I think I'm going to test out a Buell 1125R

[z06boy]

Hey they're even giving away free stuff to do it !! :lol:

I do want to ride one just to see what it feels like and there is a dealership just a few miles up the interstate from the house.

I also want to ride a VRod...this would be to share the garage with the R1 or whatever sportbike I have in the future...not to replace it.

http://www.buell.com/en_us/get-yours/special-offers/gear-lock/index.asp?camp_id=16&source_cd=SEM_GearLock&_cr=ppc|google|BUE:Search:US|buell%20ride

[RACER X]

Tmall
WERA Yellow Plate

Join Date: Nov 2008
Moto: 08 XB12R

:lol:

Just because I have honestly had it in the shop 7 or so times in the last year does not mean it's unreliable!!

:wtfru:

[Tmall]

Tmall
WERA Yellow Plate

Join Date: Nov 2008
Moto: 08 XB12R



:wtfru:

Not that I'm defending it.. :lol:

But, 2 times were for recall. And 5 times were because the techs kept thinking it was fixed when it wasn't..

[wildchild]

Tmall
WERA Yellow Plate

Join Date: Nov 2008
Moto: 08 XB12R



:wtfru:

1125R is a completely different bike with a different motor manuf. But yeah I guess if one buell breaks they all go bad.

[Amber Lamps]

1125R is a completely different bike with a different motor manuf. But yeah I guess if one buell breaks they all go bad.

Yea I agree this bike has nothing to do with Buell/HD other than on paper.

[marko138]

I still need to get to the dealer to get the free loot.

[z06boy]

Well I'm definitely going to go check one out. I just want to see how it feels v.s. the R1.

The only v-twin sportbike I've ridden is a Ducati 999r.

I've ridden several v-twin cruisers...a few HD's...Victory Vegas Jackpot...Yamaha Raider...Big Dog Bulldog.

[marko138]

I'd love to have a 999. My fav Duc.

[Antwanny]

good luck expect a ride report.

[MILK]

I test drove a VROD at the Harley dealership near the Speedway. I had the worst time trying to figure out where to put my feet!! That was back when I still had my Rebel 250. I jumped the curb with the VROD while trying to find where my feet went. My husband was chasing me around the parking lot on his bike yelling SLOW DOWN!!! :lmao: Then I took it around the block. It was fun! A few months later I bought my VFR. :lol:

[z06boy]

I test drove a VROD at the Harley dealership near the Speedway. I had the worst time trying to figure out where to put my feet!! That was back when I still had my Rebel 250. I jumped the curb with the VROD while trying to find where my feet went. My husband was chasing me around the parking lot on his bike yelling SLOW DOWN!!! :lmao: Then I took it around the block. It was fun! A few months later I bought my VFR. :lol:

:lol: :lol: !!!

good luck expect a ride report.

Thanks and will do. It may be a week or so before I make it over there but I do plan to.

[smileyman]

I want to know what you think! After 6 japanese middleweights I was seriously considering the 1125 or maybe a Ulysses. I hear they fixed the fueling and heat issues with a new map...

[Tmall]

I want to know what you think! After 6 japanese middleweights I was seriously considering the 1125 or maybe a Ulysses. I hear they fixed the fueling and heat issues with a new map...

I'm no Buell fan boy. And I'm not saying this just because I own a Buell. But, the 1125 is plenty fast and it's as nimble and handles as well as my xb.

I'm seriously considering a CR in the next couple years.

[Antwanny]

I'm no Buell fan boy. And I'm not saying this just because I own a Buell. But, the 1125 is plenty fast and it's as nimble and handles as well as my xb.

I'm seriously considering a CR in the next couple years.

i test rode the 1125 cr and found it decent , the mirrors were worthless because of the vibration, The bike felt strong but it was just smooth power all around no real suck your ass in the seat and hold on. Handled ok. Pretty comfortable with nice upright seating and the sound would have been sexy with aftermarket exhaust, stock sucked donkey balls.

