Is this the latest version of a Superhawk
Thread Starter
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,548
From: MN
Is this the latest version of a Superhawk
just read the first ride intro of the new buell. Really sounds impressive, real world sport bike with some neat engineering both chasis and engine. Probably offers a lot of what we love about the SH but brought up to spec.
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/27aug...buell1125r.htm
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/27aug...buell1125r.htm
The Hypno-Toad
Superstock
Superstock
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 467
From: Milwaukee, WI
Mechanically it looks pretty tempting, but I can't get over the front end. Those radiator cowls are just too ugly. I wouldn't even consider buying the first year. I would like to see what happens though. I've always kind of been pulling for Buell, just not enough to buy one.
Post Whore Junior
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,825
From: Triad, NC
I ride with a guy that has an xb9r.. everytime I leave him at the stoplight he threatens to go buy a 1125r.. I'd ride it... hell, all bikes dont have to look like the typical "crotch-rocket".. I like that it looks different..
I took time to read the article.. I think I want one...
I took time to read the article.. I think I want one...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,548
From: MN
yeah, its always a crap shoot going from first rides impressions on these new models. but a true sports bike designed with reasonable riding comfort and wind protection from the outset, a chance to see buell really in a competitive position and something unique is all pretty cool to me.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,548
From: MN
and if you still have too much time on your hands or just can't concentrate on work today, here is another comparo I'd been waiting to hear about: triumph has really does something the past few years. I have never ridden one but everyone seems to rave about them
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Articl...ID=5201&Page=1
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Articl...ID=5201&Page=1
evil man of nothing
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,516
From: Boynton Beach, FL
It's nice to see that Buell finally has a possible top shelf sportbike. I already read one guy who said "it's not a real buell because it doesn't have a harley engine in it." He went on the say they'd "really have something" if they put a turbocharged harley motor in it. (!) What a load of crap! FINALLY they're going to have a competitive sportbike. The P-51 mustang wasn't special until they put in a rolls royce engine. The shelby cobra was special because they put in ford engines (I'm sure chevys would have done fine too 
) If this bike is a winner no one will give a **** where the engine comes from, they'll just say "it kicks ***" just like when aprilia's were winning WSBK races on rotax power. Just like all the dirt trackers out there winning on rotax power. If road racing no longer fits harley's ******* "image" screw 'em, good on eric buell for shopping elsewhere. I personally could never understand why they didn't use the V-rod motor when the xb9r was first introduced. I asked an engineer at daytona and his answer was "it wouldn't fit." I said "but you just designed a brand new bike anyway, I dont understand, why not design it around a better engine." I think the sportster motor is cool for other buell products the same way ducati still uses the air cooled motor in some monster and supersport bikes, but buell needs a flagship sportbike so I hope this is at least getting close to such a bike.
) If this bike is a winner no one will give a **** where the engine comes from, they'll just say "it kicks ***" just like when aprilia's were winning WSBK races on rotax power. Just like all the dirt trackers out there winning on rotax power. If road racing no longer fits harley's ******* "image" screw 'em, good on eric buell for shopping elsewhere. I personally could never understand why they didn't use the V-rod motor when the xb9r was first introduced. I asked an engineer at daytona and his answer was "it wouldn't fit." I said "but you just designed a brand new bike anyway, I dont understand, why not design it around a better engine." I think the sportster motor is cool for other buell products the same way ducati still uses the air cooled motor in some monster and supersport bikes, but buell needs a flagship sportbike so I hope this is at least getting close to such a bike.
Last edited by captainchaos; Aug 28, 2007 at 08:19 PM.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 212
From: MA
and if you still have too much time on your hands or just can't concentrate on work today, here is another comparo I'd been waiting to hear about: triumph has really does something the past few years. I have never ridden one but everyone seems to rave about them
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Articl...ID=5201&Page=1
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Articl...ID=5201&Page=1
evil man of nothing
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,516
From: Boynton Beach, FL
Member
Squid
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 45
Yep, another Buell that has almost everything. This time it's butt ugly, but so's the new CBR600RR. Doesn't stop it from being a great bike, right? Trumpet 675? Wow, a 33.5" seat. And my legs ain't nevah gonna be longer than they are. Curbside parking, please.
When mentioning Eric Buell as the reason for this bike, please remember that the Motor Company owns the majority of Buell stock, so they didn't just sign off on this because they had to. Just like their alliance with Aermacchi in the '70's, they made a strategic alliance with an engine supplier to make a unique bike. Oh, yeah, let's not forget that Porsche, not Willie G., designed the V-Rod motor. So let's give Harley credit where it's due. They are a saavy company with many irons in the fire, just one of them really mde of iron, the classic line of Sportster's, Fat Boys and Electra Glides.
