1125R ... Feels smaller than it looksHERE'S a shot of Buell's new 1125R, away from the flattering lights of the brochure photographer's studio.
I'm interested in this bike, more than most of the new bikes to be launched in 2008. Why? Because it's a large step forward into what Buell have been promising for years. They've moved away from Harley engines to a new water-cooled Rotax engine, producing an estimated 140bhp.
Sitting on the 1125R, I was keen to get a feel for what the riding position would be like. The whole bike feels smaller than it looks. It's quite aggressive, more-so than any previous Buell I've ridden and there's certainly weight on your wrists. One thing that concerned me was my heels rubbing on the pillion peg hangers, let's hope that doesn't happen when I ride it.
It's a shame Buell couldn't get the styling right. They have done so well with previous bikes, but while this aerodynamic fairing might help you squeeze out a few more miles an hour, it's not going to help it win more admirers in its new post-Harley powered era.
