Buell developed an all-new machine in order to further push the limits of performance while staying true to its traditional design principles.

Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of the Buell Motorcycle Company, says he is extremely satisfied with the results from the preproduction tests. Mass centralization, unsprung weight reduction and frame stiffness were the main focus of the manufacturer.


Standing out
The new 1125R has all the ingredients that make Buell motorcycles stand out from the competition. The all-new Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC) is the stiffest ever built by the company. The engine was designed as an integrated part of the frame, which increases stiffness. As for the suspensions, the 1125R features a fully adjustable 47-mm inverted front fork with new triple clamps to sharpen the torsional response of the front end. Out back is a fully adjustable Showa rear shock/spring with an external piggyback reservoir to dissipate heat. The shock is mounted directly between the frame and the swingarm without linkage. This off-center placement optimizes the airflow path through the bike and reduces weight.

An Austrian engine?
The most significant new feature for 2008 is undoubtedly the engine that motivates the Buell 1125R. This new liquid-cooled, 72-degree V-Twin Helicon powerplant was designed and built in partnership with BRP. All the main engine parts of the 1125R are exclusive to Buell and were specifically developed for this mount. Buell engineers provided detailed specifications of the engine to BRP. Also, they were directly involved in the technology and manufacturing of a number of specific components.

Each cylinder is headed by a double overhead camshaft driven by an automatic timing chain. The lubrication is performed by a dry-sump system, which reduces internal windage losses. The side-mounted radiators are equipped with aerodynamic cowlings; their positioning ensures a lower center of gravity and a more centralized mass. According to BRP-Rotax engineers, the engine of the 1125R generates 146 horsepower at only 9,800 rpm and 82 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm.