2008 BUELL 1125R

EAST TROY, Wis. (July 8, 2007) – Two major milestones will mark the 2008 model year for the Buell Motorcycle Company. As Buell celebrates its 25th year of building innovative American sport motorcycles, it also makes a significant move into a new category with the introduction of the Buell 1125R, an all-new high-performance sportbike powered by an 1125cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine. The Buell 1125R is the first model on an all-new Buell platform, and is one of nine models in a 2008 Buell line-up that also includes five bikes in the Lightning streetfighter series, the original sportfighter XB12R Firebolt, the XB12X Ulysses adventure-sportbike, and the single-cylinder Buell Blast. "In 1983, I set out to build a world-class American racing motorcycle," said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. "That project turned out to be the first step on a journey of many exciting twists and turns for the Company and our riders. It's really perfect timing to be able to celebrate a significant anniversary in a year when we launch the Buell 1125R, a motorcycle that applies all of the lessons we've learned over a quarter-century, and rolls out new ideas and innovation. I think the Buell 1125R delivers a combination of performance, intuitive handling and athleticism that will redefine the superbike riding experience."

Buell Highlights for 2008

25 Years of American Sport Motorcycles To note the 25th anniversary of Erik Buell's founding of the Buell Motorcycle Company in 1983, all 2008 Buell models except the Blast will carry a commemorative badge featuring Erik's signature.

Introducing the Buell 1125R

An all-new model set to break the convention of the superbike category, the Buell 1125R is powered by the Buell 1125R Helicon engine, an 1125cc DOHC liquid-cooled V-Twin cradled in a Buell Intuitive Response Chassis. The Helicon was specified by Buell and designed in partnership with BRP-Rotax, one of the premier recreational engine manufacturers in the world. Utilizing the Buell Trilogy of Tech principles and computer-modeled aerodynamics, the 1125R is designed to deliver the precise handling that has defined Buell for 25 years with a new level of engine performance. Buell developed this powertrain to meet a customer experience specification. It delivers the power of a superbike with the abundant torque characteristics of a V-Twin for outstanding overall performance and tractability. The Buell 1125R is expected to arrive in Buell dealerships in late 2007.

Thunderstorm V-Twin Updates

Buell advances the performance of its air/oil/fan-cooled Thunderstorm V-Twin engine series with a larger crank pin, an improved oiling system, and a new electronic timing system and ECM that controls an all new DDFI 3 fuel injection system. Combined, these changes improve drivability and performance, and reduce service maintenance costs. The Thunderstorm V-Twin engine powers all models in the Buell XB platform.

New Front End on XB12X Ulysses

The XB12X Ulysses adventure sportbike has new off-set 47 mm inverted front forks and robust off-set triple clamps that reduce fork flex under hard braking. Steering sweep is increased from 54 to 74 degrees for improved low-speed off-road maneuverability, and the Ulysses now comes with standard heated hand grips. Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces premium sport performance motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer and experience the aggressive attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com

