2008 Buell Line Features New Liquid-Cooled 1125R Sportbike

Company Marks 25 Years of Building American Sport Motorcycles

EAST TROY, Wis. (July 8, 2007) – Two major milestones will mark the 2008 model year for the Buell Motorcycle Company. As Buell celebrates its 25th year of building innovative American sport motorcycles, it also makes a significant move into a new category with the introduction of the Buell 1125R, an all-new high-performance sportbike powered by an 1125cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine.

The Buell 1125R is the first model on an all-new Buell platform, and is one of nine models in a 2008 Buell line-up that also includes five bikes in the Lightning streetfighter series, the original sportfighter XB12R Firebolt, the XB12X Ulysses adventure-sportbike, and the single-cylinder Buell Blast.

“In 1983, I set out to build a world-class American racing motorcycle,” said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. “That project turned out to be the first step on a journey of many exciting twists and turns for the Company and our riders. It’s really perfect timing to be able to celebrate a significant anniversary in a year when we launch the Buell 1125R, a motorcycle that applies all of the lessons we’ve learned over a quarter-century, and rolls out new ideas and innovation. I think the Buell 1125R delivers a combination of performance, intuitive handling and athleticism that will redefine the superbike riding experience.”

Buell Highlights for 2008 (see separate releases for more detail on each topic)

25 Years of American Sport Motorcycles
To note the 25th anniversary of Erik Buell’s founding of the Buell Motorcycle Company in 1983, all 2008 Buell models except the Blast will carry a commemorative badge featuring Erik’s signature.

Introducing the Buell 1125R
An all-new model set to break the convention of the superbike category, the Buell 1125R is powered by the Buell 1125R Helicon engine, an 1125cc DOHC liquid-cooled V-Twin cradled in a Buell Intuitive Response Chassis. The Helicon was specified by Buell and designed in collaboration with BRP-Rotax, one of the premier recreational engine manufacturers in the world. Utilizing the Buell Trilogy of Tech principles and computer-modeled aerodynamics, the 1125R is designed to deliver the precise handling that has defined Buell for 25 years with a new level of engine performance. Buell developed this powertrain to meet a customer experience specification. It delivers the power of a superbike with the abundant torque characteristics of a V-Twin for outstanding overall performance and tractability. The Buell 1125R is expected to arrive in Buell dealerships in late 2007.

Thunderstorm V-Twin Updates
Buell advances the performance of its air/oil/fan-cooled Thunderstorm V-Twin engine series with a larger crank pin, an improved oiling system, and a new electronic timing system and ECM that controls an all new DDFI 3 fuel injection system. Combined, these changes improve drivability and performance, and reduce service maintenance costs. The Thunderstorm V-Twin engine powers all models in the Buell XB platform.

New Front End on XB12X Ulysses
The XB12X Ulysses adventure sportbike has new off-set 47 mm inverted front forks and robust off-set triple clamps that reduce fork flex under hard braking. Steering sweep is increased from 54 to 74 degrees for improved low-speed off-road maneuverability, and the Ulysses now comes with standard heated hand grips.


Buell Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, Inc., produces sport motorcycles, motorcycle parts, accessories and apparel.