1125R problem

[chevycummins]

I just picked up my 1125r a couple of weeks ago. I have a problem the first day I had it at 7 miles. I just ran it home from the dealer and had to park it to go to work on second shift. Ten min later I was leaving to go to work and noticed a strong raw fuel smell out in my garage. Looked at the bike and found a vent tube on the right front right above the muffler had leaked gas onto the hot muffler. When I got home from work that night I started the bike and ran idled it for about 5 min then shut it off. A few min later gas started to drip out of the hose on the muffler again. I took apart the top of the bike to find out where the hose went and found it goes to a vent valve on the top of the fuel tank (frame). I checked the gas to see if it was over full and found that it only had maby 1 gal. of fuel in it. I discovered that the exhaust pipe to the rear cyl is really close to the frame which holds the fuel. When it is running it heats up the fuel in the frame and expands and pushes lots of gas vapor out the vent. As the vapor cools in the hose it condenses back into liquid gas and leaks onto the hot muffler. After 8 min idling I noticed the idle started to surge, the temp was 180degrees, shut it off and found the fuel was boiling in the frame and there was a hissing noise from the tank vent tube. I called buell in wisconson about the problem and explained it to them and got a case # and they told me to take it back to the dealer and have them look at it. So my question for everyone who reads this is does this sound safe to you because I have a feeling that the dealer is just going to move the hose so it will not drip gas on the muffler. They really need to fix the heat transfer problem from the exhaust to the fuel tank. I really don't like the idea of boiling gas under me. I also feel that the idle problem was caused by the boiling gas in the tank. It all makes sense to me but I guess I'm the only person having this problem. I also have a feeling that I'm about the only person with this new bike now and other people will have the same problem when they get theirs. Other than that little detail I love the bike so far with 17miles on it. I'll keep everyone posted on what the dealer and buell wants to do to fix it.

[buellosaurusrex]

Please do. I would carefully monitor what they do to fix the problem. All my dealings with Buell in the past have been top-notch....so long as you go through the factory tech support and don't leave it up to your HD dealer to handle or figure out. I had some warranty issues on my M2 and wrote a personal letter to Erik Buell....man, did sparks fly then! I had a phone call within 3 days and everything was handled to my complete satisfaction. Erik cares, and so does the company as a whole. Trust me on this one.

[chevycummins]

Please do. I would carefully monitor what they do to fix the problem. All my dealings with Buell in the past have been top-notch....so long as you go through the factory tech support and don't leave it up to your HD dealer to handle or figure out. I had some warranty issues on my M2 and wrote a personal letter to Erik Buell....man, did sparks fly then! I had a phone call within 3 days and everything was handled to my complete satisfaction. Erik cares, and so does the company as a whole. Trust me on this one.The dealer said they would have it fixed at the beginning of this week. They seemed a little steamed that I called Buell first then brought them the bike with a case number. I just knew that the HD dealer would have to call buell about this problem and wanted the information to be correct on the problem I was having. Buell tech support did seem to care about me and my bike. They could have blown me off and said it was normal or something but they were very sociable and offered suggestions and had some questions for me. Its a great bike and I want to ride it and I think the problem will be fixed soon. Thanks for your input.

[chevycummins]

I just got a call from my buell HD dealer today. The bad news is it took me 4 phone calls to buell about the problem to find out what was going on with the bike. There was finger pointing back and forth between buell and HD dealer about miscommunication on what was going to be done about the problem. The HD dealer told me they were just waiting for a new hose routing for the vent hose from buell. Today is the 14th day the bike has been in the shop and now they tell me its done and there is nothing wrong with it. They changed their mind on rerouting the hose and said that gas dripping out of the vent hose on the muffler along with the gas boiling in the fuel tank is normal. Apparently the bike can not be idled for any length of time without causing problems. Too bad I made the $13,000 mistake and bought this bike instead of the Ducati. Anyone want a 2008 Buell 1125R with 17miles on it? Its in great shape with no fire damage yet!

[buellosaurusrex]

Sorry to hear that. Quite frankly, if I were you, I would not take "no" for an answer. We are dealing with a real safety issue here...and not on a 30-year old bike, either. I would begin bombarding Milwaukee with letters addressed to Erik Buell, marked "personal and confidential" and outlay your disappointment with their new product and your safety issues and concerns. You're not at all out of line for fearing becoming a human fireball. If you don't get any response, PM me. I know some people.