[Amber Lamps]

I'm no Buell fan boy. And I'm not saying this just because I own a Buell. But, the 1125 is plenty fast and it's as nimble and handles as well as my xb.

I'm seriously considering a CR in the next couple years.

I'd love to own a Buell! Seriously! I have to wait until they get their power up a little and they have got to calm the styling down a little. No offense, but it's out there even for me!:lol:

[Tmall]

I'd love to own a Buell! Seriously! I have to wait until they get their power up a little and they have got to calm the styling down a little. No offense, but it's out there even for me!:lol:

I hate the pods too. But, they serve their purpose. They act as frame sliders and are cheap to replace. The air intake is supposedly where a normal rad would be. So what can ya do?


But I agree, I think they have a "different" look. But, I love the cr in black, and the r in white.

Much like my firebolt. There are only two color schemes I like, white or black.

[nhgunnut]

Hey they're even giving away free stuff to do it !! :lol:

I do want to ride one just to see what it feels like and there is a dealership just a few miles up the interstate from the house.

I also want to ride a VRod...this would be to share the garage with the R1 or whatever sportbike I have in the future...not to replace it.

http://www.buell.com/en_us/get-yours/special-offers/gear-lock/index.asp?camp_id=16&source_cd=SEM_GearLock&_cr=ppc|google|BUE:Search:US|buell%20ride
Randy I think you should get the wife the Buell and go ride a Busa or ZX14 the a nice little turbo kit Cause if you are going to get a power crusier you might as well get one with POWER. Say hi to the wife for me and see you next month Oh and bring a Bonnet cause the BMW dealer just down the road from the lake is giving Test rides. For that matter so is the HD Buell Dealer

[wildchild]

went to get my free cable lock this weekend. took a 1125CR out for a spin. It was not bad. decent on power. Wouldn't be running over liter bieks with it but could definitely have some fun. They had changed the bars out for people who wanted a more street friendly ride. I think I would rather have the stock clip on style bars. handling was fun.
did take a bit to find the footpegs though after riding cruiser for a bit now.

only complaint was the position of the shifter was too low and too close into the case. hard to get to without physically maneuvering your foot ankle to get it.

[marko138]

I had the same complaint with the 1125R brake lever when I rode it. Really took some manuevering to get to it.

And I think I'm fucked on the cable lock deal. No way I'm making out to the dealer before the end of the month.

[t-homo]

I have been itching to ride one recently.

[z06boy]

Randy I think you should get the wife the Buell and go ride a Busa or ZX14 the a nice little turbo kit Cause if you are going to get a power crusier you might as well get one with POWER. Say hi to the wife for me and see you next month Oh and bring a Bonnet cause the BMW dealer just down the road from the lake is giving Test rides. For that matter so is the HD Buell Dealer

Hey Rick...see you next month and looking forward to it. I'll try to remember to bring a helmet. I did enjoy your Turbobusa...no doubt. :lol:

[fnfalman]

I test rode the 1125CR a few times and I liked it although I can't tell shit about the handling because both times were guided demo rides and the Buell rep didn't want to get it on the way the Aprilia reps would with the Ape demo bikes.

Smooth power, nice brakes. Seemingly nice enough fit & finish.

[Amber Lamps]

I test rode the 1125CR a few times and I liked it although I can't tell shit about the handling because both times were guided demo rides and the Buell rep didn't want to get it on the way the Aprilia reps would with the Ape demo bikes.

Smooth power, nice brakes. Seemingly nice enough fit & finish.

And a complete lack of vagina?.....













:bigrofl:

[smileyman]

I am going to test ride, but I am looking at using this for a street bike and retiring my zx for trac days. Since the chassis and suspension are pretty much the same the Xb would seem a bargain minus 6th gear and a bigger fuel tank. any other differences between the two?

