Buell Cyclone M2
BUELL CYCLONE M2
Backroad beast
Quick Ride
IN THE GUISE OF A MINOR model change, the Buell Motorcycle Company has slipped an exciting new machine past Harley-Davidson's product-planning committeethe 1999 Cyclone M2. Indeed, when the first Cyclone was introduced 2 years ago, it was a detuned, civilian alternative to the Lightning S1, a little sportier than most standards, but with an emphasis on practicality rather than performance.
The new bike forsakes its low-achieving Sportster cylinder heads for the big-valve Thunderstorm heads introduced on the White Lightning. The result is a seriously torquey and powerful V-Twin, one that makes you take notice with every twist of the throttle. Still practical, yes, but far more fun.
Unlike other Buells, the Cy clone's engine combines the big-valve heads with the Sport ster's relatively short-duration camshafts and carburetor. The combination produces the
broadest powerband this side of harley's new Twin Cam 88. The Cyclone pumps out 55 foot pounds of torque at a mere I 500 rpm. growing smoothly stronger until it produces 68 ft-lbs. at 5000, and peaks at 73 horse-
power at 6000 rpm. That~s 10 bhp fewer for the last 1500 rpm of the rev range than other Buells with racier cams, but the low-speed jerk that comes with whacking the throttle open at 2500 rpm more than makes up for that most of the time.
With the new machine. corn fi~rt and practicality have been improved as well. Addressing long-standing complaints about Buell seats, the company has re done the entire tailsection, adding length and increasing
width from 9 to 13 inches-a far cry from the butt-wedge 7 inches of the original Lightning.
With its thicker foam, this is finally a no-excuses seat. In other improvements, the good-looking, 5-gallon "Manta-Ray" gas tank from the S3/White Lightning replaces the tiny tank found on previous Cyclones, and the ignition key moves from its hidden location under the tank to a more at-hand position on the dash. And a new exhaust system and cast-aluminum swingarm add a perception of quality that was previously missing.
The conventional fork and "tension-design" rear shock are now from Showa, and both have been fitted with softer springs this year. That takes the rough edge off the Cyclone's ride, but leaves it a bit undersprung for sport riding. Nonetheless, the bike handles so well that it's easy to drag the footpegs, something that's difficult to do on more stiffly sprung Buells.
Also, an easy pull on the front brake lever will cause the fork to bottom and the front tire to squirm. Those are about the only chinks in the bike's performance armor.
Of course, with an $8595 list price, you might think of the Cyclone as the bargain in Buell's lineup. We prefer to think of it as a White Lightning-at least in the making-with a real scat.
Steve A nderson