[Si]

I just can't *believe* the tank's vent line expels onto the muffler. That's insane. It would be _wonderful_ to lay it down and then have it catch fire when you stand it back up! That's just ridiculous.

And there's nothing normal about boiling gas. That with a line that drips onto the exhaust?! Oh my friggin gawd!

I would report that to the NHTSA. That should be a recall, possibility of death or serious injury.

You should know, lots of bikes will overheat if left idling for more than a couple minutes. But, within 5 minutes? You could see more than that on a high traffic commute!

[chevycummins]

Got the bike back last night. The service manager at Buell told me that more and more complaints are coming into Buell about the gas dripping on the muffler. My bike was very low on gas so I thought that maby if I fill it up the fuel will not get so hot and cause the boiling and vapor problem. Took it to the gas station and filled it up. It was 61degrees last night and I went for a easy and slow ride. After 10 miles I noticed the fuel tank was getting warm. The total trip was 20 miles when I got home. The bike did not idle for any length of time during the ride. When I got home the cooling fans were on and they shut off in about 1min. I could hear a slight bubble noise from the fuel tank and the tank vent hose was hissing again. As the bike sat there the bubbling got louder and the hissing got really loud. The hissing from the tank vent tube continued for about 15 min. I could hear the hissing from 30feet away, it was really loud. Filling the gas tank up seems to made the problem worse. I wanted to take the gas cap off to see how much pressure was there but did not want to get covered in gas. The bike is going back to Buell HD today because the engine light came on last night also. The bike now has 39miles on it. I'm not the kind of person who likes to start trouble but I also don't want to have me or some one else burn up on this thing. I will be contacting Eric Buell one way or another.

[Si]

You might want to contact your local media outlets as well (paper, tv, etc.).

Someone may ending up getting killed. I can certainly see someone parking it in their garage, burning down their house, and, well, you get the point.

Si

[chevycummins]

I also thought about the house burning down. My furnace gets make up air from my garage. If you put the bike in the garage after riding it the laundry room with the furnace will smell like gas. I have to leave it outside and let it cool first. I went back to Buell HD dealer last night to have the code checked and it just happens to be a fuel pressure code. 0193 code there answer every time is ride it. They could not give me any details as what this code means. If it is a tank pressure code or an actual fuel rail pressure code.

[chevycummins]

Just sent my complaint to NHTSA.

[olds_cool63]

Dude! Ride the bike to the dealer, then call the fire department, followed by the news! Trust me, THAT will get attention. Tell the FD you're afraid the bike is gonna explode each time you ride it. Have the news do a FULL report right in front of the dealer.

Keep everyone up to date on this, dude.

Thanks!

olds_cool63
Custom Sportbike
Custom Cruiser
BOTH metric!

DON'T be a SQUIDIOT!

[Si]

A fireman once told me that when it comes to hydrocarbons (gasoline, natural gas, etc), if you can smell it, it is at an explosive concentration at its source.

Si

[buellosaurusrex]

DO NOT let this lie. Do what you have to do to get it resolved before you get any more mileage on the bike, otherwise you'll give them the "See, it's OK!" excuse. I'm serious about having contacts within H/D-Buell. If you can't get this resolved, let me know.

[chevycummins]

DO NOT let this lie. Do what you have to do to get it resolved before you get any more mileage on the bike, otherwise you'll give them the "See, it's OK!" excuse. I'm serious about having contacts within H/D-Buell. If you can't get this resolved, let me know.
I also thought about the mileage thing but its so tempting to ride. The weather has been bad so that is helping me out. As far as getting it resolved I think I'm pounding my head against a brick wall any time I talk to Buell or HD.

[Si]

Make a complaint to the BBB too.

Si

[chevycummins]

I think I might also video the problem and thought about placing it on Youtube. I am planning on building a heat shield to go between the exhaust pipe and the fuel tank. I guess it will give me something to do this weekend. Later after someone dies on there bike and Buell is forced to correct the problem I will take my bike back in and have the updated parts put on. It just sucks that you buy something new and find it has this kind of problem. I never thought that a safty problem of this kind could be ignored by the manufacturer. I will still keep pressing the safty problem about this bike but if I can correct my bike so I will feel safe riding it I would love to get some use out of it. I hate to see it just sitting in the garage.

