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Buell M2 Cyclone motorcycle review - Riding

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Buell M2 Cyclone (1997-2002)

Detail	Value
Engine size	1203cc
Power	93bhp
Top speed	135mph
Insurance group	15

	MCN ratings	Owners' ratings
Overall
Engine
Ride & Handling
Equipment
Quality & Reliability
Value

MCN overall verdict

Buell twins are oddball machines and have struggled to win over traditional Harley and Japanese retro bike owners alike. The basic problem is the old hat pushrod V-twin, with its frankly clunky gearbox and diesel-esque power delivery. The Buell M2 Cyclone is one of the more funky versions of the Buell concept from the late 90s, but lacks the easygoing rideability of many Japanese four cylinder, or European twin cylinder rivals.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

In a Harley Sportster 1200, it doesn't really matter that the motor makes relatively sedate power, tends to overheat if caned and has a gearbox that needs a size 10 boot wielding with brutal authority to change gear. But on an alleged sportbike the Buell M2 Cyclone's motor just doesn't cut the mustard. Post-2000 Buell Cyclones had a claimed 93bhp instead of 86bhp in their 1203cc cases.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Decent Showa suspension, fairly neutral steering and a firm sporty ride overall make the Buell M2 Cyclone a surprisingly adroit motorcycle on twisty corners. The old tubular frame is plenty stiff enough for the modest power output and the M2 has a chunky dualseat on top of its rails, instead of the more modest seating accommodation of the Lightning models.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

The Buell M2 Cyclone is a naked roadster motorcycle and as such has few luxury items on its spartan chassis. The brakes and suspension are decent pieces of kit and it has a good sized fuel tank that allows you a good touring range. Nice three spoke alloy wheels too. Compare and buy parts for the Buell CVyclone in the MCN Shop.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Big old pushrod twins vibrate and sometimes bits work loose, or fall off them. That's the plain truth about many a twin cylinder machine and the Buells have been known to suffer from various complaints. They also run hot, and it's crucial that the impeller fan is working 100% and the engine oil is monitored carefully and changed frequently.

MCN rating
Owners' rating

Buells have never been especially popular in the UK market, which means they're fairly thin on the ground as a used bike, making prices for a used M2 Cyclone - preferably with some aftermarket tuning bits on it - reasonably firm. True Buelligans will pay top dollar for a sorted example, but roughhouse dawgs are best avoided. Find a Buell M2 Cyclone for sale.

Insurance group: 15

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1997: Buell M2 Cyclone launched.
2000: Engine power up, brakes uprated, new gear ratios, spring-loaded footrests.
2002: Buell M2 Cyclone discontinued.

None.

Specifications

Top speed	135mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11.9 secs
Power	93bhp
Torque	83ftlb
Weight	197kg
Seat height	749mm
Fuel capacity	19 litres
Average fuel consumption	40mpg
Tank range	150 miles
Insurance group	15

Engine size	1203cc
Engine specification	V-twin, four stroke, 5 gears
Frame	Steel tubular
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound
Front brakes	Single 340mm disc
Rear brake	230mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	170/60 x 17

Owners' Overall Rating (3 reviews)

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Under-rated

AmericanV

Average rating

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I've been running my Stage One M2 for the best part of ten years, solo, two-up, up-hill and down dale; Wildboarclough rough or Cat and Fiddle smooth, and it has been brilliant. Not as finely honed as the Lightning or later XB models but much more flexible ... can't say I've ever been aware of it running hot, however, and have never heard the impeller fan cut in - probably because it hasn't got one. But then why let inconvenient things like facts get in the way of a good character assassination?

21 January 2010
Lots of fun on good roads

DonaldB

Average rating

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I have been riding for 30 years and this is the most fun I have ever had on 2 wheels without breaking the speed limit. It is terrible on bumpy roads but on good roads it handles like it is on rails and has tons of torque to make legal speed limits good fun. Not one for land speed record lovers as it runs out of steam at 90mph but at least you will not loose your licence. The engine is very accesible and easy to work on. The lack of centre stand is not ideal so paddock stands are required. I would not like to tour on one. The older models thin seat looks good but is not practical for more than 50 miles use. If you like a solid old school cafe racer and enjoy easy DIY maintenance this is for you.

29 September 2009
Could it get worse?

ThomasD

Average rating

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After S1 and X1 could there be something worse? Yes there could be the M2. Take away the only good thing on the X1 and S1, the pretty good suspension and there you go a horrible ride which will break down anyway.

30 April 2009