A Shed-Built Buell Bruiser from Tony Lloyd…
When it appeared in 1996, the Buell S1 Lightning shocked the motorcycle world. It was $2000 less expensive than previous Buells, boasted 10:1 compression and 91 horsepower from its hot-rodded Sportster V-twin, and the muscular streetfighter styling was a hooligan’s dream. However, it was a bit too uncompromising for riders who wanted a bike that wasn’t just fun on the back wheel and in the twisties, but could pull touring duty and even accommodate a pillion rider.
So Erik Buell designed the S2 Cyclone as an “all-around motorcycle — a do-anything sport bike.” The S2 was destined to become one of the most versatile and reliable “tubers” of the Buell bloodline. The milder cams gave the S2 a strong, smooth midrange perfect for real-world performance, and the rubber-mounted V-twin was said to vibrate less than a big Japanese four at freeway speeds.
UK-based shed-builder Tony Lloyd has built a load of bikes since the 1970s — mostly orange (as the following photo attests), but never a Buell.
“Almost all have been orange and silver since 1980; some would say it’s an obsession! I like a build to be as light as possible (a sign of my advancing years!) and that seems to always translate into minimalist.”
Since his retirement 14 years ago, Tony builds a bike each winter for the new year’s riding season. This past summer, he was having trouble finding a suitable donor until a “chance conversation with a guy down the café” who owned an M2 Cyclone. In fact, he’d bought the Buell new in 2001.
Though the bike had only 5000 miles and had never seen a wet road, the previous owner had chopped the frame and added an S1 Lightning seat, so it was fair game for a custom build.
“The design concept was to retain the ‘Buell’ look… keep it as light as possible, and of course it had to be orange and silver like all my bikes!”
This is one of our favorite tube-framed Buell customs we’ve seen, a naked V-twin stomper whose Buell character has been enhanced rather than muddied by the customization, showing off the mechanical innovations and curiosities that made Erik Buell’s creations unique in the motorcycling world. It’s lighter, sharper, and more minimalist than the original, and looks a treat sitting on that misty road.
Below, Tony gives us the full story on build “Number 11.” We’re wishing him a great riding season on this Buell, and can’t wait to see what donor he picks up this coming summer.
Buell M2 Custom: In the Builder’s Words…
I have been building and riding bikes since I was 15! When I retired 14 years ago, I started building a bike every winter, and riding it through spring to autumn. I normally buy a bike in the summer and store it until I start the build in the winter, but last year nothing came up that I fancied. That was until a chance conversation with a guy down the café who said he had a Buell…
A few weeks later he agreed to sell the bike to me! He bought it new in 2001 and it’s never seen a wet road. It started life as an M2 Cyclone, but he had grafted an S1 tail and seat on it and cut off the frame footrest which meant it was going to be a custom build rather than a restoration.
The bike has only done 5000 miles so mechanically it was spot on. I did however replace the cylinder base gaskets which are a weak point on this engine. The main problem with it, however, was the plastic fuel tank which had bubbled and swelled like many bikes with plastic tanks from this era — it’s a real problem.
I pondered for a while how to overcome this. In the loft I had a rotted-out Ducati Monster tank, so out came the angle grinder! I cut the top off the tank and profiled the cut line to match the profile of the frame tubes. I then welded a new flat bottom on, which also meant I could house some of the electrics underneath the tank.
The design concept was to retain the “Buell” look… keep it as light as possible, and of course it had to be orange and silver like all my bikes!
Apart from the Ducati tank, this bike has a custom-made seat and tail piece, homemade silencer to replace the heavy original, new speedo, custom indicators and number plate bracket. I also re-wired it from scratch, keeping things simple
Apart from a quick ride up the street, I have not ridden it properly yet — that will have to wait for spring, but my initial impression is that it’s going to be fantastic to ride!
There are a few things that I enjoyed doing on this build. The exhaust silencer, the seat and tank which makes it look unique. The exposed spring shock was a challenge to make!
Also, all the parts I had water jet cut and machined like the number plate bracket, headlight mountings, and handlebar risers. I love creating all the small detail touches that finish a bike off!
I am sorry I didn’t take a close look at this bike earlier. Normally I don’t read anything on Buells.
But went back and found this machine to be quite cool .
Too bad Buell himself have the ability to visualize what this bike has become.
It’s nice. Buell started making those horrible little gas in frame junkers when refining these trellis frame models would have been all time classics.
But that’s the arrogance of Eric Buell .
Clock Work Orange is sweet.
I followed one of his other builds – the Moto Guzzi – and the craftsmanship and skills he has are phenomenal. Coupled with a good eye for a pleasing result, he’s done amazing work over the years. The Buell is another for the books. Nice write-up of a nice looking bike.
Tony does fabrication and machining work that makes my head hurt just thinking about. His bikes look pretty cool once he’s finished.
Well done!
Beautiful transformation and tastefully upgraded. I really like the end result of this build.
Brilliant build, fantastic repurposing of the Ducati tank, I recognized it immediately as I owned a ‘97 Ducati monster. Lots of really nice details on this superb machine.
Tony’s builds are legendary and the attention to detail are just incredible. I’ve seen all his builds and everyone amazes me. I’ve known Tony many years and he’s a great friend of mine and also gives great advice. I’m just waiting for him to build a Suzuki TL1000S streetfighter. Andy Bryan.