[andella]

You absolutely NEED to be on the the all buell forum
This issue has been covered in detail, with a resolution in the 1125r section.

I guess I don't have enough posts to post a direct link so PM me and I will send you some linkage

[olds_cool63]

To me, the best solution would be to take it back to the dealer, tell them to shove, then file a lawsuit for putting your life and others in danger!

Thanks!

olds_cool63
Custom Sportbike
Custom Cruiser
BOTH metric!

DON'T be a SQUIDIOT!

[chevycummins]

I pulled out the rear headder pipe this weekend and insulated it. My rear o2 sensor went bad on saturday just before I took the bike apart. I am going to try to get a new o2 sensor tonight. I'll take pictures of it tonight and try to post them. It looks really good but the real test will be when I get the o2 sensor in and the bike back together. It was a really big job to get the pipe back in with the wrap on it. I had to almost remove the engine. NOT any fun!

[chevycummins]

A couple of pictures of the exhaust after I insulated it.

[joe_prog]

Do you know if wrapping the pipe voids your warranty?

[Si]

I wonder if the O2 sensor going bad may have made your bike run lean at idle and cruise, thus creating all that extra heat. hmmmmm

[chevycummins]

I wonder if the O2 sensor going bad may have made your bike run lean at idle and cruise, thus creating all that extra heat. hmmmmmI thought about that also and now the dealer said that the front O2 sensor reading seems wrong and they are checking the fuel pressure. About the warranty with wrapping the pipe. They can void your warranty for whatever reason so they say. The pipe was between 600 and 750 degrees before and now the hottest spot I found was 300 and most of it was 200 degrees. It made a huge difference in radiant heat.

[chevycummins]

I got the bike back Saturday and it seems to run ok now. They put in a new rear O2 sensor. I put about 100 miles on it this weekend and no more boiling gas after I wrapped the rear exhaust manifold. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

[olds_cool63]

Congrats, man. No more death trap! Now that the bike is doing good, how about a full review once you get a few more miles on it. Really interested in that engine.

Nuff said.

olds_cool63
Custom Sportbike
Custom Cruiser
BOTH metric!

DON'T be a SQUIDIOT!

[chevycummins]

I'll keep you posted on the bike and any other problems I run into.

[chevycummins]

A couple of things that I have noticed is that the engine sounds really clunky under 3500rpm. I just try to keep the correct gear to stay at or above 3500rpm. It has good power from 3500 up and feels really smooth. I'm only getting about 30mpg just short trip driving to work.

[buellosaurusrex]

I'll keep you posted on the bike and any other problems I run into.


I'll forward your progress on to my contact. I still think it's BS when a cash-paying customer has to re-engineer and repair his own brand-new motorcycle, though. Kudos to you for thinking on your feet.

[chevycummins]

Thanks buellosaurusrex! I appriciate any help I can get. I've been on other web sites and found other people with the same gas problem. Most of them don't seem as consurned as I was with the safty aspect of boiling gas. Gas vapor in any amount is nothing to play with. It will take time for Buell to come up with a fix and I understand that but, I bought the bike to ride. My bike seems ok so far with 200miles on it now. Thanks again.

[Zoedogg1]

I just saw this post for the first time and after reading it would have to agree that its the O2 sensor. I have a friend at our Harley shop who let me ride their 1125 around for some time, and I never saw this to be a problem. I cant imagine why they couldnt have figured this out sooner. Isnt this a computer diag. problem that could be found in a few seconds? Crazy, but anyhow, Im glad to hear its all working out...I hate getting jerked around by dealerships...I can't help but feel like they are all crooks, whether it be Car, Boat, Bike, Plane or anything else with an engine in it.

[chevycummins]

Still no problems to report. Buell just came out with a reprogram for the ecm that corrects many complaints that I had with the bike. The reprogram was done yesterday and low speed maners of the bike are much better. Throttle response, smoothness of the engine, and cold starting are all better now. It was a great thing to actually notice a difference with this new program.

[chevycummins]

Well, it started better cold 2 times then its back to its normal start and stall. I also have noticed the slipper clutch seems to slip the clutch sometimes when off then back on the throttle. It will slip about 100rpm when back on the throttle then stick. I called my dealer about it and am waiting for them to call me back with info. Here we go again.

