Buell 1125R (Helicon) What does everyone think?

[Super Dave]

Right, seems like there are proposals...

And a new homologation limit based on the number of dealerships rather than the number of motorcycles produced.

[Dr. Evil]

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.

[P_M]

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.

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. 

[steeltoe]

The question is will the bikes be present at Daytona in October in any of the race series? 

[SRobertson]

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>

[tug296]

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.

[resurection]

Cool
I'm thinking the pipes wont stay on for long!

[Dr. Evil]

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!

[Super Dave]

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. 

[Ducmarc]

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

[Super Dave]

Unlimited Supersport, Unlimited Grand Prix, Unlimited Superbike too.   

The important thing is to have fun.

[Ducmarc]

that's gxsr turf u know.................... I know I know so is GTO