1997 Buell M2 CYCLONE: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
4 owner complaints analyzed
8 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Most common problems
Suspension:Front:Shock Absorber is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 4 complaints (50.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 50.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Suspension:Front:Shock Absorber | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc | 1 |
Suspension:Front:Shock Absorber: 2; Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 4 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 1 |
1999: 3; 2000: 1
Pattern summary
Suspension:Front:Shock Absorber leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 548464 · 1999-09-10 (September 10, 1999)
THE FRONT BRAKE LIGHT SWICH EXPERIENCING FAILURE. *YC
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 548464 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 851884 · 1999-10-27 (October 27, 1999)
CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL NUMBER 0816, DEALER STATES NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. CONSUMER HAS YET TO HAVE RECALL WORK CORRECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 851884 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 851887 · 1999-10-27 (October 27, 1999)
CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL NUMBER 99V107000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 0817. DEALER STATES NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. CONSUMER HAS YET TO HAVE RECALL WORK CORRECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 851887 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 863071 · 2000-06-06 (June 6, 2000)
WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, MOTORCYCLE FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP, CAUSING A CRASH AND INJURIES. AFTER CRASH DRIVER SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE CALIBER ON THE FRONT WHEEL. *AK *ML
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 863071 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
8 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
97V022000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Reported: 1997-02-24 (February 24, 1997)
THE FRONT BRAKE LINE HOSE CAN KINK DURING FRONT BRAKE ACTION.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN IMPEDE THE RETURN BRAKE FLUID FLOW AND PROHIBIT THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTONS INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND READJUST THE FRONT BRAKE LINE GUIDE.
NHTSA campaign record ↗97V153000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Reported: 1997-09-12 (September 12, 1997)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE E-CLIP WHICH RETAINS THE DRIVE PIN ON THE FRONT BRAKE ROTOR AND CARRIER CAN SEPARATE FROM THE DRIVE PIN ALLOWING THE PIN TO MOVE OUT OF POSITION AND COME IN CONTACT WITH THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN PREVENT THE FRONT WHEEL FROM ROTATING INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THESE MOTORCYCLES.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V086000 · Suspension:Front
Reported: 1999-04-26 (April 26, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE FRONT ISOLATOR MOUNT SYSTEM CAN LOSE CLAMP LOAD AND POSSIBLY BREAK.
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO AN UNINTENDED DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT ISOLATOR MOUNT SYSTEM.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V097000 · Unknown Or Other
Reported: 1999-04-29 (April 29, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A SIDESTAND SWITCH THAT COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL/QUIT WHEN RIDING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDESTAND SWITCH.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V104000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Mounting
Reported: 1999-05-06 (May 6, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK MOUNT SYSTEM THAT COULD, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, ALLOW THE FUEL TANK TO SEPARATE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN EXPLOSION OR FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK MOUNT SYSTEM.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V105000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
Reported: 1999-05-06 (May 6, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK VENT VALVE ASSEMBLY THAT COULD BECOME PLUGGED.
Consequence: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE THE CARBURETOR TO OVERFLOW FUEL WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THIS CONDITION COULD ALSO PREVENT SUFFICIENT FUEL FLOW, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO MISFIRE OR STALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENT VALVE ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V106000 · Suspension:Rear
Reported: 1999-05-06 (May 6, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A SWINGARM THAT COULD BREAK.
Consequence: IF THE SWINGARM SHOULD BREAK, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWINGARM.
NHTSA campaign record ↗99V107000 · Suspension:Rear:Shock Absorber
Reported: 1999-05-06 (May 6, 1999)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A REAR SHOCK ABSORBER FRONT EYE THAT COULD BREAK.
Consequence: IF THE SHOCK EYE SHOULD BREAK, THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WILL DRAG ON THE GROUND POSSIBLY CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER.
NHTSA campaign record ↗Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
4 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension:Rear | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 866421CONSUMER APPOINTMENT WAS DELAYED UNTIL LAST WEEK OF AUGUST 2000. CONSUMER FELT IT WAS A GREAT INCONVENIENCE. *AK | 266.7%ODI 730617I CONTACTED DEALER FOR INFORMATION ON THE RECALL AND RECIEVED NO INFO RELATING TO BEING ABLE TO SAFELY CONTINUE TO OPERATE (IT BEEN OVER A MONTH SINCE THE RECALL) THE MOTORCYCLE OR STOP RIDING IT, THE DEALER RESPONSE WAS THAT THEY HAD THE SAME INFO I WAS SENT REF. THE RECALL AND THEY HAD NO IDEA OF THE SAFETY FACTOR. THEY MADE NO ATTEMPT AT THAT TIME TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER FOR FURTHER INFO. I TRIED 4 TIMES TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER VIA PHONE WITHOUT RESULT; I EVEN WENT SO FAR AS TO LET THEM PICK A TIME TO CALL ME BACK (I LEFT A MESSAGE V… |
| Suspension:Front:Shock Absorber | 250.0%ODI 851884CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL NUMBER 0816, DEALER STATES NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. CONSUMER HAS YET TO HAVE RECALL WORK CORRECTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch | 125.0% | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Power Train:Driveline | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 10141222 · 23,000 mi2000 BUELL M2 CYCLONE FAILURE OF PRIMARY CHAIN ADJUSTOR CAUSED INSTANT SEIZER OF DRIVE TRAIN. VEHICLE IS TORN DOWN FOR INSPECTION NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN PERFORMED. A QUICK SEARCH OF THE INTERNET REVEALED THAT THIS IS NOT AN UNCOMMON FAILURE. BUELL MOTOR COMPANY HAS DISCONTINUED THE ORIGINAL ADJUSTER AND NOW SUPPLIES AN UPDATED COMPONENT. WHEN I CONTACTED BUELL MOTOR COMPANY I WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE I WOULD NOT RECEIVED ANY SUPPORT. *NM |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc | 125.0%ODI 863071WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, MOTORCYCLE FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP, CAUSING A CRASH AND INJURIES. AFTER CRASH DRIVER SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE CALIBER ON THE FRONT WHEEL. *AK *ML | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Drum | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 8017797REAR BRAKE PEDAL CONTACTS FRAME BEFORE PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO MASTER CYLINDER. FRONT BRAKES ARE THE ONLY MECHANISM THAT STOPS MOTORCYCLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Suspension | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 133.3% | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No usable records for this analysis. | ||||
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
1999: 2 complaints · 2000: 2 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 2000 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2000 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Suspension:Front:Shock Absorber | Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension:Front:Shock Absorber | — | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch | 0 | — | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.