[chevycummins]

Still waiting for the call from my dealer about the clutch thing. Now the high fuel pressure code came back again, 0193. I think I still like the bike?

[chevycummins]

I test drove a Ducati 1090s today. Its a very nice bike, had a little more viberation than the 25R at low speeds. The mirrors are very hard to use because of the position of them and the viberation blurs them. It feels like a very light bike, I noticed this right away when I took the bike off of the stand. The Ducati was my dream bike but I bought the Buell instead. After I rode the Ducati I think that I made the right choice in purchasing the 25R. Its more practical for around town driving and seems to fit me better. If I had an extra $8000 I might have had the Duc. Both bikes have plenty of power to get a driving award!

[Zack]

How's yours settling in?
I'm having fits with rideability since the ECM reflash.
No other issues tho with 7700 miles on her.

Love this bike, wish she was smooth again.

Z

[chevycummins]

Zack, I have the same low speed surge, buck problems everyone else has. I was at the dealer today and they told me that there was another new reflash. They really did not know what the flash corrects. I will call Buell tomorrow to see if I can find out. If they could get the Buell's fuel map and spark as smooth as the 1089 Duc it would be awsome! I think that eventually they will get all the bugs worked out but it will just take some time. I'll give them credit for taking on a whole new kind of bike from what there use to producing.

[Zack]

Maybe that's why I haven't heard from them in a week.
I'm calling them this morning too.

[chevycummins]

Talked to Mat at Buell today. He was not aware of a new program like my dealer told me. Went to the dealer this morning and the manager shows me a new program number than what my bike had.???? They attempted the reflash but it would keep coming up with a no communications problem. Could not get it to take and I had to go to work. So I guess I still don't know what is going on. It seems like Mat or Jon at Buell would know if new programs are out. Maby my dealer made a mistake somehow, I just don't know at this time.

[chevycummins]

Another new problem. Now the battery died overnight. I rode it all week with no problems, then saturday night it was dead. It had 8 volts. It seems other people are having the same problems with the random battery discharge problem and now its my turn. I found the the cluster seems to toggle between a 24mA and 1mA draw. 24mA for 2 seconds and 1mA for 58 seconds. This might be normal and nobody seems to know for sure. I bought a Battery Bug that will test battery voltage all the time and let me know if it falls below 12V. At least I might be able to find the draw when the Bug tells me the voltage is dropping.

[pintslayer]

I'll forward your progress on to my contact. I still think it's BS when a cash-paying customer has to re-engineer and repair his own brand-new motorcycle, though. Kudos to you for thinking on your feet.

Typical H-D. They have been using their dealership network as the final stage in the R&D department for years. They get it almost right, and then turn it loose so some poor tech can figure it out for warranty pay. I live not too far from Milwaukee, and I teched at a dealership for quite a while. I could tell you stories that would curl your hair (even Zack's hair) about how those chuckleheads do business. And save your comments about how Buell isn't H-D, I know better. I had high hopes for Buell when they were starting out, but now I'm not so sure. They seem to have fallen into the same rut that H-D fell into about thirty years ago.

[chevycummins]

I think I might have fixed some of the problems with the low speed surge, buck problem on my bike. I don't know if the baro sensor was ever installed properly on my bike or if it was moved the first time in the dealer. The sensor was upside down and had water in the nipple. It should be clipped in the plastic air box at about a 45 degree angle, wire connector to the left and down and the other end pointing up with the nipple pointing down. My baro sensor was positioned so the nipple was pointing up and the sensor was level with the bike. Its hard to explain how it should be positioned but after dumping the water out of it and installing it properly it seems to run much better.

[vitor.br]

Hello Chevycummins,
I couldn't help have not noticed how easygoing you are, buddy. I'd have freaked out before the first 10 miles.
I was wondering if you still have the exhausts pipes insulated? You said few days ago that the high fuel pressure code problem came up again.

Hope you get all the problens solved and enjoy your bike big time!
take it easy, Vitor.

[chevycummins]

Vitor.br, the pipe is still insulated. Just the rear. No more boiling gas for the last 700miles. The fuel pressure code did come back but I think it might be related to the low battery charge condition. Its hard to remember all the stuff that happened but the code set one night when first starting the bike. The next day is when the battery went dead. It may have been a false code from low battery voltage while cranking. Just a guess. I have no way to clear the code out so I need to see the dealer again. Had lots of fun with the bike this weekend and still alive!

