| Author | Message | ||
     Jnichols |
First off, let me say how great it is to have a forum such as this to gain wisdom from. That said, here's a quick intro to my questions... I never owned an American bike before this year and have had over 20 bikes from Asian and Italian decent. Bought an '05 XB12R early this year and loved it! Soon after that I bought the wife a 2001 Blast (damn American bike addiction). Being the old man I am however, the Firebolt was very uncomfortable for me to commute on so I started riding the wifes Blast (even though I swore I never would). Long story short, the little Blast grew on me like a fungus so I sold the Firebolt and picked up a 2000 Blast figuring I could dump a couple grand in it and really have some fun. The funny thing is however, this bike never ran as nice as my wifes. It vibrates much worse than hers (even after the 5K service which included the primary and clutch adjustment). I've read this is partially due to the older engine mount, but I've looked at both bikes and for the life of me they look identical!?! Can the newer mount be used on the older bike? I really would prefer the smoother feel. Also, after spending some time on this and other forums, I realized the 2000 year bikes had a safety recall on the rear sprocket and belt. Not knowing if this had been done I counted the teeth on the rear sprocket and sure enough there were less than 80. I called the local HD dealership and they looked up the VIN and said the recall had already been done on my bike. So now what do I do? They want $180 for the conversion? Thanks in advance for any help! Jeff | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
I would recount the teeth. The old sprocket was 73. The 2000 model year only has an extra tiebar behind the horn bracket. Difficult to see, but it does make the bike handle better! You can remove it without any problems. The 2000 model year also has the steel front brake line which makes the front end pull under hard braking-get a fork brace! For better handling we usually add the extra tie bar and steel brake line, so you're ahead of the game. What concerns me is: Does the engine vibrate more (shake in the frame)? or: Do you feel the vibrations more (like in the seat and handlebars)? You could also have a broken engine mount if its the first scenario. I dont seem to notice the extra vibrations with the stiffer engine mounts (I however, spent most of my days on Harleys and Triumphs, so the Blast is nothing as far as vibrations go!). | ||
| Swampy |
Welcome aboard! Try a different Buell dealer, like one of our sponsers, Appleton HD, or Stone Mountain, they are both Buell enthusiastic and would probably look up the VIN for you and tell you whats going on. If you still have to pay for it, our sponsers have some pretty good discounts. Engine vibration? Check for a bad front engine isolator. On the underside of the frame in front of the gas tank is where it is located. If it is bad the big flat washer on top of the isolator will be resting on the isolator. EZBLAST has both bikes, he could tell you if his 2000 vibrates more than the 2001. | ||
| Buellistic |
Have a 2000 Model and need to know too !!! | ||
| Jnichols |
Thanks for the replies guys. The vibration seems to be in the handlebar/seat/footpeg area. I don't think the engine itself is moving anymore than the 01 engine does. I will have to look for that brace and I may remove it just to see how much difference it makes. I will also check the engine isolator. As far as the sprocket goes, having just come back from a quick ride with my wife a few minutes ago, I can tell you that the bikes are geared identically. Being that hers is an 01, my guess is that I miscounted the teeth on the sprocket and mine is ok. I will check again tomorrow when I get a chance. Thanks again guys! I will keep reading about the mods that have been done on other bikes here and try to decide what to do next. I already have lower bars and a V&H exhaust on both of ours, but I'm pretty sure I want to get some motor work on mine...  Jeff | ||
| Ezblast |
The difference is barely noticable in vibration but is noticable if you sit on either first then switch - as I do to gas them up - lol - have to replace rocker-cover gasket sooner or later (if not already done), get the fork brace for safety's sake and an added handling edge - could well be torn isolator - GT - JBOTDS! EZ  | ||
| Buellistic |
Who makes the FORK BRACE ??? | ||
| Bigdaddy |
Follow EZ's advice on the rocker gasket replacement -- easy job and stops the spewing. I'm not familiar with the fork brace, but I can see the advantages. I've had a ton of fun on both Blasts (I live in the mountains) but I just sold the last one a couple of weeks ago. G2 | ||
| Naustin |
