| Author | Message | ||
     Fssnoc2501 |
Funkdaddy, I'm forced to disagree with Ralph, I would first invest in a service manual, much cheaper then taking to a service center. Then I would readjust both the clutch and the cable. I have found that this makes alot of difference in operation. I do this each time that I change fluids. To make it easier DON'T fully remove the wye peg when doing this. I've also found thanks to this board that Mobil 75-90 gear lube in the tranny improves operation to a great extent. The last recommendation would be to learn the rocking method of gear changing at a stop, it has proved useful during my 35+ years of riding. Prof-Stack, As my dad taught me  Rule #1 The only difference between the men and the boys is the price of their toys. Rule #2 He who dies with the most toys, WINS. Ray | ||
| Jprovo |
Clutch Inspection cover: Ok, I went and bought a clutch inspection cover for the Blast so I could measure it to make one out of billet (I didn't want to take the one on my bike while I made it's replacement). It turns out that the plastic cover used on Blast has been superceeded by an aluminum one. The gasket also changed from a countoured rubber "quad ring" as the manual calls it to a thin rubberized gasket with a metal reinforcement. If you wanted to, you could buy the new cover and polish it or engrave your name on it or something, but I'm going to make up a billet one to match my timing cover. Kit Part Number 25349-03 $19.75, Includes the new cover (Part No. 34814-03) and gasket (Part No. 25377-03). I don't know if the old style gaskets (Part No. 25351-00Y) will remain to be available, or if you will need to convert to the new style cover when you next change the primary/trans oil. James | ||
| Jprovo |
Primary Cover: I know that It's been discussed briefly here before, but is that primary cover for the XB9 interchangable with the P3? For my rearset project, I would like to use the shifter set-up that the XB9's have. I would also get the added bonus of a primary chain inspection point. Then again, I may be able to just tap the Blast primary cover on the boss just below the clutch cable (just like that cover in the factory manual, Hmmm...). James | ||
| Ralphthe3rd |
James, Hey thanks man for that info ! That is NEWS about the switch of inspection covers from Plastic to Aluminum....now maybe the ooz should stop with this re-inforced cover and better gasket. And I like the idea of polishing it. I always wondered when someone would take the time to strip and polish the entire primary case, maybe just give it a brushed finish. But with the old Plastic cover, it would have been goofy. I like this idea....It may take patience and lots of effort, but WOW would it look Cool to see the whole Cover in Silver instead of Rough Flat Black ! Thanks for the Heads up ! ~Ralph~ P.S.- I don't know if the XB9 covers will interchange, as I haven't compared them that closely (side by side), but they do kinda look the same.... Let us know if they are-ok ?! | ||
| Prof_Stack |
Hey Blastards - to you all. I hope Santa brings a new toy for your Blast, (or maybe a new Lightning to keep the Blast company). | ||
| Joey |
This guy's psychic! Got my saddlebags! The Mrs. wants to have me look at others and contemplate an exchange, as she's not satisfied with the way they look, and their lack of waterproofness. | ||
| Prof_Stack |
Well, temptation came my way one more time – and I succumbed… And it was much harder than I thought when it came time to hand over the keys to the Blast. Even though the Blast was the most fun of all 6 motorcycles I have owned, I traded her in today (9,867 miles, $2,500) for a new XB9S Lightning. Great deal, thanks to a generous owner who I once taught math to, and a very nice 0.9% interest rate for 36 months. Here are my early impressions: (1) Handling is superb, better than the Blast’s great handling (2) Seating position will make for a more comfortable ride due to footpeg and handlebar placement. Slight lean forward with less pressure on the rear end. (3) Acceleration is obviously in a different league than the Blast. Nice to calmly blow every car off the line. (4) Shifting is a little clunky but will probably smooth out like the Blast’s shifting did. Some buyer’s remorse was removed during the ride home. Once there, the good wife mentioned something about a Rolex. Doesn't she mean Rotax?  Time to update my website…  | ||
