Buell Blast?

[alleydude]

I've been thinking of getting a Blast to bomb around on. I've got three Sportsters, and owned many other bikes, so my expectations aren't very high, I just think that 492cc single thumper is a cool motor, and I'd love to have one. Anyone have any experiance with them? They seem fairly reasonable in price used, some going for less that $2000.

Opinions?

[CB750F]

Never road one myself. it wouldnt be the fastest thing on the highway but you would deffinatly save some money on gas.
MPG (EPA urban/highway test)
Urban 69 MPG
Highway 73 MPG

http://www.buell.com/en_us/DWP/2007/...modelyear=2007

[ocryan1]

I was looking at them myself, looks like a pretty decent bike, and your right about the price, I've been seeing alot of good deals, just not in my area.

[olds_cool63]

I like the looks of it. I just wish it were a few inches longer (at 77 inches, it's scooter-sized). And a tachometer would be nice. It's definitely nice looking. However, I don't know ANYONE who gets an where NEAR the reported mpg's. I'd go with a Ninja 250. More power and much better mpg's.

Its not that quick for a 500cc bike, word is that the ninja 250 (half the cc's) kills it on the highway, where the ninja will have some reserve power the buell is really pushing to keep up...

I have heard its still pretty manuerable and the kevlar belt instead of the chain is nice... But the sportsters have that to I believe.

Also I have not look at the weight but the buell feels heavier from my memory then the ninja did while sitting on them...

If you just want a fun manueverable toy I'd say used ninja 250, if you are into the sport styling (3 sportsters... probably not) then check out the 2008 ...

So much more modern...

I still prefer the older ninjas dated looks over the buell but I prefer a ZX-10 over a Road King... Others are the other way around.

[buellosaurusrex]

Well, they're fairly small and underpowered. For nearly the same dollars you can pick up a used tube frame 1200. Unless you're a small or new rider, I think you would outgrow the Blast! within a year or two,, maybe sooner if you're an experienced rider. My advice would be go do a demo on one. Most Buell dealers offer the Rider's Edge course and use the Blast! to teach on, so they usually have lots of slightly rough ones to auction off at the end of the riding season (like: NOW). Go check it out. They're usually ready to wheel & deal. While you're there, see if they have and tube frame trade ins and compare apples to oranges.

[ocryan1]

Originally Posted by jraice

Its not that quick for a 500cc bike, word is that the ninja 250 (half the cc's) kills it on the highway, where the ninja will have some reserve power the buell is really pushing to keep up...

Ouch... nevermind, not looking for em anymore. Haha.

im gonna hijack this thread. but what about as a first bike? 6 foot tall 240 lbs. would this be a good bike for me. and i doubt i would take it on the highway. my main compute would be a 30 mile drive with the higest speed i could legaly reach being 55.(i normaly dive it at 60-65 in a car) so probally my top speed would be about 65 and maybe not even that high

[buellosaurusrex]

It would probably do OK for you for a nice commuter. Not that they're slow by any means; they just don't have the punch of an IL4 or the grunt of a V-twin. It's a fantastic handler, very flickable and light. And in a year or two, if you feel you've outgrown it, move up.

thank you. i guess it is small as well but i can fit into small spaces. i jsut really like the buel line of bikes and i think a 1000cc+ bike is way to much for a starter bike

If you like that style bike then it may be a good way to go... It wont have much power and I would probably not take it on the freeway...

Also I am sure it handles great but regardless of what it really weighs (I have no idea) with me sitting on it it felt noticably heavier then the Ninja 250, which is a bit faster, still comfortable but more sporty looking...

One thing that the buell's have (and Harley's) that is awesome though, no chain... Belt drive needs no maintainance.

i dont think that as a first time rider i should be on the freeway to begin with. and there is no way i would own a nijia im just not into that kind of bike where you sit in the bomber postion. plus im not that big on sport bikes i have sat on a few and sitting on my hands and wrists dosnt seem comprtable. the thing i like about the buels is that they setnd to ride more up right.

Well I guess you havent sat on a Ninja ...

The 250, 500 and 650 Ninja's are all upright...

I have not done a back to back on them with the buell but I'd atleast sit on one because they are both very similar... The new 2008 Ninja may be a bit sportier but I have heard its still upright, but the 2007 Ninja I sat on fit me better and felt lighter then the buell (which is supposed to have mass centralization and all that)...

Lastly there are probably better bikes out there then because the buell blast IS very close to a sports bike... It is a nice blend of metric cruiser and (american) buell sports bike features... Not to say its not a good bike but it is probably one of the worst performing 500cc bikes out there...

