| Author | Message | ||
     Pinkpank |
Rain. Yuck. Sleet. Yuck. Freezing. Yuck. So I'll just lurk and see if any of you lucky southerners (or "non-weather challenged folks" as I prefer to say) try the upgrade kit, and live vicariously through your experiences. ;-) Oliver '00 Blast Red, 900 miles (<- too low!) | ||
| Sarodude |
No upgrade kit in my future. I can't justify that kind of money on a Blast. Heck, you can buy a CHEAP SET of pistons and cyclinders for a VW Type 1 motor for SOOOOO MUCH LESS - and that's FOUR pistons and jugs. Granted, they are cheap and aren't Nikasil plated... Anyway, on another front, I've now scraped pegs more times than I'm comfortable with and managed to scrape my boot for a brief instant this weekend. I really need to start work on some rearsets... -Saro | ||
| Aaron |
FYI ... when I did the Blast LSR project, I used Brian's 1250 kit piston because he didn't have the Blast piston ready yet. This made it tough to get as much compression as I wanted, and forced me into a milder set of cams than I would've liked. I'm now putting it back together with his Blast piston. Really a nice piece, it should make a big difference. Took very little fitting work on the chamber because the dome angle matches the squish band tremendously better (the angle is different on a Blast head versus a T-storm head, so his 1250 kit piston took quite a bit of fitting work). The fitting work I did had more to do with core shift than the dome & squish band angles. Valve to piston clearances came out with more margin, so it must have deeper pockets. I didn't finish getting it all the way running yet, but I got far enough to measure cranking compression. It's almost 50% higher than it was before! Now to select a little more cam to go with that compression ... more later ... AW | ||
| Hoser |
Aaron: This piston you speak of , have you measured the dome angle ? , if so what is it (I'm curious). Why am I asking ? , I am building an ice racer , using a C&J racing chassis ( like the HD factory dirt track boys ). I'm staying with the stock displacement for now but using a forged thunderstorm piston (Wiseco). We have a Trock plate so machining the chamber was simple , the squish is .025" , chamber volume is 54cc , cranking pressure is lower than I wanted it to be but is 15 p.s.i. above what it was when it was stock.I used the Wiseco piston because they have generous valve reliefs and we had a set in stock , but would have prefered the 10.5:1 piston they make for "open chamber" sportsters (+ 6cc dome ). Cam's ? , initially I pressed the H.C.R. gear off the stock cam and pressed it on a "Lightning" cam I had lying around , did several dyno pulls to play with timing/jetting. Right now it's apart again to try some other cams (B70 Andrews ), and will be back together soon ( when I get some time ). This time a 42mm flat slide is going on , the CV was not behaving well last go round , the slide was bouncing and the engine did not accelerate as rapidly as I expected , that is ......until it reached 5000 rpm , then it "wails". A crane "hi 4" is going on it too , but I don't like the way it fits , there are two pick ups on the one I have and this limits the amount it can be rotated due to the gear cover casting having that lump where the pinion bushing lives. Last week I had to do some other work and left the blast engine alone for a while , I was pissed cuz I could not static time it with that "lump" in the timing cavity. Does your Hi 4 have two pickups ? , did it fit OK ? . Oh ya , I should mention , the pushrod "tube / trough" ?? doesn't fit so well any more ( he he ) , so I "hand crafted" an adaptor plate so 4spd evo.XL pushrod tubes can be used along with crane adjustable pushrods ( I'm not sure where to get those fancy pushrods like you have ). Thanks in advance Jeff | ||
| Aaron |
Wow, we're covering a lot of the same ground! Much I'd rather not discuss publicly. You've got mail. AW | ||
| Buellmeister |
