To buy or not to buy??

[bonechip67]

I had an xb9 and really liked it. It just seemed to lack a little in the thrill factor. Really liked the riding position as well. I have the chance to buy a 1125cr or a xb12. Never ridden the 1125 and cant with the snow on the ground. (Dealers are kinda funny about that)I'm thinking about the cr because it has a few more horses and is water cooled, however I know nothing about them. Just wanted to know if there has been any problems with them. The bike would be for every day riding so its not like im going to tear up the track, but do like to have a few ponies to play with when needed. I can get either for the same price, and have been riding for 30 yrs so... Which would you choose?? Thanks

 

[afinley]

I was faced with a situation: 1125r or xb12r, same price out the door, same insurance.

I rode both and went with the xb12r. I want to lie and say I was totally mature on the test rides, but lets be serious. I owned an 883 Iron at the time:

I rode the xb12r and unknowingly rolled into a wheelie cresting a hill in 4th gear, which turned into a full on jump. Badass. Scary as HELL. I went 35mph the whole way back to the dealer.

The 1125 goes 110 in 5th gear, with no sweat. Nuff said.

I just dont need the power of the 1125. There has never been a situation where I was like, "I can pass this guy doing a standing wheelie at 80mph, but if I had the 1125 I could do it at a buck ten."

The 1125 did not seem any cooler than the xb, but it did do a much better job of blocking wind on my hands. I also felt the 1125 handled much worse in parking lots. I decided to go with the xb due to the realistic power, low speed manners, and parts availability. To each their own.

 

[slickncghia]

the 1125 is a hell of allot more bike. the 12 looks nicer.

 

[mcdonald1983]

Anything looks better then the 1125 its a kickass bike but ugly ass hell

 

[afinley]

edit: by cooler, I mean temps wise.

I actually rode the Firebolt in the fall, and then came back and rode the 1125 and Firebolt back to back in 40deg weather the day I bought mine.

At the time I only had perforated gloves, and the 1125 made all the difference for wind.

Other than that I thought the 1125 lacked the the Buell "growl" or "muscle" to the exhaust.

I say, bikes are bikes. Ride them around in the parking lot. You'll hear the bikes, and youll get a feeling for them at low speed. If you dont want to take them to the track, low speed is what rules. All bikes change lanes at medium speeds. Riding position is key.

 

[bonechip67]

Thanks guys. Never ridden an 1125 so im kinda at your mercy. I know what the 9 was like, so i assume the 12 will be the same with just a tad more power. Just wondering why they would sell them for the same price when the 1125 list out like 3k more! Didnt know if that was a smokin deal and didnt want to miss out.!!

 

[afinley]

It is a smokin' deal. Go find another dealer than lets you ride one. Pay for a rental if you have to.

 

[Thaloc]

I test rode the CR like 2 times last summer and the 1125R once lol... I was seriously considering trading in my '08 XB12R on the CR, almost the exact same riding position but the CR's power is just ridiculous.

But like said above I really love the sound of my 12R, and the power feels more predictable (and maybe controllable) than the CR. In my opinion the 12 is far more practical for the street than the CR.

Ride what fits u best I say, good luck in whatever you choose man, let us know!

 

[hula Buell]

You must ride and hear the sound and feel the difference.Both are great but you must compare....get the 12r...sorry

 

[03Firebolt9R]

I have an XB9R and an 1125CR and have to say that I have put about 25 miles on the xb compared to 1700 on the CR since I bought the CR on 10/16.

Granted, they are different...xb9r turns lots of heads and has more attitude. But, there is nothing like the CR where power, speed and handling (xb handles great though too) are concerned. Roll on wheelies in 3rd or 4th gear no problem.

It really depends on what you want out of the bike. But if you thought your xb9 lacked in the thrill factor, then it certainly will after you ride an 1125.

@afinley...110 in 5th?? Try 3rd to 4th.

 

[mcdonald1983]

The picture of that 1125 looks REALLY GOOD!

 

[bonechip67]

Sorry guys, I guess I should have mentioned its a xb12s, not and r.. my bad! My wife, (being the wonderful women se is), let me trade my road king in for a vrod muscle a few months ago. I'm looking for something alittle smaller and lighter to comute back and forth to work. I know that the 12s will be fine, but like i said, dont know much about the 1125cr. With the price being the same, I didnt know wich was the better value, and which would suite my situation the best.. Has anyone have had or knows of any problems (mech) with either bike? [smirk]

 

[afinley]

110 in 5th?? Try 3rd to 4th.

Yeah, I didn't want to give away the fact that I wasn't paying super close attention to what gear I was in on the test ride. I certianly was killing it, so I would suspect I was down in 3 or 4.

No mechanical problems with either one if you're talking about '09s and '10s.

The xb12s is the same as the xb12r mechanically, but with a slightly more relaxed riding position. My girlfriend has an xb12scg, and except for the clown car factor (I'm 6'3") I think I prefer the seating position on her bike more than mine. I feel more confident and I feel like it handles better.

 

[bonechip67]

Thanks for all the input guys. I was very close to owning the CR, but since it wasnt on thier floor and would have to go pick it up in the next state for me, they made me a deal I couldnt refuse on the 12s. Im probably better off as I really dont need the tickets the CR would have gotten me!! Thanks again and look forward to using this site to make her my own!!