Launch Report: Buell 1125CR road test

Now I know there is a thread about bikes you like but shouldnt, but actually, I quite like this!  Compared to a lot of the WTF bikes coming out for 2009 (Have you seen the ghay pink/red frame on the R1?) This looks purposeful and if the review above is true, could be good fun.  Theres something definetely attractive about it - however wonder how many pidgeons I could plug in those airvents up front.......

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I like the 1125R, haven't seen the CR yet, but it sounds like Buell have fixed a lot of the niggles that bike had.

Does that mean it's OK to like them now, and I'm going to have to choose another unsuitable bike?

FOr decent pics check the buell site:

http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/street/1125CR/

 Thing I like, is its totally differrent - that exhaust is contrarian, that front disc looks sexy (if not effective, dunno).  Its a nice looking bike!

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The only trouble with the CR is that Buell aren't offering it in white.

I agree about them being different is part of the appeal.

Reviews seem to have been mixed about the front brake. Some people get on with it, others say that it's too weak.

I've only briefly ridden one Buell (a Blast, not generally available over here), and they carry the weight low. I actually really liked the feel of that bike, and am wondering if the other Buells are similar.

I'd really like Buell to succeed with the 1125 and CR, but I don't see it happening. The bare bones of a really good bike are there, but there are too many rough edges. And they ain't pretty.

After fancying a Buell for years though I took the plunge recently and am hooked. When I now ride a jap bike (my mate's 636, another mate's Z1000, even third mate's 07 blade) they just strike me as very efficient but also very bland and clinical. The Buell feels alive, yes it vibrates like the wife's Ann Summers 'Rabbit', and yes it was obviously built for a dry climate and will take some work to keep it tidy, but for me that just adds to the appeal. Personally I'm hacked off with the endless bhp obsessed titanium this/5 grams lighter that and I just want a bike that I enjoy riding and tinkering with.

With that in mind I think the CR will open up a wider audience to Buells but I still think as a nation of mainly sportsbike-obsessed riders we are a few years off being open-minded enough to entertain something as left-field as Buells in any serious numbers. Plus a lot of people are put right off by the Harley connection, despite the motor now being a Rotax jobbie.

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SideshowBob 02 Buell X1

I've got a TL1000s. It's a half-faired litre v-twin. It does everything the Buell can (abeit with maybe 15bhp less), has all the character you need, and doesn't break down.

Buell shot themselves in the foot with the 1125; they released it too soon, before ironing out all the niggles. It was panned by the press almost universally, citing poor brakes, shoddy suspension, excessive heat build-up, and build quality issues. I've not read a road test of the CR yet, so don't know if these issues have been resolved.

The TL, too, was panned by the press, for the rear suspension. But that was easily resolved with a replacement rear damper (Quite why Suzuki didn't do this is beyond me, intead they whacked a steering damper on and reduced the power, which probably cost more in development costs, and lost sales).

Without these problems I'd be very interested in the 1125, but for the meantime I'll stick with the TL. Mine has an Ohlins rear damper and handles beautifully, and at £2000 doesn't owe me much.

And while the TL is no looker, it's nowhere near as offensive as the Buells. Both models are 'kin ugly.

I was fortunate enough to win the VD comp for the Buell Experience and have a blast out on the Buell.  I put a report of the day on here some time ago.

In short, the bike was nice, Fugly at some angles and seemed to handle pretty well (Feel in the front end compared to my Firestorm was noticibly better).  As with the other Buell Models, it rattled and farted when sat at idle, 2K Rpm and things seemed to settle down.  In terms of outright speed, I am positive my Storm would be quicker, but it was no slouch and easy to ride.

Pic below of me over the mountain at cadders.

Would I be tempted ..... err nope, for that money you could pick up a spanking GSXR750 which would be far more rewarding to ride IMO

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www.dannyhorneracing.co.uk

The Telegraph has a road test of the Buell 1125CR here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorbikes/3160208/Wild-and-wacky-Buell-1125CR.html

And tech specs are here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorbikes/3160440/Buell-1125CR-Tech-Spec.html

I went to Intermot in Cologne last week, and took a look at the Buells whilst there.

The 1125 was surprisingly comfortable for someone of my height (about 6'4" with long legs). I don't find most sportsbikes that good to sit on, and the R6 was painful. It also looks a lot better than it does in the photos, and I'd suggest getting one in black rather than red.

The downsides are that the fit and finish aren't great. The edge of the fuel tank cover on the white 1125R was noticeably rough, and that's something that two minutes with a file could solve. The switchgear feels cheap too, and not as nice as on something like a BMW.

Anyway, here's a photo.

Horrific