|
Buell 1125R Features
and Technology Details
How Buell has Redefined the Sportbike Riding
Experience
EAST TROY, Wis. (July 8, 2007) – The Buell
1125R represents an all-new platform from the Buell Motorcycle Company
that is changed in almost every respect from previous Buell models, but
stays true to Buell’s design and engineering philosophies. Although some
of these ideas go against the conventional wisdom of the category, their
steadfast application results in a motorcycle that delivers outstanding
power, handling, comfort and convenience; a motorcycle that will deliver
an exceptional rider experience.
The Buell 1125R joins the XB and Blast as a
third and distinct Buell motorcycle platform. The Buell 1125R is
expected to arrive in Buell dealerships in late 2007.
Trilogy of Technology: The Gospel According
to Erik
The three legs of the Trilogy of Technology underpin every aspect of
design at Buell Motorcycle Company: Mass Centralization, Low Unsprung
Weight and Chassis Rigidity. The goal is always to create a motorcycle
that handles intuitively, and that predictably and accurately responds
to input so that the bike behaves as an extension of the rider. Here are
some examples of the Trilogy of Tech as applied to the new Buell 1125R:
Mass Centralization and achieving the
optimal center of gravity makes quick direction changes seem effortless.
Compact 72-degree DOHC V-Twin engine places
more engine mass along the centerline of the motorcycle, and allows the
engine to be located further forward in the frame.
Massive aluminum frame spars double as a
5.6-gallon fuel reservoir, to carry fuel lower on the chassis.
Radiators are mounted longitudinally between
the front wheel and the frame. This radiator location also allows the
engine to be positioned further forward in the frame.
The muffler is located below the engine,
rather than high and behind the rider.
Chassis Rigidity allows the motorcycle
to hold a precise line when it is subjected to side-loads in corners.
A new-generation Intuitive Response Chassis
(IRC) is optimized for torsional stiffness.
The engine is solid-mounted to the frame and
acts as a structural member.
The swingarm pivot point is located in the
engine case structure, creating a more-rigid connection between the
front and rear wheels.
First OEM spec 47 mm inverted front forks with
reduced friction seals are secured in rigid triple clamps.
Low Unsprung Weight enhances traction,
maneuverability and stability.
New Buell ZTL2 front brake system, utilizing a
single disc and new cast caliper assembly with four pads, is
approximately six pounds lighter than twin disc brakes.
The New Buell ZTL2 front brake transmits
forces from the rotor directly to the rim, so torsional load acting on
the rest of the wheel is virtually eliminated. This permits the use of a
very lightweight front wheel hub and spoke configuration that reduces
steering inertia.
The rear brake caliper is mounted directly to
the swing arm eliminating the typical brake carrier and an additional
1.5 pounds of unsprung weight.
A reinforced Goodyear Hibrex final drive belt
with Flexten Plus technology weighs just 1.06 pounds, compared to drive
chains that weigh four to five pounds.
The Helicon Engine
The Buell 1125R Helicon engine is a high-performance, 72-degree DOHC
liquid-cooled V-Twin specified by Buell and designed in collaboration
with BRP-Rotax, one of the premier recreational-engine manufacturers in
the world. Buell provided a detailed specifications list to BRP-Rotax,
outlining powertrain requirements to meet the performance goals of the
Buell 1125R. Buell also directly contributed technology and engineering
on a number of key areas, including the compensating front sprocket,
transmission layout, the shift mechanism, engine cases, pistons, intake,
exhaust, and new DDFI 3 EFI system. All major
components of the Helicon engine are unique to Buell and developed
specifically for the Buell 1125R, although a few components, such as the
stator and various fasteners, are used in other BRP-Rotax products. The
new Helicon engine will remain exclusive to Buell. The Helicon engine
will be assembled by BRP-Rotax in Austria. The Buell 1125R motorcycle
will be assembled by Buell in East Troy, Wisconsin. Its V-Twin design
perpetuates the look, sound and character that have always help to
define the Buell riding experience.
Rather than design the Helicon engine to fit a
specific displacement category or racing classification, Buell developed
this powertrain to meet a customer experience specification, both in
terms of its power output and its contribution to the overall
performance of the Buell 1125R. The engine produces 146 crankshaft
horsepower at 9800 rpm and 82 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 8000 rpm.