| Joey |
One question: Did you cry? | ||
| Ralphthe3rd |
Prof, I hope you enjoy your HUGE Insurance Cost Hike ! And the Chance that the XB9s is now the Greater object of theft. Also much easier to accumilate Speeding tickets with. And that Rear tire costs over $300 and made especially for the XB9'...not the Size thats specific- but the specs for lightness. Enjoy Your Lightning ! P.S.- And in general, a USED X1 Lightning(for half the price) will Blow the XB9's out of the water upto about 110 mph (Which I know you'll never be finding out). Yes, I'm not patting you on the back....if you had also kept the Blast(whats $2500?!)then I might give Congrats ! | ||
| Phillyblast |
Prof, Pay no attention to the nay-sayers. The Blast is a great bike, I'm still trying to bring myself to part with mine, since I have that and the S2. But when it comes time to ride, most of the time I throw a leg over the S2. Enjoy the Lightning, personally if I were looking for one it'd be of the S1 or 9S variety, the X1s had too many problems for my taste. Ralph, Geez, man give the guy a break. Talk about a buzz kill. | ||
| Ralphthe3rd |
BuzzKill ! Well what to you want from a "Blastoholic" !? :-) Besides- this is the P3 Forum, and it's like disrespect to sell your Blast for another bike! Personally, the "Blast" is the First Harley product that I thought was worth the cost- and I needed a used one to be sure I wasn't over paying ! so- Yeah, I'm a "BuzzKill" ! P.S.- Yeah the X1 had faults, so do All Buells/ Harleys... I was just referring to Bang for the buck ! | ||
| Phillyblast |
Ralph, Sorry - I forgot the at the end. OTOH, I did mention that the X1 had too many reported problems "for my taste", so ya gotta let me slide on that one.  Personally I think the Blast is worth every dime I paid for it. so is the S2. But to paraphrase Court, a motorcycle purchase isn't a rational decision, so why bother pointing out the irrationality of it? I'm sure Prof, being the smart guy that he is, checked insurance costs, etc. before he made the purchase, and knows all about the market for used X1s, etc. and I'm also sure he didn't mean any disrepect to the P3 crowd by announcing his new purchase. Heck I announced my S2 purchase on the P3 forum if memory serves. Friday, too much coffee and too little sleep, so pay no attention if my typed words sound a little ornery. David | ||
| Prof_Stack |
Ralph3: Loved your comments! Really! ![:]](http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/clipart/proud.gif) Insurance $190 now $420 per year, same coverage. It'll come down after I take the Rider's Edge course in March. Tires will be cheaper than $300 at a local shop that does more tires than anyone in the NW. Tickets oh yeah, I might be getting my first speeding ticket in 35 years of motoring, but then again... Almost got one yesterday but the cop nailed the car in front of me. X1 comparison I test rode an X1 and really liked the acceleration but I much prefer the superior handling of the XB9S. Plus, the riding position/seating seems like it was made for me. The XB's should be much more reliable than the tubers but let's wait a while to see. Sadness It was danged hard to part with the Blast, the most fun cycle I've ever owned in 35 years of riding. Doing rural roads in the summer for 100 miles at a time was great therapy. Yes, I will miss the Blast. Perhaps the most underrated and most fun motorcycles of all time. So Ralph, DO NOT test ride the XB9S. You'll be sorry.... You might have to start a new group on Yahoo! | ||
| Prof_Stack |
Phillyblast: Thanks for your kind words! As much as I loved the Blast (rocker box and a high-side notwithstanding) I'm sure I'll love the XB9S more. A curvy road I usually took at 35 on the Blast found me comfortably doing 40 on the Lightning, first time around it. Much tighter handling. But enough of that. Any bids on a pristine 2000 Blast Official Factory Manual? Prof. Recovering Blastoholic (really!  ) | ||
| Prof_Stack |
Plus, with me no longer riding a Blast, you won't have to wade through my long postings here! As of now. Prof.  | ||
| Phillyblast |
Prof. Yep, I gotta agree - if you aren't prepared to part with the money, do not, I repeat DO NOT test ride an XB. That Erik guy sure builds a hell of a fun bike, doesn't he? Now if the snow will just melt in the NE . . . | ||
