Buell 1125 R (2009)
2009 Buell 1125 R
CarHunch analysed 114 real MOT records for the 2009 Buell 1125 R. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2009 BUELL 1125 R is a struggling proposition on first MOT attempt: just 54% pass the test outright, compared to the UK average of 80%, and fewer than 1 in 15 have ever encountered a dangerous defect. This is a bike that needs proper pre-purchase inspection and realistic expectations about remedial work before it'll pass.
At just over 5,500 miles median mileage for a 15-year-old motorcycle, these are typically low-milers kept in collections, yet they still rack up an average of 0.55 failures and 2.0 advisories per test—suggesting sitting storage and neglect take their toll. Before committing, have a pre-purchase MOT history check done and budget for suspension, brake, and lighting work; don't buy one assuming it'll sail through its next test.
What to check before buying a 2009 Buell 1125 R
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Buell 1125 R
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (93%) | 106 | 58% | 0.59 |
| Diesel (7%) | 8 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2009 Buell 1125 R vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2009 Buell 1125 R vehicles fall between 3,574 and 9,264 miles.
2009 Buell 1125 R — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 17 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (32% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Buell 1125 R?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.