Performance Review: Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1 - [1997]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Buell-EBR M2 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1997. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1997 Suzuki GW 400 Inazuma and the 1997 Suzuki TS 125 Single Cylinder.This particular Buell-EBR M2 has a 1203cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.

An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]

The 1997 M2 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the M2's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ | 2025cc.1966 Norton Dunstall 750 | 1966cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1 in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, give or take 50kg.

The 1997 Buell-EBR M2 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT - [2025]

In terms of power the 1203cc 4 valve Wankel 2 cylinder engine produces 93.5 bhp (69 kW) @ 6100 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [117.4 bhp (87 kW) @ 10000 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 83.3 lb-ft (112.9 Nm) @ 5600 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE [73.0 lb-ft (99.1 Nm) @ 7700 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Buell-EBR M2 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1988 Honda VFR 750 F-J has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1997 Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1.

The 1997 Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1 has a Power to weight ratio of 430.8 bhp per ton and 384.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1997 M2 competing with the 1988 Honda VFR 750 F-J [455.7 bhp\ton] and the 1986 Yamaha FZX 750 Fazer [455.3 bhp\ton].

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Buell-EBR M2 generating around 384.0 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2002 Buell-EBR X1 Lightning [409.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 2002 Buell-EBR X1 W White Lightning [409.0 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.6 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.8 secs, this makes the Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1 similar in acceleration to the 2019 Yamaha XT 1200 ZE ES Super Tenere (8.6 secs) and the 2018 Honda VFR 800 X Crossrunner (8.6 secs). This Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1 also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1997 Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1 and the 2009 Yamaha MT-01 SOHC

When talking about the performance of the 1997 Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.9 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2009 Yamaha MT-01 SOHC (11.9 secs) and the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS (11.9 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1997 version of the Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1 has a maximum speed of 135mph.

Top Speed of the 1997 M2 equals the 2005 Honda CB 900 F Hornet

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1997 Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1 then how about a 2005 Honda CB 900 F Hornet (146 mph) and the 2002 Honda CB 900 F Hornet (146 mph).

Related Links:

1997 Buell-EBR M2 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Buell-EBR

Bike Comparison