| Ralphthe3rd |
Prof-Norm, Hey I already agree- and know how much greater the XB9s is ! But it isn't 10$ grand greater to ME ! It might be if Harley/Buell wedged the V-Rod engine in the XB frame, then I'd say it'll be 10 grant Great ! But GOD, who the hell would pay 20 Grand for a V-Rod when I can buy a Jap Power Cruiser for half that Price and not be blinded by all that silver ! You see, before the Blast!...I was NOT a Harley Fan, and to me they ain't as good as the hard earned bucks$$$ you shell out for them. Most normal air cooled Harleys are just Tractor engines mounted in Juke Boxes that cost your first borm MALE child ! But Erik Buell was/is my idol. I met him in the early '80s when he still Road Raced, I ever ran against him once in the old F2 class (We were both riding Jap 2-stroke 250's). I saw his first RR1000 in Pocono in the pits. I followed his exploits and dreamed of owning a Buell bike, but knew I could never afford one. But after Harley stepped into the picture and the price of the bikes dropped almost in half- I took notice again and rode every model at the Demo rides in York Pa. I loved the 1200cc tube frame Buells, but still couldn't afford $7 grand for one back in the 90's. Then the price started creeping up again and I thought I'd never own one. But back in 2000 when the Blast came out- I knew I would finally get one. Albeit USED...as I'm the Cheapest "Blastard" ! And I'm happy.... So , as for an XB9...well maybe a used one-oneday. But it better be GREAT and hold up !? ~LOL~ I'll bet ya the Rocker Box gaskets will eventually LEAK ! Hell, if someone had an XB9s rolling chassis for sale (coz of a blown motor), I'd consdider buying it and slide the Blast engine right in. I believe the only fabrication that will be needed is the intake tract(just manifold/carb. bent toward center to clear frame rails). I also used to race (jap)Thumpers in flattrack, thats why I like 'em.... If I ever get a too fast bike, I'll probably kill myself.....I can't help it, every time I take a ride- I need to hit the bikes top speed for at least a few seconds..... Thats why the Blast is keeping me alive ! (96 mph hurts alot less than 135mph) ~Ralph/Buzzkill~ aka Blastoholic | ||
| Prof_Stack |
Joey: no tears. But it's great to sell the Blast with good memories of the fun we had. Anyone trying to e-mail me: my server is goofy right now and I can't receive any mail. | ||
| Cjmblast |
Congratulations Prof Stack !! CJM  | ||
| Prof_Stack |
Ralph: good comments. For my riding, top speed is not a curiosity, although I won't miss the Blast's acceleration from a standing start. Rocker box leak? NEVER! I hope. | ||
| Ralphthe3rd |
Norm, ~P.S., I pay $50 per YEAR for (just) Liability insurance on my Blast, I checked on the XB9s Lightning and almost passed out.... Yikes ! As for that rear tire, You can get away with a $200 dollar one in the same size meant for the jap super bikes, but those tires are heavier ! And Erik Buell said his specs for the lighter tire were to keep the suspension settings inline with the design specs. The heavier tire would work, but lose some of the bikes handling edge. Also, my tire cost estimate WAS from a discount House ! See where YOU can beat that for the OEM Rear tire !? I envy those who can afford to own/run a big Buell/XB9....but for now- this old dog better stay on the porch, coz I cannot keep up with the young pups. (Yeah I could get a better job, but who wants to hire a Gypsy) And I like being a Gypsy ! ~Ralph~ P.S.- I have more freedom than you guys can imagine, just no bucks ;-) But I can ride (weather perimtting) any day of the week I choose! And at 44 yrs of age, I've never been married - but never been lonely either ;-) Many a mistress calls..... "Come caress me...take me for a ride...." | ||
| Ralphthe3rd |
Prof Norm, I did email you this morning, did you get it ??? | ||
| Phillyblast |
Ralph - used XB - ditto. I'll probably do the same thing in a couple of years. Blast motor in XB chassis - ditto. Nallinize it, take it to the track? That'd be one unique machine. What are the chances of seeing something like this from Buell in the near future? A mid-range bike between the Blast and the XB? Don't know how much cheaper than the XB it would be though, since it seems most of the $$ savings would come from one less cylinder, and I don't see that as a significant cost saving. Rocker box leak? Let us know, Prof. I'm guessing it'll happen eventually. Now I'm the buzzkill, I know, but it's even if it does, it's still a minor thing. Kinda a "rub some dirt on it" character builder. | ||