[marko138]

I am going to test ride, but I am looking at using this for a street bike and retiring my zx for trac days. Since the chassis and suspension are pretty much the same the Xb would seem a bargain minus 6th gear and a bigger fuel tank. any other differences between the two?
You've pretty much hit it on the head, Smiley. Forks are slightly more beefy, but for all intents and purposes, the chassis and suspension are the same. The 1125 has the 8 pistion ZTL versus the 6 piston on the XB. The 6 is more than sufficient for street duty.

Also, the XB does not have a slipper clutch, where the 1125 does.

As far as fuel, the newer XB's hold 3.82 gallons. My 05 holds 3.7. The 1125 holds 5.3. When you figure in the fuel consumption, the bigger tank is negligable.

BTW...my XB routinely averages in the mid 40's when flogged hard and well over 50 on the hiway.

[smileyman]

Thanks Marko! That pretty well makes my mind up. Since I bought a house the 4 mile commute doesnt require hardly any fuel. My street/highway pace is a waste of current sportbike tech and I want the belt drive torquey nature of a Buell. My 636 is paid for and as such ready to be sacrificed to the track day gods...

[marko138]

Thanks Marko! That pretty well makes my mind up. Since I bought a house the 4 mile commute doesnt require hardly any fuel. My street/highway pace is a waste of current sportbike tech and I want the belt drive torquey nature of a Buell. My 636 is paid for and as such ready to be sacrificed to the track day gods...
Plus the XB's sound a billion times better the 1125's. But I will say...a 25 went by my house yesterday...sounded loud and sounded good. And sounded loud.

There's just such a great noise made by a 45* pushrod air cooled twin. And it's on that I love.

[Rider]

Plus the XB's sound a billion times better the 1125's. But I will say...a 25 went by my house yesterday...sounded loud and sounded good. And sounded loud.

There's just such a great noise made by a 45* pushrod air cooled twin. And it's on that I love.

The best noise? That's an RC51 through Sato cans. Every time I hear one start up I shoot a load in my pants.

[marko138]

The best noise? That's an RC51 through Sato cans. Every time I hear one start up I shoot a load in my pants.
Well, those sound good too. But I prefer the air cooled 45 sound.

[Rider]

Well, those sound good too. But I prefer the air cooled 45 sound.

I have yet to hear one through a Drummer. I need to though.

[marko138]

I have yet to hear one through a Drummer. I need to though.
I know where there's one parked with that particular set up. And cold beer in the fridge.

[Rider]

I know where there's one parked with that particular set up. And cold beer in the fridge.

That's a little far to travel for a cold beer.

[marko138]

That's a little far to travel for a cold beer.
Alright, I can spare 2 beers.

[Rider]

Alright, I can spare 2 beers.

I remember that next time I'm thirsty and happened to be in your area. :rockwoot:

[marko138]

I remember that next time I'm thirsty and happened to be in your area. :rockwoot:
The offer will still be standing.

[Rider]

The offer will still be standing.

Appreciate it and the same offer applies if you make to MI.

[marko138]

Appreciate it and the same offer applies if you make to MI.
Right on.

[fnfalman]

Plus the XB's sound a billion times better the 1125's. But I will say...a 25 went by my house yesterday...sounded loud and sounded good. And sounded loud.

There's just such a great noise made by a 45* pushrod air cooled twin. And it's on that I love.

You like hearing exhaust that blat like wet farts?

[marko138]

You like hearing exhaust that blat like wet farts?
..and the hate rolls on...

[Tmall]

The best noise? That's an RC51 through Sato cans. Every time I hear one start up I shoot a load in my pants.

Marko has the Drummer. I have the SS installed. I think they're fairly similar in sound.

And while I love me some rvt, I love the sound of this thing roaring when I open it.

People always used to come over to talk about the bike. Now, they're asking questions before I even have my helmet off.

you can feel it in your chest when it's idling.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPo2HkitUlY

[marko138]

Marko has the Drummer. I have the SS installed. I think they're fairly similar in sound.

