The Buell line is expanding on the 1125R with the new Buell 1125CR “cafe racer,” a more street oriented version with lower gearing and a flyscreen instead of the higher fairing. The engine has been tweaked slightly with new fuel and spark maps, the new maps will be available for the ’08 1125R. Judging from the 1125R’s performance so far on the track, this 1125CR should be a real contender on the street.
From Buell:
Buell brings superbike performance to the streetfighter category in 2009 with the introduction of the 1125CR, a new model featuring a modern interpretation of “café racer†styling and the power of the Buell Helicon 1125 liquid-cooled V-Twin engine. The 1125CR is one of nine 2009 Buell Sportbike, Streetfighter, Adventure Sportbike and Blast models.
“Part superbike and part streetfighter, the 1125CR is my vision of a 21st century café racer,†said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer 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.â€
Also 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 6000 rpm, 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.
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.
Buell 1125CR highlights
* 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
Nicolas says
Pretty cool stuff, as usual, Buell always does original roadsters. But can we get rid of the bat-air scoops ?
taxman says
I like Buell, and I like cafe racers. The bike is nice but I’m not completely sold on those scoops. People keep telling me that you have to see them in person and they don’t look as bad as in pictures. But I’m not convinced. In fact I think with the lack of fairing on this model it makes them stand out even more.
I had a ’03 XB9R and I enjoyed it quite a bit. My only complaint was the heat from the engine. Now I just wish they made one of these with a smaller engine. I don’t need or want 146 horsepower. In fact I’d be happy with half of that. Where’s my 562.5cr?
Henri says
ugh. that’s been hit hard with the ugly stick.
I’m sure the after-market will fix it though
Ry says
Taxman – They do look better in person . My little brother picked up the 1125R a couple of months ago after comparing it to a R1 , surprisingly all that stuff on the front of it makes sense after you sit on one. The handling and torque feels and even sounds like my Ducati but he can leave me in the dust with his higher rev limit. The seat is uncomfortable and stiff and still has quite a bit of heat off the frame and engine but that is the only complaint I have. After thinking how ugly it was it really is nice to look at after you sit on it once. Also one thing I noticed was the over all build quality of this bike is top notch , especially for a first year model. I bet that the 1125CR will be nicer in person because the pictures are pretty rough.
Jesse says
Oh how I wish they would define “greatly improved fuel economy” in numbers.
todd says
Wouldn’t the full fairing model be more of a true “cafe racer” and this more of a “standard”? From what I understand, any bike that tries to emulate the look of a production racer is a “cafe racer”.
The next step is to raise the handlebars, lengthen the suspension (add blank number plates) and call it the Zeus.
-todd
p.s. I too would be much more intersted in a “half” version, 562.5 single.
Jeff says
And I thought the original 1125R was as ugly as a Buell could get….
Andy says
As with the 1125R radiators and scoops are a poorly designed after thought. Someone do something about the exhaust too = Yuk!
Adside from those faults love the buell design ethos – central mass, fuel in frame and 250 gp geometry.
tim says
I came pretty close to buying an 1125R a month or so back. And it is a much better looking bike in photos than in the flesh. And you can get (bring money, as CW would say) a full fairing kit for the 1125R thats cool. And Ive loved all the Buells Ive ridden. And I like the “standard” looks. And I don’t mind the scoops. Hmmmmmmmmm. A pattern may be emerging.
guitargeek says
That’s a cool looking bike, but I’m getting sick of companies slapping the name “cafe racer” to whatever sport bike they have to sell.
Calling it a cafe racer doesn’t make it one, it’s just more stupid marketing.
loosenoose says
this is a sweet bike!
i really have nothing else to say!
tom w. says
Awesome! When I heard rumors of a “cafe racer” I wasn’t really interested, but now that I’ve seen it, I really like it.
With the low weight, torquey engine etc. of the 1125R and now the clubman handlebars and lower gearing (and it also looks like they did a lot to address the “Bugs” of in the fuel delivery etc), this bike should be a minimalist extension of the rider.
The 1125R was close to being everything I wanted, but I think this one nails it. As close to being just an engine and wheels as you can get in todays EPA/DOT restricted market.
Titus says
Totally ugly. Anonymous. A step back.
Calling it as “a modern interpretation of “café racer†styling” is just curious.
Hugo says
Those radiator covers look like somebody melted the clay model…a little shape definition would be nice. And the exhaust just looks plain cheap, a little more detailing would make this bike really nice because the package is good.
I don’t understand why there is so little aftermarket stuff for this bike; new seat, airbox and radiator cover+ a differen exhaust and it can look completely different.
BTW the headlight somehow reminds me of the B-King
Jarred says
One word…Ugly. I really hope those scoops look better in person!
jaypopsti says
Todd- A “cafe racer” refers to the bikes that guys used to race between cafe’s on the street back in the 60’s.
