2001 Buell reviews

I'll startout by saying Buells aren't for everybody. If you're looking for warp speed, look somewhere else. If you're looking for a bike that is a good all around bike, then a Buell is a bike you want. There is mounds of negative press about Buell and for years it deterred me from buying a Buell. I couldn't resist looking at Buells everytime I started thinking about a new bike. Finally, I bought one. Somebody was almost giving away a S3 that his wife had ridden only once or twice and didn't like it. I found the negative press to be exaggerated a little. The bike does shake/lope a little bit at idle, but it is smooth as silk once you get above 2500. I have never had a major problem or a minor one for that matter. The motor is solid and doesn't leak. If you're thinking about a Buell, get an older tube frame Buell, you won't be disappointed. Show less

Initially attracted to the fuel-in-frame & oil-in-swing-arm technology and the beefy, wrap-around frame of the XB12S (2004), I ended up selling the XB and keeping my M2. The M2's 23-degree steering head vs. the XB's 21-degrees, was just enough difference to provide a more planted, confident feel to the handling. Likewise, while the mirrors on the M2 smooth to crystal clarity at about 2800+ RPM, the XB's mirrors never stopped vibrating, leaving you wondering if the vehicle behind you was a VW or a Peterbuilt. Ease of seat removal and no screaming mimi rear cylinder cooling fan were also deciding factors. With a Forcewinder intake providing greater knee room, and a Vance & HInes SSR2 making music and providing better exhaust flow, the M2 leaves nothing to be desired. And, in my prejudiced opinion, it's a prettier bike. Show less

I bought this bike about 2 months ago. This is my third bike I've had. I am 22 and drive a semi, when I bought this bike it had about 10k miles on it. I've done some normal maintenance on it. It's comfortable for me and handles great. My wife rides on the back and we have gone on rides lasting hours. The only downside of this bike is that it lacks power when there is a passenger. I've had mine up to 110 MPH and still had throttle left. I agree that the distance between 1st and 2nd gear is a big jump, but with a few city miles on it, it will be natural. I haven't had any problems except that parts are cheaply made, but they are cheap to replace. It's never stalled in corners and has never been laid down. People say that they are POS. I question their riding quality and the quality of their upkeep. This is a great bike whether it be for a beginner or someone that just loves to ride. This bike hugs the road and never wants to let go. Show less

I've been riding for 41 years and have ridden everything from a 1965 55cc Yamaha to an alcohol burning Norton dragster. For most of those years I've owned vintage Harleys and Nortons, with a rice burner or five thrown in. Last year I was looking for a street bike that would keep me in the Harley family but would give me the handling and feel of the old Brit bikes I owned (without the leaks and electrics), with modern day comforts and reliablity. that's how I ended up with the Buell. I chose the Cyclone primarily because the seating position was more forgiving for both pilot and passenger and I like to ride... As a bonus, the price was just too good and the bike was kept in mint condition by the original owner. All that being said, I could not have made a better choice. I've owned it for 18 months and have put 18,000 miles on it (in Vermont!). The only problem being a rear rocker cover leak. My bike was made just before HD changed these gaskets to steel so I just called the HD dealer and bought a steel gasket kit ($35). It only took me a few hours to make the change. My wife wasn't terribly thrilled that I did it all in the living room so I could watch MotoGP and Superbike but she got over it... I have ridden 400 mile days on this bike and regularly do 250 mile rides- I'm talking 30 to 40 in a riding season. I've done 200 with my son on the back carrying a backpack... This bike handles like a 250 and accelerates with the best of them (Ducati, RC51, etc.). I've lifted the front wheel by hitting the gas during a lane change in 3d gear. It is super comfortable, and starts every time. I do run synthetic oil, don't beat the bike (are wheelies 'beating'?) and keep it under 130- usually. Seriously, this thing has so much torque that I rarely shift over 3500 RPM. Check the specs and compare the torque to any other bike on the road... OK, 'nuf said. If you want the absolute best value in a motorcycle, get a Cyclone. I would recommend getting a 2001 or '02 however, as Buell made a number of significant improvements in 2001. There is the standard M2 and a M2L which has a 1 inch shorter suspension and the seat is cut down as well. Mine is the M2L. Show less

