It's 2023, and I've had 16 Buells, all models except the Uly. Currently have an 02 M2 Cyclone and an 01 X1 fuel injected Lightning. Best all around was the M2 Cyclone,, and by 99-02 they had the same hot rod Thunderstorm heads as the sportier Lghtning. I have loved all my Buells, more smiles per mile than many other bikes. I have over 15 bikes, some vintage, and these Buells are great riding motorcycles!
A year into owning an M2- I’m on the fence about loving and not loving it. New to this size, weight, style etc but it is always fun. I’m older and had a 88 softail so this is a new adventure for me. Always have someone comment about it almost every ride.
Right after they came out, I rode an X1 Lightning in yellow. My wife said when I came back that I looked better on it than any other bike I had ever ridden. That says a lot. At present I have a 2000 X1 Millenium with about 5K on it. Except for a few light mods, it is in mint condition. Everything you said applies to it as well, except for the fuel injection. Thanks for the video.
Hi there, I have a '99 M2 export model. As I understand it they had the hotter cams (SE bolt in) than the domestic US model. Mine also has all the Eric Buell Racing gear on it and I can say that the power comes on very strong between 4-6250 rpm (the rev limiter that cuts in at 6250 rpm is not where the power is tailing out by any means). This bike is great on the twisty roads, sometimes power-standing on exiting corners !, but still has manners in town and is an absolute pleasure to ride.
Have a 2000 X1, agree with most of what you said. Just wanted to add that yes no fuel gauge is a thing, but I was told to track miles.. reset the trip meter when you top up. My low fuel light on the X1 comes on around 200mi. Easy way to guesstimate fuel level while riding!
Had a M2 And I regret not keeping it . Hop it up and a set of good tires , reminds me of a switch engine in a railyard. Torque Monster. Gonna find another one real soon.
I enjoyed your review. Rarely rev it past 4 grand? That caught my ear. I bought a crashed 99 Cyclone for a cart project (I just wanted that sound for the cart). But, I wanted it to run decent and questioned about the power band - wondering how it would work out in the cart. I kept asking the previous owner, and another Buell owner (Brian) - what's it like? I remember them trying to describe it, but it wasn't sticking. Brian at one point said you just have to ride it. He let me - so I did. I really know nothing about street bikes, only dirt bikes a bit. But, below 4500rpm, just good torque. 4500 though, it came alive. My first dinky ride, I kept hitting the rev limiter as it would pull so hard and quick up there. Your comment makes me wonder if Brian's was cammed special or what (all I know, it was a later fuel injected model...). Anyway, take it to 6500, and shifting it only drops 1000rpm, well again into it's power band (means "short shifting" at 5500 just fine too to always be on the cam). Made it feel real meaty having a trans ratio 2x wider than the powerband. Anyway, that 4500 rpm kick - I don't know how you couldn't stay out of that... I guess I'm surprised you didn't mention it - that's the thing I remember most of my one and only ride on a Buell Cyclone.
Hey man, thanks for the comment! I wonder if it could be the aftermarket carb on my bike, I have a Mikuni HSR with some new jetting and that may have changed the torque/power curve of the engine. The first time I rode this bike, I had just had my Kawasaki ZX6R stolen- so I was VERY used to letting that thing rev up as high as possible. I think I smacked the limiter accidentally like three times! It definitely does have solid top end and maybe I'm being incorrect when I say I really don't take it above 4k (I dont have a tach..) I also baby the heck out of this bike because I'm too scared I might break something I cant afford to fix since harley parts are so darn expensive! One thing I really love about the Mikuni HSR is the accelerator pump and how mechanical and forceful it is. You can really feel when it starts to squirt fuel straight into the venturi and the grunt the motor makes (although it can be surprising at low speed if its set wrong!)
@@motoandjesuswith the super short wheel base and the lack of steering damper makes me thinks yous crazy! Lol. But seriously how is the handling above 100?
Excellent video bro... the bike looks awesome you have it running in mint condition... makes me miss my cyclone which we still have but it's not running good... it needs some new parts
Dude I love Buell!! I have a custom S2T with a ton of upgrades!! Andrew’s N2 cams blah blah she puts out over 100 hp!! These bikes are boss!! I love your bike dude. Now I want one that’s not custom!!
