Buell 1125R

[NorDog]

Rode in to Tyler yesterday for a demo ride on the Buell 1125R.  I liked it, but, I already have my S4RS.

Unfortunately, I had to stay behind an escort rider from the sales staff.  He wasn't too slow, but I never got to open the thing up like it needed.  Great brakes, great power (I did lag behind a few times so that I could "catch up"), handling, etc.  Unlike many, I even like the way it looks (okay, I hate the tail light).  As a prize for taking the demo ride they gave me a Buell camelback water thingie.

So, I would buy one if the timing were right; budget, price, garage space, etc.  I want one.

What killed me was the H-D folks were sooooo impressed with the bike.  They have never had any experience with such a machine.  The VRod makes good power, but it's a striaght line bike really.  They couldn't conceive that *I* knew what kind of performance the Buell had to deliver.  One of these days the BabyBoomerWannaBeABiker bubble is gonna burst.  When that happens H-D better have a Plan B in place.  I think Buell will do fine, he's after a different demographic altogether.

Today is Sunday.  I need to finish packing and drive to Louisiana.  I have a 5am flight out of Intercoastal City tomorrow morning.  So I might be outta touch for a couple of days till I get settled in at sea.

Best to all you guys and gals!  Hope all make it home from THC safe and sound and without too harsh of a hangover!

[Duc L'Smart]

Safe travels. Looking foward to your return

[never2loud]

Norris,  it was good meeting you.  We'll prolly have one or two Duc things goin' when you get back... what are the chances?

Happy trails 

[hiero]

thanks for the review!

[greenohawk69]

NorDog:  One of these days the BabyBoomerWannaBeABiker bubble is gonna burst.  When that happens H-D better have a Plan B in place.  I think Buell will do fine, he's after a different demographic altogether.


I think you are somewhat incorrect on this...many baby boomers will continue to ride and have given up their "need for speed" and want a cycle that is easier on their body for some traveling, etc.  That trend will also continue as current riders give up their sport bikes for cruisers.  Buying a Harley also reduces their inclination to blip the throttle and zip down the freeway at 100+.  Many people, particularly Americans, when they get old/older - are fat and out of shape.  They don't want a cycle that is rough on their gluteus maximus, back, arms and/or a numbing feeling in their hands.  I don't think the bubble is going to burst, some contraction in the market, possibly.  Their is also the identification of the rider with particular groups and Harley has an enduring or iconic image and people want to belong to.  Maybe I am mistaken, but sport bikes tend to be younger riders vs. cruisers, which skew older riders. 

I own a Harley and when I ride to Daytona, Sturgis or Milwaukee...it sure in heck is not going to be my M900.  Uncomfortable and can't carry shiite on the cycle.  I bought the bike more for city driving and commuting to work when I don't want to ride the Harley or have a bunch of work cr*p I have to carry back and forth.  I do love riding my Monster though - some of us older Gen Xer's still have that need for speed and a vast majority of the time is it prudent when the throttle is put to use.   

[NorDog]

Yes, but the baby boomers will all die someday, and when that happens they won't be riding anything.  That demographic is a HUGE spike on the population chart.  The incredible success of H-D sales of the past 20+ years cannot hold.  Even if the GenXers develop a similar interest in cruisers in the same proportion of that demographic, it will be a much smaller number overall.

[Raux]

going to demo a 1125 R tomorrow.

supposedly i can get one for the same price of the M1100. and it's a US spec bike which i can't get here in germany.

what are the main differences? any pluses? minuses?

[muskrat]

I've ridden both bikes and will say this.  Cruisers will never go away, not Harley unless they bleed cash like GM and let Unions take them down with unrealistic packages.

Most people love speed but I have to agree with greenohawk69 on this issue.  There is a mystique about riding a Harley that you can't explain....much like owning a Duc knowing full and well that for less money you can get a better bike out of the box, substantially less money.  Even so the "speed freaks" slow down sooner or later and all that's left are geezer bikes (poking fun here).  Cruisers are a substantially larger market every year and now that credit is tighter than Brian's wallet you'll find less and less 18 year old kids financing bikes.  Who knows what sales will be but I for one wont bet against the cruiser market.  Look at the manufacturers, they've invested more than half their R&D budgets in this market alone over the last 10 years.

As for Buell, I like them too but for my money the Duc has that same feeling my Harley has.  I rode the 1125R and loved it but it feels too heavy for my taste.  One thing is certain, they are making deals on these now.

[Cher]

We had a Buell 1125R in the shop the other day; it's got the usual list of cool Buell things going for it plus a Rotax motor.  The fit and finish were first-rate and it sounds great too.  I got to talking to the owner and he loved the 1125 so much he bought a second one just for track days   

Neat bike for sure; definitely worth a test ride 

[pitbull03]

I've always had an affinity for Buells and their unique approach to MC design.

The 1125 looks fugly to me though with the pronounced fish gill air intake.

[Raux]

looked online yesterday and there are body panels you can buy to replace the gills, makes it looke like an 848.

[NorDog]

I like Buells, I even like the way they look.  As a former Beemer rider, I like the funky look of the Beemers of the 70s and 80s (though the current crop is just a bit too fugly).

[pitbull03]

I think the XB12 looks great.  I just don't like the 1125

[junior varsity]

i don't like the bulbous scoops. i wouldn't mind riding one, but the look is enough to keep me off the brand.

[NorDog]

i don't like the bulbous scoops. i wouldn't mind riding one, but the look is enough to keep me off the brand.

Yeah, I hear ya.  Only I like them, go figure.