Performance Review: Buell-EBR RR 1000 R - [1986]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Buell-EBR RR 1000 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Buell-EBR RR 1000 R is the 4 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1986. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1987 Suzuki RH 250 X and the 1986 Suzuki RH 250 X.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 1986 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 R in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, give or take 50kg.

The 1986 Buell-EBR RR 1000 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder - [2025]

In terms of power the 997cc 4 valve Transverse 2 cylinder engine produces 94 bhp (70 kW) @ 5600 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Twin Cylinder [73.4 bhp (54 kW) @ 8750 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 Rally [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 Triple [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm] and the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS [47.2 lb-ft (63.9 Nm) @ 8100 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 2004 Kawasaki ZRX 1200 DOHC has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1986 Buell-EBR RR 1000 R.

The 1986 Buell-EBR RR 1000 R has a Power to weight ratio of 484.5 bhp per ton and 360.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1986 RR 1000 competing with the 2004 Kawasaki ZRX 1200 DOHC [508.3 bhp\ton] and the 2006 Kawasaki ZRX 1200 DOHC [508.3 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 RR 1000 generating around 360.8 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 2000 Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK2 [384.0 lb-ft per ton] and the 1997 Buell-EBR M2 Cyclone MK1 [384.0 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.6 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.8 secs, this makes the Buell-EBR RR 1000 R similar in acceleration to the 2010 Buell-EBR XB12X Ulysses Adventure (7.6 secs) and the 2008 Buell-EBR XB12X Ulysses Adventure (7.6 secs). This Buell-EBR RR 1000 R 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 1986 Buell-EBR RR 1000 R and the 1967 Suzuki B 120 Two Stroke

When talking about the performance of the 1986 Buell-EBR RR 1000 R on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1967 Suzuki B 120 Two Stroke (0 secs) and the 1978 Honda XL 250 S (0 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1986 version of the Buell-EBR RR 1000 R has a maximum speed of 140mph.

Top Speed of the 1986 RR 1000 equals the 2019 Kawasaki GTR 1400 Concours 14

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1986 Buell-EBR RR 1000 R then how about a 2019 Kawasaki GTR 1400 Concours 14 (151 mph) and the 2017 Kawasaki GTR 1400 Concours 14 (151 mph).

Related Links:

1986 Buell-EBR RR 1000 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Buell-EBR

Bike Comparison