Performance Review: Buell-EBR RR 1000 Battletwin - [1985]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Buell-EBR RR 1000 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Buell-EBR RR 1000 Battletwin is the 4 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1985. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1986 Suzuki RH 250 X and the 1986 Suzuki GSX-R 1100 DOHC.This particular Buell-EBR RR 1000 has a 997cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Transverse Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.

An alternative Transverse engine, Sport style motorbike includes the Norton Superlight SS - [2020]

The 1985 RR 1000 shares its Transverse engine and Sport style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Norton Superlight SS and the 2019 Norton Superlight Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the RR 1000's Sport style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2020 Norton Superlight SS | 2020cc.2019 Norton Superlight Twin | 2019cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 0 kgs (0 lbs) this makes the Buell-EBR RR 1000 Battletwin in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.

The 1985 Buell-EBR RR 1000 shares the same bhp with the Honda X-ADV 745 - [2025]

In terms of power the 997cc 4 valve Transverse 2 cylinder engine produces 77 bhp (57 kW) @ 5600 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 [72.4 bhp (53 kW) @ 9000 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 70.0 lb-ft (94.9 Nm) @ 4400 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT [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 RR 1000 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2014 Honda VFR 800 X Crossrunner has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1985 Buell-EBR RR 1000 Battletwin.

The 1985 Buell-EBR RR 1000 Battletwin has a Power to weight ratio of 390.8 bhp per ton and 355.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1985 RR 1000 competing with the 2014 Honda VFR 800 X Crossrunner [415.7 bhp\ton] and the 2004 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom [415.2 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 RR 1000 generating around 355.3 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 2007 Kawasaki ZZR 1400 Special Edition [379.9 lb-ft per ton] and the 2022 Kawasaki Ninja H2 1000 SX-SE Supercharged [379.2 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 9.5 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.7 secs, this makes the Buell-EBR RR 1000 Battletwin similar in acceleration to the 2022 Yamaha XSR 700 XTribute (9.5 secs) and the 2022 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin (9.5 secs). This Buell-EBR RR 1000 Battletwin 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 1985 Buell-EBR RR 1000 Battletwin and the 1987 Kawasaki ZG 1300 Voyager

When talking about the performance of the 1985 Buell-EBR RR 1000 Battletwin on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.1 secs @ 102 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1987 Kawasaki ZG 1300 Voyager (13.1 secs) and the 1984 Yamaha XV 1000 Virago (13.1 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1985 version of the Buell-EBR RR 1000 Battletwin has a maximum speed of 0mph.

Top Speed of the 1985 RR 1000 equals the 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1985 Buell-EBR RR 1000 Battletwin then how about a 2013 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph) and the 2002 Honda CHF 50 Metropolitan (35 mph).

Related Links:

1985 Buell-EBR RR 1000 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Buell-EBR

Bike Comparison