1125CR or XB9SX?

[joseb552]

Hello,

I've been bouncing around these forums for a few hours, reading the various discussions about the 1125 and XB9.

I'm looking to get a new motorcycle in the next month and I've been loving the Buell's for some time now.

I was wondering which model you would recommend for me; previously I have had a CBR600 and a CBR929. It will be used mostly for commuting (30 miles each way, from suburb to suburb, no highway), but also for the weekend cruises.

Originally I was set on the XB9SX, but recently I've been seeing the 1125CR more often and it really looks like a great bike. I haven't ridden either of these two, but I plan on testing the 1125 this week.

Any input?

 

[Red93stang]

Go with the 1125, the power is amazing compared to the 9. The 9 is a nice bike too but missing the get up and go.

 

[ophawk]

Just as a personal preference, I would choose the CR. Just for the uniqueness of it, and in light of the recent EBR video, parts should be available for awhile to come.

just my $.02

 

[anrkizm95]

the xbs and the cr are two completely different bikes.if you want more top end and hp go with the cr.if you want better handeling and low end go with an xb.i would recomend the 12 over the 9.then theres the looks i went for the xb because i didnt like the cooling pods on the cr.but i also have other bikes that give me my top end fix.neither one of these bikes are anything like the cbr.good luck

 

[theoctopus]

I think both bikes have their merits.

I would just say this: the 1125's have proven to be nightmares for many owners. Tons of maintenance problems, constant clutch cover leaks, issues left and right. It seems like the majority of 1125 threads at other forums are just problem after problem after problem. The XB bikes, aside from a few lemons, are generally reliable and easy to work on. The platform has been sufficiently established that there is a lot of information out there on the common problems, and the solutions to those problems.

 

[IRULE]

theoctopus, what problems on 1125 are you talking about? Can you give me some examples? My 1125 seems to run good, no problem as of yet.

Anyway, 1125cr all the way...

 

[boreas]

IRULE [up].......-WOW - theoctopus I have not seen any of this things on my CR ! Had an xb 9 ,just got rid of it (excellent bike also). Joseb552 - You should ride both because every one is right they are 2 totally different bikes!

 

[everythingwastaken]

I agree with anrklzm95...why the 9 when there is the 12!

 

[IRULE]

Back then, on a demo day, I rode all the buells except ulys. I enjoyed the xb12 alot! However, the 1125 really stands out from the crown. The power band seems longer and more steady than the xb. The torque between the bikes are comparable but what sold me the 1125cr was......the price! I got it when the HD dealers are dumping the buells left and right - I got mine out-the-door fro $7400 and the xb12 was $8400. I am happy ever since...no complains whatsoever. [up][up]

 

[Red93stang]

I have a 1125 also and have had no issues at all. 3600 miles of total and absolute trouble free fun!!

 

[upthemaiden]

I love my xb9, but I wish it was a 12 everything I really open up the throttle. The difference between the xb9 and 1125 is all personal preference though.

 

[dallasb]

Love my xb9sx...never have I wished it was a 12

 

[everythingwastaken]

.......until you ride a 12 that is....

 

[dallasb]

I have ridden a 12. Didn't much care for how slower reacting the motor felt. One of my friends had a 12r and rode it several times. It was nice but the 9 just feels like it spins up faster. Either way you go both are great bikes.

 

[BuellRider3158]

Have a lightning xb12scg gotta say love the handling and the power, though the CR is an awesome bike. I say test ride them both if you can and then make your choice, as they are two different beasts.

 

[jaytea]

I have no experience of the XB9, however I do own both a 1125cr and XB12s. The frames and layout do look very similar, but that is where it ends. They feel and are two very different bikes. Both bikes have their fans that will defend them to the death.

In the early days the XB’s had lots of teething problems, I bought mine second hand with about 5K miles on it. Touch wood I have had no problems with it. It has a low revving lazy old HD engine that produces more torque than the 1125. If you have come from a high revving multi background, this will take some getting used too. Use the torque of the motor and not the top end BHP and you will surprize a lot of people as to just how fast these old girls can be. Big low revving vee twins sound lovey with open pipes. Oh yes and it is very good on fuel.

1125cr: Bang up to date with its high revving European Vee Twin engine. This is one very quick bike, with about 50% more power that the XB12 and the same low weight. The power is produced much higher up the rev range, so for insane mode you need the engine spinning above 8K. The bike is quick below that, but once above 8k it goes into warp drive. Down side it shakes and shudders under 3K, and without the EBR EMC is very unfriendly below 3.5K which is not good for driving to work.
There have been a lot of issues with my bike, but one by one they are getting sorted and maybe the early problems with the XB was sorted before I got it. Fuel consumption on the 1125 is not good.

Bottom line: the 1125 is great fun and very quick but I have to say I prefer my old tractor.

 

[agfish18]

I have owned an XB9R and currently have an 1125R. I had both at the same time for a few months, and after riding the 1125 for a while I noticed several differences when I switched back to the 9. I constantly came to that point where I would hit the red-line before I thought I should (7200 RPM compared to 10,500), and I was constantly reaching for that sixth gear...just wasnt there.

The 1125 has 6 gears, and first gear red-lines at about 62 MPH and 2nd around 92. I havent had much of a problem with my 1125R other than a few minor things covered under warranty (rear turn signals blew, and clutch cover wheep) but mine is an 08, the first model of its kind and as with any bike... there are to be things that need fixing.

For you, a 984 would be a great bike too though. You say that you are using it mostly for commuting, so you wont really need the extra horses or RPMs, it has plenty enough power to beat someone from light to light, not that you will race it... but still. on the weekends they are also great for the twisties. I tend to disagree with some of you that the XBs handle better than the 1125s, I would rate the handling roughly the same.

There are many little things to consider, technology is a bit better on the 1125s than the XBs... by this I mean the display. There are tons of little things like lap timers,temp guages, security controls, etc on the 1125s that the XB doesnt have. but, bikes with more tools often lead to things breaking more often.

In the end it comes down to preference. I LOVE the power that comes with my 1125 and the XB just didnt cut it for me anymore. but that is me. Take your time and decide what you want and need in a bike. Which will you like more. I say ride both, take everything in and make your decision.

 

[bardo688]

IMO
Think long term 1125 parts are gunna be around since EBR. Iam sad to the the days of the XB's are proud but dimming

 

[skizzy]

I have a 2006 xb9sx and a 1125r, I like the xb9 better. The 1125r is an awesome bike, I gues for now I am more comfortable with the xb.

 

[03Firebolt9R]

I too have had an xb9r and currently have an 1125cr. It all depends on which one suits your needs/wants. Several members above have outlined the differences very well. For me, I love the CR. I have almost 4000 miles and have not had any problems at all. I think the majority of problems theoctupus is referring to is with the 08. Go for an 09 1125 and you will be pleased.