I’ve got one. And yes she’s a wicked machine. Cold start on the choke. Let run for a few minutes to warm up, take off the choke and Rev the noise is out of this world.Unfortunately with a knackered hip I have decided to change the seat height for a lower single seat. Like that one a Bob , once I’m sorted, she’s going to be out and about. I don’t choose to ride fast anymore, rather just plod around, knowing that I have plenty of power to play with if I feel like it. Rare sexy gorgeous machine Very rare to get hold of Party because they are not made anymore and so the price for them tends to be low , however it’s a swinging door The rarer the machine the more they got back up in value
I saw my first Buell in the TBS TV Series WITCHBLADE. Luv at First sight. Good Review - I agree with your observations. A Buell is Not for everyone- But then neither am I.
This is a good M2 critique. I love all the quirks. You talk about a fuel light. . . are you aware of the reserve petcock? I have a 2000 Cyclone and I love it. I've got a Thunderbolt, the Cyclone, and a '68 XLCH. Interesting motorcycle history. The XL's connection to WW2 and the soldiers coming from Europe with all the lightweight motorbikes they were exposed to. Anyway, great video of a great bike. Thanks.
Dude, that was not boring at all 👍 I test rode one of these bone shakers, and the 🤔 lighting I think (X1 maybe) back in 2001-ish I think? Ended up with the iconic Honda VFR ultimately, but that was in my 20's and wanted to go everywhere @150mph (and did 🤦♂️) Twenty years on and I'm thinking of getting back in the saddle! I'm undecided about an old fun shit pump or, well and old shit pump! The BMW GS... Anyway dude your video, blog what the fuck ever tou call these things? It really made me smile man 😁 Thank you it brought back happy memories from 2 decades ago! Peace dude, and happy safe biking 🙏
Joshua, personally I wouldn't recommend it as a first bike. While I love the motorcycle, its not very forgiving at low speeds. My first bike was a Yamaha MT-07 and I absolutely loved it - that would be by recommendation for a first bike. Ride safe!
@@HamilHogOn2Wheels enduro's / dual sport / I feel is the best learning first bike , Light and great turning ratio , 250cc are great learners .and FUN to ride , So much fun you don't Want to get off it ...!!! Well worth money .....
Yep!!......for me anyway. I have 2 Buells. A 95 S2 Thunderbolt and an 01 X1 Lighting and have done long hauls on both bikes. I find them both comfortable. I'm 64. 🤓
Thanks Tim, you’re probably right. When I was filming this I was on a mission trip with monks in the mountains of Tibet and it was almost impossible to use the internet. The only way I was able to upload the video, or look at Wikipedia, was when we visited a small village that had an Internet cafe. I must admit, when I was there researching the bike I was completely disoriented because I had been consuming a local drink called “kappa lay” which is highly hallucinogenic.
@@HamilHogOn2Wheels My 2002 m2 cyclone with exhaust and filter made 96 to the wheels on the Dyno so you’re not far off they were rated 91 from the factory, Tim doesn’t know what he’s talking about he is probably mad his sportster only has 65 lol
Buell should've approached a Japanese company, after Harley treated him the way they did. He could've produced some awesome bikes with japanese engines. Just like Cagiva's partnership with Suzuki
It's 2023, and I've had 16 Buells, all models except the Uly. Currently have an 02 M2 Cyclone and an 01 X1 fuel injected Lightning. Best all around was the M2 Cyclone,, and by 99-02 they had the same hot rod Thunderstorm heads as the sportier Lghtning. I have loved all my Buells, more smiles per mile than many other bikes. I have over 15 bikes, some vintage, and these Buells are great riding motorcycles!
A year into owning an M2- I’m on the fence about loving and not loving it. New to this size, weight, style etc but it is always fun. I’m older and had a 88 softail so this is a new adventure for me. Always have someone comment about it almost every ride.
As the owner of a 99’, can confirm info and opinions as accurate. Well done vid.
Is it reliable?
@@Spartansrule118 yup.
Right after they came out, I rode an X1 Lightning in yellow. My wife said when I came back that I looked better on it than any other bike I had ever ridden. That says a lot. At present I have a 2000 X1 Millenium with about 5K on it. Except for a few light mods, it is in mint condition. Everything you said applies to it as well, except for the fuel injection. Thanks for the video.
