it's a good bike.  Keep us posted (pun 100% intended) about your mods!  

PS I agree with the above - I've heard the EBR ECU helps quite a bit.  They still rent part of the Buell factory at East Troy, so you could ride over there, and have them wrench on it themselves or talk with Erik if you want

[Rogue]

I would like to put in the EBR Race ECM for the stock pipe.  However, they don't seem to have one for a completely stock bikes.  If I run a race one intended for a bike with a freer flowing exhaust, would this not richen up the mixture too much?  

I wish I was that close to the Buell factory.  The biggest downside to this purchase is the lack of a good Buell dealership where I live.  I absolutely can't stand the one that is just 5 miles from my house (Orange County H-D/Buell).  They fooked up my Firebolt and would not make it right.  I swore that I would never return there even for parts.  

[Rincewind]

This bike still does not exist without pics.  

[Rogue]

 

Pics are coming.  

She's not ready to be presented because she needs her wheels scrubbed and degreased.  My friend, God bless him, was terrible at keeping the 1125R clean.  As a result, the wheels, especially the rear wheel, is coated with brake dust and grime that can't be removed with a simple wheel cleaner and sponge.  

Any ideas on removing caked on brake dust and grime on a powder coated rim?  

I also have a few new body panels on order, a new windshield, etc.  Tank is scratched up and so is the rear seat cover.  

Trust me, when it's all done up I plan to ride her to the top of Palomar Mountain and take the customary pictures I always do with my bikes.  

[Tyrroneous]

Rogue,

EBR will be able to get a Race ECM mapped for the stock exhaust.  Call or email them and they will get you sorted with a properly mapped ECM.  

As for the brake dust/exhaust residue issue...go get yourself a bottle of Westley's Bleche White (or however its spelled) tire cleaner (Walmart, Autozone, etc) and use that on the rear wheel.  It will magically dissolve all that baked on grime.  Just don't let it sit for too long.  I would spray it on and about 30 seconds later flush with water hose.  VOILA!...clean rim.  

[Rogue]

Thanks for that tip.  I saw the Westley's at Pep Boys yesterday but hesitated.  Will pick it up today.

Once the bike is sorted out aesthetically, I will get on the EBR ECM.  Right now, the bike runs very good.  I can lug it down to 2k RPM in 2nd and pick up the throttle and the bike accelerates cleanly without hesitation.  It does seem a little slow to rev above 6k RPM (certainly faster than my Firebolt) but I was expecting it to race to 10k RPM above that.  However, I have only ridden it on the way home 100 miles on the freeway, and a bit of riding around town.

I'm looking forward to taking her on a real ride in the mountains.  That won't happen for a month thanks to all the snow covering the hills right now.  Yup.  It snows in the mountains of SoCal!

[Tpoppa]

Rogue,

EBR will be able to get a Race ECM mapped for the stock exhaust.  Call or email them and they will get you sorted with a properly mapped ECM.  
  

Yes.

[Bueller]

I've got the EB Racing tuning kit and one of the calibrations they gave me was for a stock pipe, no cat and pump gas.  I haven't had a chance to try it yet.  They can do plug and plays with any of the tunes they have.

My 1125R wheels don't clean as easily as the translucent reds on the Firebolt.  They look smeared after the attempt at cleaning and I can't can't figure out how to get them evenly shiny.  I use H-D wheel & tyre cleaner on the Firebolt but it doesn't seem to work on the 1125.  It gets the mud and crud off OK but they still don't look clean.

[Rogue]

My Firebolt's orange powder coated wheels have a glossy clearcoat on it.  That makes it very easy to keep clean, except for the nooks and crannies of the front wheel.

The 1125R's Diamond Blue powder coat seems to have a flat coat on it.  The wheels do not seem to have a glossy clearcoat so the crud from the road and brake dust have a lot of rough surfaces to cling to.

I was able to get 75% of the caked on crud off using stronger chemicals.  Now I'm going to try buffing compound to get rid of that last 25%!

[ANZAC]

I have enjoyed reading your thread on the Buell.  Congrats on your new bike.

One of the joys of buying something, is taking it apart, cleaning it up and sorting out any issues you come across.  You bond with your bike that way.

I would not worry about dealer support and who knows, maybe that funky dealer might change ownership and turn into a first class friendly dealership.  Heck, these days dealerships need to do everthing they can to earn our business not drive us away.

Regarding cleaning the rim - since it is painted I would be careful about what to rub on that surface.  You might want to try some Meguires Cleaner Wax or Quick and Brite (the as seen on TV stuff) as that should lift off a lot of that film but not damage the paint.  I used the Quick and Brite before to remove hard water spots off of car paint and it was the only thing that worked.

[Castaway]

Congrats on the new Buell, Rogue.

Will you buy the alternate fairing? If so, I'd appreciate reading about the install process.


Cheers!