Hi everyone & all! Just got a 2002 Buell Blast last Saturday (12/15/01). This is my second bike, the first was a 2001 Kawi Ninja 250r. My other choice was a Suzuki GS500 but my HD dealer gave me a good deal so I took the Blast. Soooooooooo here's my first question/s. I would like to change the exhaust as my first upgrade. Can someone tell me what the options are right now e.g. V&H, White Bros., etc. and would specifically would like to know how they sound on a Blast. If somebody can explain to me in detail or examples on how they sound and perform, I would truly appreciate it. I've been through the archives but I haven't seen any "sound" comparison. Also, which one looks the coolest? Are they easy to install? Thanks in advance! | ||
| Ezblast |
Buellmeister - the Force Ltd. has come out with an exhauest closest to a drag straight pipe for the street, V&H will give the best mid to top range, White Bro. has a 12 disc thats tunable and is for low and mid-range power , and if you want pure low end grunt - the Bub exhaust is the choice(MINE), for opt. results a carb jet changes 0f 42 to 45 and 165 to 170 . Now on to ehh news - $500. worth of cutting and rewelding and the tires fit. I had the inside of the swing arm opened to the edge of the shock mount and then filled and reenforced with 1/4" steel to fill the gaps. this bought me the nessary mm's of space without changing geometry of either driveline or frame. So far so good. - ;0) Later I replaced it entirely with a stock one - 140 rear squirly on a rim made for 120 - so swing arm saved for a later day - Moderator | ||
| Buellmeister |
Would you know how these exhausts sound? I don't have the slightest idea. What do the other guys think? | ||
| Greasebag |
Buellmeister, My wife has a 2001 Blast, that came from the dealer with a V&H. I haven't ridden a stock Blast, only hers, so I can't compare performance issues. I can tell you that the V&H sounds cool. It kinda sounds like a small Harley with straight pipes...go figure  It "raps" like a twin, it's loud (but not ridiculous), and it's higher pitched than a twin. I'm a long time HD rider, and I like the sound. The can is nice and small too, polished alum I think. Gives a bit more clearance for curb jumpin. My $.02 worth.... Greasebag | ||
| Sarodude |
(this seems like a discussion for the Blast Exaust section) My wife has a V&H and I have a Bub's. I'd take the V&H ANY DAY. The Bub's is INSANELY loud. My friends thought it was kinda cute until they had to ride with me. The V&H LOOKS good, SOUNDS good, and GOES good. The only saving grace with the Bub's pipe is GRUNT - if you're into grunt. -Saro | ||
| Fssnoc2501 |
Buellmeister, Congrates on the P-3 IMHO you made the correct choice (as I remember Suzuki is an ancient Jap venereal disease ) As for exhaust I and my Dad used the Kerker which I think gives the most bang for the buck after comparing the price and dyno charts. Better think about rejetting the carb when you do or it will blubber. Do I now how the exhaust sonds? Waite a minute while I turn up my HEARING AIDE. Yes the Kerker has a quite pleasant THUMP at idle and low speed, while an attention getting growl at mid to full throttle. although not so much as to irritate the police thus far. It reminds me very fondly of the H-D sprint or BSA Victor of old. Quite pleasant I must Say. It will even set off the odd car alarm at Wally World when desired. Having ridden many (more than I can count ) types, brands and styles of motorcycles over the past 36+ years the Blast is propably the most fun other than a "short tracker" sprint that I have ever ridden. I've put nearly 3500 miles on mine over the past 8-9 months. What better psychiatric therapy I can't think of. Ray | ||
| Torbuell |
Hello everyone I have been lurking here for about 3 weeks, taking in the vast quantities of information.This is my first legal bike, I used to ride an MX 125 years ago.I was going to buy a sportster..then I saw the light at the local dealership.When I saw the Buells I thought I need one of these. I just purchased the V&H muffler and Dynojet kit I am waiting till spring to install as it seems there is a few more weeks riding here. I was going to trade in for an M2low but I am enjoying the Blast too much. Thanks for the info Ray, I found the fairing but cant seem to find the superbike bars on the Chapperal website. If anyone is in the southern Ontario area let me know as I dont know any other Buellers here.I have been riding with local HOG and sportster guys. Thanks torbuell | ||