Hi there, I have a '99 M2 export model. As I understand it they had the hotter cams (SE bolt in) than the domestic US model. Mine also has all the Eric Buell Racing gear on it and I can say that the power comes on very strong between 4-6250 rpm (the rev limiter that cuts in at 6250 rpm is not where the power is tailing out by any means). This bike is great on the twisty roads, sometimes power-standing on exiting corners !, but still has manners in town and is an absolute pleasure to ride.
Great review. You have skill to be able to fix it up. Also you are a great orator, very articulate.
Nice to see a Cyclone that isn't thrashed. Its a fun bike in the right hands. I enjoy my Buells.
Managed to recently find a bone stock '02 Cyclone with 8900 miles.
Added her to the family immediately.
Have a 2000 X1, agree with most of what you said. Just wanted to add that yes no fuel gauge is a thing, but I was told to track miles.. reset the trip meter when you top up. My low fuel light on the X1 comes on around 200mi. Easy way to guesstimate fuel level while riding!
Is it reliable?
Had a M2 And I regret not keeping it . Hop it up and a set of good tires , reminds me of a switch engine in a railyard. Torque Monster. Gonna find another one real soon.
Great review, I’ve been wanting one for a long time, and just found a couple that at least one of them is gonna come home with me.
This needs more views.
Good review sir. You are very well spoken, and comfortable doing so
I enjoyed your review. Rarely rev it past 4 grand? That caught my ear. I bought a crashed 99 Cyclone for a cart project (I just wanted that sound for the cart). But, I wanted it to run decent and questioned about the power band - wondering how it would work out in the cart. I kept asking the previous owner, and another Buell owner (Brian) - what's it like? I remember them trying to describe it, but it wasn't sticking. Brian at one point said you just have to ride it. He let me - so I did. I really know nothing about street bikes, only dirt bikes a bit. But, below 4500rpm, just good torque. 4500 though, it came alive. My first dinky ride, I kept hitting the rev limiter as it would pull so hard and quick up there. Your comment makes me wonder if Brian's was cammed special or what (all I know, it was a later fuel injected model...). Anyway, take it to 6500, and shifting it only drops 1000rpm, well again into it's power band (means "short shifting" at 5500 just fine too to always be on the cam). Made it feel real meaty having a trans ratio 2x wider than the powerband. Anyway, that 4500 rpm kick - I don't know how you couldn't stay out of that... I guess I'm surprised you didn't mention it - that's the thing I remember most of my one and only ride on a Buell Cyclone.
Hey man, thanks for the comment! I wonder if it could be the aftermarket carb on my bike, I have a Mikuni HSR with some new jetting and that may have changed the torque/power curve of the engine.
The first time I rode this bike, I had just had my Kawasaki ZX6R stolen- so I was VERY used to letting that thing rev up as high as possible. I think I smacked the limiter accidentally like three times! It definitely does have solid top end and maybe I'm being incorrect when I say I really don't take it above 4k (I dont have a tach..) I also baby the heck out of this bike because I'm too scared I might break something I cant afford to fix since harley parts are so darn expensive!
One thing I really love about the Mikuni HSR is the accelerator pump and how mechanical and forceful it is. You can really feel when it starts to squirt fuel straight into the venturi and the grunt the motor makes (although it can be surprising at low speed if its set wrong!)
any idea how to change the drive belt? cant find any information anywhere and want to do it myself
Best feeling is flat out at 136mph leaning down tucking your arms in holding on for dear life.
@@motoandjesuswith the super short wheel base and the lack of steering damper makes me thinks yous crazy! Lol. But seriously how is the handling above 100?
Excellent video bro... the bike looks awesome you have it running in mint condition... makes me miss my cyclone which we still have but it's not running good... it needs some new parts
Dude I love Buell!! I have a custom S2T with a ton of upgrades!! Andrew’s N2 cams blah blah she puts out over 100 hp!! These bikes are boss!! I love your bike dude. Now I want one that’s not custom!!
I’ve got one. And yes she’s a wicked machine. Cold start on the choke. Let run for a few minutes to warm up, take off the choke and Rev the noise is out of this world.Unfortunately with a knackered hip I have decided to change the seat height for a lower single seat. Like that one a Bob , once I’m sorted, she’s going to be out and about. I don’t choose to ride fast anymore, rather just plod around, knowing that I have plenty of power to play with if I feel like it.