Limcoln says
Buells, I love um. From the older tuber frames to the XB’s. Big VTwins in a nice handling chassis, but the Buell 1125 is just plain ugly, from that hideous muffler to those ugly radiator covers. I think a full fairing would have done wonders for this bike and the R. Lets hope they get the mapping right on this one though.
Hugo says
Well I played a little with photoshop and the 1125R:
http://s3images.coroflot.com/user_files/individual_files/134713_BgRxjKua_G0nelUZCfPDN3k_u.jpg
changed small details but in the end that’s what makes the difference (like tilting the nose forward, less round radiator scoops, wider seat end an exhaust with a more defined shape)
Hugo says
Oops..link has changed: http://s3images.coroflot.com/user_files/individual_files/134713_awHTwRQLlwHzJzCGellE5eq1s.jpg
Jacob Peterson says
I think the 1125r is a bit ugly, but in rescent races with a bit more fairing and a flat black, it is really pretty. That being said, I think the 1125cr is drop dead gorgeouse. the only thing I would change would be a seat/tail more like an xb that is shorter and stick way up in the air, or maybe like a ktm rc8. But the 1125cr is beautifull, and there is no naked bike that compares or even gets close to it now. The Suzuki B-king will be close, but power and torque to weight, the Buell still edges it out, and will corner 1000 times better. And it is far far cheaper. the 1125cr is amazing, and simply beautifull, and I don’t see how someone can have a problem with the scoops. they are reminiscant of late 60’s and 70’s hoodscoops on muscle cars, and they are savage. 🙂
yamalink says
I checked a red CR out yesterday, and it looks much better in person. I actually like the big scoops (in person), but the left side of the bike is very plain and uninspiring to me. A red one comes in month end and I may ride it to see how much vibration it has; there’s a slight chance the pricetag may convince me to take back my deposit on the Ducati Streetfighter…but only if it doesn’t shake my hands numb like the Super Duke did.
Aldo says
I own a 2008 1125R, and I test rode an 09 1125CR recently. I’ve read a lot of criticism of the designs of the bike, the “scoops” in particular, and honestly it depends on what you’re used to and how you view the bike. Buell didn’t have (fashion) designers make out the plans for either of these bikes. Engineers set out with specific parameters in mind and proceeded from there. Even the Helcion engine’s 72 degree angle was a matter of consequence, and not choice. The information about all of this is out there if you’re interested, but onto riding the two 1125s!
First of all… same engine. VERY useful, VERY broad powerband. Gearing is, as alluded to, a little different. My R accelerates right as the throttle twists. No hops, skips, or jumps unless your right wrist is spazzing out. You can pick that front wheel up off the ground or leave it planted to the ground and carving up the corners (my personal preference is the latter). The CR, well, a careful twist of the throttle and you can feel the subtle difference. A careless or aggressive crank and you’ll be looking skyward while your toes point in the direction of your travel. DEFINATELY a fun bike!! The wind blast is more even across your chest on the CR versus the R at intown speeds, which is weird considering how efficient the fairing on the R is at cutting down on headon buffeting. I didn’t ride the CR above 55 (the speed limit was abused enough), but the 1125R prefers you tuck in for those higher speeds (the buffeted wind effect will turn you into a human parachute, like it or not). Then again, if you’re riding either of these machines to their intended purpose, you’re lying down, draggin’ knees and elbows.
As for the around town and through neighborhood travel, the CR definately feels slightly more nimble and totally comfortable in that element of prowling back roads and pouncing out of nowhere. My only suggestion would be more adjustable mirrors.
I liked the 1125CR, but I’ll keep my 1125R.
mike buell says
This is true the air scoops are much better in person and play a major roll in performance
Zany says
I have owned many Buells, Cyclones, X1W, Thunderbolts, and now the last in the lineup for now is the 1125CR. My FLHT Electra Glide around town was not as forgiving as this Buell has been, on top of the fact that this bike is as good as any Sport Bike on the road now for much less. Most of all, it all American made, open to make it your own. It has it’s own style, looks, and apeal to its followers! Erick Buell did a great job fighting the Big Four companies to make a mark in the industry. And he did it, I think in time this will be one of the fun bikes you wish you bought when you had the chance! Don’t let it pass you by! I love mine and I’m 46 yrs old. Ride and you will believe as others have, this is one hell of a great and fun bike to ride!
Jeff Mac Isaac says
i own a 2009 buell 1125CR and i’m selling it. it only has 760KMS on it it’s the red one very nice bike, i really enjoyed riding it for the time i did it’s not even broke in yet, the reason for selling is a new house and a future wife soon, if anyones interested send me an email.