I hardly knew anything about the Buell prior to Nov of 09. Frankly, I didn't care for them mainly because of the HD antiquated powerplant. As others have said, how can you build a proper sport bike with a Harley Vtwin? That all depends on who is doing the qualifying on that subject, but when Harley dumped Buell I took an interest in what they were selling. I was attracted to the 1125CR right away because it had a sinister look to it and was powered by a respectable Rotax twin, a break from the Harley twins. In the ergos department the seating was more upright and since I was also interested in picking up a naked bike this time around it was like a gift when the last remaining Buells were put on the market with a $5K rebate. I searched the 4 western states for one and at the time they were going quickly. I lucked out and found a 2010 model in Reno, Nevada and made a phone call deal that same day. I pulled my trailer up there to find out it wasn't a 2010 CR model but an 09 instead. I found out the 2010 bikes were rare and offered only a couple of improvements anyway. I told the dealer I wasn't interested but when he said, "if I can come up with a deal that can make you smile, would you buy the 09?" I said "of course". He came back and asked which 09 1125CR I wanted and I told him the one with the raised handlebars. I wanted that option anyway and it was a $500 add on. Anyway, I paid $6,100 for it with the MSRP was over $13K. I loaded the bike up after riding it around the parking lot and drove home. Just the ride around the parking lot impressed me, it was the ease of sitting upright with the handlebars in a position where you could actually steer the bike easily, especially while manuevering slow in tighter spaces.
Since then the bike has been more than what I expected. I dialed the suspension in and took it out after a month of a shake down ride with some buddies to a popular road in Nor Cal called Skaggs Springs Rd. I tested the bike by going in tow behind a buddy on his 998, this being the first time I aggressively road the bike and in fact the first time riding like that since I had a serious accident in 05. I felt a little apprehensive at first, I didn't want to take another helicopter ride, but as we began to pick up speed the bike held the lines with total confidence. I was impressed.
The different front brake feels like anyother set up I've had. I haven't taken it to the track but want to one of these days. The bike is now my miles bike because of its comfort level and if I want to I can hammer it just like I was on my 999R. The power is excellent, with a claimed 146HP to the crank.
I had the pleasure of meeting Erik Buell when myself and three others trailered our bikes down to LA this Summer to attend the ProIalia "Ride the Crest" event. Bike show, sideshows and a 500 bike police escorted ride to Newcombs at the top of the Angeles Crest Trail. It was fantastic, they blocked every intersection enroute to the Trail, even slow blocking traffic on the freeway. We all thought the ride up was going to be slow going and it was very hot out, but that was not the case, it was like a small group ride on a weekend run in the hills. At Newcombs they provided a lunch and rock concert, complete with some top notch rock musicians. What blew me away is the fact that Erik himself is a rocker, he can play lead guitar and sing and hes damn good at it. Very approachable fellow and one on a mission. I wish him the best.
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