[Zack]

Just ride it - codes clear after 50 start cycles.
Mine's getting smoother, slowly.

[vitor.br]

Had lots of fun with the bike this weekend and still alive!

Hehehe That's good to hear, mate. Keep it that way ok! :p

Cheers.

[chevycummins]

Got a call from Buell tech support today. It was a follow up call out of the blue. They wanted to know how the bike was running. Thought that was really cool of them to call. I also found out that they do watch some of these websites and in there last meeting they talked about a thread I started on Badweb about the baro sensor being upside down. Thought that was way cool. They do value our feedback. Probably would not get that from Honda or Yamaha.

[vitor.br]

Oh that's really cool! Good they value their clients!
It's attitudes like that that will get them to improve everyday. Good to know, Buell scored!

[BuellBagger]

(They do value our feedback. Probably would not get that from Honda or Yamaha.)

Not to hijack the thread, but I just bought a new bike and was looking at all the different sport tourers out there and decided to stay with Buell and purchased a new XT because of the support we all get from the factory.

[chevycummins]

BuellBagger, not worried about anyone hijacking the thread. I posted it so people could give their opinion and hear mine. Thanks for the info.

My battery was going dead this weekend and I cought it. After testing I found what the source of the parisitic draw is. Called Buell and now waiting for the call back. They want to have the dealer see the draw, but its so random that they might have the bike for months and never get it to do it. I'll keep you guys posted.

[americancycle]

this company specializes in heat wrap materials, they also have great exhaust wrap kits.

deicycle.com

check em out, worked for me.

[vlaroc]

Just picked up my 1125r from dealer in January.Bike sat around until about April until wheather started to warm enough.First experience with bike is that after about 30 minutes of riding bike, frame is hot to the touch from heat emitting from engine area. Second problem is that bike when under 4000rpm either has tendency to stall and back fire through airbox or just really run choppy. Third problem is when riding bike and rear brake get's hot it wiil start to howl when used.Fourth I know this is a sportbike and it's new ands needs to be broken in but the gas mileage i've been getting is 20 mpg on average does this sound right?The other day I was riding bike in the city and bike was running hot around 227f on the gauge while riding .I come to a stop at traffic light and bike stalls and pukes out multiple errors across the heads up display and never restarts electric at key on but no life at start switch,of course it's 6:00pm and eveything is closed so I get a friend to pick me up in his truck.That night before goin to the dealer with bike I do some research online and find recall issued from harley saying that there is recall on the 5th gear clucth shaft and that it can cause galling of the shaft due to improper lubrication and cause the rear wheel to lock up, sound like fun?Two weeks prior to this my dealer calls to tell that there is something wrong with ecm and that it needs to be reflashed but I wasn't worried because I was close to 600 mile service check and would have them do it then.So I tow bike to dealer and at first they look at the bike like I just dragged in the space shuttle.I explain the story to the service manager and I tell him about the recall .He doesn't know anything about the recall and says he will look into it and that part of the problem is that they don't have any mechanics that know the bike and might have to send it out.next day service manager calls says that I was right about recall and that he has part to fix it but no directions yet from buell on how it is installed.I ask him if he knew why bike wouldn't start and he told me that they installed new battery and bike is running and then I ask if he reflashed ecm .he said that they couldn't get bike to accept the flash and that they weren't allowed to ride bike yet due to the recall.next day he calls and tells me now he has directions but now need to order gaskets for job.any advice anyone?

[pintslayer]

Leave your helmet on when you start banging your head against the wall.

Lots of people are just tickled pink with their Buells, but if you get one that sucks, it's could very well suck forever. This is not my opinion, it's a fact. I was an H-D/Buell tech for quite a while, and some of them are just problem children. I'm not saying the problems are unfixable, because everything is fixable, but some of their bikes are practically flawless while other ones are plagued with problems. This problem is compounded if you don't have a local dealership that is familiar with them. Three-Fingered Joe the old-time Harley tech would stand a better chance of performing a successful kidney transplant than he would fixing an electrical problem on a new Buell.

Good luck, dude. And if you find a dealership that has a competent Buell tech, go there, even if it's a long haul from home, it'll be worth it.