Lastly, while I agree you dont want to be on the freeway for atleast a month or two, statistically its safer then being on the local 2 lane mainstreet and having grandma pull out in front of you...

I'd much rather just have to worry about cars changing lanes into me then the left handers and other issues you see on the "regular" streets...

Good luck either way with your purchase!

And if you want to give the Ninja a little chance, go on ninja250.org, in the FAQ they have a nice article comparing it to the Buell...

well i have getting many mix reviews on the blast so i when to the dealership to hammer things out a bit. and there are plenty of guys that have bought blasts and such that come back for parts and serivce. and they say they are nice bikes. small but nice they keep up on the highway and short freeway sprints but not long freeway driveing. the man i spoke with claimed to have gotten one of there used blasts up to 85 MPH on the road next to the shop. but he is also smaller then i was but he has sold a blast to a guy my size who dosnt have many problems with speed. but after that conversation he showed me a 888cc sportster which i liked just not as a first bike.

[buellosaurusrex]

Originally Posted by Clay54961

well i have getting many mix reviews on the blast so i when to the dealership to hammer things out a bit. and there are plenty of guys that have bought blasts and such that come back for parts and serivce. and they say they are nice bikes. small but nice they keep up on the highway and short freeway sprints but not long freeway driveing. the man i spoke with claimed to have gotten one of there used blasts up to 85 MPH on the road next to the shop. but he is also smaller then i was but he has sold a blast to a guy my size who dosnt have many problems with speed. but after that conversation he showed me a 888cc sportster which i liked just not as a first bike.

The 883 Sportster is definitely not in the same class as the Blast, weight-wise or handling-wise. If you were gonna plunk down the scratch for a Sportster, go with the 1200 and get your money's worth. Yes, the 883 can be upgraded for about $2500.00 in parts (not including labor) but by then you've eclipsed the cost difference between the two. If the Blast seems underpowered, try stepping up to an XB9S Lightning. You can find some of the early models used fairly cheap now ('03, etc). This might be a bit on the hairy edge for a new rider, though.....plenty of torque there. One thing you should do is call your insurance agent and run some scenarios by him or her...you might be shocked and/or surprised at the differences between models. In fact, that may even be your deciding factor, cost notwithstanding.
My insurance man tells of a story of a long-time customer whose 19 year-old son bought a new literbike and came in to insure it.....the dad hit the roof when the best he could do for the kid was $2200.00/year....he made the kid sell it. Wise man say....Do your homework first.

Originally Posted by buellosaurusrex

The 883 Sportster is definitely not in the same class as the Blast, weight-wise or handling-wise. If you were gonna plunk down the scratch for a Sportster, go with the 1200 and get your money's worth. Yes, the 883 can be upgraded for about $2500.00 in parts (not including labor) but by then you've eclipsed the cost difference between the two. If the Blast seems underpowered, try stepping up to an XB9S Lightning. You can find some of the early models used fairly cheap now ('03, etc). This might be a bit on the hairy edge for a new rider, though.....plenty of torque there. One thing you should do is call your insurance agent and run some scenarios by him or her...you might be shocked and/or surprised at the differences between models. In fact, that may even be your deciding factor, cost notwithstanding.
My insurance man tells of a story of a long-time customer whose 19 year-old son bought a new literbike and came in to insure it.....the dad hit the roof when the best he could do for the kid was $2200.00/year....he made the kid sell it. Wise man say....Do your homework first.

the sportster wouldnt be for awhile i could take out a loan and aford the 883 used. hell i could get it new my credit is good enough. but i would rather buy a bike that is underpowered and grow out of it then have to much power and end up near death in a ditch somewhere because the power was to much for me. the sales dude at the HD dearlership said that the 883 sporster is a fairly comen fisrt bike but it isnt for me.

[olds_cool63]

Rode the Blast 2 days ago. Nice little bike with good power to get around. I'm not sure about long highway stints on it, tho.

It's really a small bike, tho.

Thanks!

olds_cool63
Custom Sportbike
Custom Cruiser
BOTH metric!

DON'T be a SQUIDIOT!

[olds_cool63]

You, know....I was just thinking. Pulling off the fenders, one could put on taller profile tires. Possibly even 17" rims and tires. This could raise the bike to a nicer height.

So, anyone think this would be a problem?

Thanks!

olds_cool63
Custom Sportbike
Custom Cruiser
BOTH metric!

DON'T be a SQUIDIOT!

