2008 Buell 1125R 25th Anniversary Edition
SOLD
THIS UNIT HAS SOLD AND IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
Description
2008 BUELL 1125R 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION – ERIK BUELL SIGNATURE SERIES – 146 HP ROTAX V-TWIN – 15,900 MILES – EXCEPTIONAL ORIGINAL CONDITION!
A LEGENDARY AMERICAN SUPERBIKE! 25TH ANNIVERSARY ERIK BUELL SIGNATURE EDITION! 146 HORSEPOWER! ROTAX HELICON V-TWIN! AMA CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING HERITAGE! FULLY SERVICED AND READY TO RIDE!
Kaplan Cycles is proud to offer this spectacular 2008 Buell 1125R 25th Anniversary Edition, an exceptionally well-preserved example of one of the most innovative American sport motorcycles ever produced.
With just 15,900 miles, gorgeous gloss black bodywork, a distinctive dark metallic blue aluminum frame and matching wheels, this motorcycle presents beautifully. It looks remarkably close to showroom condition and represents an outstanding opportunity for a Buell enthusiast, serious collector, or rider looking for a truly unique American superbike.
This is no ordinary sport motorcycle. The 1125R represents the culmination of more than 25 years of Erik Buell's relentless pursuit of motorcycle engineering excellence. With its revolutionary chassis, fuel-in-frame construction, mass-centralization technology, extraordinary perimeter braking system, and powerful Rotax-designed Helicon V-twin, the 1125R was unlike anything else on the road.
And this particular example is even more desirable thanks to its 25th Anniversary Erik Buell Signature Edition status, exceptional preservation, tasteful performance upgrades, and recent comprehensive servicing by the Kaplan Cycles service department.
A CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING AMERICAN SUPERBIKE
The Buell 1125R didn't just look like a race bike. It proved its capabilities against the world's best manufacturers.
In 2009, Danny Eslick rode a Buell 1125R to the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Championship, delivering Buell its first professional AMA road racing championship.
Think about that for a moment.
A relatively small American motorcycle manufacturer competing against the enormous engineering resources of the Japanese and European manufacturers—and winning a national professional road racing championship!
That achievement cemented the 1125R's place in American motorcycle racing history.
The motorcycle offered here is a beautifully preserved street example, not a former race bike. It retains its remarkable original appearance and the unmistakable character that made the championship-winning 1125R so special.
1,125CC ROTAX HELICON V-TWIN – 146 HORSEPOWER!
One of the most significant engineering achievements of the 1125R was its revolutionary engine.
For the first time, Erik Buell had the opportunity to develop a modern superbike powerplant without being constrained by the traditional Harley-Davidson Sportster-derived engine architecture used in earlier Buell models.
Working with renowned Austrian engine manufacturer Rotax, Buell developed the extraordinary 1,125cc liquid-cooled Helicon V-twin.
This compact, high-performance engine delivers a claimed 146 horsepower in factory configuration, accompanied by massive V-twin torque and a thrilling power delivery.
Additional engineering highlights include:
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1,125cc liquid-cooled, 72-degree V-twin engine
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Rotax-developed Helicon powerplant
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Dual overhead camshaft architecture
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Four valves per cylinder
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Factory-rated 146 horsepower
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Six-speed transmission
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Belt final drive
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Massive intake airbox designed for high-performance breathing
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Twin side-mounted radiators with aerodynamic airflow management
The result is an engine that delivers an absolutely intoxicating riding experience.
Roll on the throttle, and the massive torque launches the motorcycle forward with authority. Wind it through the gears, and that unmistakable Rotax V-twin produces a thrilling combination of acceleration, sound, and mechanical character.
Even nearly two decades after its introduction, the 1125R remains an incredibly exciting motorcycle to ride.
BARKER'S PERFORMANCE EXHAUST – INCREDIBLE V-TWIN SOUND!
This particular 1125R has been upgraded with a beautiful Barker's Performance aluminum exhaust system.