And while I love me some rvt, I love the sound of this thing roaring when I open it.

People always used to come over to talk about the bike. Now, they're asking questions before I even have my helmet off.

you can feel it in your chest when it's idling.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPo2HkitUlY
While not absurdly loud, mine shakes things inside the house when it's idling in the driveway.

[fnfalman]

..and the hate rolls on...

Not hate but disdain.

A proper V-twin has a growling, angry, sound at idle and throws out barking, mad dog sound at throttle.

[marko138]

Not hate but disdain.

A proper V-twin has a growling, angry, sound at idle and throws out barking, mad dog sound at throttle.
And a Buell differs from that how?

[Rider]

Not hate but disdain.

A proper V-twin has a growling, angry, sound at idle and throws out barking, mad dog sound at throttle.

A proper V-Twin? If it runs I'm pretty sure it was built properly. European V-Twins are jut different, not anymore proper than an HD V-twin.

[Amber Lamps]

I think I have some serious competition for my position here on this forum!:lol:

[Rangerscott]

Is the rattle can sound a mod? :rofl:

[smileyman]

I was raised in a garage. Thumping rv cammed big blocks lulled me to sleep. The firestorm engine sounds good, my old SV sounded different but good. Ducs and Aprillias are different but good. Parrallel twions suck. Inline fours sound like indy cars...to each his own.

[Dave]

Parrallel twions suck.

HERESY! :gofurslf: :lol: you clearly meant 180* p twins right ;)

[smileyman]

I was reffering to the ninja 250/500, BMW F800, Laverda 750. They kinda sound like big scooters to me. Opposed twins like the BMWs sound alittle mechanical as well.

My SV with its Micron pipe sounded sweet. The TLR1000 with agood system sounds cool too...

[Dave]

I was reffering to the ninja 250/500, BMW F800, Laverda 750. They kinda sound like big scooters to me. Opposed twins like the BMWs sound alittle mechanical as well.

My SV with its Micron pipe sounded sweet. The TLR1000 with agood system sounds cool too...

ok i think all of those are 180*s not sure about the laverda though. You gotta admit a triumph thumping away on racepipes sounds tits

[nhgunnut]

Hey Rick...see you next month and looking forward to it. I'll try to remember to bring a helmet. I did enjoy your Turbobusa...no doubt. :lol:
So what was the 1125 like you have ridden my Duc how did it compare?

[z06boy]

So what was the 1125 like you have ridden my Duc how did it compare?

Just saw this Rick. I haven't ridden the 1125 yet but hope to this weekend and I'll let you know what I think.

[Cutty72]

I am going to test ride, but I am looking at using this for a street bike and retiring my zx for trac days. Since the chassis and suspension are pretty much the same the Xb would seem a bargain minus 6th gear and a bigger fuel tank. any other differences between the two?

You for got the 2 most major differences.
Liquid cooled and an additional 40 hp.

You've pretty much hit it on the head, Smiley. Forks are slightly more beefy, but for all intents and purposes, the chassis and suspension are the same. The 1125 has the 8 pistion ZTL versus the 6 piston on the XB. The 6 is more than sufficient for street duty.

Also, the XB does not have a slipper clutch, where the 1125 does.

As far as fuel, the newer XB's hold 3.82 gallons. My 05 holds 3.7. The 1125 holds 5.3. When you figure in the fuel consumption, the bigger tank is negligable.

BTW...my XB routinely averages in the mid 40's when flogged hard and well over 50 on the hiway.

I believe the new XB's have the 8 piston ZTL2 now also?
As for mileage, with all the recent flashes etc, and the Drummer, I am averaging 39 mpg per the onboard computer. Figuring it myself it varies between 37 and 42 depending on how hard I ride it.

And the drummer still makes me drool...

[Tmall]

Starting in 09 they all have the ztl2.