[chevycummins]

Vlaroc, I don't think any gaskets are needed for the 5th gear recall. They should be able to do the recall with the parts that come in the little bag. Its really simple to do. It has a C-clip and a brass plug with a small hole in it. When they take the clutch cover off the diaphram of the slipper clutch is also the gasket and its rubber. It should be reused.

I had to remove the rear exhaust pipe to wrap it to fix my hot gas problem. If you look through the previous posts you will see.

Voltage is a big thing on this bike. If the voltage goes low it will cause lots of problems. I bought a special battery charger to completely charge my battery when I was having draw problems. Also when they attempt to do the reprogram the bike needs to be cold and they should have the bike on a charger to keep up the voltage. Trust me voltage is a major thing with this bike. That may have been most of your drivability problem. These batteries are hard to get charged back up 100% after they get low.

That coolant temp seems really high to me. Its much hotter than I've ever seen on my bike. I still have not seen 200 degrees.

I found what my parasitic draw was on my bike. It was the cluster. I talked with Buell about it and they got a new cluster sent to the dealer. The new cluster is on the bike now and seems ok. At least there is no more draw killing the battery. The new cluster does work a little different than my original one but I guess I can live with it. It always defaults to econ every time the bike is turned on. I have to switch it to coolant temp every time.

My economy has went from 28 to 33mpg now. Thats a little better and hope it keeps going up.

[vlaroc]

so, yesterday I go into the ducati dealership and told the guy I have a buell 1125r with 600 miles on it and would like to trade it in...After I pick the salesman off the floor from laughing so hard he explains to me that he don't take buells on trade in because their to hard to sell.should I try selling the bike or should I just stick with it and see what happens.I feel that since I only have 600 miles on it I might i have a chance to still get something for it or try to maybe go for harley?

[pintslayer]

Well, let's see...you bought a Buell, and you're thinking Ducati, so you obviously don't want just another "me too" bike. Maybe the local KTM shop would be willing to deal on a new Super Duke, if you don't have any objections to riding a bike named after either a dog or John Wayne. They're hot. I've ridden Buells and a Super Duke, and I can say for sure, at anything over 7/10ths the Duke will leave the Buell for dead. Or how about a nice Super Hawk? Or a TL1000, if you can find one.

By the way, please don't let my earlier comments cloud your vision of Buells. There isn't anything wrong with Buells, they just seem a little finicky to me, based on my past experience. My biggest beef with Buell was when they let H-D stick their filthy fingers in the pie. I realize that corporate cash is hard to turn down, but it will strengthen the breed in the short run while it weakens it in the long run.

My two cents worth. Adjusted for inflation.

[chevycummins]

Vlaroc, My ducati dealership was willing to help me sell my bike for a percent of the sale price. They also have a Buell that they can't sell. They gave too much for the trade and got stuck with it. I have 1200 miles on the odo and think I will be forced to keep it. I will loose too much money if I try to sell so it really won't be worth it. I think you might be in the same boat as I am.

[chrishdguy]

I can tell you that with working in Buell sales at the dealership here, the articles and what not on the 1125R have killed the sales, and rightfully so. I am a huge fan of Buell, and I understand its a new model and all, but when this happens, I fear it might be hard for the model to take off. Now today they introduced the new 1125CR Cafe Racer, and all we could do was groan. Let's fix the 1125R before bringing out a new one. Our head mechanic - a Buell Fanatic - traded in his 2006 Firebolt on the 1125R and has not been happy with it. Same problems - Starting, the recalls, and what not. After he did the ECM recall, it ran worse!

[chevycummins]

chrishdguy, sorry to hear that sales are down. My dealer has 3 of the bikes sitting on their showroom floor also.

On a happier note, some of us have been working independently on getting the bugs out and have had great results. I also like the bike but would like to have it just run right.

[buellosaurusrex]

After hearing some of the stories here; I'm gonna wait out the new model bugs and stick with my Cyclone. I wouldn't trade it in anyway.

[chevycummins]

1800 miles and the left rear turn signal bulbs (led) just quit working. About $50 for the whole assembly, gripe a little and its under warranty, no charge.

My theory, all the parts that fail are Japanese parts. They bug the parts to make the bike look like crap so you buy a Japanese bike! Just kidding!

[chrishdguy]

Yea, sales are down, but it happens with a new model. My thing is, I think that Buell has a great idea with the 1125R. I think they finally have something to compete with Suzuki, and get them hardcore into the sport bike market.

BTW buellosaurusrex, Cyclone's rule!!