Fork Brace is available at (Crossroads Performance) - just google it, you'll find them. It's about $100 I think and a very nice polished aluminum part. I would agree that any difference in vibes between the two bikes would have to be chalked up to the 2000 having led a harder life and it may have a damaged or worn isolator. (The 2000 actually had a better front isolator than later models because it had that extra tie-bar...) Or, maybe it was lightly wrecked once upon a time and something got tweaked a little. Due to Buells Uni-planer isolation system, a small variance in alignment between all the drivetrain parts and the frame could introduce added vibes... Just my own theory... Good luck. I love to hear about guys that bought a blast as a spare bike, or a bike for their spouse, and then end up riding it more than anything else! :tup: | ||
| Buellistic |
Has everybody here had the SAFTEY RECALL CODE 0822 done on their 2000 BLAST ??? The 2000 Model "i" just bought has not had it done yet ??? The rear sprocket is up-dated from a 61 tooth to a 80 tooth ... Anybody got any comments about the increasing the sprocket 17 teeth ??? (Message edited by buellistic on May 19, 2006) | ||
| Ezblast |
2000 - even with the recal done have a higher top end. GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
I'm confused Buellistic: Do you have an 80 tooth rear sprocket? First I dont believe there is a 61 tooth rear sprocket. The part #s are the same for both the 61 & 73. I believe the 61 is an error. Also the matching belt 128 or 135 tooth uses the same part #. Another error, I believe only the 135 belt exists. Both 2000 model and later models list the same front pulley part #.(should have same after recall top speed?) I've also counted the teeth on the recalled pulley and the recall belt and they are 73/135. The is no information I have that lists an international model with different sprocket/belt part #s. I also cant imagine a 61 tooth rear being able to bolt up to the rear wheel. I think they used numbers from a 1999 or earlier prototype (IE: Sportster numbers). Could it be a misprint or error in information from the factory? That never happens!  (Message edited by gearheaderiko on May 19, 2006) | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
I dont think a 'light wreck' will tweak the Blast enough to cause extra vibration. It would have to be a pretty hard wreck!(I have marks in my engine case from the frame hitting the engine in my wreck- still no extra vibration tweakage!) Perhaps more plausible is someone misadjusting the tiebars way out of alignment. In this case I dont think its either. | ||
| Buellistic |
Gearheaderiko: Went to Dealer today to run VIN(2000 BLAST) to check for recalls ... Was told the REAR SPROCKET RECALL was not done ... The rear sprocket on the recall is 80 tooth ... The parts book says the 2000 Model has a 61 tooth ... When "i" got home "i" counted the teeth on my rear sprocket and it has 80 teeth ... Looks like some DEALER did the recall but did not send up-date completion to BMC ??? In BLASTing LaFayette | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
I referenced 3 parts number sources (2000 & 2002 parts books and 2000-2001 parts sheet) and they list the 61 & 73 tooth sprockets with the same part number. I went out to the garage and counted the teeth on the recalled sprocket (73). The difference between the 73 & 80 sprockets is such that a 61 tooth sprocket will not bolt up to a Blast wheel. The 61 tooth rear is a Sportster size (or Big Buell). A 61 tooth rear sprocket would be the 'holy grail' of Blast sprockets! | ||
| Jmynes |
Make an adapter plate. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
See a different thread for an adapter plate! We were talking about 'stock' Blast parts, not making something fit. PS to Jim: where you'd get that custom 12" rear wheel made? LOL! | ||
| Buellistic |
Gearheaderiko You are right the "FACTORY PARTS BOOK" is WRONG about the original 2000 BLAST sprocket teeth !!! Waiting for the "FACTORY MOTORS MANUAL" ... It will probably hav a lot of "ERRORS" in it TOO ... | ||
| Jmynes |
Yeah, that 12" wheel. It came off a pocket bike I once had. Yeah......That's the ticket. It works real good until I lean into a right turn, then my 61 tooth sprocket scrapes and my back tire kicks out. Luckily I'm so low to the ground that it doesn't hurt to crash.  | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
LOL! | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
"Waiting for the "FACTORY MOTORS MANUAL" ... It will probably have a lot of "ERRORS" in it TOO ..." If the book seems wrong, it probably is. Luckily you have prior Buell experience so you'll know what seems odd. I've got to take the time to read your profile, looks like an interesting read! | ||
| Buellistic |
Gearheaderiko: Have lots of "PRODUCT IMPROVEMENTS" in mind to do to my BLAST ... Have not up-dated anything on my S3T in a while on my profile ... Pushing 90K hard now and the BLAST is going to be a back up if it does not make it to 100K ... If it makes it to 100K and beyound, have no idea what "i" will do with it except continue to ride it ... (Message edited by buellistic on May 21, 2006) | ||