Redline is 10500 rpm. Its generous 1125cc displacement allows the
Helicon engine to make abundant peak power with a broad powerband and
flat torque curve free of dips and weak spots. The Helicon engine is
designed to make useable power across the entire RPM range that will
enhance any riding experience.
Helicon engine features:
72-degree cylinder angle and a very compact
case and cylinder head design allow the engine to be located far forward
in the chassis, distributing 54 percent of the vehicle weight on the
front tire.
The 72-degree V-angle provides a steep
18-degree valve angle and straight path for the down-draft intake
system.
A cylinder angle of 72 degrees reduces shaking
forces. The engine is also fitted with three balance shafts: two
balancers for canceling primary rotating imbalance and a third balancer
for canceling the rocking couple.
The displacement of 1125cc was chosen to
create an optimal 103.0 mm bore x 67.5 mm stroke configuration –
generous bore for more valve area and better breathing and short stroke
for reduced friction, increased rpm range and instant throttle response.
The engine has a low-inertia flywheel for a
quick-revving performance and smooth shifting.
The engine is a stressed member of the frame
and contributes to overall chassis rigidity. The swing arm pivot is
located in the engine cases providing optimal pivot location and adding
to overall chassis rigidity.
Dual overhead cams with self-adjusting chain
drive on each cylinder to the intake cam and gear drive from the intake
to the exhaust cam. This design requires less space over the cylinder
head than a two-sprocket design, allows the engine to be located further
forward, and reduces engine weight.
Valves are actuated with finger followers and
adjusted with shims, a design derived from Formula 1 engine technology.
Finger follower valve actuation reduces
friction, permits a quicker valve opening, and eliminates valve float.
This design also allows a steep valve angle of 18 degrees and a
downdraft fuel injection system. The design of the follower retention
system makes shim replacement quick and easy, reducing maintenance
costs. Valve covers are magnesium to reduce weight.
Primary balancing with three internal shafts
reduces chassis weight by minimizing vibration isolation requirements.
Dry sump oiling reduces internal windage
losses. An integrated oil reservoir is located in the lower left side of
the crankcase casting to lower the center of gravity and help keep the
engine compact.
Buell DDFI3 EFI is a closed-loop system for
precise mixture control, resulting in smoother throttle operation and
better fuel economy. Dual downdraft 61 mm throttle bodies provide
superior intake air flow. A new ECU controls the TPS, IAC, and monitors
engine performance while continually adjusting to the environment.
Ram-air system pressurizes the air box for a
gain in peak performance. The air intake is located between the front
fork legs and below the fairing. Air flow to this area and the size and
shape of the intake were optimized using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
models. The 12-liter airbox is designed to accommodate a large air
filter and to be easy to service.
Twin side-mounted free flowing radiators are
mounted longitudinally within aerodynamic cowlings. The position of the
radiator system lowers the center of gravity and centralizes mass, and
allows the cowlings to direct free-flowing air to each radiator. The
cowlings have an internal vane (splitter) to split airflow efficiently
and were designed with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to
optimize air flow at all speeds and to create a pressure differential
around the radiator to pull air through the core. Hot air is also
exhausted away from the rider for enhanced comfort.
The exhaust system features a large-volume
muffler mounted below the engine to optimize cg location and mass
centralization. The muffler is tuned to produce a linear horsepower and
torque curve without the added cost, weight and complexity of an active
exhaust system. A Helmholtz chamber within the muffler further reduces
noise output. Twin brushed stainless exhaust outlets produce less
exhaust noise than a single side-mounted outlet.
Chassis and Suspension Features
An all-new Buell IRC (Intuitive Response
Chassis) is made in the USA and is the stiffest chassis ever offered by
Buell. Its rigidity is aided by the engine, which is a rigid stressed
member of the chassis. The inner frame incorporates air-flow channels
that create a low-pressure area behind the engine to draw hot air out
the rear of the motorcycle. Utilizing patented Buell Fuel in the Frame
technology, the aluminum frame spars double as a 5.6-gallon fuel
reservoir.
The stiffness of a new cast-aluminum swing arm
has been tuned for the 1125R. The pivot point of the cast-aluminum swing
arm is located in the engine cases to create a more rigid connection
between the rear wheel, the frame, and the front wheel. By placing the
swing arm pivot point forward in the engine cases, the anti-squat
properties and suspension control of the 1125R were optimized. The rigid
connection to the engine was used to optimize the stiffness of the swing
arm in relation to the overall chassis.