[alleydude]

Originally Posted by buellosaurusrex

If you were gonna plunk down the scratch for a Sportster, go with the 1200 and get your money's worth. Yes, the 883 can be upgraded for about $2500.00 in parts (not including labor)...

The 883 can be upgraded to a 1200 for FAR less than $2500 + labor. Just sayin...

[buellosaurusrex]

Originally Posted by alleydude

The 883 can be upgraded to a 1200 for FAR less than $2500 + labor. Just sayin...

Yeah, I know. I'm talking retail here.
But I get your drift.

[BikerVoodoo]

I know a lot of people don't have many kind words for the Buell Blast but I like the design and the idea behind it. Would help if it was cheaper though.

[olds_cool63]

Originally Posted by BikerVoodoo

I know a lot of people don't have many kind words for the Buell Blast but I like the design and the idea behind it. Would help if it was cheaper though.

....and BIGGER!

Thanks!

olds_cool63
Custom Sportbike
Custom Cruiser
BOTH metric!

DON'T be a SQUIDIOT!

[CASevenFour]

[/SIZE][SIZE="7"][/SIZE]
I rented a Buell Blast last summer did not like it at all. Not very powerful and the vibration at 55 MPH is terrible.

Save your money and get a Kawasaki 500 Ltd twin parellel engine. That is what I'm getting they are really nice and it gets up to 60 MPG. It has a big frame and fuel tank 4 gallon and looks like a 800cc bike. They say it has 50 HP and can hit 120 MPH.







Honda 450cc - Triumph 650cc

[Arr_6]

I have an 883 that has the 1200 kit and its fully customized with paint, rims, seat, TONS of chrome and then some. If your interested in it let me know!

[olds_cool63]

Originally Posted by CASevenFour

[/SIZE][SIZE="7"][/SIZE]


Save your money and get a Kawasaki 500 Ltd twin parellel engine. That is what I'm getting they are really nice and it gets up to 60 MPG. It has a big frame and fuel tank 4 gallon and looks like a 800cc bike. They say it has 50 HP and can hit 120 MPH.

Gotta admit, the Vulcan 500 ROCKS! It's on my short list for a small cruiser. It will BLOW away some MUCH larger bikes easily!

Thanks!

olds_cool63
Custom Sportbike
Custom Cruiser
BOTH metric!

DON'T be a SQUIDIOT!

[phanos]

My 2 cents -
I've owned a blast for 2 years now, bought it new on recommendation of one of my friends who told me it is a great starter bike(who also rode one). As far as freeway speeds, I have no problems going 80 I-5 between Portland and Eugene (about 2 hour ride). Rode it in all weather with no complaints for about a year (Oregon weather can be brutal) before buying a second vehicle. Does not get anything close to 70mpg though, especially in the city. I am 5'10" and 200lbs, I would say it is a *little* small for me so I dunno if i would recommend it for 6' or taller. I want to trade up soon now that I am more experienced... but I am still having fun with it. All and all I would agree with my friend, a good recommendation for a starter bike. Only regret is price.

[NHRABill]

I am 6' 170lbs

Bought A 2002 Buell Blast for a first bike and Love it well I just got it so I need more time in the seat... I do need to switch the Seat for the taller one I have the lower one ...

dang it is soft ....

[whiteknight521]

Originally Posted by olds_cool63

I like the looks of it. I just wish it were a few inches longer (at 77 inches, it's scooter-sized). And a tachometer would be nice. It's definitely nice looking. However, I don't know ANYONE who gets an where NEAR the reported mpg's. I'd go with a Ninja 250. More power and much better mpg's.

I have an 05' blast and after my first tank of gas I got almost dead-on 70MPG, maybe I got a lucky model, lol.

[BLAZETIGER]

Maybe those familiar with the Blast can help me out here. I took some pictures from the badweatherbikers forum thanks to a link from Zack. Being a newbie to bikes maybe some of you can help me out...

Is the front light interchangeable with other Buells or are the ones pictured below specific to the Blast? I ask because I really like how they look compared to the single headlight.







I also like these double ones


Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Zack]

None of those lights are stock for a Blast.
The first three are an aftermarket set, I forget whose.
The last one is a light-set from a Lightning or Ulysses.

Blasts have a single lamp.

[BLAZETIGER]

Originally Posted by Zack

None of those lights are stock for a Blast.
The first three are an aftermarket set, I forget whose.
The last one is a light-set from a Lightning or Ulysses.

Blasts have a single lamp.

So the ones from a Ulysses or Lightning are direct bolt ons? Or is more modification needed? Sorry for so many questions.