I thought about upgrading, but the caliper looks like cast wrought iron...

[marko138]

You for got the 2 most major differences.
Liquid cooled and an additional 40 hp.



I believe the new XB's have the 8 piston ZTL2 now also?
As for mileage, with all the recent flashes etc, and the Drummer, I am averaging 39 mpg per the onboard computer. Figuring it myself it varies between 37 and 42 depending on how hard I ride it.

And the drummer still makes me drool...
Not everyone cares about liquid cooler or the 40 extra horses. And I got 49 miles to the gallon out of my last tank. 50 outta the one before that.


Oh, and I got my free gear lock yesterday. Took a Lightning out for a ride.

[Cutty72]

Not everyone cares about liquid cooler or the 40 extra horses. And I got 49 miles to the gallon out of my last tank. 50 outta the one before that.


Oh, and I got my free gear lock yesterday. Took a Lightning out for a ride.

I know not everyone cares, but they are still differences. :lol:

And the XB's will always get better mileage, but after averaging 32 for the first year, I'm very happy with the 10 mpg increase!

[marko138]

I know not everyone cares, but they are still differences. :lol:

And the XB's will always get better mileage, but after averaging 32 for the first year, I'm very happy with the 10 mpg increase!
No doubt about that. I really wanted to ride the CR...but it was down at the other dealer. I didn't feel like waiting for them to go get it. I think the 1125's are great bikes. Hell, I loved the R when I rode it.

If only the XB came stock with a slipper clutch. Though one is available.

[Tmall]

Why would the xb need a slipper?


I have yet to lock up the rear on downshifting, and I sometimes use the engine for some serious braking..

[marko138]

I've never locked it either...but it would be nice. I've never really felt the need for one though. With a race license the XBRR slipper can be had.

[Cutty72]

And in my experiences the 1125 slipper, being vacume actuated, is not the end all.
Works great in gears 6-2, but the 2-1 shift I've gotten some chatter out of it.
This is the only bike I've ridden and "tried" the slipper though, so maybe that's just how they work... but I doubt it.

[smileyman]

careful clutch lever modulation will allow you to slip it manually and even adjust how much engine braking/ back it in you want. who needs a slipper clutch?

[z06boy]

I stayed out too long Saturday on the lake and missed getting a chance to ride the 1125R. I still plan to but guess I won't be getting the free gear cable lock. :lol:

[marko138]

I stayed out too long Saturday on the lake and missed getting a chance to ride the 1125R. I still plan to but guess I won't be getting the free gear cable lock. :lol:
If they have some left they will probly still give it to you.

[smileyman]

I went to Pig Trail H-D on bike nite and rode the CR and the R versions of the 1125. Your either gonna love it or hate it. After 5 in line 4s, a parallel twin and an SV, I Loved it. I pick up my R on Wednesday. It needs the bigger rear sprocket /pulley of the CR, but its a blast! Like drinking Dr Pepper after a lifetime of Pepsi. I think it will work great in the Ozarks!

[tached1000rr]

I went to Pig Trail H-D on bike nite and rode the CR and the R versions of the 1125. Your either gonna love it or hate it. After 5 in line 4s, a parallel twin and an SV, I Loved it. I pick up my R on Wednesday. It needs the bigger rear sprocket /pulley of the CR, but its a blast! Like drinking Dr Pepper after a lifetime of Pepsi. I think it will work great in the Ozarks!

congrats Smileyman

[marko138]

I went to Pig Trail H-D on bike nite and rode the CR and the R versions of the 1125. Your either gonna love it or hate it. After 5 in line 4s, a parallel twin and an SV, I Loved it. I pick up my R on Wednesday. It needs the bigger rear sprocket /pulley of the CR, but its a blast! Like drinking Dr Pepper after a lifetime of Pepsi. I think it will work great in the Ozarks!
What? You bought one? AWESOME! What color?

[z06boy]

What? You bought one? AWESOME! What color?