The Barker's exhaust complements the motorcycle's aggressive styling while delivering an absolutely fantastic V-twin exhaust note.
The sound is deep, aggressive, and unmistakable.
During our road test, this motorcycle was an absolute pleasure to ride. The combination of the 146-horsepower Helicon engine, enormous torque, exceptional handling, and phenomenal exhaust note makes it the type of machine you simply don't want to stop riding.
For enthusiasts who appreciate the mechanical soundtrack of a high-performance V-twin, this motorcycle delivers an unforgettable experience.
REVOLUTIONARY FUEL-IN-FRAME CHASSIS
Erik Buell was an engineer first, and virtually every aspect of the 1125R reflects his innovative approach to motorcycle design.
Perhaps its most impressive feature is its enormous aluminum perimeter frame.
Unlike conventional motorcycles, the 1125R carries its fuel inside the aluminum frame itself.
The bodywork that appears to be the fuel tank is actually the cover for the motorcycle's massive airbox.
This revolutionary engineering arrangement serves several important purposes.
It allows the fuel weight to be positioned lower in the chassis, provides increased space for the large-volume intake system, and helps achieve Erik Buell's fundamental design principle: centralization of mass.
By concentrating weight as close as possible to the motorcycle's center of gravity, Buell engineered a motorcycle with excellent handling, stability, and responsiveness.
Additional chassis features include:
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Massive aluminum fuel-carrying perimeter frame
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Approximately 5.3-gallon fuel capacity
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Large-volume intake airbox
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Substantial aluminum swingarm
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Low, centralized engine placement
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Compact chassis geometry
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Belt final drive
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Lightweight sportbike construction
The 1125R's frame isn't simply a structural component. It's one of the defining engineering achievements of the entire motorcycle.
BUELL ZTL EIGHT-PISTON FRONT BRAKING SYSTEM
One look at the front wheel tells you this is no ordinary superbike.
The 1125R features Erik Buell's innovative Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) perimeter front braking system.
Instead of a traditional pair of smaller brake rotors mounted near the wheel hub, Buell utilized an enormous single perimeter rotor attached near the outside edge of the front wheel.
A massive eight-piston front brake caliper provides exceptional stopping power.
The system was developed to reduce certain braking loads transmitted through the wheel while delivering powerful, consistent braking performance.
It's one of the most visually distinctive and technically fascinating braking arrangements found on a production motorcycle.
And it works!
During our road test, the stopping power was outstanding. With the incredible acceleration available from the Helicon engine, having this level of braking performance is a tremendous asset.
FULLY ADJUSTABLE SHOWA SUSPENSION
The 1125R was engineered to perform on both the street and the racetrack.
It features high-quality Showa suspension front and rear, with extensive adjustment capability to accommodate different riding styles, road conditions, and track settings.
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Fully adjustable Showa front forks
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Fully adjustable Showa rear suspension
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Massive aluminum swingarm
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Performance-oriented sportbike geometry
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Excellent stability under acceleration and braking
This was a motorcycle engineered with genuine racing capability in mind.
The combination of its rigid aluminum chassis, centralized mass, sophisticated suspension, and powerful braking system makes the 1125R an exceptionally rewarding motorcycle to ride through the corners.
AERODYNAMIC BODYWORK AND TWIN RADIATORS
The 1125R's unmistakable bodywork isn't just for appearance.
The distinctive side fairing assemblies incorporate airflow management for the twin side-mounted engine radiators.
Instead of installing a conventional large radiator directly in front of the engine, Buell positioned the cooling system along the sides of the motorcycle.
Air is directed through the fairing ducts and across the radiators, providing cooling while supporting the motorcycle's overall packaging and mass-centralization objectives.
It's another fascinating example of Erik Buell thinking outside the box.
25TH ANNIVERSARY ERIK BUELL SIGNATURE EDITION
This motorcycle celebrates an important milestone in American motorcycling.
Founded in 1983, Buell Motorcycles reached its 25th anniversary in 2008.
The 1125R was an appropriate machine to showcase that heritage—a groundbreaking American superbike featuring cutting-edge design and the first clean-sheet modern V-twin engine developed for the Buell platform.
This example features the desirable 25th Anniversary Erik Buell Signature Edition identification.
Its color combination is absolutely stunning.
The gloss black bodywork contrasts beautifully with the dark metallic blue aluminum frame and matching wheels. In certain lighting, the frame appears almost black, but in the sunlight, the subtle blue finish becomes apparent.
It's an aggressive, sophisticated appearance that suits the motorcycle perfectly.
The rear passenger-seat cowl further enhances its clean, race-inspired profile.
For collectors and dedicated Buell enthusiasts, this anniversary model offers a direct connection to one of the most important periods in the company's history.
EXCELLENT ORIGINAL SURVIVOR – 15,900 MILES!
What makes this motorcycle particularly special is its remarkable overall preservation.
With only 15,900 miles, it presents in exceptional condition for its age.
The bodywork, paint finish, frame, wheels, and overall cosmetics reflect a motorcycle that has been cared for and preserved rather than neglected or heavily modified.
It has not been represented to us as a former race or track machine, and its excellent appearance is consistent with responsible ownership.
This is the type of original survivor we love finding here at Kaplan Cycles.
The motorcycle has been inspected, serviced, professionally detailed, and road-tested by our team.
It needs nothing identified during our service inspection and is ready for its next owner to enjoy.
PERFORMANCE UPGRADES AND FEATURES
This motorcycle benefits from tasteful upgrades that enhance its riding experience while preserving its unmistakable Buell appearance.
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Barker's Performance aluminum exhaust – Outstanding aggressive V-twin sound
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Zero Gravity smoked windscreen – Sporty appearance and aerodynamic styling
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Solo-style rear passenger-seat cowl – Clean, race-inspired profile
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Dark metallic blue frame and matching wheels
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Factory 25th Anniversary Erik Buell Signature Edition identification
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2024-production Dunlop tires with approximately 100 miles of use
These additions complement the original engineering and styling without compromising the motorcycle's overall character.
RECENT KAPLAN CYCLES SERVICE – READY TO RIDE!
Our professional service department has carefully inspected and serviced this motorcycle to ensure it is ready for its next owner.
Recent work includes:
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New battery installed
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Engine oil changed
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Front brake hydraulic fluid flushed and replaced
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Rear brake hydraulic fluid flushed and replaced
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Hydraulic fluids serviced
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Final-drive belt tension checked and adjusted
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Tire pressures checked and set
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Dunlop tires inspected—approximately 100 miles of use
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Filled with BP 94-octane ethanol-free gasoline
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Complete mechanical inspection
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Professional road test
The motorcycle did not require extensive mechanical repairs because it arrived as an exceptionally well-maintained original example.
Our technicians performed the necessary maintenance and preparation to make sure the motorcycle was ready to ride and enjoy.
PROFESSIONALLY DETAILED BY KAPLAN CYCLES
Following its mechanical servicing, the motorcycle was brought into our professional detailing department.
Our team performed a thorough cosmetic preparation, including:
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Careful steam cleaning
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Complete hand washing
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Detailed cleaning of accessible components
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Paint and bodywork cleaning
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Professional waxing and finishing
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Final cosmetic inspection
The results speak for themselves.
This is a gorgeous motorcycle that presents exceptionally well, especially considering its age.
