Controversial Buell 1125R transformed with a paintjob

It’s fair to say the new Buell 1125R’s styling hasn’t been received to well – but this one-off created for insurance company Bennetts shows how a simple colour change transforms the bike.

The red and black scheme is reminiscent of the Yamaha World Superbike squad’s Santander livery, and it helps disguise the bulbous radiator shrouds, and the top fairing seems less out of proportion in the new red hue.

Two ‘Bennetts Buells’ have been sprayed in the livery by Image Ready and Shaw Harley-Davidson.

And as well as being the pace motorcycles at every British Superbike round, the bikes will also be used by former racer Niall Mackenzie to give celebrity pillion rides at four British Superbike rounds (both Brands Hatch rounds, Donington and Cadwell Park) throughout the year.

DJ Chris Evans was due to be the first famous bum on the seat, but the snowed-off Brands Hatch round meant he missed out.