What he said and congrats none the less.

I never did ride one but the wife is out of town this weekend and that sounds like some good "filler time" to play around with even if I did miss out on the freebie. :lol:

[Dave]

grats smiley. did you trade the 636?

[marko138]

And welcome to the darkside.

[Amber Lamps]

And welcome to the darkside.

:lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgloaS4NGyM

[marko138]

:lol:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgloaS4NGyM
Nice.

[smileyman]

What? You bought one? AWESOME! What color?
Here's where you guys are gonna hate me. I found a left over black 08 model with 16 miles. 8 after setup and 8 after remapping for the upgraded ecu. I had searched every dealer in the state and got it for 8999. I thought is was a hella deal. Gonna keep the 636 for now, maybe as a track only bike I dont know...

[marko138]

Here's where you guys are gonna hate me. I found a left over black 08 model with 16 miles. 8 after setup and 8 after remapping for the upgraded ecu. I had searched every dealer in the state and got it for 8999. I thought is was a hella deal. Gonna keep the 636 for now, maybe as a track only bike I dont know...
Thats a killer deal. Just make sure they've done all the reflashing of the ECM and all the recalls. Then you've got yourself a great deal on a great bike.

[smileyman]

They assured me that the recalls had been done on all their 08s, demo and showroom alike, and I have the 2 year warrantee so I will be fine there. Its the wife that scares me the most!!

[marko138]

They assured me that the recalls had been done on all their 08s, demo and showroom alike, and I have the 2 year warrantee so I will be fine there. Its the wife that scares me the most!!
:lol: Check out a few Buell boards. www.badweatherbikers.com is the original and biggest, and the oldest forum system in the WORLD. www.buelletinboard.com is a good one, as is www.buellxb.com

[smileyman]

Cool thanks for the linkage! I will need all the resources I can get!

[marko138]

buelletinboard is the most user friendly. They use VB like this forum does. Same navigation. Good people on all three of those boards. And for god sake, post some pics of this machine tomorrow.

[smileyman]

Will do, but it wont be till thursday! I B riding it all day tomorrow!

[marko138]

Sounds about right.

[Cutty72]

Cool thanks for the linkage! I will need all the resources I can get!

Sweet, i'm no longer alone!

Did ya order a drummer yet? :D

Any questions just let me know... 8500 miles and counting.

[smileyman]

No I think I will have to let the old wallet heal up a bit before I start the mods and sales tax is a killa!
But no, your not alone and I look forward to sharing your insight into the world of Buell!

[Amber Lamps]

No I think I will have to let the old wallet heal up a bit before I start the mods and sales tax is a killa!
But no, your not alone and I look forward to sharing your insight into the world of Buell!

hee, hee, hee....

http://www.trojan-horse.co.uk/prods/pc13.html

[smileyman]

Oh damn! Now i am done for!!!

[t-homo]

Can't wait to see this machine.

[Tmall]

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON A REMUS POWERIZER OR ANY OTHER TUNING GADGETS!


From everything I've heard, the efi just defeats whatever you're trying to do when it's operating in closed loop.. Ie, you add 5 to your fuel, well the efi will just compensate by knocking off 5 on it's end..

[Dave]

dude, this body kit actually looks kinda ok

http://www.trojan-horse.co.uk/prods/249.html

[Amber Lamps]

dude, this body kit actually looks kinda ok

http://www.trojan-horse.co.uk/prods/249.html

Yea!

[Particle Man]

dude, this body kit actually looks kinda ok

http://www.trojan-horse.co.uk/prods/249.html

whoa, that looks badass!

[Amber Lamps]

whoa, that looks badass!

Is it just me or does it look exactly like the body kit on the new Buell race bike?:idk:

[marko138]

Body kits are for assholes. These are naked bikes, you dicks.

[z06boy]

Body kits are for assholes. These are naked bikes, you dicks.

