Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2002 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.
2
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 1 | 50% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 50% | new |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES WERE BUILT WITH A FRONT SHOCK MOUNT THAT IS CRACKED AND COULD BREAK ALLOWING THE SUSPENSION TO DROP UNEXPECTEDLY.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BROKEN SHOCK MOUNT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUELL AT 1-414-342-4680.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“2002 BUELL M2 MOTORCYCLE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A DEFECTIVE PIRELLI SCORPION TIRE *TGW WHILE RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CONSUMER LOST STEERING IN THE FRONT TIRE AND ALMOST CRASHED, BUT HIS ARM STRENGTH PREVENTED IT FROM HAPPENING. WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED, THE CONSUMER…”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — 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 2002 Buell M2. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.