I think the only thing that would keep me from trying this bike (other than those radiator ducts. As ugly as I've ever seen!
) would be the question of engine parts supply from Rotax. I was looking into an Aprillia Mille for my track bike (has almost everything, including the optional Akro full system, fully adjustable Ohlins suspension and 320mm Brembo's up front, that I'd put on a S'Hawk for track day) but I heard about their service, which can be bad at best and abominable at worst. And I'd be carving up a $16K, high bling bike to get the same amout of weight off of it that I'd want to remove from a S'Hawk. (They weigh the same amout unless you get the Mille Factory R) And they only make as much HP as milksr is expecting after his mods are done, w/o the midrange hit a Hawk gives. Tradeoffs that aren't worth the extra money, no matter the bling I'm giving up.
So here I am, back to looking at available parts and planning on turning a second S'Hawk into Track Day Tool #1.
When mentioning Eric Buell as the reason for this bike, please remember that the Motor Company owns the majority of Buell stock, so they didn't just sign off on this because they had to. Just like their alliance with Aermacchi in the '70's, they made a strategic alliance with an engine supplier to make a unique bike. Oh, yeah, let's not forget that Porsche, not Willie G., designed the V-Rod motor. So let's give Harley credit where it's due. They are a saavy company with many irons in the fire, just one of them really mde of iron, the classic line of Sportster's, Fat Boys and Electra Glides.
I think the only thing that would keep me from trying this bike (other than those radiator ducts. As ugly as I've ever seen!
) would be the question of engine parts supply from Rotax. I was looking into an Aprillia Mille for my track bike (has almost everything, including the optional Akro full system, fully adjustable Ohlins suspension and 320mm Brembo's up front, that I'd put on a S'Hawk for track day) but I heard about their service, which can be bad at best and abominable at worst. And I'd be carving up a $16K, high bling bike to get the same amout of weight off of it that I'd want to remove from a S'Hawk. (They weigh the same amout unless you get the Mille Factory R) And they only make as much HP as milksr is expecting after his mods are done, w/o the midrange hit a Hawk gives. Tradeoffs that aren't worth the extra money, no matter the bling I'm giving up.So here I am, back to looking at available parts and planning on turning a second S'Hawk into Track Day Tool #1.
The Underdog
Back Marker
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 140
From: Woodinville, WA
I think that buell has finally got something good going on. I like the fact that they pulled that horrible sporty engine and finally thought about what they need to put in it. To tell you the truth, the looks of it aren't that bad. I'd sport it any day. As far as the 675, unless you've tried one, i suggest you don't knock on it. They are screamin' fast and sound even better with a full arrow exhaust system.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 302
From: New Mexico
Sounds cool from the article and I like the looks right up to the front.....anyone remember that "Black Manta" character from those old Superfriends cartoons? That's what popped into my head when I opened the link.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 308
I've always admired Buell's for the different design and ingenuity, but I just couldn't stand spending $$$$$ for a bike and have parts/nuts/bolts vibrate off every week as I've read in various long term reviews.
If that is solved with the new rotax powerplant, I MIGHT buy one...but I'm gonna wait a year or three to see if they have all the bugs worked out of the chassis/motor combo, and see if they keep the damn thing together.
If that is solved with the new rotax powerplant, I MIGHT buy one...but I'm gonna wait a year or three to see if they have all the bugs worked out of the chassis/motor combo, and see if they keep the damn thing together.
evil man of nothing
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,516
From: Boynton Beach, FL
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 212
From: MA
My opinions on the 675:
Its really uncomfortable to ride, my arms and wrists were aching after 10 miles.
Its got no ***** off the line or in the mid range - keep in mind im comparing all of this to my friends 06 r6, not the superchicken.
It feels really really small under neath you.
The undertail exhaust cooks you
The jap 600's will **** all over the 675 handling and power wise, i think.
On the up side it does look sweet and is really light. I guess it would make a great track bike for some one and its got a cool lap timer in it.
The speed tripple on the other hand is an awesome bike. If i were to go out and buy a brand new bike the 1050 speed tripple would be one that i consider. Its got really great power and goes like hell, plus its a naked street fighter look and a more upright position when sitting on it, and thats more my style i guess. I worked at a triumph dealer up until a couple months ago and so i got to ride all the models. Triumph is comming out with a 675 version of the speed tripple call the street tripple if anyone is intrested.
Its really uncomfortable to ride, my arms and wrists were aching after 10 miles.
Its got no ***** off the line or in the mid range - keep in mind im comparing all of this to my friends 06 r6, not the superchicken.
It feels really really small under neath you.
The undertail exhaust cooks you
The jap 600's will **** all over the 675 handling and power wise, i think.
