Eric Buell founded the company that bears his name in the late 1980s on very much the same idea. He took Sportster engines and mounted them in exotic sport-style chassis, which resulted in bikes that were decidedly different than anything then being offered.
Since that time, the Sportster engines Buell uses have been treated to significant changes that result in greatly increased power, but the chassis designs remain that of a high-riding "crotch rocket" sportbike.
So what John Dawson did was take a Buell motorcycle and swap its tall, sportbike chassis for a low-slung hardtail frame by MC Worx. The original Buell forks d Barke were refitted, and John adapted a host of new hardware to create a low-slung bullet. Chief among them is a small bikini fairing incorporating twin headlights.
The result is a machine that bridges the rather wide gap between sportbikes and choppers. But in simplicity of design and unique treatment, John just did Eric Buell one better.
The Buell line is expanding on the 1125R with the new Buell 1125CR "cafe racer," a more street oriented version with lower gearing and a flyscreen instead of the higher fairing. The engine has been tweaked slightly with new fuel and spark maps, the new maps will be available for the '08 1125R. Judging from the 1125R's performance so far on the track, this 1125CR should be a real contender on the street.
Buell brings superbike performance to the streetfighter category in 2009 with the introduction of the 1125CR, a new model featuring a modern interpretation of “café racer” styling and the power of the Buell Helicon 1125 liquid-cooled V-Twin engine. The 1125CR is one of nine 2009 Buell Sportbike, Streetfighter, Adventure Sportbike and Blast models
Part superbike and part streetfighter, the 1125CR is my vision of a 21st century café racer,” said Erik Buell, chairman and chief technical officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. “It’s got Clubman-style bars and a flyscreen instead of a fairing. Then we geared it down to optimize acceleration. With a class-leading weight-to-horsepower ratio, the 1125CR takes streetfighter performance to a new level.”
Also new for 2009 on the 1125R and 1125CR models are targeted fuel injectors, relocated O2 sensors, and updated engine spark and fuel maps. The combination of these features offers improved drivability below 6000 rpm, even crisper throttle response, improved heat management, and significantly improved fuel economy. The updated engine spark and fuel maps will also be made available for 2008 1125R models.
With a dry weight of 375 pounds, the 1125CR is the lightest liter-class streetfighter on the market, and combined with 146 horsepower, it offers the best weight-to-horsepower ratio in the category.
Buell Ulysses XB12XT model was introduced today as the second model in the Buell Ulysses family of adventure sportbikes.
Below is the press release from Buell:
Boasting the intuitive handling and tremendous torque that Buell has come to symbolize, the XB12XT creates a stirring sport riding experience on a capable long-distance motorcycle. Based on the Buell Ulysses adventure sport bike, the XB12XT features a specially-tuned shorter travel suspension and lower standard seat height, standard tall windscreen, Pirelli Strada sport touring tires and standard lockable top box and side luggage cases.
"The XB12XT will dish out considerable comfort and potent performance at every turn," said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer at Buell Motorcycle Company. "The new suspension and many other features will let riders and passengers enjoy this motorcycle on all kinds of
