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Preview: 2008 Buell 1125R - Finally a Buell We Would Buy!
EAST TROY, Wis., July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- 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
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 http://www.buell.com.
Contact: Paul James (414) 343-8735
paul.james@harley-davidson.com