Buell 1125R - Is this 'the American Sportbike'?

WebTyrantMedia, Inc. ^ | Tuesday, 10 July 2007 | OWD/Buell Press

[BraveMan]

With Buell’s announcement of the 1125R the company seems set to give reviewers exactly what they asked for – a host of Buell innovations wrapped around a proper liquid cooled engine. The BRP-Rotax engine cranking out a claimed 146hp at the crank, which may not be “set to break the convention of the superbike category”, it certainly fits the “sportbike” descriptor. For Buell though, whose marketing has played the patriotism card in the past, the 1125R’s outsourced engine presents a represents a gamble, namely will the bike be “American” enough to woo the home market? Core to that issue is the poser; does it matter where the components come from?

[BraveMan]

Thanks for the complement (back-handed as it was) . . .

That was my own personal review, written by me, based on my experience. And yes, it was biased.

I did not get the Ultra simply because I like American Iron (though I admittedly do). I chose the Ultra over the Goldwing precisely for the reasons I stated. YMMV . . . .

I’m glad you reminded me the Goldwing is a better bike. I guess I forgot to tow the Technology line.

[BraveMan]

The UC is not a good as the GW. Everyone knows this.

And you claim bias on the part of Harley riders. Man, that's rich . . .

Have you ridden either? Do you always let others do your thinking for you?

[HOTTIEBOY]

And you claim bias on the part of Harley riders. Man, that's rich..

And then I confessed my own bias against Harley.

Have you ridden either?

Yes I have. Dozens of times. It is my livelyhood.

Do you always let others do your thinking for you?

Whoa nelly! You talk about rich! A Harley rider telling someone they let other do the thinking for them. I gotta save that as the ultimate pot/kettle hypocrisy ever. You realize that you have a $5000 motorcycle? You paid (let's say) $17,000. You actually paid $5000 for the bike (because thats how much a 1964 chrome plated tractor is worth) and $12,000 for the image that goes with it.

You are a part of the largest marketing scam in history. The people at HD have my respect. They are geniuses. How can anyone take a product built on 1955 technology, market it as a rite of passage and slap a nostalgic sticker on the side and charge twice the money. They are geniuses. You bought the slowest, poorest handling bike on the planet and you think you have the best. That is genius!

You know how they do it?

Cause people are sheep that follow the herd. Now one of the sheeple is telling me I should think for myself. Now THAT, my friend, is rich.

[pt17]

Very disappointed. I have owned bikes with half the displacement that will literally run circles around it.

That's the way I felt about the bike - speed and handling was about as appealing as wet pancakes. It was, though, pretty to look at until you got up close and saw the sloppy welds and other quality issues.

[BraveMan]

You, my FRiend, have an irrational hatred of pushrods. More rotating parts, rotating faster, does not in and of itself make a better motorcycle. I’m not the one worshipping technology for technology’s sake here . . .

If you’re buying used, a Goldwing will always be a better buy because of the way they depreciate. GL1100? Nope, got the GL1200 now. GL1200? Nope, got the GL1300 now. GL1300? Nope, got the GL1800 now.

There’s one in the classifieds of the local rag right now; 2000 model year, 8000 miles, “perfect condition”, $8000.00 / OBO. Literally half the cost of new, seven years later. I guess Japan is reinventing the wheel again . . .

I have an FXRS that I bought new in 1982 (thats 25 years ago). I paid $5800.00 out the door (w/tax, license, title & registration fees included in the price). I’ll let you look up the current Blue Book value.

Life cycles of HDs are measured in decades, not years. There is a reason for that, even if you cannot comprehend it.

[Eagle Eye]

Rarity?

Well, I have one that was only made for a couple years.

Not many ZL 1000’s out there.

[Eagle Eye]

Life cycles of HDs are measured in decades, not years.

Generally speaking, that is because Harleys are sold used as "low miles, garage kept" and metric bikes are sold after being ridden miles and miles and miles.

I read American Iron magazine and all the apologies they write for the HD's.

[Seruzawa]

All you clowns who have to put down each other’s rides... I don’t care if they’re sportbikes or Harleys or Bandits or Ducks or what....you clowns who have all that aggression towards other motorcyclists.

You’re worse than the cagers. You can all kiss my @ss. I’ve been riding for 40 years and ridden everything from Mustangs to Guzzis. They’re all good. You clowns with the attitudes are all @ssholes.

[Eagle Eye]

Looks like someone needs a hug!

[SFC Chromey]

radiators and ram-air intake for the 146hp motor!

[Cogadh na Sith]

radiators and ram-air intake for the 146hp motor!

Really? How to the Jap bikes make all that power without a big neck wattle like that?

[SFC Chromey]

Only auto sticker I've seen on a HD!!

[SFC Chromey]

The foreign bikes are wider with transverse mounted 4 cylinder engines, and Erik Buell is dead set against fairings.

[Melas]

We’ve been through this Hottie. You still don’t get it, and I doubt you ever will. My only problem with you is your contempt for those of us who do get it.

[Melas]

We’ve been through this Hottie. You still don’t get it, and I doubt you ever will. My only problem with you is your contempt for those of us who do get it.

[Melas]

I’ll grant you that the V-Rod is an embarrassment. Not because it’s slow, it’s still way too fast for me, but because it’s everything a Harley isn’t supposed to be.

My wife doesn’t get it either. She’s a sports car nut, but I have no use for one. I’d be happier in a ‘76 Lincoln Town Car.

[Seruzawa]

Who needs a hug when you got a .44?

[Eagle Eye]

Is that all?

REAL gunners use 1911’s.

Or am I stirring stuff that belongs on another thread?

I see that you’re relaxing a bit now....that is good.

[BraveMan]

Newbie . . .