1125R good choice for a first bike?

[BucBrew]

So that is the question. I recently decided to learn to ride and took the local MSF course. In addition to that I have some experience on my friends 07 CBR600RR. I was busy shopping CL for a bike and stumbled across an 08 Buell 1125R. The bike is basically new (less than 100 miles). I really like the looks, but I am wondering if a liter bike is a good choice for someone as novice as I am. I have no urge to track the bike what so ever. I am a decent sized guy 6'0 185lbs and I want something that will fit me well. The CBR is ok, but honestly not as comfortable as it could be. I think Buells are gorgeous bikes, I just am not sure if the big Buell is a good choice for me at my current riding level. I am 30 so there’s no doing 150 on the freeway and splitting traffic in my future. I want something reliable and with good handling for driving around town.

 

[funnythebunny]

You're kidding right? The 1125R is NOT a starter bike for anyone regardless of age. And if you're thinking you "won't" be trying to race it every once in awhile, you've definitely not mature enough. Be aware that Buells are no longer in production, so parts will begin to be hard to find in a couple of years... just my 2 cents...

 

[brightbuell]

I say get a xb12r firebolt. Start off driving it real easy. You will get comfortable with it, with in a month. Make sure you adjust the suspention as the book says for you weight. Have fun. You wont have a need for an 1125. Not by the way you describe yourself. I have a firebolt xb12r and it is as much as I will ever need. It has plenty of torque with out the uncontrollable HP serges, to pull your ass around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3aUObJIEnM

 

[BuddhaBuell]

if you want to have a great bike and your days of tearing up the freeway @ 150mph are past you then maybe one of the XB's would more suited for you, fantastic handleing, tons of torque and a more relaxed riding position...
I am 6'2" @ 205# and ride a XB9sx with no comfort problems...

http://www.facebook.com/VIMMA.BootC...&ref=profile#!/video/video.php?v=336539915402


aside from that edjamacate yourself aboot everything Buell..
welcome to the best Buell forum out there and when you decide which one your getting, post pics [up]

 

[brightbuell]

Here is another vid of a Firebolt. Just to show you how the chicks dig it.

Oh yea, and welcome. It you get a Buell this will be your second home. This is the best Buell site ever. i learn so much here. Its great. Every one here help everbody else save time and money with there combined knowlege.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Pz6F50RFyA

 

[BucBrew]

Wow funnythebunny I think your reply was pretty dickish. Thanks for the welcome to the forum. Thankfully you have my maturity level (and everyone elses) all figured out. Good to know.

As for everyone elses replies I appreciate them. Being new to riding is fairly daunting with all the bike options and choices out there. I am always glad to find a well informed supportive community. I will look into the XB12R. I liked the reviews of the 1125R because they mentioned this being the first Buell with a different engine and it is liquid cooled?

 

[theoctopus]

BucBrew, it would be very unwise for you to start out with an 1125. I got myself into all sorts of trouble with my first bike, and it was only a 650.

You're the only one who knows what you can handle, but for what it's worth, I wouldn't even suggest starting out on an 1125 to someone who has YEARS of off-road riding under their belt. It's just not a good choice.

Dick or not, funnythebunny makes a good point.

 

[BuddhaBuell]

Buc, check out mod Stevenc150 profile it has a ton of links, saves some time when your searching for something..[up]

 

[brightbuell]

As far as the water cooled. You might want to know the firebolt might be oil colled but it also has an oil radiator and oil in the swing arm wich keeps it a lot coller then a Harley. Plus it has a cooling fan that kicks on and off as needed. You can also add a right side scoop to cool it even farther. I will never sell my firebolt. Its a keeper for life. There a lot of buell owners who feel the same way.

 

[torreytyler]

If you like the looks of a naked rocket..go for the firebolt. If you think that you can take it easy on the 1125 until you get used to it..more power to you. Money IS an issue nowadays. If you think that you're just going to upgrade to the 1125 anyway, save yourself some money and get it now. I learned how to ride on a Ninja 250. The first bike I bought was a GSXR 750 when I was 17. I learned a lot about the good and bad of having a bike that goes fast. You'll discover your limitations quickly, just respect the power that it has.

 

[Scheusal]

Buc I was pretty much in your shoes 4 months ago. I'm 34 so the urge to be really stupid has mostly passed my by. I bought a xb12scg for my first bike and am very happy with it. I haven't come close to pushing the limits of that bike. The firebolt has a more aggressive riding position compared to the xb otherwise they are virtually the same bike, with some minor differences. I really don't see you regretting not getting the 1125. Guys, please feel free to correct me if i'm mistaken about any of this (bit of a noob here). Just trying to help the guy out.

 

[afinley]

I disagree with everyone. If you want it, buy it. If you don't think you're gonna race it, then you won't. All sorts of people get all twisted up on thier first bikes, regardless of the size. Yes, you will get in much much much more trouble when that day comes if you're out there trying to be Mr. MotoGP on it. But, if you're just commuting and having some fun, it doesn't matter how fast it is.

I had the same dilema (although not for my first bike) and I rode both; I think Firebolts handle better, cost less, have more parts, are cheaper to insure, aren't as bulky, and sound 10x better. Every now and then I wish I had more power, but then again, I also go 140 on the freeway. So, to each their own.

For what its worth, the only reason I was between an 1125 and an XB was that the 1125 was water cooled and I had riden an XB in the summer before. The 1125 was just as hot to me.

 

[afinley]

And to Scheusal:

No, the Firebolt and the 1125 are different bikes. The Firebolt is an XB. The Lightning is an XB12S(s)(cg) and the Firebolt is an XB12R. The 1125 is a totally different bike. It also has the same frame/gas tank section, but the rest is different.

 

[hula Buell]

Get it.Just take it easy and work your way into it.Remember its powerful and fast.Whtch you tube motorcycle crash videos before you go hot roddin!!!

 

[RT Performance]

Bucbrew
146 hp bike is ALLOT
and why buy Cl when you can get them from a Dealer for 6500-7500 OTD if your not in cali with a full 2 year warranty
I would point you toward a xb9 if you like sitting more up right and driving mostly around town a Cityx
Mchenry in illnios has a demo 2004 couple hunderd miles for 3995 and tax and it has never been titled.
if you haven't seen this yet.
buell locater is here
http://www.buell.com/en_us/tools/find-a-bike/index.asp?source_cd=Email_0122909_BuellNL&camp_id=16

 

[03Firebolt9R]

I have an XB9R Firebolt and an 1125CR and you can get into trouble on both if you ride like an idiot. Same goes for the other side of the coin. If you ride responsibly and respect it, you will be fine with either. Get whatever suits you best. We all learned to crawl before we walked and walked before we ran. Just my .02 cents.

I can also say, since buying the CR last October, I have ridden the Firebolt twice. The 1125 is that good.

 

[80rs427]

I agree with most of what has been said. It would be best to start out with a less powerful bike, but hopefully with your age comes a certain amount of self control.

You might consider taking one of the rider courses just to give you some insights into general safety issues.

 

[Kidder]

Get a Suzuki Sv650S. Great bike, lots of aftermarket support.

 

[dustin_usmc1]

I'm with afinley, buy the bike that you want. My first bike is my 08 XB12S. A lot of people told me to start off with something smaller, but I got the bike I wanted. As long as you take it easy and learn your bike and your limits before you open it up, I don't see the problem.

 

[paulr]

I think I may have some insight. I'm 22 (yes, young and somewhat dumb) and have a xb9sx and 1125cr, both sides of the fence. I won't lie, I've done everything from splitting cars at 110+ to "separating myself" from you know who at speeds that promise bad health. Now with that being said, I did start ridn at 12 on a dirtbike and crashd it a lot, so I had some exp bfore i bought my xb. i rode that for a wile and bought my cr bout two months ago and have nuthn but a blast wen i get on it. Great bike! ive gotten the stupid outa my system and actually am now a BRC coach. I love ridn and my ability to walk, plus i paid too much money for this thing to be stupid on it. Long story short.......Get what you want. If you take it slow, anything is possible. I do agree though with the gents above though, an xb12r is more than enough for anyone. Hell I want one.