2009 Buell 1125CR

by Dave · July 24, 2008

2009 Buell 1125CR. Part Cafe Racer, part Streetfighter.

Buell 1125 CR

2009 Buell 1125CR

Buell brings superbike performance to the streetfighter category in 2009 with the introduction of the 1125CR, a new model featuring a modern interpretation of the café racer styling and the 146 horsepower of the Buell Helicon 1125 liquid-cooled V-Twin engine.

“Part superbike and part streetfighter, the 1125CR is my vision of a 21st century café racer,” said Erik Buell, chairman and CTO at Buell Motorcycle Company. “It’s got Clubman-style bars and a flyscreen instead of a fairing. Then we geared it down to optimize acceleration. With a class-leading weight-to-horsepower ratio, the 1125CR takes streetfighter performance to a new level.”

Final-drive gearing is lowered about eight percent from the 1125R to optimize acceleration. Its styling will make this bike unmistakable on the street. Black-anodized, tapered aluminum clubman-style handlebar and streamlined headlight and flyscreen complete the cockpit view

With a dry weight of 170kg (375lbs), the 1125CR is the lightest litre-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 – mass centralization, low unsprung weight, and frame rigidity.

Buell 1125CR Engine

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 Electronic Fuel Injection produces throttle operation with a quick, smooth response. New for 2009 on the 1125R and 1125CR models 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. The updated engine spark and fuel maps will also be made available for 2008 1125R models.

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.

All this 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. Production of the 2009 1125CR is scheduled to begin in August 2008. The suggested retail price for the 1125CR will be AUD $17,495.