2000 Buell reviews

This is by far not my first bike, and it's one of four I own now. I did a lot of research before purchasing it and knew what I was getting into. Since I've owned it the bike has been in the shop four times, that's four times in four months. I've got about 2000 miles on it now. Not sure the actually millage because on my last trip the odomiter failed when the charging system went south. So far it's been in twice for an intermintant surging/rough running problem that has yet to be diagnosed. The shock has had both recalls, the highbeam indicator went out, it used over a quart of oil in 1500 miles, (factory says 1 quart in 1600 is usual), a seal came off in the air cleaner, and as of yesterday the entire charging system failed. Had to stop every 30 miles or so with my buddy and use his bike to charge my battery to get home. Long day :) You would think I'd pretty much had it with the bike by now but not so. I purchased it at San Diego Harley Davidson, they have been great. They have top notch people with outstanding Buell knowledge. (They have a Buell race team) The mechanic's have known proper set up and the fixes for most of my troubles. Hopefully the surging/rough running will be fixed with this charging system replacement. When the bike is working, it works like nothing else. The handling is wonderfull, the throtle response is frightening and it never fails to start conversations where ever I pull up. I'm sure that once it's dialed in and the bugs are worked out it will be a true dream. I also know I'll always have to tinker with it....and that's OK. Like I said, I have three other bikes. If you are looking for a one and only, turn key ride, this may not be the bike for you. If you are looking for American made Exotica with more hrumph and grumble than anything from over seas and don't mind tinkering from time to time, this may be the ride for you. Show less

I test rode a 2000 cyclone with the factory race kit. I did not expect the bike would be as good as it was. Massive torque is only let down by lack of outright power. Handling was quick but not as stable as I am used to. Granted, it was a cold, blustery day and I was over 90 mph on a set of nice sweepers. My last motorcycle was a Ducati 748 and was ridden only when it was time to do some serious carving. Otherwise, I hated getting it out! The Cyclone is a bike which would always bekon " come on and get on. " The only downsides are the price ( try pricing one out with the race kit and a set of performance machine wheels,which, by the way are stunning ) and questionable mechanical dependability. I am still considering what to buy...I am looking at bikes from a new 2000 Suzuki TL 1000R ( $7990) to a Triumph Speed Triple ($10,000). However, if you can put aside any preconceptions, go try the Cyclone and let it dissolve your preconceptions in a wave of torque coming off a sweet set of curves. H-D could sell these like hotcakes if they were a grand cheaper! Show less

Have put about 2k miles on my 2000 M2 since September with no problems at all. Have installed force airfilter..not particularly well built and installation instructions are very generic... V&H pipe...far too expensive but essential.....dynojet kit smooths out running and starting.....2001 shift kit...worth the money...work done at Modesto Buell..very good dealer......vibration gets a bit boring on rides over 45 minutes...big advantage is rider support system in Northern California...........Bike needs a better cafe fairing to enable extended runs at over 65MPH. A number of Harley dealers appear uninterested in providing service or worse refuse............. Show less

I recently purchased a 2001 M2 Cyclone. I bought it from a Harley Shop (Smith Bros. H-D) that races Buell's on a professional level. So I took some much experienced advice and added a complete Force Header and exhaust, along with a Force "Winder" polished billet Intake w/ K&N filter assembly, before I got 50 miles on the Bike. I have also added Buell Billet footpegs, Force Billet brake pedal, and shifter w/linkage, Buell tank bra, Buell axle nut covers, and Buell pivot bolt covers. Not only is this totally awesome looking, but it hauls ass, like nobodys business. I have read all of the other reviews here, and I don't know what you are talking about on thse oil leaks. I have made several long hard runs on mine, such as (Deals Gap back anf forth for six hours, as hard as I could ride it. In case you are not familiar with Deals Gap, it is a Sprotbike Heaven just over the North Carolina border from Tennessee, it has 318 turns, over a 11 mile strech of 2 lane road. that's right I said eleven miles not 111. If you want to push a SportBike's handling and Chassis to the limit this is the place to do it. Not a leaked drop of oil! I suggest you guys go get 2001 M2 Cyclone (in Black of Course), and head for Deals Gap. Oh' I almost forgot, don't forget to install a Storz steering damper first. The 2001 has alot of improvements over previous models! I don't know where else you can get this kind of fun for $8500.00, certainly not from Japan. Show less

A good strong bike, Handling and braking are there. A pure Harley engine in a pure sport bike Frame ,and at a GREAT price I may add. What does the initials H.V.P.S. stand for on the ing. timing cover? It does not say in the manual and I can't figure it out to save sanity, Help. Thanks Send responce to GameFowlTender@aol.com Show less

Man I had this bike since June 00 I put 9500 miles on it. The thing leaks oil. My muffler broke 4 times and waiting on new race kit for about 3 months / but if this bike hit 180mph and would last longer than 1 month with no problems then I think it would be probably the best bike out but till then its just a great ride. Show less

My good friend and neightbor owns an X1, every time my cell phone rings with his # on the caller ID I know he broke down on his X1, so I hitch the trailer and do the neightborly thing. He bought this bike against my advice I had an S1 for about 4 months, this bike stranded me 9 times on different days, guess who used to come and get me? Show less

I love riding this bike! It is not the fastest bike in the world. With 1203 cc motor, you'd think it would be faster. but there is tons of torque that makes the twisties a blast. I ride with guys with sportbikes and they sure eat my lunch, which is annoying since my bike has a bigger engine and costs more. But there is something about this bike I love. Maybe it's just because it is one tough bike. Show less

I've owned my 99 M2 since late 98. I've taken it on 1 3000 mile trip. It's a fun bike for short rides in the twisties, but knocks something fierce in city riding and is too small for comfortable two up riding even for relatively short distances. Show less

I do have to disagree with the statements I've seen here that the 2000 M2 Cyclone leaks because the owners don't know how much oil to put in them. I took delivery of my Cyclone this past April. At the 500 mile service, I needed the left side primary gasket replaced because it was leaking oil like nobody's business. At the 2,500-mile interval, the rear rocker box gasket had disintegrated, dumping oil all over the rear cylinder and back of the transmission and rear, inner fender. At the 5,000-mile service, the front rocker box gasket needed to be replaced because it too started leaking. Worst of all, at just over 6,000 miles the bike left me stranded on a local parkway when it just died. The Harley dealership diagnosed it as a dead battery, destroyed by engine vibration! You'd think that if ANYONE knew how to make a vibration resistant battery, it would be Buell/Harley-Davidson, wouldn't you?? The battery was replaced (under warranty) with a sealed, gel-type battery than I've been assured will hold up a whole lot better than the original. Recently the bike just underwent it's 7,500 mile service. Wonder of wonders, it didn't require ANY warranty work! Now here's the best part: Would I buy another Buell?? You bet your life! This thing is flat out the most fun, versatile machine I've ridden in years. I plan on taking Pridmore's C.L.A.S.S. with it next year. I won a local Battletrax competition with it. As long as I have my trusty 1999 BMW K1200LT as a backup I'll always own a Buell to play with! Show less