Buell Race Success! - Harley Forum

Buzz Kanter · #1 03-27-2008, 03:37 PM

Press Release From Harley-Davidson/Buell

BUELL ON PODIUM AT HOCKENHEIM 1000
New 1125R Makes German Racing Debut on Easter Weekend

Cologne, Germany (March 25, 2008) –The brand-new Buell 1125R delivered a stunning debut at the start of the German racing season on Easter Saturday, posting 2nd and 5th place finishes on Hockenheim’s demanding Grand Prix circuit.

Over the past 33 years, the 1000-km of Hockenheim has not only become the established prelude to the German motorcycle racing season, the traditional endurance race is also considered the most important German production-based racing event for motorcycles. This year, BMW and KTM each supplied selected teams with extensive factory support, both competing in Class 4 for four-stroke motorcycles of unlimited displacement with three cylinders or less that features the best and most popular riders. No fewer than four BMW HP2 Sports and five KTM RC 8s claimed chances to win in a grid of 32 motorbikes that also held numerous Ducatis and Aprilias.

But as it turned out, others were to provide the true sensation on March 22nd – the only two competing Buell 1125R, entered into the race by the Buell dealers of Bonn and Hannover. Both bikes had only arrived in Germany three days before Easter, but despite minimal preparation, caused a stir right from the start with scorching lap times at low ambient temperatures on a dry track. In the sprint race over 14 laps, riders Axel Reimann and Ray Buchmann realized the 1125R’s full potential and left nearly the whole field behind, beaten only by the factory supported BMW under former Moto GP racer Jürgen Fuchs and professional racer Marcus Barth.

Volker Schirmer, manager of Buell Hannover, could not disguise his enthusiasm over his team’s second place finish. “I am absolutely ecstatic. The 1125R is a quantum leap in output and performance. The 146hp twin-cylinder engine, developed by Rotax to Buell specifications, is a perfect match for the best chassis that Erik Buell has ever designed.”

After coming in fifth, riders Julius Ilmberger and Martin Kratzer were also delighted with the new Buell. “With slightly harder tires, our chances would have been even better,” said Andreas Binner, boss of Buell Bonn. “But even so, I am really happy – my boys have done a fantastic job, and the 1125R is up for success.”

Majicbringer · #2 03-28-2008, 12:46 AM

That's great news, but it falls a bit flat for me as it wasn't with the Sporty motor.

But stil, nice to see an American bike kicking some ass out there that isn't a bunch of other Buells.

hdnt1550 · #3 03-28-2008, 11:01 PM

American bike with a german motor in germany.

But it is good to see buell do well in racing with the bike being so new. Maybe now buell can get some respect among the sportbike crowed thats been a long time coming.

texan321 · #4 03-30-2008, 09:39 AM

This is great news -I hope they can bring that success to the states..

Majicbringer · #5 03-30-2008, 09:41 AM

I just hope that all the Buells don't end up with Rotax motors. They'd loose the whole point of them being Buells and not just another import sportsbike. Not that I think they would, but it'd be a damn shame if they did.

hdnt1550 · #6 04-24-2008, 08:25 PM

I don't think it would be a shame. It would actualy make them competitve in the market they are in. The are still an american motorcycle. It would be really cool if they could design a motor like that by themselves but I think those days are over. It is far less expensive to outsource.

It is wierd the "Motor Company" out sourcing motors.

EZE RIDER · #7 04-24-2008, 10:35 PM

They have a video section where Eric Buell ( The man who designed the touring line for Harley) Explains his ideas on building motorcycles. I liked it. You can go to the Buell site and check it out for yourself if you click right here.