In 2009, Buell offers the same diversified lienup featuring unique models that are now improved and which won’t pass unnoticed no matter what. But, one particular model does attract our attention for being brand new: the 2009 Buell 1125CR is a good looking derivation from the now notorious 1125R superbike model built in the United States.

buell-1125cr

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: buell-1125cr

2009 Buell 1125CR

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2009 Buell 1125CR
  • Engine/Motor: Helicon liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 72° V-Twin Valves Dual OHC, four valves per cylinder, finger follower design and shimming
  • Horsepower: 146 hp @ 9800 rpm
  • Torque: 111.2 NM @ 8000 rpm
  • Transmission: six-speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

 

Introduction


Naked styling and clubman-style handlebar give a respectful nod to the nostalgic era of café racers. A 146-hp liquid-cooled V-Twin engine is geared for acceleration. Sinister styling.

Sophisticated technology. The 1125CR, Erik Buell’s 21st century interpretation of the classic café racer, is a new motorcycle that defies convention and expands the streetfigher category in the direction of superbike performance.

With a dry weight of 375 pounds, the 1125CR is the lightest liter-class streetfighter on the market, and combined with 146 horsepower, it offers the best weight-to-horsepower ratio in the category.

The Buell 1125CR offers liquid-cooled technology and responsive handling from a proven platform based on the Buell Trilogy of Tech principles. The Buell Helicon 1125 powertrain provides the foundation for this riding experience. This 1125cc DOHC V-Twin engine features a compact, 72-degree design and is rated at 146 crankshaft horsepower and 82 ft. lbs. of peak torque. Buell DDFI3 closed-loop EFI produces throttle operation with a quick, smooth response.

New for 2009 on the 1125CR model are targeted fuel injectors, relocated O2 sensors, and updated engine spark and fuel maps. The combination of these features offers improved drivability below 6000rpm, even crisper throttle response, improved heat management, and significantly improved fuel economy. A ram-air system pressurizes the 12-liter air box for a gain in peak performance. Twin side mounted radiators within aerodynamic cowlings lower the center of gravity (cg) and centralize mass. The exhaust system features an underslung muffler mounted below the engine to optimize cg location and mass centralization. An HVA (Hydraulic Vacuum Assist) Slipper Action clutch features hydraulic actuation from the hand control with assistance from engine vacuum for lighter clutch effort and reduced engine braking. Low 76/27 (2.815:1) final-drive gearing produces outstanding acceleration.

The engine is rigid-mounted as a structural component of the Buell Intuitive Response Chassis (IRC) that has outstanding torsional stiffness, yet is compliant in the planes required to help absorb mid-corner bumps, and doubles as a 5.3-gallon fuel reservoir. Showa 47 mm inverted forks and a Showa rear shock absorber are both fully adjustable. Positive braking performance is provided by the Buell ZTL2 front brake system. The rear brake caliper is mounted directly to the inner surface of the swing arm and weighs 1.5 pounds less than a typical rear-brake design.

Competition


Buell sticks to the 1125R superbike engine and chassis, but goes against naked/streetfighter motorcycles, preferably ones that have already made a name in this segment. Japan is quite a great supplier from this point of view and among the most popular nakeds built there we’ll have to mention the 2009 Yamaha FZ1N and the Kawasaki Z1000. There have been speculations about Suzuki planning to launch the GSR750 next year and that bike might very well compete with the new Buell, given the 750cc four-cylinder engine performance, not to mention the chassis.

Also, the 2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200 is a choice to be considered although we don’t dare saying that Buell built the 1125CR like a direct competitor for it.

From the old continent, the new Ducati Monster 1100 and 1100 S are definitely considered rather stylish alternatives to the original American streetfighter, while the Aprilia Tuono 1000 R and Tuono 1000 R Factory are probably the most appropriate models to the 2009 Buell 1125CR.

Still, the latest entry in this category is one that brings a fresh new feel in matters of streetfighter design and the Buell kind of rider is sure to grab the opportunity almost blindfolded, so the competition is pretty much out of discussion in this case.

Exterior


Positioned behind the black-anodized, tapered aluminum clubman-style handlebar and streamlined headlight and flyscreen, the rider has a wide-open view forward that intensifies the sensation of speed.

All that performance is packaged in a motorcycle that is visually stunning. A narrow headlight pod incorporates a clipped flyscreen, while a removable cowl covers the passenger seat section. The blacked-out frame and chassis components contrast with red highlights on the front brake caliper, wheel rims, rear shock spring and damping adjusters atop the fork tubes. The Buell 1125CR will be offered with Racing Red or Midnight Black bodywork.

Price


The $11,695 MSRP is sure to make the brand new Buell 1125CR even more tempting, but not the most tempting in its class as Japanese makers always turn the scale in their favor.

Conclusion


Buell products are all about bringing a fresh new look and feel on a market filled with models that look virtually all the same. If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. This is not the case of the 1125R, so you better check it out.

From where we stand, the bike looks like great fun, and we can’t wait to take it for a test ride.

