2008 Honda CB 1000R vs 2009 Buell 1125CR

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 Honda CB 1000R 2008 Honda CB 1000R

Naked bike

Engine
In-line four
Power
123.4 hp / 92 kW @ 10000 rpm
Top Speed
228.6 km/h / 142.0 mph
Weight
217 kg / 478.4 lbs
2009 Buell 1125CR 2009 Buell 1125CR

Naked bike

Engine
Four stroke, 72° V-Twin
Power
109 kW / 146 hp @ 9800 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
168 kg / 370 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20082009
Make ModelHonda CB 1000RBuell 1125CR
Dimensions
Seat Height828 mm / 32.6 in775 mm / 30.5"
Wheelbase1445 mm / 56.8 in1384 mm / 54.5"
Ground Clearance130 mm / 5.1 in-
Height1,090 mm / 42.9 in.-
Length2,090 mm / 82.3 in.-
Width775 mm / 30.5 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight213 kg / 469.6 lbs168 kg / 370 lbs
Fuel Capacity17 Litres / 4.5 US gal21.2 L / 5.6 US gal
Wet Weight217 kg / 478.4 lbs-
Performance
Top Speed228.6 km/h / 142.0 mph-
Max Power123.4 hp / 92 kW @ 10000 rpm109 kW / 146 hp @ 9800 rpm
Max Torque100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm111 Nm / 11.3 kgf-m / 81.9 ft.lbs@ 9000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.3588 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.3 sec-
Engine
Stroke4-
Fuel ControlDOHC-
Engine TypeIn-line four-
Displacement998 cc / 60.9 cu-in1125 cc / 68.7 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.Four stroke, 72° V-Twin
Fuel SystemInjection-
Bore x Stroke75 x 56.5 mm103 x 67.5 mm
Compression Ratio11.2:112.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption18.3 km/lit-
Fuel InductionPGM-F1 Electronic fuel injection36mm throttle bodiesDual Ø61 mm downdraft throttle Bbodies, DDFI III Fuel Injection System
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons-
IgnitionComputer controlled digital transistorized-
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V/8.6AH-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiplate with coil springs.-
Final Drive#530 O-ring sealed chainBelt
Gear Ratios1: 2.538 (33/13) / - 2: 1.941 (33/17) / - 3: 1.579 (30/19) / - 4: 1.363 (30/22) / - 5: 1.217 (28/23) / - 6: 1.115 (29/26)1st 2.46 / 2nd 1.75 / 3rd / 1.28 / 4th 1.17 / 5th 1.04 / 6th 1.00
Gearbox5-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeMono-back born coast aluminousAluminium frame with fuel in frame.
Suspension - Front43mm Inverted HMAS cartridge type telescopic forks, with stepless reload, compression and rebound adjustableø47 mm Showa inverted forks, adjustable compression damping. rebound damping and spring preload. 120mm wheel travel.
Suspension - RearMonoshock with gas charged HMAS damper rebound adjustable120 mm / 4.7" | Showa® coil over monoshock, adjustable compression damping. rebound damping and spring preload.
Rake 25.0°-
Trail99.0mm / 3.9 in-
Wheel Travel - Front120 mm / 4.7 in120 mm / 4.7"
Wheel Travel - Rear128 mm / 5.0 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 310mm discs 3 piston calipersZTL type brake, 6-piston, fixed caliper, Ø375 mm single-sided, inside out, stainless steel, floating rotor
Brakes - RearSingle 256mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle Ø240 mm disc, 2 piston floating caliper
Tyres - Front120/70 ZR17120/70 ZR17, Pirelli Diablo Corsa III
Tyres - Rear180/50 ZR17180/55 ZR17, Pirelli Diablo Corsa III
Wheels - FrontHollow-section 4-spoke cast aluminium-
Wheels - RearU-section 4-spoke cast aluminium-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2009 Buell 1125CR

The 2009 Buell 1125CR edges out the 2008 Honda CB 1000R thanks to its higher torque, lighter kerb weight, lower seat height and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2008 Honda CB 1000R - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2008 Honda CB 1000R matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2009 Buell 1125CR - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 111 Nm vs 100 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lighter: 168 kg vs 217 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • Lower seat height: 775 mm vs 828 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Larger displacement: 1125 cc vs 998 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.

2008 Honda CB 1000R vs 2009 Buell 1125CR - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 Honda CB 1000R and 2009 Buell 1125CR?
The 2008 Honda CB 1000R uses In-line four, while the 2009 Buell 1125CR is powered by Four stroke, 72° V-Twin.
Which is lighter, the 2008 Honda CB 1000R or the 2009 Buell 1125CR?
The 2009 Buell 1125CR is lighter at 168 kg compared to 217 kg for the 2008 Honda CB 1000R - a difference of 49 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 Honda CB 1000R or the 2009 Buell 1125CR?
The 2009 Buell 1125CR has the lower seat at 775 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 Honda CB 1000R sits higher at 828 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2008 Honda CB 1000R or the 2009 Buell 1125CR?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 Honda CB 1000R has its own strengths, while the 2009 Buell 1125CR stands out for higher torque and lighter kerb weight. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.