| Biggums |
Hi Buellmeister, I own a 02 Grape Juice Blast and went with V & H Exhaust. I love it both in sound a performance. It has a deep thump at idle and raps at rpm. Its not too loud just Harley like in tone. You will have to watch your ground clearance two up as hoping a curby situation can bottom into the nice exhaust. I installed mine in about an hour. Its the kinda thing that if you do it a second time it would be 1/2 the time. I rejetted my carb with a 45 and a 170 plus went with the different needle and spring. Also drilled the mixture cap off the bottom of the carb and inrichened that screw to 2 1/2 turns. Couldn't ask for a better running machine. It starts easy cold or hot and can run against most anything from a start. Good luck! | ||
| Prudemonkey |
Hey guys and girls. Just a quick question from a complete novice. Is rejetting something that I should attempt or should I allow the Harley dealer to do it, if the kit were purchased? 2002 Grape Juice w/ V&H | ||
| Mikej |
Depends on how mechanically adept you are, and how long you've had your bike. I had removed a few things and played with ideas on my M2 the first month I had it, nothing major at first, but still I messed with stuff on it warranty or not. Also, I don't know why people always refer to the "kit", since a jet is just a couple of dollars by itself and seems to be the only thing that is required in the majority of cases. The "kit" usually has a bunch of different jet sizes, but unless you are constantly readjusting your jetting for major elevation changes and different uses (road, track, touring) all I see is a bunch of extra parts you'll never use that you paid for. Get the service manual, read thru the relevant sections, then decide. Only you know you, but bolts is bolts. | ||
| Aaron |
Unless you're very lucky, a dealer is as likely to screw it up as help it. There *are* Buell knowledgeable techs in the world, some of whom even participate here. But in my experience they tend to be the exception rather than the rule. Just do it. It's trivial. Mike's right, kits are a waste of money, and they too are as likely to screw it up as help it. | ||
| Buellmeister |
What would be the effects (plus and minuses), if any, if you won't rejet but still put a new exhaust. How much would this cost (parts & labor) for...say a V&H exhaust plus rejetting? Again, thanks!!! | ||
| Blake |
Buellmeister: Changing from stock to free flowing aftermarket exhaust will tend to lean your engine, especially if the stock jetting is still in place. You would risk poor performance, pinging, and possibly melting a hole in your rear piston. Throw in a 45 low jet and adjust the idle mixture screw per instructions at the top of the knowledge vault's carburator page. Good luck. | ||
| Phillyblast |
Hey Blake - if he melts a hole in the rear piston on a single, um, what's he left with?  I am sooo gonna get bounced from the board for that. I'm of the "just change the jets" persuasion myself. Couldn't figure out what the jet kit got me, except a bunch of small parts I'd put in a drawer and lose before I figured out what to do with them. | ||
| Prudemonkey |
Well, Looks like I'll just purchase the service manual (which seems to be a good idea anyway) and then spend some time this winter working it out. Thanks. | ||
| Blake |
Uhhh, the Blast parked in front?  | ||
| Buellmeister |
With all the negative feedbacks on "Buell mechanics" I am afraid to go to my dealer and have the jets & exhaust done. I do not have that "relationship" yet with them. Does anybody here by any chance know SKIP FORDYCE HD at Riverside, California by the 91 freeway. Any tips? | ||
| Jasonl |
I'd ask Eeeek(aka Vik) or Choptop about where to go in Cali. If they don't know they may be able to get you in touch with someone who does. | ||
| Sarodude |