On the up side it does look sweet and is really light. I guess it would make a great track bike for some one and its got a cool lap timer in it.
The speed tripple on the other hand is an awesome bike. If i were to go out and buy a brand new bike the 1050 speed tripple would be one that i consider. Its got really great power and goes like hell, plus its a naked street fighter look and a more upright position when sitting on it, and thats more my style i guess. I worked at a triumph dealer up until a couple months ago and so i got to ride all the models. Triumph is comming out with a 675 version of the speed tripple call the street tripple if anyone is intrested.
Moderator
MotoGP
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,553
From: South Texas
"The more upright ergos were not a hindrance on the race track, and were a very welcome comfort on the road. The 1125R is not a sport tourer, but it is just as comfortable as some sport tourers I have tested, and far more comfortable than most sportbikes.
I don't know if it was the extra wide fairing at work, but the cockpit area was undisturbed by sudden wind buffets. The wind that is allowed to reach your upper shoulders and head is smooth."
Now you got my attention! For my next bike, I've thought about trying to mod a 51 to be more S/T friendly but now....
And to think it only cost $3k more than my first new SuperHawk did back in 1997 (included new staintunes). What a great time in motorcycling that we live in now.
I don't know if it was the extra wide fairing at work, but the cockpit area was undisturbed by sudden wind buffets. The wind that is allowed to reach your upper shoulders and head is smooth."
Now you got my attention! For my next bike, I've thought about trying to mod a 51 to be more S/T friendly but now....
And to think it only cost $3k more than my first new SuperHawk did back in 1997 (included new staintunes). What a great time in motorcycling that we live in now.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 186
From: Wekiva Springs (Orlando) FL
As some of you remember, I like Buells. Almost bought a 9x actually. No, they aren't competitive with the 600 repli-racers but for around town street riding, they are big fun. My only prob. with the new 1125 comes down to dealer support. As a member of BadWeb, the Buell forum, I've read more posts than I can count about dealers that simply don't care to support Buell products, because they feel that it pulls their attention from their #1 focus, the H-D product line. Obviously, the traditional bikes have a higher profit margin, and when you combine that with the fact they sell a hell of a lot more of them than the do Buells, I can understand a dealer wanting to devote their Buell floor space to H-D product, it's just better business. But I also don't want to buy a product from a dealer who's reluctant to sell, and even more reluctant to service. There's also plenty of horror stories about bad service, possibly attributed to the fact that they just don't see enough of them to stay proficient???
Anyway, if Buell could get a real dealer network that cares, and is even half as fanatical about the bikes as most Buell owners are, they could really make a dent. That's my .02.
Anyway, if Buell could get a real dealer network that cares, and is even half as fanatical about the bikes as most Buell owners are, they could really make a dent. That's my .02.
Administrator
World Champion
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 105,287
From: Fulton, MO
Once my bikes leave the showroom floor they never go back to the dealer unless it's warranty work. I've dealt with too many asshat mechanics that don't have a clue what they're doing, plus I'm a tightwad and would rather do the work myself to save the money. So if I were to buy the 1125R I'd probably shop for the best price, get some kind of extended warranty and (hopefully) never take it back to the dealer.
evil man of nothing
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,516
From: Boynton Beach, FL
I used to dream of a buell project with a set of airtech's VR1000 bodywork...even went as far as to think of putting it on a TL1000R (heaven forbid) as the frame and engine would make a better VR replica than an old buell. Maybe this is the bike to do it to?
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 295
From: Seattle
I like it. That actually makes me want to buy a new bike.
The scoops will most likely look better with the bike next to you or underneath you. They seem to serve a purpose. I think "real" scoops are pretty cool.
I would love to see what that motor is really capable of with a good tune and some aftermarket goodies. The torque number would get quite big, 90+ maybe?
It sounds really fun.
The scoops will most likely look better with the bike next to you or underneath you. They seem to serve a purpose. I think "real" scoops are pretty cool.
I would love to see what that motor is really capable of with a good tune and some aftermarket goodies. The torque number would get quite big, 90+ maybe?
It sounds really fun.
Moderator
MotoGP
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,708
I think the 1125 is going to be really good for Buell. It's about time they put a trick motor (trick compared to the Harley crap they were using before) into their trick bikes.
I'll really be interested when they start making their own power plants and ditch the funky front end.
I'll really be interested when they start making their own power plants and ditch the funky front end.
RUNLEVELZERO #99
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,218
From: Skokie
I think the 1125 is going to be really good for Buell. It's about time they put a trick motor (trick compared to the Harley crap they were using before) into their trick bikes.
I'll really be interested when they start making their own power plants and ditch the funky front end.
I'll really be interested when they start making their own power plants and ditch the funky front end.
