Let me start off with a disclaimer: If you're interested in lap times and peak horsepower stop now and get away from Buells. I don't want to hear how disappointed you were when you test rode a Buell and found out it doesn't rev to 15k rpm. I also don't want to hear about how the GSX-R600RRXXR Type-R you read about in a magazine is faster and lighter. Me and every other satisfied Buell owner in the world are well aware that race-replica supersport bikes are faster, and we just don't care.

Now on to the fun stuff . . .

After nearly 6 months of ownership I'm still thrilled with my '99 Cyclone. It makes big torque at idle, loves to wheelie, and handles better than I do. It's plenty comfortable for my 80-mile commute to work and with 75hp at the rear wheel it's certainly quick.

I went out looking for a fun bike that I could do anything with. I wanted to carve corners and pick up the front end, but I needed something that I could really put miles on. I needed a bike that would comfortably seat two and carried enough fuel for real touring. The Cyclone does all this and more. It averages 40-50mpg, allowing a full 200 mile range. The seat is actually a bit too soft. It's excellent for the first 100 miles, but after that you feel as if you've sunken all the way down to the seat pan. The seats are stiffer on the newer models, so this may not be a problem anymore. The Cyclone is a tall bike, but it carries it's weight down low so it remains very flickable. Ground clearance is great for daily riding, but the pegs will touch down if you get too aggressive. I've found that by increasing the rear spring preload I've gained quite a bit of ground clearance. Now I really have to work to put a peg down. In any case the ground clearance is a welcome trade-off for the comfy seating position. As I said earlier, the bike is no supersport, but with 70lbs of torque at the rear wheel it will gladly pick up the front wheel when blasting from corner to corner. As for the vibration, it bothered the hell out of me for the first week. I was almost embarrassed to see the bike idle with the choke on, but once warmed up and under way this bike is surprisingly smooth. Now I've gotten quite used to it, and I kinda like the way it shakes at idle.

Overall I'd say the Cyclone is a great all-around bike for anyone who wants a naked V-twin and doesn't mind getting their hands dirty once in a while.



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 5160
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1999