🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Buell

Model:

1125

Model Variant:

1125R / 1125CR

Year:

2008

Country Of Origin:

USA

Engine Code:

Helicon (Liquid-Cooled, 72° V-Twin)

Vin Code Year:

8

👋 Introduction

Buell Positioning:

Buell motorcycles, particularly the 1125 series, were positioned as performance-oriented sportbikes with unique chassis designs and Harley-Davidson V-twin engines (albeit highly modified by Buell).

Competitors 2008:

Competed against other European and Japanese sportbikes in its class, such as Ducati 1098, Yamaha R1, Honda CBR1000RR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

Unique Buell Features:

Zero-degree, liquid-cooled V-twin engine (Helicon), frame-integrated fuel tank (Uni-Frame), perimeter front brake rotor, under-seat exhaust (on some models), and advanced chassis dynamics.

Owner Benefit:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving significant costs and enabling a deeper understanding and connection with their motorcycle.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive service, maintenance, diagnostics, and repair for the 2008 Buell 1125 series.

Page Count:

Estimated 700-900 pages (typical for full workshop manuals of this era and complexity). Actual count not specified.

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Compatibility:

All PCs and MACs

Software Requirement:

Adobe Acrobat Reader (FREE)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System:

Full engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, tuning, and troubleshooting. Includes details on the Helicon engine architecture, valve train, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection, and ignition.

Transmission System:

Clutch operation, gearbox inspection and repair, drive belt inspection and replacement, final drive maintenance.

Chassis And Suspension:

Front forks (showa or similar), rear shock absorber, swingarm, steering head bearings, wheel bearing maintenance and replacement.

Brake System:

Front and rear brake system overhaul, hydraulic fluid replacement, caliper and master cylinder service, rotor inspection.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting electrical faults, battery maintenance, starter motor, alternator, lighting systems, ECU diagnostics, sensor testing.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, throttle body service, evaporative emissions control system.

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, thermostat, coolant replacement, pressure testing.

Bodywork And Trim:

Fairing removal and installation, seat, fuel tank, fenders, and other body component service.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Extensive diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues, including fault code interpretation (if applicable).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant changes, brake fluid flush, drive belt inspection and adjustment.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components, from engine rebuilds to electrical system fixes.

Tuning And Adjustment:

Information on engine tuning, idle speed adjustment, throttle cable adjustment, and other performance-related adjustments.

Troubleshooting Guide:

Systematic approach to diagnosing problems with clear symptom-to-cause correlations.

Depth Of Information:

Extremely detailed, covering everything from basic rider maintenance to full engine and gearbox overhauls. Utilizes the same information as certified technicians.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Includes detailed diagrams, exploded views, and illustrations to visually guide repair procedures.

Special Tools:

Identifies any specialized tools required for specific procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Searchable text functionality allows for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual as needed.

Quality Of Scans:

Assumed to be high-quality scans or digitally generated PDFs for clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format - no physical binding)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format - no physical paper type)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Liquid-cooled, 72° V-Twin, DOHC, 8 valves

Engine Name:

Helicon

Displacement:

1125 cc (68.6 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

103 mm x 67 mm (4.06 in x 2.64 in)

Compression Ratio:

12.3:1

Horsepower:

Approx. 125 hp @ 7500 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 83 ft-lbs @ 7500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with dual throttle bodies

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (R+M)/2 (95 RON) or higher recommended.

Oil Type:

Buell Semi-Synthetic 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (or equivalent API SG or higher rated oil).

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.5 quarts (3.3 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

50/50 mixture of Buell Coolant and distilled water.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed constant mesh

Clutch Type:

Wet, multi-plate, hydraulic actuation

Final Drive:

Vee-Twin drive belt, 132 tooth, 14mm pitch (specific part number would be in manual)

Transmission Oil Type:

Buell Transmission Fluid or Harley-Davidson Formula + (or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil).

Transmission Oil Capacity:

Approx. 1.0 quart (0.95 liters)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

58.6 inches (1488 mm)

Length:

86.3 inches (2192 mm)

Width:

30.5 inches (775 mm)

Seat Height:

30.5 inches (775 mm)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 413 lbs (187 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 830 lbs (376 kg)

Fuel Capacity:

4.5 gallons (17 liters) - integrated into frame

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Certifications:

Complies with relevant motorcycle safety standards of its time. Specific crash test ratings typically not provided for motorcycles in the same way as cars.

Braking System:

Dual front 320mm discs with 4-piston calipers (peripherally mounted), single rear 240mm disc with 2-piston caliper.

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, LED tail lights and turn signals.

Frame Design:

Buell's patented Uni-Frame (cast aluminum frame acting as fuel reservoir and oil tank).

💡 Technology Features

Instrumentation:

Digital instrument cluster with tachometer, speedometer, odometer, trip meters, clock, fuel gauge, and diagnostic indicators.

ABS Availability:

ABS was an optional feature on some 2008 models.

ECU Interface:

ECU (Engine Control Unit) management for fuel injection and ignition. Manual will cover diagnostic port access and potential tuning parameters.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Specific interval may vary, consult manual for precise recommendation).

Drive Belt Inspection:

Inspect tension and condition every 5,000 miles (8,000 km). Replace as needed.

Coolant Change:

Every 2 years or 20,000 miles (32,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Check at 10,000 miles (16,000 km), replace as needed. (Specific plug type and gap are detailed in the manual).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 High Performance Hydraulic Fluid.

Fork Oil Type:

Show's S.A.E. 0W-20 suspension fluid or equivalent.

Common Wear Items:

Drive belt wear, clutch slave cylinder seal leaks, regulator/rectifier failures, fueling system issues due to ethanol content in fuel (depending on fuel quality).

Troubleshooting Focus Areas:

EFI system diagnostics, ignition timing, engine overheating (if cooling system is compromised), electrical gremlins.

📚 Vehicle History

Buell Foundation:

Founded by former Harley-Davidson engineer Erik Buell, known for innovative chassis design and integration of Harley-Davidson V-twin engines into sportbike platforms.

1125 Development:

The 1125 series marked a significant departure for Buell, utilizing a liquid-cooled Rotax-designed (but Buell-specified) engine instead of their air-cooled Evolution Sportster-based engines. This was a strategic move to compete more directly with Japanese and European sportbikes.

1125 Models:

The 1125R (R for Racing) was the faired sportbike, while the 1125CR (CR for Cafe Racer) featured a minimalist cafe racer styling with a flyscreen instead of a full fairing.

Buell Production Period:

Buell Motorcycle Company was in operation from 1983 to 2009, with the 1125 series being produced from 2008 to 2009.

Manufacturing Location:

East Troy, Wisconsin, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognition:

While specific 'awards' are difficult to pinpoint for this model, the Buell 1125 series was generally lauded by the press for its unique engineering, powerful engine, and sharp handling, despite a more niche market appeal.

Performance Reviews:

Received positive reviews for its braking performance (due to the perimeter front rotor) and the character of its V-twin engine.