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SPECIFICATIONS


Engine
Engine: Helicon™ liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 72° V-Twin Valves Dual OHC, four valves per cylinder, finger follower design and shimming
Bore x Stroke: 4.055 in. x 2.658 in.(103.00 mm x 67.50 mm)
Displacement: 68.7 cu. in. (1125 cc)
Compression Ratio: 12.3:1
Fuel Delivery: Dual 61 mm down draft throttle bodies, DDFI III fuel injection
Intake: Zero-resistance airbox, pressurized RAM air intake
Exhaust: Tuned, tri-pass resonance chamber with intergal helmholtz tuning and mass-centralized mounting
Torque: 82 ft. lbs. @ 8000 rpm (111.2 NM @ 8000 rpm)
Horsepower: 146 hp @ 9800 rpm
Lubrication: Dry-sump with integrated oil reservoir in lower crankcase
Oil Capacity: 10 2.7 qts. (2.6 L)
Oil Filtration: Disposable cartridge and washable strainer

Drivetrain
Primary Drive: Helical Gear, 1.806:1 65/36 ratio
Final Drive: Constant path, 14 mm pitch aramidreinforced Veyance Hibrex® belt with Flexten® Plus technology, 2.815:1 (76/27) 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 0.960


Chassis
Frame: Aluminum frame, fuel in frame
Front Forks: 47 mm Showa® inverted forks with adjustable compression damping,rebound damping and spring preload
Rear Shock: Showa® coil-over monoshock with external piggyback reservoir and adjustable compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload
Wheels:
• Front Phantom Metallic
6-spoke, ZTL™ cast aluminum; 3.5 in. x 17 in.(88.9 mm x 431.8 mm)
• Rear
6-spoke, cast aluminum 5.5 in. x 17 in.(139.7 mm x 431.8 mm)
Brakes:
• Front
ZTL²™ brake, 8-piston, 4 pads, fixed caliper, 375 mm single-sided, insideout, stainless steel, floating rotor
• Rear Two-piston, direct mount caliper; 240 mm, stainless steel, fixed rotor
Suspension Travel:
• Front Wheel 4.72 in. (120 mm)
• Rear Wheel 5.00 in. (127 mm)


Dimensions
Overall Length: 81.3 in. (2066 mm)
Overall Width: 29.3 in. (744 mm)
Seat Height (Standard): 30.5 in. (775 mm)
Ground Clearance: 5.43 in. (138 mm)
Rake (steering head): 21.0°
Fork Angle: 21.0°
Lean Angle:
• Soft Contact, Right - 48°
• Soft Contact, Left - 48°
• Hard Contact, Right - 50°
• Hard Contact, Left - 50°
Trail: 3.3 in (84 mm)
Wheelbase: 54.5 in. (1385 mm)
Tires (Pirelli® Diablo® Corsa III):
• Front - 120/70 ZR-17
• Rear - 180/55 ZR-17
Fuel Capacity: 5.30 gal (20.1 L)
Reserve Fuel Capacity: 0.80 gal. (3.0 L)
Fuel Economy: (EPA urban/highway test) Not Available
Weight:
• Dry Weight - 375 lbs. (168 kg)
• Gross Vehicle - 850 lbs. (386 kg)
Weight Rating - Load Capacity 390 lbs. (177 kg)


Electric
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating): Sealed lead acid, maintenance-free, 12V, 12-amp/hour, 200 cca Charging 37-amp, permanent magnet, three-phase, solid-state regulator (500W @7000 rpm, 500W peak)
Starting: 900W electric with one-way clutch
Lights (as per country regulation):
• Headlamps Type (three-bulb headlamp system with daylight running mode, 55-watt ) 55-watt low beam (one 55-watt bulb), 110-watt high beam (55-watt low beam with additional 55-watt bulb)
• Tail/Stop Lights 5W/21W
• Turn Signal Lights LED manual canceling
• License Plate Light 5W


Instruments
Instrument cluster with ODIS (Onboard Diagnostic Information System) featuring analog tachometer with integrated shift light, digital speedometer on LED display, odometer, ODIS service code display, 4-digit security system with ignition immobilizer, lap timer (records up to 99 lap times) and splits, ambient air temperature, coolant temperature, average and instantaneous fuel consumption, miles to next service display, low fuel (plus miles traveled on reserve); high beam, neutral, turn signals; clock


Colors
Midnight Black, Racing Red


Warranty
Warranty 24 months (unlimited mileage)
1 Specifications for non-U.S. markets might differ. Buell reserves the right to discontinue models or change specifications at any time without incurring any obligations. Vehicle specifications may vary from country to country depending on local laws. Some models are 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 length and vehicle condition.
3 Hibrex® and Flexten® are registered trademarks of Veyance Technologies, Inc.
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).
10 Oil capacity at oil change with filter.

Features


  • Buell Helicon 1125cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke 72-degree V-Twin engine
  • 146 peak hp @ 9800 rpm
  • 82 ft. lbs. peak torque at 8000 rpm
  • 76/27 final drive gearing optimized for acceleration
  • Underslung muffler with Helmholtz chamber
  • DDFI 3 Electronic Fuel Injection ECM
  • Ram-air pressurized air box
  • Twin side-mount radiators
  • HVA (Hydraulic Vacuum Assist) Slipper Action clutch
  • ZTL2 four-pad, eight-piston front brake
  • Fully adjustable 47 mm Showa inverted fork
  • Fully adjustable Showa rear shock absorber
  • Fuel-in Frame 5.3-gallon capacity
  • Dry Weight: 375 pounds
  • Wheelbase: 54.5 inches
  • Seat height: 30.5 inches
  • Pirelli Diablo Corsa III tires
  • Pre-Wired for Accessory Heated Grips