2009 Buell 1125CR Introduction - Motorcycle.com
New 2009 Buell 1125CR
Buell took a page from the simplicity of design of the XB streetfighter models and applied the iconic stripped-down philosophy to the company’s first and only liquid-cooled sportbike, the 1125R. Called the 1125CR, this nearly-identical sibling of the racier-looking 1125R loses the big fairing/windscreen found on that bike in favor of a minimalist flyscreen sitting atop on new, single piece headlight. The new Buell also has slightly lower (about 8% from the 1125R) final drive gearing for improved acceleration according to Buell materials. We say that means even easier wheelies. Everything else on 1125CR is carried over from the 1125R.
We can easily imagine the C stands for café as Erik Buell gives his insight on the bike. “Part superbike and part streetfighter, the 1125CR is my vision of a 21st century café racer,” said Buell. “It’s got Clubman-style bars and a flyscreen instead of a fairing...”
Something the CR version of the 1125 will receive that the R version will also get is targeted fuel injectors, relocated O2 sensors, and updated engine spark and fuel maps. A day late in our book. Drats! Okay, we’re miffed we didn’t wait a little longer to test a 2009 1125R; the test unit in our recently published 2008 Oddball Literbike Comparison suffered from poor fueling at small throttle openings. But, we’re glad Buell was listening to those in the press as well as 1125R customers with similar issues! If these revisions clear up the rough running problems of the 1125R, and now 1125CR, these machines should be an even bigger hit than they already are (or hopefully will be in the CR’s case). Best of all is that this fix will be available for existing 1125R machines from 2008. Get to your Buell dealer ASAP if you got a bummer!
According to Buell materials this fix will provide “improved drivability below 6000 rpm, even crisper throttle response, improved heat management, and significantly improved fuel economy.”
2009 Updates for XB line
Buell XB Lightning Streetfighters, powered by an air/oil/fan-cooled Thunderstorm V-Twin, get a new look thanks to a blacked-out frame, forks, engine and other components. Lightning models powered by the Thunderstorm 1203 engine upgrade to the Buell ZTL2 front brake with four-pad, eight-piston caliper, a design that debuted on the 1125R in 2008. The XB12Ss gets fitted with the same supermoto-inspired suspension as the 2008 XB12STT, and the new seat on the 2009 XB9SX lowers the seat height by 1.3 inches to 30.1 inches.
The race-bike-like XB12R enjoys these same updates as well as new Pirelli Diablo Corsa III tires.
All 2009 Buell XB models will be fitted with a new, more durable Veyance Hibrex drive belt with Flexten Plus technology, the same belt technology that was originally developed for the Buell 1125R.
2009 Updates for Ulysses and Ulysses Short
The sport-touring Buell Ulysses XB12XT, introduced mid-year 2008, joins the versatile, all-road Ulysses XB12X in the 2009 Buell Adventure Sportbike category. Both models feature new aluminum footpegs with an aggressive “sawtooth” pattern. The new Buell Ulysses Police XB12XP is a “special duty” motorcycle intended for government agencies and private security firms requiring a quick and nimble pursuit-and-patrol vehicle capable of travel over a variety of road surfaces. It comes equipped with a special wiring harness for easy installation of an Emergency Response Kit, which includes special compact, hard-shell top and side cases, a siren, and LED police pursuit lamps.
2009 Blast gets new paint, and two Buells go the way of the dodo
For 2009, the Blast is offered in new Sunfire Yellow, and Midnight Black, both with Stardust Silver wheels. Lastly, the Lightning XB12S and Lightning Super TT XB12STT will not be produced for 2009. Too bad on the SuperTT, that was a fun bike.
Related Reading
2008 Oddball Literbikes Comparison: Benelli Tornado Tre 1130 vs. Buell 1125R vs. Ducati 1098S
First Ride: 2008 Buell 1125R
2008 Buell Ulysses XB12XT Review
2007 Buell Lightning XB12STT
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