Motorcycle Racing Forum

Racing Discussion => Racing Discussion => Topic started by: zeroice on July 16, 2007, 12:57:08 PM

Title: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: zeroice on July 16, 2007, 12:57:08 PM
Lets hear it, what do you think about this bike?
http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/sportbike/1125r/index.asp

I'll say that I like it a lot and if I can come up with the support, I'd  race one!
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: Jeff on July 16, 2007, 01:09:02 PM
it was the FIRST buell that I ever looked at and said "Damn, I could actually see racing that"
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: zeroice on July 16, 2007, 01:12:22 PM
Yeah, no doubt!!! awesome bike
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: tstruyk on July 16, 2007, 01:35:09 PM
I think its a move in the right direction... a little more conventional.

I'd race 'er
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: SnacktimeKC on July 16, 2007, 02:25:13 PM
I'd love to race it, Buell pays well too. I'm assuming they are only "Unlimited" legal?
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: 251am on July 16, 2007, 02:39:51 PM
Quote from: zeroice on July 16, 2007, 12:57:08 PM
Lets hear it, what do you think about this bike?
http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/sportbike/1125r/index.asp

I'll say that I like it a lot and if I can come up with the support, I'd  race one!

game on. Been looking at the 12rs for a long time looking for a cheap opportunity. This will be good.
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: Super Dave on July 16, 2007, 03:02:43 PM
I'd race one.  But I'd race anything with two wheels on a road course.

I think it's reasonably conventional with a little of the Buell flair thrown in.  It's a bit unique in a world where everything is kind of the same.

Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: G 97 on July 16, 2007, 03:23:15 PM
Sure is going to make the Inside Pass training event a great 9 events.   :cheers:
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: PaulV on July 16, 2007, 08:33:13 PM
I'm thinking.....Game On...:)

Whats not to like (outside of the belt drive)?
Power
Weight
Rotax Reliability
Buell Handling
Contingency Dollars
.....
Am I Missing something here?

Oh yeah, a dealer relationship to sign up for one for next season...

Any ideas?

Paul
Polar-Optics LLC
MW Ex 79
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: ccs98 on July 17, 2007, 12:43:10 PM
I'm sure we will see them at the track next year, but to me it seems limited in the number classes you could run.  I wonder if the AMA will allow the bike to be run in superbike?
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: G 97 on July 17, 2007, 12:51:11 PM
Quote from: ccs98 on July 17, 2007, 12:43:10 PM
I'm sure we will see them at the track next year, but to me it seems limited in the number classes you could run.  I wonder if the AMA will allow the bike to be run in superbike?

New rules permit 1200 cc twin with weight limit.
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: benprobst on July 17, 2007, 05:26:30 PM
not until 2009 if im not mistaken.
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: Super Dave on July 17, 2007, 07:40:29 PM
Right, seems like there are proposals...

And a new homologation limit based on the number of dealerships rather than the number of motorcycles produced.
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: Dr. Evil on August 24, 2007, 02:34:15 AM
I really like the 1125R and I plan on getting one to race. 
I have always liked the man behind the company. 
This is a step in the right direction.
I guess I didn't really get the joke behind the Harley engine anyway.
I like the MV styling cues.

:cheers:
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: P_M on August 24, 2007, 06:57:00 AM
Quote from: Dr. Evil on August 24, 2007, 02:34:15 AM
I really like the 1125R and I plan on getting one to race. 
I have always liked the man behind the company. 
This is a step in the right direction.
I guess I didn't really get the joke behind the Harley engine anyway.
I like the MV styling cues.

:cheers:

I like it.. but then again, I already ride a Buell.. and it's got a lot of stuff the riders were asking for.  Buell does a real good job of listening to it's customers (some of the design elements are things that the fans have been asking for)..

Remember, it's not Buells first liquid cooled bike either.  It's just the first one to make it too the street. 

As for the H-D based motors.. I think for his small company it was something expedient.. After all, they let him have the original R1000 motors on spec.. he only had to pay for them once he'd sold the bike.. Then it was a matter of.. spend money you don't have on new manufacturing equipment or on design.   Remember the XB series air cooled motors are "Buell" motors; they only followed the archetecture and basic design out of neccessity, and if you read the specs on the new version of the 1200cc, you'll see it's gotten some upgrades as well.  With the 1125r 'Helicon' engine I think we're seeing where Buell was heading for a long time.. They built the chassis and then started working on another engine, with a good partner (Rotax) and this time the mother ship didn't come and take it for their use.. yet.  Remember, they're still a small company and are obviously following a long term plan.

I'm anxious to ride one at the VIR 'Inside Pass' Buell event in Sept.  If it's as good as they say it is.. I'll have to get one. 
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: steeltoe on August 24, 2007, 10:35:13 PM
The question is will the bikes be present at Daytona in October in any of the race series? 
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: SRobertson on August 25, 2007, 12:15:33 PM
I raced a Buell for half a season.  Things were always vibrating off the damn thing, but the chassis was great.  If the Helicon is as good as they say, I may revisit my HD dealer buddy and see what he'll do. 

I must say I am very saddened that they continued with the belt drive.  It just doesn't work going from Jennings to Daytona!  I bought a chain-drive conversion swingarm for my 12 and it cost big bucks and was a huge pain in the butt to install. 

Anyone want to buy a fully prepped 12r?  <g>
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: tug296 on August 26, 2007, 11:34:23 PM
My Uncle raced a 1938 H.D. Knucklehead, I've always wanted to road race a Harley, now Mr. Buell has a decent race capable engine mounted.
I've had a bunch of Harley's and loved every one, including my 2003 Fat Boy, but they did not have a race engine for the Buell, now they do.
I'd love to race one if my health improves.
I might go talk with the Adamec brothers about some sponsorship help tomorrow.
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: resurection on August 27, 2007, 12:42:36 AM
Cool
I'm thinking the pipes wont stay on for long!
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: Dr. Evil on September 02, 2007, 12:48:27 AM
Quote from: SRobertson on August 25, 2007, 12:15:33 PM

I must say I am very saddened that they continued with the belt drive.  It just doesn't work going from Jennings to Daytona!  I bought a chain-drive conversion swingarm for my 12 and it cost big bucks and was a huge pain in the butt to install. 
  <g>

Yes, the belt does concern me.  But then I imagine holding on and pulling up through 10,000 rpm's!
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: Super Dave on September 02, 2007, 11:55:41 AM
I know someone that bought a Buell a few years ago.  One of the specific things he wanted was no maintenance drive train.  So, that meant either a belt or maybe a drive shaft.  Yeah, it's not what we look for in a race bike, but most bikes get sold as street bikes.

I think they are focusing the bike on a market segment that is more sport with a certainty of some sport touring in the mix. 
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: Ducmarc on September 02, 2007, 08:56:28 PM
and you guys said the 999 was ugly . the only problem is  you have to run supertwins' heavyweight superbike or GTO and i'm to old and slow for that. wish it was air cooled. brembo's and a chain would'nt hurt either
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: Super Dave on September 02, 2007, 11:12:33 PM
Unlimited Supersport, Unlimited Grand Prix, Unlimited Superbike too.   :biggrin:

The important thing is to have fun.
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: Ducmarc on September 03, 2007, 08:08:45 PM
that's gxsr turf u know.................... I know I know so is GTO
Title: Re: Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?
Post by: Super Dave on September 04, 2007, 08:32:29 AM
Go get 'em.