I'm getting a bike this winter. It's down to the XB12R Lightning or the 1125R. I'm wanting something that'll stomp everything in the corners. From what I understand the XB12 has a better lean but the 1125 has more power/torque and a better power curve. what are ya'll's opinions/verdicts?
to 1125 or not to 1125? that's the question.
- Thread starter SWATcltch
- Start date
Help Support Buellxb Forum:
I dunno, the 1125 has more lean capability than I can use. Mine's got plenty of grunt, pretty much anywhere from 2200 rpm up to 10k+. It will loft the front wheel in 1st-3rd with ease, 4th if I work at it. It will hit ludicrous speed after 3rd gear and do that in less than 7 seconds flat. If I really want to get carried away, a roll-on (in 6th gear) from 60 mph to 140 can be had in about the same time or maybe less.
140+ hp and 80+ ft/lbs of torque, it's got more than I need.
140+ hp and 80+ ft/lbs of torque, it's got more than I need.
Red93stang
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2009
- Messages
- 2,102
I agree. The 1125 has more lean angle than I am comfortable with and I consider myself a aggressive rider. It has plenty of low end grunt and lots of HP. If u bought a 12 I think u would be looking for more bike a lot sooner than u would if u bought a 1125. My two cents, good luck!
RT Performance
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2009
- Messages
- 2,680
well it depends if you can find a 08 1125r that has had the rear turn signals and cluster replaced yes.
if you want a great performing bike with a love hate get a 09 unless it has 08 stator compents one day it will make u hate it.
if you want a ultra reliable bike with a short rpm band in gears that you can nearly throw to the ground and whack the throttle wide open get a xb.
the power of the 1125 is amazing.
the narrow xb feels lighter and more flickable.
if you want a great performing bike with a love hate get a 09 unless it has 08 stator compents one day it will make u hate it.
if you want a ultra reliable bike with a short rpm band in gears that you can nearly throw to the ground and whack the throttle wide open get a xb.
the power of the 1125 is amazing.
the narrow xb feels lighter and more flickable.
Alfatango1
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2009
- Messages
- 2,076
The 1125 will kill a 12 any which way you slice it. It's still a twin with 147 ponies as opposed to 103. It produces from way down low, now the front end seems a little lighter on the XB, so I guess it boils down to how and where you ride.
Puzzled
Well-known member
You can't go wrong with either.[up]
The liquid cooled motor and six speed gear box were strong selling point for me.
The liquid cooled motor and six speed gear box were strong selling point for me.
While I somtimes kick myself for not getting what I really wanted, a blue/amber XB12S, I remember how much fun my 1125R is. If you get an 1125, you definitely need exhaust (KEDA RT series) and an Erik Buell Race ECM tuned for the exhaust to get full use out of it. The 1125s run a little wierd without the Race ECM, or at least mine ran that way. I was racing my brother's 2006 VROD and while he topped out at abouy 140, I was still passing the crap out of him managing to have a top speed of 168 mph for the day. Now that I have the EBR ECM I installed after those runes, time to see what has changed! You can't go wrong with either. Just buy one, and enjoy it!
Do you mean xb12s? That's the Lightning. the xb12r is the Firebolt.
I think the lighting is leans easier and quicker and is much more comfortable. The engine sounds like a lawn-mower, and peters-out very early in the rpm range. But it's a better around-town bike. My experience is only with a 07 xb12stt, though.
For speed and thrills, you'll want the 1125r.
I think the lighting is leans easier and quicker and is much more comfortable. The engine sounds like a lawn-mower, and peters-out very early in the rpm range. But it's a better around-town bike. My experience is only with a 07 xb12stt, though.
For speed and thrills, you'll want the 1125r.
I short shifted in this one a lot. I don't think I ever got over 6000 rpm. Yeah, it really does sound that nasty in person. Actually, it's even better.
This is wringing it out a little more.
Alfatango1
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2009
- Messages
- 2,076
For most riders a 12 is all the bike they may ever want but it's no 1125 by a long shot. The Rotax flies out of low rpms like a 12 can't, no way, no how. Yes the exhaust sounds like crap but the RC51 with stock exhaust I have in my shop sounds weird too.
That really doesn't apply to everyone; it depends on the rider. Rode a Yamaha R1 all last summer and even though it will stomp the 1125 in nearly everything, I would take my XB any day over the R1.
I rarely ever rev over 4K RPMs in my rides, so what's the point?
I think it can be generalized to this simple formula:
If you want a pavement-shredding track-day dominating sport bike, buy the 1125.
If you want a lazy, fun bike that doesn't beg you to push 160mph, buy the XB
Just remember, there will always be a bike next to you at the stoplight that is faster...
Alfatango1
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2009
- Messages
- 2,076
An 1125 could be drifted easily by a good rider, not me but I've seen it done. The bike has gobs of power for drifting, just need to be in the right gear and have the right rider.
