I had a 2005 Aprilia RSV for 3 long years before buying a 1125R last month and although I loved it, because of it's looks mainly, it was too much trouble. It had all of the famous Italian 'Character'. Clocks that don't work, Front Brake Discs that warp, a Rear Brake that never worked, Dodgy electrics, Ropey build quality, together with non existent dealer back up or support from the factory. I persevered to try and justify such an expensive, pretty, but ultimately flawed 'Toy'. It couldn't be used every day! It just wasn't up to the job. So I ended up trading it in for an immaculate 2008 Buell 1125R, 1800 miles, £4995. BARGAIN!!! I've done over 1000 miles in just a month and I'm loving it. It isn't as pretty as the RSV, but it's brutal looks definitely grow on you and in every other respect, I would say it is better than the RSV. Most people say that Aprilia are the best of the Italian bunch, regarded as being more Japanese in reliability and build quality, but I wouldn't touch another one and if they're the best, then the rest are at the end of a very long barge pole!
Sorry for the rant. What was the question? Oh yeah, American 1125r or Austrian RC8?
I'd say buy the Buell, but I've never even seen an RC8 in real life, so can't really comment. Eh!?

Pash,

if you come to Silverstone then you can watch the RC8s' race ...

Will have to give Silverstone a miss, but I saw them race at Castle Combe (against other things).

I am beginning to think that I don't need a big posh watercooled thing, even though I phoned up about a few SP-2s today...

I am more and more tempted by the 1125R, but your photo of the corrosion really put me off. Everything was furry...

_________________
08 Specialized Langster

That'll be you and Mich then who don't like furry things

although I am happy with the 1125R the material the chassis part fasteners are made from is not a patch on those stainless steel bolts used on the Firebolt.

Pash, I know that I'm biased, but the 1125R really is a great bike but it is marred by a few niggles - perhaps I've been lucky ( or just more tolerant ) because I've not had any real issues, although I knew that I was signing up to be an unpaid test rider.

There really is a lot to love about the bike - the engine is stonking and just needs a little TLC to get it perfect.

As for the exhaust issue - just remember to select your dealer wisely as it will will rot so quickly that it will be replaced under warranty - just insist on it being cam coated - it was offered to me without me even mentioning it ...

Head to head from 50mph up, the RC8 won't touch the Buell (well 1125CR anyway). I found out yesterday.
But boy do they look absolutely amazing. Tail end is from way in the future - I love it.
Also like the idea of the underslung exhaust...

I'd love one, but the CR is a part of me now and no room for more bikes.

Newts

Funny that, cos of the RC8, it is the back end that I think looks the worst...

Been chatting to owners today, digging at the dealers and have been offered one new at a good price. Now it is decision time, do I really want one?

_________________
08 Specialized Langster

steady on, as a CR owner I know for a fact you are not allowed to say it is as good, faster
or better than any other bike in the market place. please refrain from these statements!

Johnnyboy is right. You are not allowed to 'big up' your water cooled Buell.

The only thing that you can categorically state is that compared to other bikes in it's class it is well ugly.