EBR 1190RX (2014 - on) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Power: | 185 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (32.5 in / 826 mm) |
Weight: | Medium (419 lbs / 190 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesAmerican exotica powered by a powerful 185bhp V-twin with over 100ftpb of torque. Deceptively quick and not to be underestimated with 20 stage traction control for back-up.
Well balanced, the Showa big piston front forks and Showa rear shock work really well in a wide scope of conditions. Sweet handling but the looks maybe not for everyone’s taste and low down fuelling isn’t perfect.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe wheelbase is short and the rake and trail is very aggressive, yet it’s stable and planted. The EBR has excellent mechanical grip and, for such a powerful sports bike, is easy to ride. The front gives excellent feedback, has a lovely feel to it, and is not too harsh yet not too soft when the pace hots up. It’s a similar story for the rear.
On the road the handling is impressive straight out of the box.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe new engine is built in-house by EBR. They have opted for a 72-degree V-twin and 1190 capacity, with fuel injection. The resut is a quoted 185bhp and 101.6ftlb.
Power is linear, very smooth but the fuelling is incositant low down in the first few gears.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueEBR are new to the market and even though historically they have very strong links to Buell, (EBR stands for Erik Buell Racing) it’s hard to predict reliablity.
Quality-wise it’s not on par with Ducati, but not far behind.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentJust short of £14,000 is a lot of money to ask for an unproven superbike. But in today’s market it is comparable to KTM’s RC8R and cheaper than a Panigale.
Equipment
For a modern day sports bike the EBR is fairly low spec: 20-stage traction control comes as standard but can’t be changed on the move!
There’s no option for ABS at the moment, no rider modes or quick-shifter unlike the compeition from Ducati.
The perimiter 8-piston brakes look impressive and are strong on the road but not as strong as conventional Brembo items.
Specs |
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Engine size | 1190cc |
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Engine type | 8v dohc V-twin, 6 gears |
Frame type | Aluminium twin spar |
Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
Seat height | 826mm |
Bike weight | 190kg |
Front suspension | Big piston Showa, fully adjustable |
Rear suspension | Showa single shock, fully adjustable |
Front brake | Single 386mm rim-mounted rotor, 8-piston caliper |
Rear brake | Single 220mm disc, twin piston caliper |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
Rear tyre size | 190/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 38 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | £13,998 |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | 2 years unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 185 bhp |
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Max torque | 101.6 ft-lb |
Top speed | 189 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 10.04 secs |
Tank range | 140 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
First year of production.
Other versions
EBR 1190SX: super naked version.
Owners' reviews for the EBR 1190RX (2014 - on)
3 owners have reviewed their EBR 1190RX (2014 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your EBR 1190RX (2014 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
Year: 2014
My opinion could count a 3 since I own 3 EBR 1190Rx and a Buell1125R 2 road bikes and two racers and a colleague has owned more than 7 EBRs. The look & style is petite, small front profile, 100 ft lb torque engine, short rake, and excellent design, with full diagnostics the bike was ahead of its time. Ride is anything from docile at low revv's to potent wheel lifting beast. On the track I find it easy to ride,... too easy. Its now an all time classic & legend. Fit a set of Dunlop race rubber and play in the torque band of 8000-9000 and have fun with the field. Its a specialist and skilled rider to keep the bike in one piece. Abuse it and it will bite back. Remember 22 degrees rake is twitchy, and 1200cc in 180kgs is potent combination.
I find it delightful. Well its got a 100mm piston in a 72 degree V-Twin,... so its lumpy, and vibes a bit, but the balancers reduce the vibes for comfort riding. Its best to not red line these engine, they live well in the 8000-9000 range. I have no bad issues with the engine (I am a mechanic). The mechanics are common and easy enough the service or rebuild. Sure a inline 4 is smoother.
What do expect, its a Grand Prix race bike, finish fine.
They are at the lowest ebb,... in a few years you may not be able to get one,... excellent value today.
Its got the essentials without the gimmicks.
Buying experience: all purchase low kms used.
Year: 2017
Fitted exhaust tips and a race ECU after 2000 miles, sorted out the fueling problem below 5 grand
Its a race bike with lights on so heavy on the wrists after a while, brakes are amazing
A bit lumpy below five thousand but takes off and sings after that, fitted exhaust tips and race ECU so a lot better now.
Traction control is very good
Buying experience: Bought as an ex demo bike with a thousand miles on it, just got four grand on now and still loving it
Year: 2014
These are pure Race Bikes out of the box, so don't have the 'pussy' features of tourers. Hence only appreciated by highly skilled riders. The RX needs to have a relaxed rider 'off' the wrist riding style for longer riders.
Stunning, its a GP bike with some temperamental characteristics, but its a flyer.
Easy to service except the engine rotation for plug change.
Minimal, its a Race Bike, however the non dealer self diagnostics are great.