Ever since I latched onto a Buell M-2 Cyclone I've had me ears perked to suck in whatever the Harley world is doing to their Buells. Either suddenly there's a ground-swell of Buell activity, or up until now, it's been and underground endeavor about to break out and hit the Harley world big time. This time around I'm posting performance mods flying into Bikernet from the brothers with their fingers firmly planted on the Buell heart-beat.

Here goes:

Agent Anson Reports

Amazing how great minds work together!! My 2000 M2 is also the black on black model. I am anxious to see what you do to modify it. However I caution you to change your attitude toward it. The Buell is not a Harley in sense. Why make it out to be something it isn't.

That said, why not work with it on its own terms? It is a way too cool bike to simply be dressed out as a "hot XL".

Now to the mods: Right off the bat I changed the low speed jet to a 45 (P/N 27170-89)and the needle to the 88XL full tapered version. (P/N-27094-88) , I also drilled out the vacumm hole in the slide to .125. Pull the idle adjust plug and turn out 1 1/2 turns. That is about it for the carb. Result ease off idle, quicker throttle response and NO MORE CV HICCUPS! All for the grand amount of $12.

Dynojet and Thunderslide kit? I would install one if it was given to me but I sure wouldn't pay $150. I know from previous experience, if you can tell a seat of the pants difference in performance it is because your wallet is now much lighter.

If you have the 2000 model I trust the dealer installed the SRP kit on the rear shock for you. If not the recall states that the shock is prone to disintegration at either end resulting in the rider (you) ending up in traction. As the shock binds the bike framework together. If it fails the bike "frame" collapses and you are one fucked rider.

Also there is a recall out for the exhaust mount bushings of which I know nothing else.

Mods:

Airbreather - if you want the bike to perform don't change it. This from roughly a 100 or so web posts I have read and 3 dealerships. That said, let's change it. There are a few aftermarket choices ready to go. Kuryakn and the Hypercharger. I always thought it looked like shit on a stock Harley especially the year they came out and Miller's in Daytona was installing them by the hundreds. It seemed. Every HD at Daytona that year appeared to have one. Anyways they look pretty good on a Buell. The powdercoated black model would look great on your or my black M2. Then there is the Force kit. It features a radical intake manifold and can be had with a cover. It is definitely you! Of course there is the H-D race breather as well.

You have long legs. so knee clearance with the feet at the controls is gonna be a problem. We all ride with our feet on the rear sets, but we must shift and stop once in a while. That said have you noticed the rear brake is worthless unless you are at a roll?

Exhaust: Forget Vance and Hines. Great muffler - however very prone to breakage. Consider SuperTrapp (also sounds MUCHO better that V/H). Also Daytona H-D offers a killer muffler guaranteed for life ( I am not sure whose life that means). KT offers a loud but secure system also. The H-D race kit is prone to breakage and is not being offered at this time.

Seats: First thing I did when I got home was pull the cover off the seat and get my electric fish cleaning knife out and start reshaping the damn thing. I scooped out the ass spot and dished the inner thigh area. I had to!! With my short legs I couldn't touch the ground at a stop. There is a low stock seat now offered. I am looking for the previous 97-98 rear body section and slim seat to replace the current one. Perhaps all I really need is a Bates and side license plate. I want to see what you come up with for this.

Big tire and inner rear fenders: If you keep the inner fender and want to increase the tire size swap over to a X-1 rear fender for more clearance. Engine case: a bad wheelie landing can break the cases!!!! The front shock mount is an engine case casting - Be careful!

Parts houses: Amercian Sport Bike, Apple Valley , Ca - "americansportbike.com" Sport Twin "sporttwin.com" - not fully in function at this point

Web boards: PACBOG - Pacific Coast Buell riders association Badweatherbikers.com -- a good site, but a lot of whining and bitching in the posts. Buell.com - It used to feature the history of the Buell and tech updates. Now it is basically a advertising frontsheet for the current models.

Hope this ramble helps your project out some.
Ride safe,
Anson
Agent "M2"

This is the force airbreather setup for the Buell. The website was forceusa.com but it is unavailable now.

Buell Carb Modification

You may have this already. Ron Trock is a strong source for the 40 and 44mm carbs. The 44mm carbs spigot will fit in a non 44 manifold. You need to seal it with a o-ring that you use for the round inspection cover on a Sportster primary cover. The o-ring goes in first then the carb spigot. Some sanding and or massaging on the I.D. of the manifold might be needed for a good fit. I use Layout-Dye in the I.D. of the manifold to see where the spigot makes its marks for material removal.

You can e-mail the Trockster at: trockcsi@aol.com

-- Paul

Cam Recommendation--

The best and cheapest hop-up tip for the M2 motor is to install a set of X-1 cams! It kicks the M2 in the ass. A fellow Buellie in town (who also has a black M2 2000) just did this to see what a difference it would make and when you wind that motor up it hauls ass bigtime. Idle and midrange are the same-- the diffence is in top end.

Off course. then you might want to change the stock rev limiter to take full advantage of the revs.

Tranny oil change: No need to pull of the muffler as stated in the manual to get at the plug. Remove the plug, let drip over the muffler and then put a piece of cardboard over the muffler indention. Put the plug on the cardboard, lift the cardboard and reinstall the plug.

Rear belt tension: It should be loose as in 1.75-2 inches! It will actually rub on the swingarm at times. Keep it loose as opposed to a regular H-D.

--Agent "M2"

Force Products

Here is some more poop on Force products. I am getting this from a Hot Rod Bike issue Feb 1999. Force products is located in Lake Havasu,City, Arizona. The phone number: 520/453/7182. website:www.useforce.com The Sidewinder breather kit retail: $180 Force also distributes the KT exhaust (which is you if you are serious about a rowdy Buell) and the Vance Hines muffler. You can get a package price if you purchase the airbreather and exhaust together.

Also since you know the Bartels why not see if Billy Bartel has his Force intake on the shelf. According to HRB Aug 99 article he deep sixed it to set his S-1 up for racing.

Handlebar possibility: In another HRB article Aug 98 Scott Bartel shows the installation of K&N handlebars P/N KN0050 on an M2. These handlebars allow for the rider to reach much further forward and downward. It might be the thing for a guy your size. For $50 retail worth a shot.

--Anson "M2"