Snopro440
07-30-2009, 04:22 AM
I was at a dealer getting my headlight recall done on my XB12R ( and got sparkplugs in it too). While I was there I checked out the 1125R on display there (a 2008). I was just wasting time, waiting for my bike. The salesman asks if I'd like to take the demo 1125 out. I almost didn't because I am totally happy with my Firebolt. But I figured it would beat sitting in the waiting room.. They are on a nice county road with lots of nice 35 mph corners, and a lot of rolling hills. So, I went out without expecting anything.. Oh man.. It pulls hard, really hard, but it doesn't feel like a Buell at all (motor I mean). It revs and runs more like a japaneese sport bike. The suspension was a little soft for me setting wise, but it really was nice as the road wasn't perfect. What shocked me was how well it cornered. It leaned in far easier than my 'bolt. A lot easier... I was instantly comfortable with the cornering. The riding position seemed slightly less agressive than on my bike, and the windshield was kind of a joke, it may as well have been painted black, cuz it is low enough I wouldn't have used it to see through!! It directed the wind into my upper chest, where my bike really does a better job at preventing buffeting. I really liked the power, and the handling. What wasn't I so crazy about? The motor, while powerful, seemed to feel to, well..... Asain? I know it is a Rotax from Austria (or whereever) but I like the feel and sound of the air cooled bike.. The fuel injection was weird on it too. If I was running at a constant rpm, it would kind of act odd. It felt like it was either missing (it wasn't though) or hiccuping maybe. It is a 2008, maybe there is a reflash for the ECM? And the windshield is just pointless.. It is HUGE, yet I can't see out of it, and it directed the wind at my upper body. I guess if the fuel injection was straightened out, I woulda considered buying it on the spot and buying a Zero Gravity Double Bubble for it. On the way home, I rode the same road on my bike, and I definately noticed the relative lack of power, and that it took more pressure through the bars to get it leaning. I also noticed that the 1125 was FAR more comfortable in braking while turning, as my bike tries to stand up more. All in all, the 1125 was better in most ways than I thought it would be. I had heard about the efi issues, so I kind of expected that. The power was nice ( my last bike was a ZX-10, so I can't say its a rocketship, but it definately scoots). The fuel injection was the low spot, and the handling was definately the highlight. Like I said, if the fuel injection was straightened out, I probably woulda bought it on the spot based on the handling and the power.. Maybe I will have to see what the 2010s bring to the table. I had told my wife I was going to take the 1125 on test ride, and she said she was surprised/bummed that I rolled in on my XB because she wanted me to buy the 1125R!!! Someday it seems that I will! I thought someone considering the 1125 may benefit from my impressions, hopefully so!!