The Buell 1125R captured my imagination long before its release which, unfortunately, was quite the anticlimax. Not ready when it was released, Buell was still struggling with quality issues on early models. On paper of course, this is an awe inspiring machine, but put to the test of most riders is left wanting more… something.

Whether its performance or handling you want, the Buell delivers, as I found out on my hour and a half test ride around Kent on the Café Racer 1125cr. With the red arrows overhead and a heavy police presence around Biggin Hill air show it was difficult to focus on the growling twin’s true character, but once I left the confines of the M25, all became clear. On the road the rotax engine seemed endlessly capable, a slipper clutch allowing any corner to be approached in the right cog with a satisfying munch down through the gears. Passing is a dream with standard controls and a typically Buell short wheelbase to ensure this beast is as agile as it is powerful. Mind that giant front disc however as it does have a tendency to dive hard under braking, unsurprising with 8 pot callipers!

On the Motorway I expected the same easy life format but Buell have failed to generate any wind protection and the term ‘naked bike’ really does feel relevant. The power is there, as is the stability, but rider comfort around a ton is poor. The main consolation the Buell Café Racer gets is that if you’re to own an 1125, having no fairing will probably save your license time and time again. I thoroughly enjoyed my Saturday morning on the Buell and am intending to give the R the motorway treatment in a future post.

So, My Ideal bike list could look like this… I think.

Class C
Triumph Café Racer
Triumph Scrambler
Ducati 748
Ducati 900 Superlight
SV1000S

Class B
Moto Guzzi Café racer
Ducati 916
Triumph Daytona 675

Class A
Ducati Sport Classic 1000
New Norton commando 951
Vincent Black shadow
Honda Classic Café racer