Brakes
Up front resides a bigger, brawnier version of Buell's signature ZTL2 (Zero Torsional Load) braking system, featuring a massive eight-piston caliper borrowed from the XB-RR racebike. The caliper casting is optimized for rigidity and heat dissipation, and four pads clamp down on a 375mm, stainless-steel "inside-out" rotor that bolts directly to the wheel rim to reduce torsional loading. Buell claims its single-sided system saves as much as 6 lbs. of unsprung weight compared to a conventional, dual-disc set-up, reducing steering inertia. The rear brake consists of a 240mm stainless rotor acted on by a two-piston caliper mounted directly to the backside of the swingarm, sans carrier, to save another claimed 1.5 lbs. of unsprung weight.
Tech Spec
Evolution
The 1125R marries innovative technology proven on the XB series (Zero Torsional Load brakes, Immediate Throttle Response belt drive, fuel-bearing frame, etc.) with an all-new, pivotless frameset and a liquid-cooled V-twin built by Rotax.
Rivals
A worthwhile addition to the large-capacity sport-twin category currently occupied by Ducati's 1098 Superbike, Aprilia's various RSV1000Rs, the BMW R1200S and, to a lesser extent, Suzuki's SV1000S.
Tech
Price: $11,995
Engine type: l-c 72-deg. V-twin
Valve train: DOHC, 4v
Displacement: 1125cc
Bore x stroke: 103.0 x 67.5mm
Compression: 12.3:1
Fuel system: EFI
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate slipper
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Aluminum twin-spar
Front suspension: 47mm Showa inverted cartridge fork, adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension: Single Showa shock, adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping
Front brake: Single ZTL-type eight-piston caliper, 375mm disc
Rear brake: Single two-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Pirelli Diablo Corsa III
Rear tire: 180/55ZR-17 Pirelli Diablo Corsa III
Rake/trail: 21.0/3.3 in.
Seat height: 30.5 in.
Wheelbase: 54.6 in.
Fuel capacity: 5.6 gal.
Claimed dry weight: 375 lbs.
Claimed horsepower: 146 bhp @ 9800 rpm
Claimed torque: 82 lb.-ft. @ 8000 rpm
Color: Midnight Black w/Diamond Blue frame
Available: November 2007
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited mi.
Contact: Buell Motorcycle Co.
2815 Buell Dr.
E. Troy, WI 53120
262.642.2020
www.buell.com
Verdict
Too soon to tell-we need to ride a production-ready version before passing judgment. The 1125R has the potential to be a breakthrough bike for Buell, provided the company addresses a few key pre-production glitches.