2008 Buell 1125R Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 16, 2013 · 6 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 1125R years
Not enough data 2nd of 3 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Buell 1125R. That ranks 2nd out of 3 1125R model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (3 complaints, 50%), typically at around 1,060 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2008 Buell 1125R problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Power Train3 · ~1,060 mi
Electrical System1 · ~4,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Suspension1 · ~21,000 mi
Vehicle Speed Control1 · ~13,184 mi
Wheels1 · ~21,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Power Train350%1,060——
Electrical System117%4,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling117%———
Suspension117%21,000——
Vehicle Speed Control117%13,184——
Wheels117%21,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2011, with 2 complaints
2010: 1201012011: 2201122012: 2201222013: 120131

n = 6 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2008 Buell 1125R recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Service brakes, hydraulicApr 2, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V109000 · 3,316 vehicles

Problem: Buell distribution company is recalling 3,316 my 2008 1125r, my 2009 xb12r and xb12scg motorcycles. The subject motorcycles have a front brake line which may contact the front tire. The condition could cause a hole to develop in the front brake line, allowing brake fluid to leak.

Risk: This condition might cause an ineffective front brake, leading to a possible crash and potential injury or death of the rider.

Fix: Dealers will re-route the front brake line. If damage to the brake line has occurred, the brake line will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before april 20, 2009. Owners may contact buell distribution company at 1-414-343-8400.

Power train:clutch assemblyJun 16, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V267000 · 1,579 vehicles

Problem: Buell is recalling 1,579 my 2008 1125r motorcycles. These vehicles can experience 5th gear galling on the clutch shaft due to lack of lubrication. This condition can allow the gear to seize to the shaft, resulting in rear wheel lock-up.

Risk: This could result in a crash, which could cause injury or death to the rider.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the affected motorcycles free of charge. The recall began on june 23, 2008. Owners may contact buell motorcycles at 1-414-343-8400.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Motorcycle Stalling (PE12035) — opened Nov 16, 2012, closed Apr 16, 2013.
  • Sudden fuel expulsion (PE10004) — opened Jan 25, 2010, closed May 10, 2010.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 buell 1125r motorcycle. The contact stated that the vehicle would shake violently when completing a turn. The contact was driving an unknown speed when the rear wheel seized and the wheel bearings became detached from the vehicle. In addition, the front fork seals were…

Wheels · received Feb 28, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10500807

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 buell motorcycle 1125r. The contact stated that the clutch leaked hydraulic fluid due to a defective lever that caused the lever not to engage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the clutch assembly. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer advised that…

Power Train · received Oct 2, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10478359

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 buell 1125r motorcycle. The contact stated that while entering the highway at 55 mph, the engine rpm's increased to 5000-6000 as the vehicle abnormally decelerated. In addition, the contact stated that while his hands were over the throttle, the front end of the vehicle…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Apr 12, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10454983

I purchased 08 buell w/ extended service plan from harley davidson hampton roads. It broke down in alabama on 9/3/11. I had a buell service center in alabama look at the bike & they advised me hdhr dealership is not a service center that specializes in buell & said hdhr overserviced my bike causing…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Oct 21, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10432362

Stator failure along with a clutch leak that caused oil to get on the back tire and cause an accident, bike was totalled. *tr

Electrical System · received Oct 14, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10430176

Other Buell 1125R years

2009 1125R →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2010 1125R00
2009 1125R390
200862

See all Buell 1125R problems by year, every Buell model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Buell 1125R?

Owners most often report power train, electrical system, engine and engine cooling problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Buell 1125R?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2008 Buell 1125R a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 1125R model years, the 2008 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.