2008 1125R Overview

The Buell Motorcycle Company is set to break the convention in the superbike category with the Buell 1125R, an all-new, liter-class motorcycle that delivers an artful balance of street and track performance. Rooted in the core design principles and character that have defined Buell motorcycles for 25 years, the 1125R offers power, handling and agility that will take its owner to a new level of riding experience. The Buell 1125R riding experience derives not just from its power, but from a carefully considered combination of engine performance, precise-and-agile handling, advanced aerodynamics, and superior rider environment and control, all packaged with distinctive styling that leaves many of the motorcycle's mechanical components exposed. 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 collaboration between Buell and BRP-Rotax, a leader in the development and manufacture of advanced engines for recreational products. The most-powerful street-legal engine ever offered by Buell, the Helicon engine is rated at 146 crankshaft horsepower, and is designed to deliver optimized usable power, with a broad powerband across its 10500 rpm range. Its V-Twin design retains the styling and character that has always defined the Buell riding experience. Dimensions Overall Length: 78.60 in. (1996 mm) Overall Width: 28.20 in. (716 mm) Seat Height: 30.50 in. (775 mm) Ground Clearance: 4.50 in. (114 mm) Rake: (steering head) 21° Fork Angle: 21° Lean Angle: Soft Contact Right, 48deg. Soft Contact Left, 48deg. Hard Contact Right, 50deg Hard Contact Left, 51deg. Trail: 3.30 in. (84 mm) Wheelbase: 54.60 in. (1387 mm) Tires: (Corsa III): Front: 120/70 ZR-17 Rear: 180/55 ZR-17 Fuel Capacity: 5.6 gal. (21.20 L) Reserve Fuel Capacity: 0.8 gal. (3.0 L) Weight:Dry Weight: 375 lbs. (170 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 850 lbs. (386 kg) Load Capacity: 395 lbs. (179 kg) Engine Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 72° V-Twin Valve Train: Dual OHC, 4 valves per cylinder, finger follower design & shimming Bore x Stroke: 4.055 in. x 2.658 in. (103 mm x 67.50 mm) Displacement: 68.70 cu. in. (1125 cc) Compression Ratio: 12.3:1 Fuel Delivery: Dual 61 mm down draft throttle bodies, DDFI IIIfuel injection Intake: Zero-resistance airbox, Pressurized RAM air intake Exhaust: Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with intergal helmholtz tuning and mass centralized mounting Torque:(North America per SAE J607)82 ft. lbs. (111 NM @ 8000 rpm) Horsepower:(North America per SAE J607)146 hp @ 9800 rpm Lubrication: Dry-sump with integrated oil reservoir in lower crankcase Oil Capacity: 4 qts. (3.8 L)Oil Filtration Disposable cartridge Drivetrain Primary Drive: Helical Gear, 0.554:1 36/65 ratio Final Drive: Constant path, 14 mm pitch aramid-reinforcedGoodyear® Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plustechnology, 2.593:1 (70/27) ratio Clutch: Wet, multi-plate, Hydraulic Vacuum Assist (HVA)slipper-action clutch, hydraulic clutch lever effort Transmission: 6-speed, straight cut gears Gear Ratios: 1st- 2.462 2nd- 1.750 3rd- 1.381 4th- 1.174 5th- 1.042 6th- 1.000 Chassis4 Frame: Aluminum frame, fuel in frame Front Fork: 47 mm Showa® inverted forks with adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload Rear Shock: Showa® coil-over monoschock with external piggyback reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload Wheels: Diamond Blue Front: 6-spoke, ZTL2 cast aluminum,3.50 in. x 17 in.(89 mm x 432 mm) Rear: 6-spoke, ZTL2 cast aluminum,5.50 in. x 17 in.(140 mm x 432 mm) Brakes: Front: ZTL²-type brake, 8-piston, 4 pads, fixed caliper, 375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor Rear: Two-piston, direct mount caliper; 240 mm, stainless steel, fixed rotor Suspension Travel: Front Wheel: 4.72 in. (120mm) Rear Wheel: 5 in. (127 mm) Electric Battery:(per Battery CouncilInternational Rating) Sealed lead acid, maintenance-free, 12V, 12-amp/hour, 200 cca Charging: 32-amp, permanent magnet, three-phase, solid state regulator (432W @ 7000 rpm, 432W peak) Starting: 900W electric with one way clutch Lights: (as per country regulation): Headlamp: (six-bulb headlamp systemwith daylight running mode,35-watt [H8]) 70-watt low beam (two bulbs,35-watt each) Tail / Stop Lights: 5W/21W Turn Signal Lights: LED manual canceling License Plate Light: 5W Instruments Instrument cluster with ODIS (Onboard Diagnostic InformationSystem) featuring analog tachometer with integrated shift light,digital speedometer on LED display, odometer, ODIS service codedisplay, 4-digit security system with ignition immobilizer, lap timer(records up to 99 lap times) and splits, ambient air temperature, coolanttemperature, average and instantaneous fuel consumption, milesto next service display, low fuel (plus miles traveled on reserve);high beam, neutral, turn signals; clock Colors Midnight Black; Diamond Blue Frame Warranty Warranty 24 months (unlimited mileage) MSRP: 1 Specifications for non-U.S. markets might differ. Buell reserves the right to discontinuemodels or change specifications at any time without incurring any obligations. Vehiclespecifications may vary from country to country depending on local laws. Some modelsare not available in certain countries. 