The Buell 1125R
Test Driven by David Lilly

This technically advanced super motorcycle built by Harley-Davidson is truly a leader in the pack of sport bikes available today. The first thing you notice after ogling the futuristic body shell is the almost 'stand-up' riding position. Eric Buell, the maker of this flagship bike is quoted as saying, "this bike is built from the rider down." Buell chose this year, the 25th Anniversary as the year to unleash this monster signature bike. This liquid cooled 72-degree angle 1125cc bike provides all the power you will need. Combine that amount of power and the handling/cornering power of a dirt bike and you get the most thrilling ride of your life. Secondly, you are mesmerized by the unique growl of the engine. Reminiscent of the Harley patented sound, just a slight rev of the engine will turn the heads of even the best of riders. The prominent sound gives the rider an extra sense of visibility allowing for a more confidant ride.

I was told while attending southern California's infamous Bike-Night by a fellow Buell 1125R rider that the bike does 140 mph easily. He reported that the only thing that blew by him on the way to Las Vegas was the 1300 Hayabusa.

Although this bike is way too powerful for a beginning rider it is very simple to master because of the rider friendly design. The in-frame aluminum gas tank holds 5.6 gallons allows for even weight distribution of liquids.  "You got to feed all those horses." Once you fire this bad-boy up and cruise the Malibu canyons you will notice how effortlessly the bike handles. It's as if the bike is on auto-pilot, just point your head in the direction of the curve ahead of you and the bike just puts you where you want to be.  Then tuck yourself in the quiet zone of the 1125R and you will notice the aero-dynamic design that deflects the wind off the rider. I felt zero body-wind drag at moderate highway speeds. As for acceleration; 1st gear shot me to 50 mph in a gentle twist, second and third can easily lift the front end at any speed; hence the hydraulic clutch. Buell knew that and provided one of the best braking systems out; ZTL 8 piston fixed caliper. Notice the full wheel brake caliper in front.  I could literally stop this 375 lbs beast on a dime.

The onboard diagnostic information system features next-generation technology. Along with the digital speed-o readout the display also tells the outside temperature as well as the bike's core temp; security system; time of day and a host of other neat functions. Overall this futuristic, sexy looking machine will get you noticed at every stoplight and gets you celebrity attention at all the notable bike spots. Oh and this bike rocks too. Visit www.buell.com for more info. MSRP $11,995