:lol: :lol:

[Dave]

Body kits are for assholes. These are naked bikes, you dicks.

sorry but F4 phantom intakes dont fit my definition of "naked"

[marko138]

sorry but F4 phantom intakes dont fit my definition of "naked"
Your definition is stupid.

[smileyman]

I kinda like getting away from the full fairing, makes cleanup and oil changes a snap although it was strange to feel my jeans blowing about my ankles.

Funny you mention F4 intakes. I was always a big fan of the MD Phantom. I think it looks menacing in a Darth Vader kinda way.

[Dave]

I kinda like getting away from the full fairing, makes cleanup and oil changes a snap although it was strange to feel my jeans blowing about my ankles.

Funny you mention F4 intakes. I was always a big fan of the MD Phantom. I think it looks menacing in a Darth Vader kinda way.

i always liked its parents better, the demon and the voodoo had some really clean lines. Never had the combat record the phantom did though

[smileyman]

simply because their use was outside their intended scope. They were designed and conceived for a different tactical role and then forced into a different kind of implementation. The F4 was just better suited and adaptable, just like my 1125R! It does evrything my 600s were asked to do on the highways but better....

[Dave]

simply because their use was outside their intended scope. They were designed and conceived for a different tactical role and then forced into a different kind of implementation. The F4 was just better suited and adaptable, just like my 1125R! It does evrything my 600s were asked to do on the highways but better....

haha nice analogy. I blame the transitional times and the amazing pace that technology had in those times. I cant imagine that the air force and navy were well equipped to properly utilise those planes.

[Cutty72]

I kinda like getting away from the full fairing, makes cleanup and oil changes a snap although it was strange to feel my jeans blowing about my ankles.

Funny you mention F4 intakes. I was always a big fan of the MD Phantom. I think it looks menacing in a Darth Vader kinda way.

Not to burst your bubble, but I find if you want everything showroom clean, naked bikes are actually harder. All the mechanicals that make them so sexy are a bitch to get/keep clean, fairings can hide that stuff.
One recomendation, if you like the blue, clean your rear wheel often. It takes on a smoked darker color from the exhaust if you don't.
And be prepared for a BIG mess on your first (and any) oil change. Easiest way is to put it on a rear stand before you pull the drain plugs and filter. You WILL get oil on the kickstand and the exhaust.
As for rear stands, there are a few ways you can do it, shoot me a PM if you are interested.

As for the intakes and Darth Vader... yeah, that's how mine got it's nickname. :lol:

[marko138]

Not to burst your bubble, but I find if you want everything showroom clean, naked bikes are actually harder. All the mechanicals that make them so sexy are a bitch to get/keep clean, fairings can hide that stuff.
One recomendation, if you like the blue, clean your rear wheel often. It takes on a smoked darker color from the exhaust if you don't.
And be prepared for a BIG mess on your first (and any) oil change. Easiest way is to put it on a rear stand before you pull the drain plugs and filter. You WILL get oil on the kickstand and the exhaust.
As for rear stands, there are a few ways you can do it, shoot me a PM if you are interested.

As for the intakes and Darth Vader... yeah, that's how mine got it's nickname. :lol:
I make a little funnel/tunnel type gimmick out of foil when changing oil to minimize spill on to exhaust.

[Tmall]

I bought a drummer ss. Everthing just wipes off. And no lower fairing to remove...

[Cutty72]

I bought a drummer ss. Everthing just wipes off. And no lower fairing to remove...

Do the XB's have 2 drain plugs and a filter?
With the drummer I don't get oil on the exhaust anymore... but still on the kickstand.

Marko, a funnel contraption might work, but as the holes are on the side rather than the bottom... not sure. Carb cleaner works great to clean it off however. :dthumb:

[Tmall]

The primary oil gets on the tip of the muffler. And the filter drips on it as well. But, its a 2 second clean up with a paper towel.