| Ralphthe3rd |
Blast motor in XB9 Rolling chassis..... IF- the aluminum perimiter frame can be made for close to the cost of the steel welded up one for the Blast, we might see this in a few years..? And I think that Fuel Injection isn't that far off from the Blast either, and that sure would smooth out the power deleivery and wake up the little beast ! We can only hope and write to the company. It's all a matter of cost and sales to Harley. IF the new style XB9 frame was cheaper to build than the older Buell Tube frames...maybe the Blast will benefit too ? I do know that the XB9 frame is as light if not lighter than the Steel Blast frame...well that includes the weight of the Blast Gas tank. Wouldn't the LIL Blast be wonderful with the XB9 chassis/tires and fuel injection !? (I can dream, can't I?) There is talk over at Ducati (which btw is for sale-and currently American Owned!)that they want to do a single Right...with All the best bits and a later model(if that sells?) have the bike supercharged ! Yikes ! There was also some talk that Harley might be interested in buying Ducati....but that wouldn't make sence, as having Buell would make that redundant and also in house competition ? It would spell doom for one make.... BUT What I would like to see is H-D/Buell to buy up the "Cannondale" line of Dirt Bikes and Quads...that would be too cool ! FYI- Cannondales are an all american made and designed 440cc Aluminum Framed, fuel injected off-road Thumpers made in Pennsylvania-USA ! They are as Different in every sense as a Buell- maybe More so !? They have a reversed head design with intake in front- exhaust in back. They have GEAR driven overhead cams w/4 valves. And the intake system runs thru the frame up thru the steering head (special bearings). Very cool bike, and I'd Trade my Current Blast for that motor in a Street Fighter Chassis ! BTW Cannondale DOES make a Super Motard Version! Okay....so I have many mistress' but I'm still a "Blastoholic".....~Hiccup~ | ||
| Hoser |
Fella's: This isn't so hard to do , parts are readily available to build a flat track replica / super mottard .  1. Find a wrecked blast for a donor engine 2. Order a C&J chassis (comes with swing arm) 3. M2 forks 4. Build wheels (sun rims /buchanans spokes) Heritage rear hub , 19" XL front hub (some machining reqd.) 5. Chain conversion (Renthal w/520 chain) 6. Engine upgrades as reqd. 7. Storz tank and tail section 8. Enjoy !! | ||
| Ralphthe3rd |
Hey Hoser , cool ! I have been quiet lately(about this), but I'm right in the middle of such a project. But mine maybe turned into a RoadRacer or street bike if I can get the C&J frame registered? I don't have much money but this deal sorta fell into my lap and I'm not sure exactly where it's going.... But it's sure Cool ! "He with the most toys when they dies- WINS !" P.S.- Hoser, I got friends up in Edmonton, yeah the winters Suck worse than here in Pennsy ! Thanks for sharing.... ~Blasto~ | ||
| Prof_Stack |
Try my other e-mail address for now: Prof's temporary e-mail address Ralph - There are other lightweight rear tires available for the XB than the 207. But oh yeah it WILL cost more than the Pirelli MT75.  CJM - Thanks! Too much rain to ride today... | ||
| Ezblast |
Its thoughts like this recent posts that always has me comming back to the idea of a second Blast - done differently from where I'm going with my current bike - got to admit - now that I can pick up a used one for a reasonable price - and knowing and having the resources I have now - you all included - really has me thinking - Keep up the good work- Just Blasting on the Dark Side! EZ | ||
| Ralphthe3rd |
Ed, -Glad we can always be an inspiration to you. And you have done the same for me. Although our tastes maybe slightly different....The enthusiasm is the SAME ! Thanks Ed- for being a Fellow "Blastoholic" ! | ||
| Ezblast |
GOT THUMP?! Happy New Years! everyone and enjoy the day! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ |
