New to Buells, just bought an 1125CR

[Bungle]

Howdy!

I just bought a red 2009 1125CR, my first Buell. It came with about 2500 miles, a K&N and an upright handlebar, and is in pristine shape. I got it from Wes at Pink Gorilla Cycles in Austin, TX - he's a Buell aficionado (owns a Lightning XB12Ss himself) and a super-nice guy. He was considering keeping it for himself, but I wrestled it away from him.

Here's the listing:

http://www.pinkgorillacycles.com/motorcycles/2009-buell-1125cr

I also ordered an FMF Apex exhaust through him which gets here tomorrow! Can't wait to put that on.

My first impression of the bike is that I love it. My other bike is a 2008 Suzuki GSX-R600, so it took a little getting used to a V-twin again (before the Gixxer, I had a Suzuki SV650). But, I've never owned a bike anywhere near this torquey, and I expect the FMF to really sweeten up the sound. Handling is super-easy - it's as tossable as the SV650 was, with a FAR better suspension - and the steering is quick enough to make me a little nervous, but I'm sure I'll grow into it.

Other mods/tweaks I'm planning are:

- EBR ECM
- bar-end mirrors
- front OEM LED turn signals
- Jardine fender eliminator
- HID kit (probably low & high beam)
- OEM 2010 LED tail light
- Fire Dragon Bros. levers (I have these on my GSX-R600 and I love them)
- suspension adjustment (Roger @ OnRoad OffRoad Cycles does a great job)
- do something about the weak rear brake

I think that's going to be it. I also have an extra set of Dunlop Q2 tires that I'll put on when the OEM tires run out, and my first oil change (I think the bike's third) will be with Mobil 1 V-twin, probably in another thousand miles or two. I'm not looking forward to the infamous mess that's going to make.

I'm looking forward to chatting with you guys, and while I need to do more research and searching, I'd much appreciate any quick help on these questions:

- What's a good/cheap source for a pair of OEM rear turn signals? Can I get them cheaper than just buying the whole bracket assembly from Erik Buell Racing ($75 - http://www.ebracing.com/shop/product120.html)?
- Does anyone have any experience with these Rizoma knock-off bar-end mirrors (http://amzn.to/ftfuK0)? I can't tell if I need actual bar-ends, or if these come with the inserts. Also don't know if they're decent quality.
- What's up with the rear brake? It has almost no bite. I see that this seems to be a common problem, but I haven't come across info for a definitive fix.
- Can I get those 2010 "1125CR" decals anywhere, without buying new radiator shrouds? I think they look great.
- Is there a mod to enable both headlights all the time? Or does that defeat having separate low/high beams? I think the asymmetrical headlights look a little awkward - maybe just need to grow into it...

I'm looking forward to many long rides on my new Buell. Thanks everyone!

 

[nilla]

just use the rear brake. once the pads bed in to teh rotor, you will be able to lock up the rear when ever you deem necessary

 

[nilla]

and you have ALOT of questions. i'll answer another one tomorrow

 

[Red93stang]

You can order just the decals from HD. I would suggest surdykeharley.com. Do a google search for the part numbers.

Thats the cheapest I have found those turn signals.

 

[agfish18]

you should love the FMF. I have one on my 1125R and it sounds mean. It is louder than many Harleys on the road, but not too deafening.

as far as the brakes go... mine will lock up my tire, they take a bit to warm up, but once you use them for a bit, they have nice grip.

 

[Cronce1125R]

congrats on the bike man, when you get used to riding it let me know what you think of it compared to your gixxer, im trying to talk my friend out of his and into an 1125 enjoy the forum and ride safe

 

[Agate]

Kool Congrats!!I just got the same bike on fri with a fmf and ecm,Cant ride it yet in wis so just plan on doing cosmetic work for the next 10 weeks.i will put some before after pics up before spring.Congrats again and you will flip over the sound of the fmf and iv only heard my idle!!hahah

 

[anrkizm95]

welcome to the forum

 

[50dro]

Welcome! [up]

Are you the guy that bought a set of my 50Dro Axle Sliders from Pink Gorilla? If so, I hope you like them. Let me know what you think.

Post some pics of your new baby when you get a chance!

 

[xl_cheese]

Yep, he bought a set of sliders as he wrestled that bike away from me.

I wish I could have justified keeping it, but I need to be smart while I start up this business.

 

[bonechip67]

Welcome! You'll love the bike. Its a sweet machine!

 

[Bungle]

Thanks, everyone! I appreciate the welcome.

@nilla: Cool, I'll just give it some time, then. I tend to use the rear brake a lot at low speed (parking lots, heavy traffic, etc.), so hopefully it'll strengthen up pretty quickly. I got on it some today and heard a lot of squeaks and squeals, but it didn't seem to be much more effective by the end of the day. Will keep trying.

@Red93stang: Awesome - I haven't been able to find a part number through Google yet, but I'll keep looking. Might just call or email the dealer you suggested. I think they're a nice touch, and they break up the expanse of red plastic on the shrouds pretty well. Thanks on the turn signals, too - I'll just order them from EBR and get a free fender out of it. [up]

@agfish18: So I just installed mine last night, and you're not kidding - it's LOUD! I even put the insert in at the quietest setting. I didn't get started with the install until late, so by the time I could fire it up, it was past midnight. I only got a few seconds in before I had to shut it off to avoid waking the neighborhood! It's definitely a lot louder than the M4 I had on my SV650, and it's a LOT louder than the M4 on my Gixxer. From reading the ASB Exhaust Shootout, though, it sounds like all aftermarket exhausts for this bike are awfully loud. My rear brakes hardly do anything but turn on the brake light and make a ruckus. Good to hear that they should get better, though.

@Cronce1125R: Thanks! Will do. My initial impression is that the torque is by far the biggest difference from the GSX-R600. The latter was actually starting to feel kind of slow to me - it doesn't really start to wake up until you're getting well beyond legal speeds. Not really useful power on the street. The Buell just effortlessly zips through traffic. The best comparison that I can think of is that the Gixxer is like an S2000 - not much down low, but get it into the powerband and it just pulls and pulls to the redline. Smooth as glass, too. The Buell is more like a Corvette or Mustang - a lot of punch from down low, and really raw feeling, but in a good way. Both handle very well, but the upright handlebar and fork on the Buell makes the steering much more responsive. Not sure I can ever pick a favorite, though - which one I prefer just depends on my mood that day.

@Agate: Awesome, congrats to you too! That's got to be tough to have one and not be able to ride it. [sad] Yeah, the FMF sounds nuts. Almost reminds me of a helicopter at idle, but it sounds very different under load - very nice in both cases, though.

@anrkizm95: Thanks!

@50dro: Thanks - yeah, that's me! They look awesome, and really clean up the look of the axles. Great workmanship on those. Hopefully I'll never have to tell you how well they work! I'm planning to take and post some pics as soon as I get done with my mods - should only be a couple of weeks here until the bike is "all mine."

@xl_cheese: Hi, man - hope it's at least some consolation that the bike has gone to a loving home. I'll have to swing by the shop at some point now that the FMF is on there - or at least after I get the EBR ECM. You're more than welcome to ride it anytime - just let me know! Holler if you go to Buell night tomorrow, BTW - I'd love to join next time you go.

@bonechip67: Thanks - that it is! I couldn't stop staring at it after getting the FMF on it. Looks mean as hell.

 

[Bungle]

I just placed my order with Erik Buell Racing for the ECM, 2010 LED tail light, and rear fender assembly (for the rear turn signals, to mount up front when I get bar-end mirrors). Also picked up some black LED license plate bolt lights here.

I'm eager to get these all on the bike!

If anyone is interested in buying a new rear fender assembly (sans turn signals), let me know!

 

[Cronce1125R]

thanks bungle. now we need pics document your bikes many stages with us, passionate and helpful individuals