Buell aimed to make the 1125R...
Buell aimed to make the 1125R a lethal track weapon.
Previous Buells demand constant use of the clutch to get the gears engaged, but that's all changed now with the new engine. It's even got a unique slipper-style clutch that functions off the natural manifold vacuum-at closed throttle the vacuum is high and creates pressure on the outside of the clutch, which reduces clutch load. At higher revs the vacuum is lower and reduces the amount of pressure (and slip). Following our road test we hit Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to really see what the 1125R has to offer, and quickly learned that the slipper clutch worked well and helped minimize rear lock-up several times after selecting a gear too low during heavy braking.
The side-mounted radiators add to the bike's somewhat odd styling, but also apparently aid in crash protection. Several bikes went down on both the road and track, and despite their seemingly vulnerable positioning the radiators came away without a scratch. In fact, they absorbed much of the impact while there was minimal destruction elsewhere other than mild plastic rash.
Once some of the pre-production bugs are ironed out Buell should have quite a competent road and trackday bike for those looking for something unique (and American). Though it had some fueling quirks on the road, what V-twin doesn't? Most Italian twins seem to have a mind of their own anyway, and this American version also likes its independence.
Some serious backroad scratching showed that the 1125R is capable of serious battle, but just how bloody will it get? The 1125R isn't going to ace the likes of a Ducati 1098 around the circuit, but it should stick with it on the road just fine. It could be quite the killer with some aftermarket mods and suspension set-up. The 1125R is a huge step forward for Buell and American motorcycles.
Uncorking Laguna Seca
I couldn't wait to spin through the world-famous Corkscrew. After spending countless hours killing it on Playstation's MotoGP II I was ready-or so I thought. The lead up to it is a flat-out blind hill climb, and just as the curbing appears it's time to bury the brakes and get ready to slam it left and over the cliff-and it literally feels like you've just ridden off the edge of the Earth.
Needless to say it's one of the most exciting corners anywhere, and I was literally howling inside my helmet as I went over it and down the chute. Luckily I had MotoGP star Jeremy McWilliams to lead me through, but I still found it hard to trust there was going to be road beneath me. With each lap I was convinced that the asphalt gremlins had yanked away the road on the other side of the curbing, but to get it right you must ignore instinct and take the plunge.