Performance Review: Buell-EBR S2T Thunderbolt - [1994]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Buell-EBR S2T Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Buell-EBR S2T Thunderbolt is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1994. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1995 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin and the 1994 Suzuki RGV 250 V-Twin.This particular Buell-EBR S2T has a 1203cc Air cooled, Two stroke, V4 Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.

An alternative V4 engine, Sport-Touring style motorbike includes the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT - [2025]

The 1994 S2T shares its V4 engine and Sport-Touring style configuration with the likes of the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT and the 2020 Yamaha MXT 850 Niken. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the S2T's Sport-Touring style with a similar size of engine then how about the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT | 2025cc.2020 Yamaha MXT 850 Niken | 2020cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 218 kgs (480 lbs) this makes the Buell-EBR S2T Thunderbolt in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tenere 700 or the 2025 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT, give or take 50kg.

The 1994 Buell-EBR S2T shares the same bhp with the Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE - [2025]

In terms of power the 1203cc 4 valve V4 2 cylinder engine produces 101 bhp (75 kW) @ 6000 rpm similar to the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE [123 bhp (91 kW) @ 9500 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT [119 bhp (88 kW) @ 10000 rpm].

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 66.3 lb-ft (90.0 Nm) @ 5500 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 Yamaha MT-09 Y-AMT [68.5 lb-ft (93.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Buell-EBR S2T you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1994 Suzuki GSX-R 750 WR SP has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1994 Buell-EBR S2T Thunderbolt.

The 1994 Buell-EBR S2T Thunderbolt has a Power to weight ratio of 463.3 bhp per ton and 304.4 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1994 S2T competing with the 1994 Suzuki GSX-R 750 WR SP [488.0 bhp\ton] and the 1994 Suzuki GSX-R 750 WR [488.0 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 S2T generating around 304.4 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 1995 Suzuki RF 900 R S2 [328.4 lb-ft per ton] and the 1994 Suzuki RF 900 R [328.4 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.0 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.2 secs, this makes the Buell-EBR S2T Thunderbolt similar in acceleration to the 2024 Honda CB 650 R (8.0 secs) and the 2021 Honda CB 650 R (8.0 secs). This Buell-EBR S2T Thunderbolt 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 1994 Buell-EBR S2T Thunderbolt and the 1981 Kawasaki Gpz 750 DOHC

When talking about the performance of the 1994 Buell-EBR S2T Thunderbolt on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 12.6 secs @ 104 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1981 Kawasaki Gpz 750 DOHC (12.6 secs) and the 1976 Kawasaki KZ 1000 A1 (12.6 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1994 version of the Buell-EBR S2T Thunderbolt has a maximum speed of 125mph.

Top Speed of the 1994 S2T equals the 2023 Yamaha MXT 890 Niken GT

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1994 Buell-EBR S2T Thunderbolt then how about a 2023 Yamaha MXT 890 Niken GT (136 mph) and the 2020 Yamaha MXT 850 Niken (136 mph).

Related Links:

1994 Buell-EBR S2T Rivals List.

A Brief History of Buell-EBR

Bike Comparison