First Impression: 1997 Buell M2 Cyclone - Motorcycle.com
The Lightning Goes Biposto
Do a lot of riding in traffic? Are twisties your thing? Maybe an occasional long tour or checking out the local nightlife? If you're like most motorcyclists the answer is a little of each. For some folks, Buell's sporty S1 Lightning was just too uncompromising to be used as their only motorcycle. For this group who admired the S1 but wrote it off as impractical, Erik Buell designed the more pragmatic dual-seat M2 Cyclone. Last year Buell stunned the world with the S1. Here was a bike that was faster, lighter, better handling, and two grand cheaper than their previous offerings. Buell's S1 Lightning had it all, except a saddle that was tolerable for more than 150 miles.
"All-around motorcycle -- a do-anything sport bike."
Well, now it's 1997 and Buell has come out with a bike another $600 cheaper than the S1, and it has a seat! Buell design philosophy behind the M2 Cyclone was for an "all-around motorcycle -- a do-anything sport bike."
Comfy ergonomics contribute to this, as does an ample passenger seat, healthy bottom-end torque, and a $9,395 sticker price. Taller folks who enjoyed the Lightning, but for the airbox-to-knee clearance problem, will appreciate the Cyclone's new forward-swept unit.
"It's in the twisties where the M2 really shines."
First came the L.A. freeway torture test. With its abundance of torque and light weight, the Cyclone was in its element. Not even the most homicidal or inattentive commuter drone could get in the M2's way as the power-on-demand engine and light steering allows it to escape through the smallest of traffic openings. Out on the open road the Cyclone's relaxed ergonomics make cruising at moderate speeds comfortable, but a lack of wind protection from its tiny bikini fairing retards high speeds for extended travel.
Just as well: the Cyclone's torque-tuned mill doesn't have the top-end rush of other Buells, capping out at about 110mph. However, that low-end grunt does make for effortless wheelies in lower gears - not that we would attempt such hooliganism on public streets.
Pillion comfort is greatly increased over the Lightning, and rides of several hundred miles passed without complaint from our passenger. Try taking your significant other for a ride on the Lightning's postage-stamp passenger seat, and you'll end up single.
"The M2 couples the character of a Harley with Ducati's sporting prowess, all the while combining utilitarian function into a single (and downright fun-to-ride) package."
Specifications:Manufacturer: BuellModel: 1997 M2 CyclonePrice: ,395Engine: ohv 2-valve, V-twinBore and Stroke: 3.5 by 3.8 inchesDisplacement: 1203ccCarburetion: 40 mm Keihin CVTransmission: 5-speed, constant meshWheelbase: 55 inches (139.7cm)Seat Height: 29.5 inches (74.93cm)Fuel Capacity: 4 gal - .6 reserveClaimed Dry Weight: 435lbs (197.31kg)
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