2 Based on tests conducted under lab conditions per U.S. E.P.A. test procedures.Mileage will vary depending on personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip lengthand vehicle condition. 3 Hibrex® and Flexten® are registered trademarks of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. 4 Showa®, Dunlop®, Pirelli® and BRP-Rotax® are registered trademarks of their respective owners. 5 Availability may vary from dealer to dealer, and is subject to change without notice. 6 Unladen, wet configuration (no rider, all fluids). 7 Laden, wet configuration (design rider, all fluids). 8 Without mirrors. 9 Bottomed-out configuration (100% suspension compression). The Buell Motorcycle Company is set to break the convention of the superbike category with the Buell 1125R, an all-new, liter-class motorcycle that delivers an artful balance of street and track performance. Rooted in the core design principles and character that have defined Buell motorcycles for 25 years, the 1125R offers power, handling and agility that will take its owner to a new level of riding experience. The Buell 1125R joins the XB and Blast as a third and distinct Buell motorcycle platform. The Buell 1125R is expected to arrive in Buell dealerships in late 2007. "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 continuing to embrace the fundamental Buell principals of motorcycle design and offering a great motorcycle riding experience." The Buell 1125R riding experience derives not just from its power, but from a carefully considered combination of engine performance, precise-and-agile handling, advanced aerodynamics, and superior rider environment and control, all packaged with distinctive styling that leaves many of the motorcycle's mechanical components exposed. New V-Twin Muscle 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, a leader in the development and manufacture of advanced engines for recreational products. The Helicon engine was designed to Buell specifications and is exclusive to Buell. It will be manufactured in Austria by BRP-Rotax. The most-powerful street-legal engine ever offered by Buell, the Helicon engine is rated at 146 crankshaft horsepower, and is designed to deliver optimized usable power, with a broad powerband across its 10500 rpm range. Its V-Twin design retains the styling and character that has always defined the Buell riding experience. The engine is cradled in a new Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC) with massive, rigid aluminum spars that double as the fuel reservoir. The new 1125R sticks to the three tenants of the Buell Trilogy of Technology – chassis rigidity, low unsprung weight and mass centralization – 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 longitudinal radiators and a ram-air intake system. The front wheel is supported by 47 mm inverted forks. A new Buell ZTL2 front brake features an eight-piston caliper based on the brake developed for the Buell XBRR racing motorcycle. A smooth-shifting six-speed transmission is mated to a new HVA (Hydraulic Vacuum Assist) Slipper Action clutch that uses engine vacuum to boost clutch-lever action and to provide a "slipper" effect when the engine is down-shifted at speed. A new underslung muffler has dual brushed stainless steel outlets. The Buell 1125R offers an athletic riding position. Quiet Zone aerodynamics are achieved by managing air flow around the rider for enhanced performance and comfort. The toe levers on both the brake and shift foot controls are adjustable to match rider foot size. The instrument cluster features a large analog tachometer and a digital speedometer, plus an Onboard Diagnostic Information System (O.D.I.S.) screen and other interactive features. The fairing shape is inspired by the Buell XBRR and features six-bulb headlamps. LED turn signals are integrated into the mirror housings. The Buell 1125R is available with Midnight Black bodywork, Diamond Blue wheels, Diamond Blue frame and swingarm, and Fusion Bronze engine trim. Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces premium sport performance motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel. To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer and experience the aggressive attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into www.buell.com So there you have some of the new pictures of the 2008 1125R. There will be more and look for some commentary as well. I'd do it now but frankly I'm quite tired and don't feel like it. Kenn Stamp sources http://www.2wf.com/ http://www.buell.com/en_au/home.asp