Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1998 Buell M2 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1 | 100% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. FAILURE OF ONE OR MORE TURN SIGNAL LAMPS WOULD NOT BE INDICATED TO THE OPERATOR OF THE VEHICLE (NO NOTICEABLE CHANGE IN THE FLASHING RATE OF THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR LIGHT). THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence
AN OPERATOR WOULD NOT BE AWARE THAT THE TURN SIGNAL LAMPS WERE NOT WORKING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TURN SIGNAL LAMPS ON THESE MOTORCYCLES.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“REAR BRAKE IS SO INEFFECTIVE IT CAN NOT LOCK UP TIRE ABOVE 25 MPH, MANUFACTURE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THIS IS HOW THEY INTENDED THE DESIGN TO BE "HIGH EFFORT". THEY HAVE NO FIX AND DO NOT INTEND TO PURSUE ONE. ALTHOUGH REAR BRAKE IS ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE STOPPING POWER IN A STRAIGHT…”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Buell M2. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.