2008 Buell 1125R recalls and problems

The 2008 Buell 1125R has 2 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Buell dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Buell 1125R vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Buell 1125R recalls

Recall 09V-109: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Apr 2, 2009 · 3,316 vehicles affected · HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

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.

Recall 08V-267: Power Train

Reported Jun 16, 2008 · 1,579 vehicles affected · BUELL MOTORCYCLE CO.

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.

2008 Buell 1125R problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	4
Electrical System	1
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Wheels	1
Suspension	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Driveline — 1
Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 4,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Buell 1125R complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Wheels · at 21,000 miles · reported Feb 28, 2013

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 leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 21,000.

Power Train · at 310 miles · reported Oct 2, 2012

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 the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 08v267000 (Power train: clutch assembly) the failure mileage was 310 and the current mileage was 600. Updated 10/18/12 updated 10/25/12

Vehicle Speed Control · at 13,184 miles · reported Apr 12, 2012

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 rose from the ground rapidly, almost throwing the contact from the vehicle. The failure was recurring. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,184.

Engine and Engine Cooling · reported Oct 21, 2011

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 it to break down. Upon my return to va, I brought my bike back to hdhr. I requested my $150.00 servicing fee be returned to me. Hdhr decided to further service my bike & said they found plastic in the oil which caused the oil lines to clog & they needed to break down the engine. They said the bike…

Electrical System · at 4,000 miles · reported Oct 14, 2011

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

Other Buell 1125R years

20092008

Compare all Buell 1125R years · All Buell models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Buell 1125R have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 Buell 1125R: 09V-109 (service brakes, hydraulic), 08V-267 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Buell 1125R?

Owners report power train problems most often (4 reports), followed by electrical system (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 4,000 miles.

Are Buell recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Buell dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.