Rare sexy gorgeous machine
Very rare to get hold of
Party because they are not made anymore and so the price for them tends to be low , however it’s a swinging door
The rarer the machine the more they got back up in value
What a beauty. That sound!
I saw my first Buell in the TBS TV Series WITCHBLADE.
Luv at First sight.
Good Review - I agree with your observations.
A Buell is Not for everyone- But then neither am I.
It's just great to see 2021 buell owners.
This is a good M2 critique. I love all the quirks. You talk about a fuel light. . . are you aware of the reserve petcock? I have a 2000 Cyclone and I love it. I've got a Thunderbolt, the Cyclone, and a '68 XLCH. Interesting motorcycle history. The XL's connection to WW2 and the soldiers coming from Europe with all the lightweight motorbikes they were exposed to.
Anyway, great video of a great bike. Thanks.
Cool bike ..I have a 2000 cyclone 🌀 and love it..nothing like it..
Dude, that was not boring at all 👍
I test rode one of these bone shakers, and the 🤔 lighting I think (X1 maybe) back in 2001-ish I think?
Ended up with the iconic Honda VFR ultimately, but that was in my 20's and wanted to go everywhere @150mph (and did 🤦♂️)
Twenty years on and I'm thinking of getting back in the saddle!
I'm undecided about an old fun shit pump or, well and old shit pump! The BMW GS...
Anyway dude your video, blog what the fuck ever tou call these things? It really made me smile man 😁
Thank you it brought back happy memories from 2 decades ago!
Peace dude, and happy safe biking 🙏
Nice bike... Enjoy!
What's the difference between mc cyclone and the lightning?
Good video and nice machine.
this just look right in every aspect, nice work! mind telling me what clip on and bar are you using?
Great video
Kool bike...enjoy the ride !
Good info, thx for posting!
Sweet bike my man!
Option as a first bike?
Joshua, personally I wouldn't recommend it as a first bike. While I love the motorcycle, its not very forgiving at low speeds. My first bike was a Yamaha MT-07 and I absolutely loved it - that would be by recommendation for a first bike. Ride safe!
@@HamilHogOn2Wheels enduro's / dual sport / I feel is the best learning first bike ,
Light and great turning ratio , 250cc are great learners .and FUN to ride , So much fun you don't
Want to get off it ...!!! Well worth money .....
American Muscle Bike
How is the vibration when riding?
Only present at idle, smooths out completely once you get up to speed.
@@roelfkromhout true that ,I agree , smooth good feel ride .
Put a 1250 or 1275 cc kit in it and u got a rocket I put a 1250 in my Buell
Are they good for longish range rides? (200+ miles)
Yep!!......for me anyway. I have 2 Buells. A 95 S2 Thunderbolt and an 01 X1 Lighting and have done long hauls on both bikes. I find them both comfortable. I'm 64. 🤓
yes they are, in Australia it can be a fair way between swervery
☝☘
Just for future reference those heads are not custom Buell they are thunderstorm heads maybe you should do some research on your project
Thanks Tim, you’re probably right. When I was filming this I was on a mission trip with monks in the mountains of Tibet and it was almost impossible to use the internet. The only way I was able to upload the video, or look at Wikipedia, was when we visited a small village that had an Internet cafe. I must admit, when I was there researching the bike I was completely disoriented because I had been consuming a local drink called “kappa lay” which is highly hallucinogenic.
cyclone does not have clip on handle bars, more of a sport touring rise handlebar.
I have aftermarket clip ons.
@@HamilHogOn2Wheelssimple as removing steering and sliding clip ons under the the triple tree?
Did you have to shorten or replace cables/ hoses?
Lost interest after you said it never goes over 4k poor bike shes needs a owner thats ganna ride her 😂
95 horsepower you wish try 77 yeah this needs to come down you need to stop
Thanks for the constructive comment, Tim!
@@HamilHogOn2Wheels My 2002 m2 cyclone with exhaust and filter made 96 to the wheels on the Dyno so you’re not far off they were rated 91 from the factory, Tim doesn’t know what he’s talking about he is probably mad his sportster only has 65 lol
For real why the hostility? Lol. The heads, cam, and exhaust are all upgraded over the sportsters the engine was sourced from.
Buell should've approached a Japanese company, after Harley treated him the way they did. He could've produced some awesome bikes with japanese engines. Just like Cagiva's partnership with Suzuki
He got involved with Rotax. Then bought the rights to the engine