I got the bike used with 2700 miles and already in 3 months put a total of 6600 miles on it. I replaced the stock exhaust with a slimmer and louder vance hines exhaust mainly to access drain plugs underneath the bike. The bike leaks from rocker cover and uses up rear tires every 2000 miles, with my very aggressive driving. But I've also ridden with touring bikes and it could cruise at 80-90 mph for 300 mi ride at one time. I enjoy the bike and use it to commute to work every day. Show less

After the MSF class in 2003, I purchased a used 2001 Buell Blast with 1600 miles. Within the last two seasons, I put an additional 18500 miles onto the odometer. The bike performed perfect for its class, and its intended use, which consisted of an 83-mile daily commute. The gas mileage is exceptional, I got 75+ mpg. The oil changes were simple, and the bike was relatively maintenance free (no chain to oil, no valves to adjust) The only complaint would be the rear tire consumption... The bike always got me wherever I wanted to go, never leaving me stranded, except when I ran out of gas a half mile from home :) (Female miscalculation of risk...) Some people may complain about the seat, but I was able to do a 500-mile day with minimal issues (not the bike, but my bottom). The power was more than sufficient for city riding as well as keeping up with the traffic on the highway. Overall, this is a great beginner bike, if you accept this bike as what it is. Not a race bike, not a powerhouse, just a reliable fun bike. Buell did a great job with the bike, and there was a tear in my eye as I traded up to a Buell XB12R a month ago. Can't wait for next season... Show less

I don't really know how to work this cumputer or I would send pictures of my 2001 x1 lightning. I had my share of problems from mine at first after adding tons of add ons and working the bugs out I would not trade it for anything. Show less

I've owned about 15 bikes over the last twenty years, including BMW's, Hondas, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha's. I've raced street and dirt, so I believe I know a little about motorcycles, and I rate my buell as the funnest bike I've owned. Its not the fastest in straight line...but who cares...when was the last time you could go 170mph with out getting a ticket or for more than 1 second before you got scared that a truck was going to turn left in front of you?? So see, straight line performance is worthless in the real world of canyons. Now my X1 eats up the canyons here in Colorado, and with flat massive amounts of torque, I smoke all comers. I also love the styling....as one mag. put it....the "I hate everybody but my rider look" Yeah Baby!!! The unfortunate thing is that Buell is not continuing to develop the Evo powered line any more. They are concentrating on the XB line, which has a very aggressive seating position that I just can't handle. So they've lost a future customer with me, I'll just keep the X1 for as long as it last. j- Show less

Excellent True Sport Touring bike with tons of torque. Smooth over 2500, and handles like a dream. Only needs are a taller screen from the factory, and a nice integrated backrest. Luggage is first class, and seating position for someone 5'8" is perfect. Bars are medium height. Also needs a factory plug in for an electric vest. 8500 miles to date, and though I have had some glitches in the fuel injection, Buell went of their way with factory and dealer help. For others that have posted with one star, they need to call and talk with Buell customer service to get things resolved quickly. Show less

don't make the mistake of thinking of this as a racing bike. This is a bike to be ridden on the street, or better yet, a twisty road. The power is where you can use it, the riding position is comfortable. You do not need to rev it to the red-line to get to its power. I had a rocker box leak that I was able to fix myself in about an hour with tools on hand ad about $12 in parts from a Harley dealer. The rear shock started leaking about a year ago. don't fault the folks in Troy though. the shock was from Showa (Japan), and Buell stood by it, even though the bike was no longer under warranty. Bottom line, this is a fun bike that is a joy to own and ride. It gets noticed, and you can ride it all day. Show less