[buellosaurusrex]

Yea, sales are down, but it happens with a new model. My thing is, I think that Buell has a great idea with the 1125R. I think they finally have something to compete with Suzuki, and get them hardcore into the sport bike market.

BTW buellosaurusrex, Cyclone's rule!!

Yeah, I know that. But let's keep it a secret, huh?

[chevycummins]

One of the things that I feel hurts Buell sales is advertisements. I mean lack of. I don't see the 1125R advertised other than in some magazines. Most people know about Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, etc. With gas prices going up I have seen a switch to motorcycles and the people that talk to me about my bike are interested in buying a motorcycle but never knew about Buell. These people are not the Harley type and never go into their dealers so they have no clue. I'm sure these posts don't help sales but I do know they have got Buell's attention. I had conformation of that one day.

Most of the magazines picked the bike apart. I have had my fair share of problems also but are working through them and Buell seems to be interested in correcting most of them. I'm going to hang in there and see what happens. There is hope for the low speed drivability bugs this bike has and Buell is working on them right now.

[inspector gadget]

Alright fellas. I sought out this forum because I am giving serious consideration to purchasing an 1125r. After reading these complaints do you recommmend I wait until model year '09?

[buellosaurusrex]

Alright fellas. I sought out this forum because I am giving serious consideration to purchasing an 1125r. After reading these complaints do you recommmend I wait until model year '09?

I don't own an 1125 (I ride a Cyclone) so my opinion is strictly my own and based on my own observations.
It appears, like many other motorcycles, the 1125 is going through teething pains. Me, personally, I'd wait until some of these issues are resolved. But that's just me.

[Zack]

I am one of the lucky ones and got a GREAT bike.
It is Definitely a RevA machine.

Everything a Bueller has been waiting for, tho there are issues with some.
The handling bests an XB9R, power is up there with liter-bikes as it should be.
Fit, finish and overall engineering are very impressive for a $12-13k bike.

Sounds funny still after 11,800 miles, it ain't no Lump™.
She's a very early run, off the line November 6th, 2007, #154.

I have had one issue, re-learning maps when I go from home at 5000+ ft elev to sea-level on two trips.
That has gotten better since I started trying it in third gear, 45mph@4krpm for 4 minutes... or so.

I'm glad I DID NOT wait.
First one on the road in Colorado.

Z

[sbkal08]

Damn, dude! I can't believe you'd even try to fix it your self! I would've taken that sucker back and demanded a FULL refund or face legal action and media attention. Gas dripping on an exhaust pipe??? Boiling gas???!!! Seriously???!!!

[Zack]

I have a T-shirt saying for you sbkal08...

If you understand, no explanation is necessary.
If you DON'T, no explanation is possible...

The 1125R is the most amazing bike I've ever thrown a leg over.

Z

[sbkal08]

ANY machine that had those glaring safety issues would be out the freakin garage! I don't care who makes it. I can't even believe Chevycummins rode that thing around the block! What's not for me to understand? He has FUEL dripping on the exhaust pipe and FUEL BOILING inside the frame! He shouldn't have to personally fix a brand new bike. End of discussion. You haven't experienced anything like Chevycummins with your 1125? Then, either he bought a lemon, or you own one that was assembled properly.

[Zack]

I think it's a combination of things.
Michael got a bike with more problems than mine, yes.
Different parts of the country get different gas, the boiling points vary a good bit.

Regardless, all I'm saying is major troubles exist for some, not most.
Everyone has a threshold for pain.
I know of 2 or 3 that have given up on the 1125R and over 270 who haven't.

I'm one of the latter.

Z

[inspector gadget]

so go for it or no? the xb12r FB is still calling me. should i go for the firebolt or wait for buell to iron out the kinks on the 1125r?

[sbkal08]

If I had to do it over again? Japanese Race Rep. I never had issues with mine in the past. Stunning performance, bullet proof engines, race track heritage, countless hours and gazillions of dollars in R&D. The result is state of the art engineering and machines that are all but track ready. Flame on, but the point is moot!

[Zack]

Several months ago, we got an ECM reflash that addressed several electrical issues some early adopters had.

Many of us have had "rideability" issues and another reflash is due in a few days/weeks to deal with those.

There is also a "kit" promised by BMC to bring the '08s very close to the same specs as the 09s, cost is unknown.