A fully-adjustable Showa rear shock/spring
unit features an external piggyback reservoir for good heat dissipation.
To reduce weight, the shock is mounted directly between the frame and
the swingarm without linkage, and its off-center placement optimizes
airflow through the motorcycle.
Fully-adjustable Showa 47mm inverted front
forks and new triple clamps stiffen the torsional response of the front
end and improve steering response. A new fixed bushing slides against
the hard-chrome surface of the fork tube, reducing friction. Compression
adjustment can be made with a simple hex-key tool.
Wheelbase is 54.5 inches, rake is 21 degrees
and trail is 3.3 inches.
Brake System Features
New Buell ZTL2 (Zero Torsional Load) front
brake utilizes an eight-piston caliper based on a design developed for
the Buell XBRR production racing motorcycle. The eight-piston design
offers a larger pad surface, optimizes heat-dissipation capability and
allows even pressure distribution over each of the four pads in the
caliper.
The caliper casting was optimized for clamping
stiffness, yielding a more progressive and connected braking feel to the
rider. A single 375 mm stainless steel rotor is mounted directly to the
wheel rim. This design produces outstanding stopping power and weighs
less than a dual-disc system. And because braking forces are transmitted
directly from the rotor to the rim, torsional load acting on the rest of
the wheel is virtually eliminated. This permits the use of a very
lightweight front wheel that also helps reduce steering inertia.
The rear brake utilizes a 240 mm stainless
steel rotor gripped by a two-piston caliper. The caliper is mounted
directly to the inner surface of the swing arm, so it is hidden from
view and also weighs 1.5 pound less than a typical rear-brake design.
Front and rear brakes are fitted with braided
steel brake lines for optimal feel and braking performance.
The front brake hand control is adjustable for
reach. The rear brake foot control is adjustable for reach, and the toe
piece is adjustable to match rider foot size.
Clutch and Transmission Features
HVA (Hydraulic Vacuum Assist) Slipper Action
clutch features hydraulic actuation from the hand control with
assistance from engine vacuum for lighter clutch effort. The vacuum
assist also produces the same effect as a “slipper” clutch for more
controlled engine braking during high-speed downshifts.
A six-speed, close-ratio transmission is an
oblique stacked configuration that is tilted to minimize overall
powertrain length and allows the engine to be optimally placed within
the chassis. Gear ratios were selected to allow the engine to remain
within its optimal power band at typical operating speeds.
A Goodyear Hibrex final drive belt with
Flexten Plus technology weighs just 1.06 pounds, compared to drive
chains that weigh four to five pounds. The belt system is clean, quiet
and extremely strong.
Aerodynamics
Quiet Zone cockpit aerodynamics were developed
using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models and experience gained in
development of the Buell XBRR production racing motorcycle. The shape of
the fairing and windshield optimize air flow over and around the rider
for reduced drag and enhanced rider comfort.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were
also used to design the efficient, aerodynamic shapes of the radiator
cowlings, which direct radiator heat away from the rider.
The fairing incorporates a six-bulb headlight
system for brilliant road illumination at night. Two bulbs are
illuminated in daylight running mode for enhanced visibility in traffic.
LED turn signals are incorporated in the
aerodynamic mirror housings where their placement and brilliance are
more visible to other drivers.
Rider Interface
The Buell 1125R offers an athletic rider
position with a foot peg location that provides 50-degree lean clearance
in cornering situations.
Quiet Zone cockpit aerodynamics optimizes air
flow around the rider.
Brake and clutch hand controls are adjustable
for reach.
Foot controls (brake and shifter) feature toe
pegs that adjust to rider foot size.
Wiring harness is pre-wired for accessory
heated hand grips.
Instrument cluster features:
Large analog tachometer
Digital speedometer on an LED screen visible within a 50-degree angle of
view
ODIS (Onboard Diagnostic Information System) displays service codes
Four-digit security code system immobilizes the ignition
Lap timer and splits
Ambient air temperature
Coolant temperature
Two trip odometers
Instantaneous miles per gallon
Average miles per gallon
Low fuel indication with trip count
Buell 1125R Colors
Bodywork: Midnight Black Wheels: Diamond Blue Frame and Swingarm:
Diamond Blue Engine Trim: Fusion Bronze
|
