Buell 1125R Sportbike Contender: Hot News
The Buell Motorcycle Company recently announced its first super-bike category model with the all-new 1125R. The Buell 1125R joins the XB and Blast as a third and distinct Buell motorcycle platform. The 1125R is powered by a 1125cc DOHC 72-degree V-Twin Helicon engine, the first liquid-cooled engine to power a street-legal Buell motorcycle. This Austrian-made engine, designed to Buell specs and exclusive to Buell, was born out of a collaborative effort between Buell and BRP-Rotax. Rated at 146 crankshaft horsepower with 82 lb-ft of torque, it will be the most powerful street-legal engine ever offered by Buell, delivering broad, usable power up to its 10,500-rpm limit.
The engine is cradled in a new rigid aluminum, fuel-in-the-frame Buell Intuitive Response Chassis. 47mm inverted forks support the front wheel and the new Buell ZTL2 front brake, which features an eight-piston caliper based on the brake developed for the Buell XBRR racing motorcycle. A smooth-shifting, six-speed transmission is mated to a new Hydraulic Vacuum Assist Slipper Action clutch that uses engine vacuum to boost clutch-lever action and to provide a “slipper” effect when the engine is downshifted at speed.
The Buell 1125R is available with Midnight Black bodywork, Diamond Blue wheels, Diamond Blue frame and swingarm, and Fusion Bronze engine trim.
The Buell 1125R is expected to arrive in Buell dealerships in late 2007. For more information on Buell motorcycles or to find a dealer nearest you, check out www.buell.com.
S&S;’s Gold Anniversary
2008 marks the 50th Anniversary of S&S; Cycle Inc. The 50-year celebration will feature 50 builders and bikes using 50 special S&S; engines competing for a $50,000 Grand Prize. In addition to six of their present motors, including the new X-Wedge, a special engine will be announced on October 1st. These 50 engines will wear serial numbers starting at 1958 and running through 2008 while the 51st will go into a commemorative S&S; project bike.
Held in La Crosse, WI, the three-day mini-festival and bike show is tentatively scheduled for June 28-30, 2008. Try to join S&S; Cycle for their 50-year celebration as the second and third generation of Smith family members honor the legacy of speed that founder George Smith started. Information and updates can be found at www.sscycle.com.
Put Yourself In The Harley- Davidson Museum
Scheduled to open next summer, the Harley-Davidson Museum is inviting riders to become a real part of the museum. Literally. With the Living the Legend program, H-D fans can customize a stainless steel rivet with a name and personal message that will be incorporated into curved steel walls and special plazas on the grounds of the Harley-Davidson Museum. Rivets are available in three or six-inch sizes with recipients able to view their rivets displayed at the Museum upon completion.
For years to come, visitors can feel the Harley-Davidson pride and history when they explore the collection of personal messages on the grounds. The Living the Legend walls and plazas will display thousands of stories, experiences, and connections
To make sure your rivet is there, act by December 31, 2007. Currently under construction near downtown Milwaukee at 6th and Canal Streets, the Museum also will be a part of the 105th Anniversary celebration, taking place August 28-31, 2008, in Milwaukee, WI. For more information and to customize your rivets visit www.h-dmuseum.com/livingthelegend.
11,000 Motorcyclists Roll into J&P; Cycles
This past June under cloudy skies, thousands of bikes lined up for over half a mile outside of J&P; Cycles’ Anamosa, IA, headquarters. All of that traffic was to celebrate the success of J&P; and their 28th annual Open House and to join in J&P; Cycles’ yearly Customer Appreciation festivities.
“We just can’t believe it,” said J&P; Cycles President John Parham, “We had hoped to match last years number of 10,000 people, but with the not-so-perfect weather we figured people might stay away. So to have an even larger crowd that last year was just amazing. We just can’t tell you how thrilling it is to have so many customers join us.”
J&P;’s Open House hosts more than 60 manufacturers and distributors displaying their latest parts and accessories. Arlen Ness, Biker’s Choice, Drag Specialties, Kryakyn, Parts Unlimited, S&S; Cycle, Avon Tires, Memphis Shades, Mustang, Bassani Exhaust, Performance Machine, and Custom Chrome all participated in the event. As in past years, a silent auction was also held to raise money for the National Motorcycle Museum in downtown Anamosa. Manufacturers and distributors donated over 60 items to be auctioned off, raising over $4,600.00 for the museum.
Plans are already in the works for the 29th annual J&P; Cycles Open House happening on June 28, 2008. Log onto www.jpcycles.com for more info.