Mine has been very well behaved for a RevA machine.
11,977 miles since December, I can't stay off this bike.

Z

[chevycummins]

My suggestion would be to get an 09 if you are interested. Sounds like most of the bugs have been fixed on that model.

As for getting lemon law, Michigan has no law for motorcycles. So do I loose money with a lawyer or ride it a year or two and sell it for a new model. Either way it is a pain, and takes way too much time. I am hopeful that Buell will get the new program out quick and will correct the low speed problems. Call me crazy but I'm hanging tight for now. I have a hard time just throwing the towel in at this point, I'm not a quitter and have so much time invested in the cause.

On a happier note, the bike kicks butt at higher speeds and it does handle well. Its just painful at low speeds for the time being.

[chevycummins]

Another little problem, I noticed the clutch slave cyl. leaking some brake fluid out the vent hole. Went to the dealer and they are ordering the parts.

I know a few other people have had the same problem.

Isn't that right Zack?:)

[Zack]

Yup, the "weep-hole" is weeping on Loretta.
Talked to the SM the other day.

They will install a RevB cover, p/n R1029A.1AM, when the 5th gear recall work is done.

Also prepping to do the 12.4k Service.
I have mixed feelings about rotating the engine and checking the valves.
Gonna need rear tire #3 soon too, this one has 6100 miles on it which is what I got out of the first one.

Z

[chevycummins]

Zack, when I had the engine down in my bike it was not that hard to do. I didn't even have the service manual at that time, I just took my time and had no problems. I could probably do it in about an hour now that I know what needs to be removed and where. I'm still about 10,000 miles away from that service.

Last night on the way home I got a compliment from a guy on a rice bike. He kept messing around, speeding up, revving at lights and finally I had enough. When he finally caught up to me at the next light he said " what kind of bike is that?" I said "its a Buell, and there not slow anymore!" He responded with "that's awesome!"

[Zack]

Thanks for the reassurance, Michael.

Got the same reaction from a greybeard on a jockey-shift Panhead a couple of days ago.

:)

Z

[chevycummins]

Buell released a new ecm program to correct the low speed drivability problems. I got the flash done a couple weeks ago and what a difference. Much better at low speeds and starts good with no more stalling. The gas mileage is up by about 8mpg around town. It even seems to run cooler.

[Zack]

The "Toggle" switch died on Loretta a couple of days ago.
Can't access most functions now on the Instrument Cluster.

Went by the shop yesterday(my Saturday) and talked to service... new IC is on order.
They will drop in the replacement while I'm working so no lost time.

I'll miss being able to see the temp as she warms up.

She's looking good, got the Kick-Ash windscreen, waiting for some gold-anodized sliders from Dark-Horse.

Z

[chevycummins]

I really don't like the way the new cluster operates. I want the coolant temp up while I'm riding and the old cluster would stay on what it was on when shut off. The new cluster always starts out on avg econ and needs to be manually switched to coolant temp. I'll probably wear out the button from switching to coolant temp all the time. Your new cluster will probably be like mine.

Zack, the blue windscreen is kinda cool looking also. I didn't know if I would like it but I let the parts person talk me into it. It just stands out a little more I think. Its a Buell it should be different!

[chevycummins]

Took the bike in yesterday to get that leaky clutch slave cyl. repaired. They finally got all the parts to do the repair. Also there is a noise in the front suspension, a clunk noise that is getting louder that the dealer is going to check out. Its a little cold around here to ride now so I guess its no big deal.

[Zack]

I'll be installing a RevB clutch cover soon.

Front wheel washed on me at around 20mph and I "erased" a good portion of the cover.
Today I think I'll get some o-rings and cylinder linings on order and fix my leak too.
Ordered the RevB cover and a right side pod right away.

That Surlyn or whatever the plastic is in the bodywork sands and polishes out nicely.

Z

[chevycummins]

Stopped in at the dealer to check up on my bike and they have the clutch leak fixed. They showed me the old parts and the seal for the piston had really fine lines in it. Looks like the cylinder that the seal runs in probably had scoring in it. They said that it didn't, I guess I'll just run it and see if it starts to leak again. I really hoped that the new cover came complete but it didn't. The piston seal looks like it will be prone to leaking, just my opinion. I thought it would be a lip seal but it looks kinda like a o-ring with the outer edge of a v. Time will tell.