Buell 1125R First Look

[seruzawa]

Originally Posted by longride

I pronounce it the least bought, most desirable motorcycle of 2008. I bet they don't sell many more than the air-cooled ones.

How can you possibly believe that the Buell won't be a huge seller? We've heard for years that all these I-4 guys would buy a Buell if only it had a "proper engine" (whatever that means). They will gladly buy a 140hp bike over a 160hp bike. Never mind that they couldn't get 100% out of a 70hp SV650.

[BrowningBAR]

I think it will be as successful as there other models. People that might be thinking about buying Ducs and Aprilias might buy the 1125R due to dealership/parts convenience and a perceived cheaper maintenance cost.

But there will be no massive exodus from the big poser crowd or the stat sheet tards. They won't steal a lot of buyers from the hondzukikawayamaha crowd.

And that is a good thing. Buell would go broke quickly having to completely revamp their model line up to try to compete with pointless stats.

I also predict that none of the people screaming for a new engine months ago will buy the 1125R.

[boru4761]

I love it! Just what we have all be pining for!

Umm. Where exactly are we going with the styling?

Is the demographic here 30 somethings that were overly influenced by the 90s (Micheal Keaton was still the best) Batman movies? 'Cause if that is not the target audience, I could see some problems with moving these.

Maybe the naked version will be a little more pleasing to the eye.

Wait, WTF are they going to do with those radiators on a naked version?

[Buzglyd]

Originally Posted by Kevin_Duke

Surprisingly, the old air-cooled motors are meeting current emissions standards without a cat-con, so there's still life in that design. Plus, all '08 Buells get an engine updated with a new fuel-injections system, a higher redline, and an improved oiling system.

As for the 1125R, I was bummed when another trip came up that meant I can't go to the intro at Laguna! Pete's gonna have fun, I'd bet.

And I'll be happy to help you out with a long term test. Plenty of room in the ol' garage KD.

[vermicious]

Originally Posted by BrowningBAR

I think it will be as successful as there other models. People that might be thinking about buying Ducs and Aprilias might buy the 1125R due to dealership/parts convenience and a perceived cheaper maintenance cost...

....I also predict that none of the people screaming for a new engine months ago will buy the 1125R.

I'd probably have purchased this bike if it were available when I bought my Tuono. But as it stands, I'm not giving up my Tuono as long as it can still be ridden I wasn't one of the folks "screaming for a new engine" but I was calling an updated/liquid cooled power-plant a good idea and a high probability.

[acecycleins]

Originally Posted by longride

I know you are a great predictor and all, but they still produce the air-cooled bikes. This one isn't the only Buell made.

Dare I say that it's the end of Buell/Sporty motors. This is only the beginning of the transformation. By 2009 all Buell motors will be water-cooled.

[longride]

Originally Posted by acecycleins

Dare I say that it's the end of Buell/Sporty motors. This is only the beginning of the transformation. By 2009 all Buell motors will be water-cooled.

Just like all the 2009 Harleys were going to be water-cooled. Yep.

[Buzglyd]

Originally Posted by acecycleins

Dare I say that it's the end of Buell/Sporty motors. This is only the beginning of the transformation. By 2009 all Buell motors will be water-cooled.

It's not going to happen that fast. That's too short of a time to introduce new products. The current a/c motors meeting the upcoming emissions regs already so they can stick around a while longer.

[acecycleins]

It's good that Buell, HD, Triumph and Ducati all sell air-cooled bikes (my preferred mode of transportation). BUT it can't last. Air-cooled motors are not as efficient as their water-cooled cousins. The next step in reducing emission output is to load heavy, power robbing, "cat" loaded exhaust systems. No one here wants a heavy 65hp Buell. Buell stepped up and developed a relationship with a leader in performance motor makering- and they will find a new following.
Buell will phase out the Sporty motor and become the American Sportbike company they desire. HD will be sending FLH models out the door by 2010 with water-cooled powerplants- they've been working on it longer than they worked on the tc88 design. Triumph will design a replacement Bonni motor (with fins) and try to hide the radiator. Ducati will slowly follow Buell and phase out air-cooled bikes starting in 2010. The motors on the Monsters won't look as cool, but by then the whole "Classic" range will have run it course and be discontinued by then- so it won't really matter.
You guys on this site are the best informed bunch of guys in cycle cyber world- surely you see this all happening......

[longride]

Originally Posted by acecycleins

It's good that Buell, HD, Triumph and Ducati all sell air-cooled bikes (my preferred mode of transportation). BUT it can't last. Air-cooled motors are not as efficient as their water-cooled cousins. The next step in reducing emission output is to load heavy, power robbing, "cat" loaded exhaust systems. No one here wants a heavy 65hp Buell. Buell stepped up and developed a relationship with a leader in performance motor makering- and they will find a new following.
Buell will phase out the Sporty motor and become the American Sportbike company they desire. HD will be sending FLH models out the door by 2010 with water-cooled powerplants- they've been working on it longer than they worked on the tc88 design. Triumph will design a replacement Bonni motor (with fins) and try to hide the radiator. Ducati will slowly follow Buell and phase out air-cooled bikes starting in 2010. The motors on the Monsters won't look as cool, but by then the whole "Classic" range will have run it course and be discontinued by then- so it won't really matter.
You guys on this site are the best informed bunch of guys in cycle cyber world- surely you see this all happening......

I haven't heard of any of this stuff happening by the dates you say it will, so I guess I'm not as informed as you are.