Erik Buell's clean-sheet engine
Liquid-cooled, 2008
Buell had used Harley Sportster engines since 1983. The 1125R in 2008 was Erik Buell's clean-sheet engine programme — Rotax (Austrian) built liquid-cooled 72° V-twin, 1125cc, 146bhp claimed at 9,800rpm, 110Nm peak torque. Modern engine, modern fueling, modern reliability. Combined with Buell's signature ZTL perimeter brake and fuel-in-frame, this was meant to be the bike that would let Buell properly compete with Italian and Japanese superbikes.
Why only 2 years
Harley shut Buell 2009
Harley-Davidson made the strategic decision in October 2009 to kill Buell as part of post-recession restructuring. Buell had been running at small loss for years, and HD wanted to focus on cruiser core business. The 1125R had only been on sale for 18 months when it was killed. Total production: ~5,000 1125Rs and ~3,000 1125CR (naked) — extremely rare.
Buell relaunched 2021
1190 platform survives
Buell relaunched in 2021 under new ownership using the 1190 platform technology (which evolved from the 1125R Rotax engine). The 2021+ Hammerhead 1190 is essentially a modernised descendant. Erik Buell is no longer involved — sold his rights when HD shut Buell in 2009. New Buell brand has different vibes from Erik Buell era.
vs Aprilia RSV1000R (contemporary)
Different price point
RSV1000R (2004-2009) was Italian, V-twin, sport-focused. 1125R was American, V-twin, sport-focused but with Buell's signature engineering. Both made 130-146bhp peak. RSV1000R sold in much higher volumes. 1125R is rarer and arguably more interesting from an engineering standpoint.
Real cost trajectory (used)
+30% since 2020
$11,499 1125R in 2008 ($17,200 today). Used market 2020: $4-6k for clean. Used market 2026: $6-9k for clean low-mile. Significant appreciation as collectible status emerges. Pay attention to fuel pump pickup (2008 model year fix), reg/rec, fork seals. Total production was tiny — find the right one.
Rider aids count
Minimal but present
1125R had FI and optional ABS (2009 model) — that's it. No TC, no ride modes, no electronics. Compare to 2026 Aprilia RSV4 Factory: cornering ABS, TC, launch control, anti-wheelie, IMU, full TFT. The 1125R was at the start of the modern electronics era and didn't survive long enough to gain proper rider aids.
Cheapest way in
$6k
A clean Buell 1125R from 2008-2009. 146bhp Rotax V-twin, ZTL perimeter brake, signature Erik Buell engineering. The most modern of all Erik Buell bikes — most likely to keep value as collectible. Pay attention to fuel pump (2008 fix), reg/rec, suspension condition. Service support is limited — parts mostly through specialist dealers in 2026.