I only have the 2 drain plugs and the filter. The lower fairing has to come off for the filter, but with the new exhaust I leave the lower off. It looks a lot better.

[marko138]

I've got no problem keeping my shit spotless.

[marko138]

Drains on the side of the engine?

[smileyman]

the rotax mill has a drain plug on the tank and under the sump along with an atv style oil filter under a cover on the left side. only holds 2.7 qts. I have some B12 chemtool for the mess, and dont think it will be hard on me...nice tip on the wheel though!

[Cutty72]

Drains on the side of the engine?

Truth. Main plug is on the left side of the engine, right in front of the kickstand. 2nd is on the right side, underneath, in front of brake lever.
Filter is a canister type, again, left side.

[marko138]

Truth. Main plug is on the left side of the engine, right in front of the kickstand. 2nd is on the right side, underneath, in front of brake lever.
Filter is a canister type, again, left side.
No kidding.

[Cutty72]

the rotax mill has a drain plug on the tank and under the sump along with an atv style oil filter under a cover on the left side. only holds 2.7 qts. I have some B12 chemtool for the mess, and dont think it will be hard on me...nice tip on the wheel though!

it holds 2.7 quarts WITHOUT changing the filter.
If you change the filter when you change oil (and who doesn't?) just put in 2.9-3 quarts.

I dump in all 3 and have never had it "overfull" doing the proper hot check, cold check or any other type of check.

[marko138]

Do these suckers consume oil like alot of XBs?

[Cutty72]

Do these suckers consume oil like alot of XBs?

After the first 1000 miles, I have had no oil consumption to speak of.
First 1K I added about 1/4 quart total each oil change. (200 and 800 miles)

[marko138]

Right on. I've added a half qt over 1500 miles.

[Tmall]

The reason the xbs do consume oil is because of the expansion rates of the metal on start up.

If you ever see somebody start one up and get on the gas right away, it should blow black smoke a bit. After its warmed, it shouldn't happen.

[marko138]

The reason the xbs do consume oil is because of the expansion rates of the metal on start up.

If you ever see somebody start one up and get on the gas right away, it should blow black smoke a bit. After its warmed, it shouldn't happen.
I know it doesn't leak a drop. But it damn sure consumes. I just check often and add as necessary.

Does yours consume?

[Tmall]

Mine used to when it wouldn't start properly. So, I'd have to hold the throttle a bit to get it to idle.


After I had the start up sorted out, I check it occasionally as opposed to every time I ride it.

[Gas Man]

I make a little funnel/tunnel type gimmick out of foil when changing oil to minimize spill on to exhaust.
Ya know they make a flat plastic thing to place under teh oil filter just for that. I have one at home... can order it from Drag's fatbook.

[fnfalman]

I know it doesn't leak a drop. But it damn sure consumes. I just check often and add as necessary.

Does yours consume?

Aircooled engines run hot and therefore burn more oil. It ain't no thang. Same goes for the BMW aircooled flat twin.

[marko138]

Aircooled engines run hot and therefore burn more oil. It ain't no thang. Same goes for the BMW aircooled flat twin.
Good info. Thanks. I know this sucker runs hot, that is a fact.

[Tmall]

I'd like to see some numbers on the running temperatures.

I think the reason most air cooled engines feel so much hotter is because the heat is being dissipated between your legs. Whereas on a liquid cooled bike, the rad is placed away from you. This way you don't feel the heat transfer taking place.

I've always thought that the idea behind liquid cooling was to have a more consistent temperature throughout the entire engine allowing tolerances to be more exact which in turn would allow for a more powerful, efficient and reliable engine.


Water transfers heat at approximately 30 times the rate of air. But, at the same time your radiator is air cooled. I understand the concept that it's in an optimized position for air flow, the surface area of the cooling tubes is increased and the volume of water flowing through it definitely allow it to removed more heat than your typical air cooled engine. I would just like to know how much more, and what the average running temps are of air cooled vs liquid cooled bikes.