Performance Review: Buell-EBR X1 W White Lightning - [2002]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Buell-EBR X1 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Buell-EBR X1 W White Lightning is the 5 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 2002. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2003 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 DOHC and the 2003 Suzuki Raider 150 - Satria F150.This particular Buell-EBR X1 has a 1203cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Electronic Fuel Injection.

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

The 2002 X1 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 X1'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 X1 W White Lightning in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT or the 2025 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, give or take 50kg.

The 2002 Buell-EBR X1 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT - [2025]

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

The OHV Two stroke unit throws out torque of 89.9 lb-ft (122.0 Nm) @ 5600 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC [73.0 lb-ft (99.1 Nm) @ 7700 rpm] and the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Triple [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 X1 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 1998 Honda VFR 800 Fi has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 2002 Buell-EBR X1 W White Lightning.

The 2002 Buell-EBR X1 W White Lightning has a Power to weight ratio of 459.0 bhp per ton and 409.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2002 X1 competing with the 1998 Honda VFR 800 Fi [482.4 bhp\ton] and the 2002 Honda VFR 800 F V-Tec [482.4 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 X1 generating around 409.0 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 2023 Norton V4SV 1200 [432.3 lb-ft per ton] and the 2019 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 DOHC [431.3 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.1 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.2 secs, this makes the Buell-EBR X1 W White Lightning similar in acceleration to the 2021 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ (8.1 secs) and the 2020 Kawasaki Versys 1000 SE LT+ (8.1 secs). This Buell-EBR X1 W White Lightning 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 2002 Buell-EBR X1 W White Lightning and the 1982 Kawasaki Gpz 1100 B2

When talking about the performance of the 2002 Buell-EBR X1 W White Lightning on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 11.5 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 1982 Kawasaki Gpz 1100 B2 (11.5 secs) and the 1997 Yamaha XJR 1200 SP (11.5 secs).

Top Speed:

The 2002 version of the Buell-EBR X1 W White Lightning has a maximum speed of 140mph.

Top Speed of the 2002 X1 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 2002 Buell-EBR X1 W White Lightning then how about a 2019 Kawasaki GTR 1400 Concours 14 (151 mph) and the 2017 Kawasaki GTR 1400 Concours 14 (151 mph).

Related Links:

2002 Buell-EBR X1 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Buell-EBR

Bike Comparison