So I had an opportunity to sample the Dark Side. A buddy of mine just bought a Buell 1125CR about a month ago and he let me ride it. I took it from St Helens, OR to North Portland, about 30 miles on HWY 30 down the Columbia River.
Now I love my Kat 600 to death, but Jesus that Buell has some POWER!!! I never took it past about 7k rpm, but that was enough to show me that this bike deserves respect. I pulled the front in 3rd at about 5k at 60 mph! Try doing that on a Kat. And there was torque absolutely everywhere on the tach. It didn't matter what gear I was in; the thing just FLEW!
And it handled so nice. It weighs over 100 lb less than my 600 and it has Showa suspension from the factory. The thing was so nimble I almost caught myself moving over too many lanes one time. Its so easy to place in corners and it actually has a decent ride for a pure sport bike. The riding position, surprisingly enough actually felt a little more upright than the Kat.
If any of you guys or gals get a chance to ride one of these things, JUMP ON IT! They're fantastic bikes.
Now I love my Kat 600 to death, but Jesus that Buell has some POWER!!! I never took it past about 7k rpm, but that was enough to show me that this bike deserves respect. I pulled the front in 3rd at about 5k at 60 mph! Try doing that on a Kat. And there was torque absolutely everywhere on the tach. It didn't matter what gear I was in; the thing just FLEW!
And it handled so nice. It weighs over 100 lb less than my 600 and it has Showa suspension from the factory. The thing was so nimble I almost caught myself moving over too many lanes one time. Its so easy to place in corners and it actually has a decent ride for a pure sport bike. The riding position, surprisingly enough actually felt a little more upright than the Kat.
If any of you guys or gals get a chance to ride one of these things, JUMP ON IT! They're fantastic bikes.
Comment