| Jnichols |
Ok, so I've determined that my bike does in fact have the larger rear sprocket, so apparently the recall was done correctly. One problem down. Now about this extra motor mount tiebar thingy... I've had both Blasts down to bare frame (no gas tanks), and for the life of me I can't see an extra link or mount of any kind on the 2000 model. One of you guys mentioned that it's behind the horn bracket. I've checked there too and still can't find anything extra. Maybe someone has already removed it? The vibration is probably one of the worst aspects of my bike. I've actually been riding my wifes (the 2001) to work because I'm convinced there's something wrong with the 2000 model. And as I've mentioned before, the 2001 model shudders a little on take off, but once the bike is above 10 mph it's smooth as silk. The 2000 model never seems to smooth out until freeway speeds (or when the motor is above say 3500 rpm), and even then there is a slight vibration in the bars that doesn't exist on the 2001. Maybe the 2001 is just special!?! On a side note, I did take the bike to my local HD dealer for a closer look. While they are not really happy about Buells, I know one of the service writers pretty well and he's a nice guy and always helps me when he can. After a half hour once over, the mechanic who looked it over said he couldn't find anything wrong with it. He checked the links, motor mounts and isolator and said they were all fine. The drive belt is a little sloppy (it deflects about 1" when tested), but the tech said this wouldn't create the vibrations I was describing. So there it is, I have one very smooth Blast, and one not so smooth Blast and I'm convinced this is just how it's going to be...  Maybe someone has something else I can try?? | ||
| Ezblast |
No! Maybe a slightly twisted fork? Tweeked frame? Does the isolater on the 2001 look like the one on the 2000? http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/20164/110366.html?1129607493 That link will show you the front top extra link - prefered add-on for racers - lol - perhaps a bad front tire? Or most likely - since I just thought of it - a motor mount busted off in the head - worst case - anything else guys? Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ | ||
| Jnichols |
EZ, thanks for the link to that post. After looking at those pictures, I'm not convined I was looking for the right thing. I'll run out after dinner and take another look. I wasn't looking for a twist link, but rather a solid mount of some sort. Thanks again! | ||
| Jnichols |
Found it!!! So anyway after another quick look, I found the link. Thanks again for those pictures EZ. Well 15 minutes and some tools later, I got it off and took the bike for a test ride. It seemed to change things for the better, but the 2000 is still nowhere near as smooth as the 2001. Even on a short ride wearing gel gloves, my hands were tingling. I can ride the 2001 for hours without gloves and never notice a thing. Like I said above, I'm convinced the 2000 is either possessed, or the 2001 is just especially smooth. Either way I'll just live with it as I don't want to throw anymore money at it right now. Besides, after pricing many different aftermarket parts and performance mods for the Blast, I've decided to get a used XB9s Lightning. Probably won't happen this year, but who knows. Thanks again! | ||
| Ezblast |
I still say you probably have an isolator or wheel bearing going - both of my bikes are smooth at speed - look them over yourself carefully - better safe than sorry - a manual shows where everything is and a parts diagram basically how it goes together - almost - lol Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ | ||
| Mike_the_bike |
> I never had excessive vibrations with my 2000 Blast. Thumpers in general vibrate more. The problem is going to HD for service. They can find your problem but it will take them 8 - 10 hours minimum for most repairs outside of usual maintenance, if you're lucky. They know you don't want to spend $1,000.00 in labor for an inexpensive part or adjustment, so they take a loss. How long do you think that will go on? Eventually they will tell you to take your bike somewhere else or they will abuse you or find some way to get rid of you or your Buell. If you're a master diplomat, then you must keep your fingers crossed that you don't have the same problem again in a few months. The guys that have the expertise and the time to do repairs themselves can own a Blast. But if you want a life ouside of repairs and you need a good service dept. get out while you can! For the money it will cost you to maintain a Blast, you can buy the best technology on the planet. | ||
| Ezblast |
The bike is easy to work on why bother with a group of people dumber than yourself? At least if you screw it up you know who to blame - lol GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Buellistic |
"i" concur !!! In BLASTing LaFayette |