PLEASE invest the time and energy into learning how to work on your own machine. I don't feel like regurgitating my ludicrous first few months of Buell ownership. You can look it up if you'd like some incentive to a) Never buy a Buell b) Never let someone else (HD/Buell techs inculded) work on your ANYTHING c) ignore a and b and go play the lotto. The Blast is Dirt F-ing Simple. My problems arose out of very expensive repairs that were covered under warranty - and then out of my stubbornness in getting whoever started the work to finish it properly. Unless it is cost prohibitive, I suggest you not even cash in on a free oil / filter change if your dealer offers one. On my wife's Blast they'd actually torqued the living crap out of the filter. When I removed it, I wound up having to destroy the filter. The oil pump thingy (two male threaded ends, ball, spring) came out with the filter. PLEASE do your own work. -Saro | ||
| Joey |
A question of bolts: Is there anything I could have done to prevent a bolt from breaking off in the head, or was this just "one of those things?" I've decided against the Slick-50 for now, as I don't want to introduce any foreign substances to my engine. Anybody want to guess what happened when I put synthetic oil in my car's standard transmission? ;-) | ||
| Prof_Stack |
Happy holidays to all on this board. Looks like a break in the rain here in Seattle so I'll be out there soon on the Blast. Rocker box gasket - my Buell tech says the new metal gaskets are much better than the stock paper ones (like the one he replaced, under warranty, on my Blast in August). The paper gaskets blow out, in part, too quickly due to improper warmups and excessive rpm's before the motor is hot enough. Plus, hard running seems to lessen the lifespan. New Firebolt is getting nice reviews. I wonder if the Blast development helped the new twin. | ||
| Dust_Storm |
Hi all! I've lurked here for more than 6 months, and because of all the posts (both bad and good), I bought my 2001 Blast back in April! Believe it or not, I actually feel like I know most of you, and nothing has made me happier about the bike than the support that I find HERE! I also own a few of the jap bikes, but I've never had anyone be as helpful as you all are to the inexperienced buyer. It's simply amazing the amount of info you have in these pages ( hell, I wouldn't be suprized if the Buell design team reads these posts to help them out!). Anyhoot, I finally got off my lazy bum and joined the fray. Some info for you: SWM, 24, lived in Wisconsin for the begining of my life, then moved down to El Paso, Tx. Not the best place ( too much sand!) but being able to ride all year long is a dream after coming from the land of the frozen streets. I've bought my Buell here, and put well over 6000+ miles on it alone in the first 5 months. I just can't help it, it's too much fun! Not as fast as the Jap bikes, but has sooooooo much more potential. I can't wait for a firm price on that 515cc upgrade. I've already blown the warrenty 8 ways from Sunday ( thankfully no ones caught on yet ) Anyway, I got this idea in my head, and I just can't get it out, the Q's for Aaron and Team Elves - Buell 1000RR specs state the following: -25 deg head angle -53" wheel base -4 deg tail -16" rims ( although fatties..) Buell Blast! Specs: -25 deg head angle -54" wheel base -3 deg tail -16" rims (skinnies... 17" really makes more sense / options Argh BUELL WHAT WHERE YOU THINKING!! Even the Kawa N250 uses a 17" rim..) See where I'm going with this.... I'd love to see the measurements on the frame to see what could be adapted to the Blast. 42RWHP, weighting aprox 280lbs wet... Wow that'd be quick... fer a thumper ;) Anyway, merry christmas everyone, and thanks all for giving me the best present of the year! -=] DStorm [=- | ||
| Ezblast |
hey guys - how about some ideas to pairing weight down to lighten the bike - could use a few. - tnx for all your help and Happy Holidays! | ||
| Aaron |
Congrats on your P3! Yes, the RR is a tiny motorcycle. It surprises people when they see it in real life because the pictures suggest a bulbous body. But the damn thing is really small. Virtually nothing crosses over to a Blast, it's a totally different animal. The RR has a lot in common with the 1200 Buells though. Congrats again, terrific little bike! 42rwhp? Set your target higher!  | ||
| Blake |
Whoooo-hooooo! Another Texas Bueller! Welcome to non-lurk mode DStorm.  |
