View Full Version : Interested in a Blast
keikothemeowmeow
08-27-2008, 01:04 AM
...but I've heard that they aren't very reliable bikes.
Anyone care to clear that up?
I'm looking for something used in the 2000s(yr)
buellosaurusrex
08-27-2008, 01:36 AM
You heard wrong.
They are quite reliable, and quite forgiving to new riders.
The only major flaw I've heard of is that new riders outgrow them in a couple years, itching for more speed and HP.
Too bad more people don't itch for better gas mileage.......:):)
I have heard but not seen in "black & white" that the Blast has the best reliability record of ANY H-D product.
Sounds reasonable, the little buggers are very close to bullet-proof.
Z
keikothemeowmeow
08-27-2008, 09:00 PM
I appreciate the corrections ;D
motojr
09-07-2008, 04:47 PM
My dad owns a buell lightning and i would never recommend a buell.. YES it is a harley but his buell has had alot of problems and it is a 2002.. and i agree with the other guy.. after you get more comfortable on this bike you will want to go alot faster.
BuellBagger
09-07-2008, 05:47 PM
I have owned 3 Buells and have never had a warranty issue. The only thing I have done to them is change the oil and put on tires.
buellosaurusrex
09-08-2008, 01:02 AM
My dad owns a buell lightning and i would never recommend a buell.. YES it is a harley but his buell has had alot of problems and it is a 2002.. and i agree with the other guy.. after you get more comfortable on this bike you will want to go alot faster.
Allow me to clarify!!!
1) I was referring to the Blast!, and not the Lightning. If you need to go faster than the Lightning will take you, you are either a pro circuit racer, a lawbreaker, or just plain nuts.
2) It is NOT a "Harley". It is a Buell. If you have to ask the difference I'd be glad to 'splain it to you, Lucy.
3) I would most definitely recommend a Buell to those in the right mindset. Hell, I own one. I'm the moderator of the Buell forum here, and a member in good standing on other Buell forums. Why would I NOT recommend one?
Motojr; if your dad doesn't want his '02 Lightning, there are many people who would love to take it off his hands...me included!!!
newbieking
09-09-2008, 12:20 AM
Hello,
I am new to biking, but I own a Blast. Friends, family and the book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycling, all say it is very reliable and low maintenance. A couple of reasons for that is the Blkast is a single cylinder and a belt drive--less things to go wrong with it. So far I am loving it, and I think I made the perfect choice. No bike is better in my opinion for a first-timer.
I hope this helps.
SeanDassen
10-21-2008, 02:55 AM
The only thing you need to look out for is the '00 to '01 blasts had gasket issues, which were fixed on later years ('02 and up). The belt-drive feature and auto-adjusting valves saves SO MUCH time, hassle, and money. $400 for a valve adjustment every 5k miles? Not on a Blast. Lube the chain every 300 miles? Not on a blast. Tires are cheap (recently paid $60 for a Pirelli rear).
It is supposed to get 65-75 mpg, I average 55 (but I tend to ride full-throttle everywhere I go) Great for shorter people, if you are over 6-feet, this is not the bike for you (even with the higher seat). Mine tops out around 97mph (I weigh 150lbs), and does not like going much over 80 with a passenger.
It corners well, Low centre of gravity and light weight. Sometimes I feel like I am riding a dirtbike on the street. Sticks to the road, I have scraped the pegs through many corners with confidence. Quite hard to do a wheely or a stoppie, no surprises.
Reliability has been good. Parts are cheap. Some electrical problems, but I live near the ocean, so salt-corrosion is a problem regardless of brand. With the auto choke, it starts quickly every time. Never had it in sub-50 degree weather, though.
Wish there was another step between the Blast and Buell's next bigger bike. Blast is a hair too small for my taste, but an X-1 or Firebolt is too big.
buellosaurusrex
10-21-2008, 11:54 PM
How about the XB9? It's the next logical step up from a 500....and it's a step you might never outgrow!
Admittedly, going from a Blast to a 1200 or 1125 is a very large step for some riders, but I've seen plenty of used XB9's going for quite reasonable prices locally.
If it makes any difference, I went from a 550 Inline 4 to a Cyclone (1200) and didn't have any problems adapting (other than trying to stay within the posted speed limits).
SeanDassen
10-22-2008, 04:20 AM
I went from Blast to Ducati Monster 900. Was not too much bike; the darned thing just could not keep itself under 100mph. For sake of budget and insurance (stupid cops.. doing their job), a 6-700 would be nice.
But the more I look at them, the more attractive the Firebolt becomes, so we will see.
I prefer the XB9s over the 12s, motor just revs quicker and feels better to me.
The 12s rev like a diesel, they feel like there's a 200 pound flywheel in them.
I love my 1125R, she revs like an F1.
Well... more like an F1 than the others.
XB9, either R or S is a very fine, light, great handling bike.
Good for any class rider.
The 1125R/CR is just as light, but with 50 more horses, be careful.
Z
The only thing you need to look out for is the '00 to '01 blasts had gasket issues, which were fixed on later years ('02 and up). The belt-drive feature and auto-adjusting valves saves SO MUCH time, hassle, and money. $400 for a valve adjustment every 5k miles? Not on a Blast. Lube the chain every 300 miles? Not on a blast. Tires are cheap (recently paid $60 for a Pirelli rear).
Do you know of any major differences between earlier models and the 2008 model? Thanks for all the info.
SeanDassen
11-03-2008, 07:43 PM
not really. they changed the 'Buell' sticker a few times, but as far as I know, there are no major differences over the years.
CDImagician
11-25-2008, 03:12 PM
I've got a Honda CB400T it has 27 horse power is a twin cylinder . I like riding the bike. It has a lot of power when driven over 5k rpm. Its considered Hondas first cruiser. But as a cruiser I'm still going up and over curbs and down dirt roads. I like it, its light enough and nimble with plenty of power at low speeds. And a nostalgia look all its own. On the down side. The chain needs constant attention. If key parts on the bike fail it may take a while before i can find replacements. I think I'd like to ride a Blast. no maintenance to the belt. A lighter bike like mine I could take it over curbs and down a two tracker now and then. I just wish it had a tach. I also wish it were a twin or a four cylinder engine. A one lunger looks a little mo-ped ish. Like the other poster said. Buell needs a bike thats a Blast but a 650 cc or 750cc twinn.
So, Eric if your reading this make this bike for me. If you make it, I'll try and do 170 mph at Taladaga with it to show my gratitude.