SPECIFICATIONS
Year: 2008
Manufacturer: Buell
Model: 1125R
Edition: 25th Anniversary Erik Buell Signature Edition
Mileage: Approximately 15,900 miles
Engine: 1,125cc Rotax Helicon V-twin
Cooling: Liquid-cooled
Horsepower: Factory rated at 146 HP
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Final Drive: Belt
Frame: Aluminum perimeter fuel-in-frame design
Fuel Capacity: Approximately 5.3 gallons
Front Brakes: Buell ZTL perimeter disc with eight-piston caliper
Front Suspension: Fully adjustable Showa
Rear Suspension: Fully adjustable Showa
Exhaust: Barker's Performance aluminum exhaust
Windscreen: Zero Gravity smoked windscreen
Tires: 2024 Dunlop tires, approximately 100 miles of use
Color: Gloss black with dark metallic blue frame and wheels
Condition: Excellent preserved original example, professionally serviced and detailed
A MODERN COLLECTIBLE WITH SERIOUS HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Buell 1125R represents a pivotal chapter in American motorcycle history.
It was the machine that finally allowed Erik Buell to showcase his engineering philosophy in a purpose-built, high-performance V-twin superbike.
It introduced an extraordinary new engine platform, advanced the company's innovative chassis design, and established itself as a legitimate competitor against the world's leading sport motorcycle manufacturers.
Its racing success in 2009 further confirmed what many Buell enthusiasts already knew: this was a serious performance motorcycle.
The original Helicon architecture would also help provide the foundation for the later 1190cc Buell superbike platform.
Today, surviving examples of the 1125R offer tremendous appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate unique engineering, American motorcycle history, and genuinely thrilling riding experiences.
We believe exceptionally preserved anniversary examples such as this one have strong long-term collector appeal, although future values are never guaranteed.
And unlike some collectible motorcycles that are best left on display, this one delivers an absolutely sensational experience on the road.
It's a motorcycle you can admire in your collection, take to a motorcycle show, or ride through the mountains on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.
WHY BUY THIS BUELL FROM KAPLAN CYCLES?
At Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum, motorcycles aren't simply inventory. They're our passion.
We've spent decades riding, collecting, servicing, restoring, and preserving exceptional motorcycles, including some of the finest American performance machines ever built.
We have a special appreciation for the engineering achievements of Erik Buell and the motorcycles that bear his name.
This 25th Anniversary 1125R is exactly the type of machine we enjoy offering our customers.
It's an outstanding example of an important motorcycle, with tasteful upgrades, excellent original cosmetics, low mileage for its age, and professional mechanical preparation.
FINANCING AVAILABLE!
We offer financing options for qualified buyers.
NATIONWIDE SHIPPING AVAILABLE!
We can arrange licensed, insured, enclosed motorcycle transportation throughout the continental United States.
Whether you're across Connecticut or across the country, our team can assist in making your purchase and delivery experience as convenient as possible.
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!
If you've been searching for an exceptional Buell 1125R, this is one you should seriously consider.
2008 BUELL 1125R – 25TH ANNIVERSARY ERIK BUELL SIGNATURE EDITION!
146 HORSEPOWER!
ROTAX HELICON V-TWIN!
AMA CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING MODEL HERITAGE!
15,900 MILES!
BARKER'S PERFORMANCE EXHAUST!
ZERO GRAVITY SMOKED WINDSCREEN!
NEAR-NEW DUNLOP TIRES!
NEW BATTERY AND FRESH SERVICE!
EXCEPTIONAL ORIGINAL CONDITION!
PROFESSIONALLY DETAILED AND READY TO RIDE!
We've priced this motorcycle affordably to give its next owner an opportunity to enjoy one of the most innovative and historically significant American superbikes of its generation.
Whether you're a dedicated Buell collector, an American motorcycle enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a unique and exhilarating performance machine, this spectacular 1125R deserves your attention.
Contact Kaplan Cycles today with any questions or to arrange your purchase.
Thank you for watching, and as always—
God Bless America!
KAPLAN CYCLES
NEW ENGLAND MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM
Rockville, Connecticut
WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?
“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.
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• museum-level inspection & preservation services
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From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.
Sincerely,
Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”
AUCTION TERMS:
All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.
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Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.
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Warranty:
All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.
SHIPPING:
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PICKUP:
We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.
We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.






























