New Buell 1125R. December 2007

Buell is set to break the convention of the superbike category with the Buell 1125R, an all new, litre-class motorcycle that delivers a balance of street and track performance. The 1125R joins the XB as a second and distinct Buell motorcycle platform.

"We designed the 1125R from the rider down," said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at Buell Motorcycle Company.
"The 1125R takes Buell to a new level of performance, while embracing the fundamental Buell principles of motorcycle design and offering a great motorcycle riding experience."

The Buell 1125R riding experience derives not just from its power, but from a careful combination of engine performance, precise and agile handling, advanced aerodynamics, and superior rider environment and control, all packaged with distinctive styling.

The Buell 1125R Helicon engine is a new 1125cc DOHC V-Twin, the first liquid-cooled engine to power a street legal Buell motorcycle. This compact, 72-degree engine is the result of a collaboration between Buell and BRP-Rotax, better known for their association with the CanAm brand. The Helicon engine was designed to Buell specifications and is exclusive to the company. It will be manufactured in Austria by BRP-Rotax. The most powerful street legal engine ever offered by Buell, the Helicon is rated at 146 crankshaft horsepower, and is designed to deliver optimised usable power, with a broad powerband across its 10500 rpm range. The Helicon V-Twin is cradled in a new Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC) with massive, rigid aluminium spars that double as the fuel reservoir. The new 1125R sticks to the three tenets of the Buell Trilogy of Technology - chassis rigidity, low unsprung weight and mass centralisation - to deliver race-inspired agility and handling.

The all new front fairing and radiator cowling was developed using the latest computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to provide superior aerodynamics, rider comfort, and efficient air flow to both the radiators and ram-air intake. While it looks great in motion (see previous page), the 'not-quite-faired', 'not-quite-naked' look may restrict its appeal to fans of either style of bike.

The front wheel is supported by 47mm inverted forks. A new Buell ZTL2 front brake features an eight piston caliper based on the brake developed for the Buell XBRR race bike. A six-speed transmission is mated to a new HVA (Hydraulic Vacuum Assist) Slipper Action clutch that uses engine vacuum to provide a "slipper" effect when down-shifting at speed. The new underslung muffler has dual brushed stainless steel outlets. 'Quiet Zone' aerodynamics manage air flow around the rider for enhanced performance and comfort. The fairing shape is inspired by the Buell XBRR and features six-bulb headlamps. The toe levers on both the brake and shift foot controls are adjustable. The instrument cluster features an analog tacho/digital speedo, plus an Onboard Diagnostic Information System (O.D.I.S.) screen and other interactive features.

The Buell 1125R is available in Midnight Black, with Diamond Blue wheels, frame & swing- arm, and Fusion Bronze engine trim.

Buell 1125R
Engine : Liquid cooled, 4-stroke, 72 V Twin
Bore & Stroke: 103mm x 67.50mm Displacement: 1125cc Compression ratio: 12.3:1
Torque: 111Nm @ 8000rpm Hp: 146hp @ 9800rpm
Drivetrain Transmission: 6-speed, straight cut gears
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, Hydraulic Vacuum Assist.
Chassis Frame: Aluminium frame, fuel in frame
Front fork: 47mm Showa inverted forks with adjustable compression damping
Rear shock: Showa coil over monoshock with external piggyback reservoir and adjustable compression damping.