| Author | Message | ||
     Themagster |
Well it has finally happened. Last weekend while on the Florida Coast2Coast charity ride my Blast progressively got more and more noisy. I tried to decipher the noise, chain too loose, engine knock...just don't know. Even with the noise it had power. After riding from Cocoa to Plant City non-stop at about 75-80 MPH stopped for gas, it was even louder, but still had power to get back up on highway and up to speed. Then suddenly - it just lost power or something broke. I know, I know - should not have kept going with the noise - my fault. I'm paying for it, dearly. Heartbroken - I'm attached to that bike at the hip it seems. Was to leave for Daytona Friday AM - now without my ride. No new Blast can be found in the state of Florida, what gives?? With the mileage struggling to decide wait for a new, repair old...or do both? Don't want a cruiser - style I'm over, price I can't handle. Anyone know where a new Black Blast is?? | ||
| Ezblast |
Dingosm8 - first your rockercover gasket is going to go sooner or later - be prepared - lol - second - that means you are riding on very old rubber - Dunlops that suck even new at that - Pirelli are relatively inexpensive and a much better tire - that is why they are now the stock tire - please switch out to them for safety's sake. Maggie - find out whats wrong first - some fixes are relatively inexpensive - if you really like your bike - a top end rebuild wouldn't be too much - already did it once - a 515 kit would protect against the next time sort of thing - the Niksil now being a bullet proof process. EZ | ||
| Reuel |
Mothballing? What's that? The only thing that ever stopped me from riding was snow, and that was the second time I tried to ride in snow. Even then if my front brake hadn't locked, I would have done it.  Got a new caliper after that, so I might try again this winter!!! | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Maggie, sorry to hear that. I'd still like to know what it was that went. Frankly, I think new with an extended warranty might be the way to go for you. Be sure to ask the dealer what they're willing to cover (as in if your do some repairs yourself). Take what you liked off the old one and part it out, sell it whole, or fix it (if reasonable) as a local use spare and keep the new one for long trips. For a gal who's ridden all over the country, I'm surprised you'd limit yourself to just Florida for buying a new bike.  | ||
| Ezblast |
Usually though - Florida does have the least expensive Buell prices. EZ | ||
| Dingosm8 |
The rocker cover gasket? The recall/tsb thing? I think the guy said it was done. The paper to metal or whatever switch? Yea.. I've heard. I bet that's a 3 legged one. Of all the parts.. the one against the frame eh? I inspected the tires. they looked OK.. then I inflated them. the rear is "ok" (ordering new anyway) and the front is shot. Guess that's why it was so wobbly at speed. I can't believe I didn't check that before I left. I went over everything but the tires. In the process of hoisting the bike and taking off the wheels in preps for tires. Got to order some... Pirelli you say? I don't know what's available.. but i've always liked dunlop, avon and metzler and michelin (in no particular order though if it was suited.. love the tourance). I've only had pirellis on my xb and my cars. didn't like them on the cars. Packing it in for the winter : I had a friend from alaska who talked about how in winter he just switched from footpegs to feet on the road. The snow banks made for nice crash pads.. Just had to make sure to stay out of traffic. In most of america and for most people I'm sure that's not the way it goes. I bought my first bike around halloween back in the days when we still got snow in upstate Ny. I was so excited, got 3 feet of snow something like 3 days later. got to learn how to drain the fuel and oil the cylinder. Oh yea.. earlier I said my first bike was an R60. That was my second. My first was a yammy 500 with a bad starter and a kicker. Maggie.. I know where black body parts are.. Ebay.. So pick up any color available. (actually I didn't see a black screen.. but Paint!) I'm sure you can find one. They always seem to pop up. If you're anything like me. Buy your second choice and 10 should pop up the next day. | ||
| Ezblast |
Dunlops on the Blast are the worst choice - ask anyone here. EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Amen! If you went with Dunlops again, then went with Pirelli's (or Avons), you'd kick yourself, over and over. The difference in ride alone is unbelievable. MT75 is the Pirelli stock model and it only comes in 4 sizes: Front and rear, 16" and 17". 16" is the Blast size. | ||
| Subvert |
so, i would like to toss some wider tires on my blast but im hearing negative and positive opinions on doing so (the most negative comin from that A-hole moderator of that yahoo buell blast group. seriously, someone needs to deflate that old mans ego with a pair of steeltoes or sumn.) anyways, nuff bout ralph. i figured this group is just as if not more knowledgable without the holierthanthou attitude. so basically, in a nutshell, how safe? whats widest and still safe? preferred brand? any other info or opinions? should i just leave the wide tires to my gsxr? thanks all. | ||
| Themagster |
Erik - actually have been trying to look anywhere within a reasonable distance close enough to pick up and still make it back to Daytona for weekend. Just seems like they are not out there - anywhere. Very frustrating. Even with a good fix on my bike, with the mileage I am starting to 2nd guess the reliability factor for long distance trips. If I can find a new one, fix the old, guess that would solve that issue. I will keep looking - freight could kill me depending on where I finally locate a new one. Color does not matter, I want Black and I will change all my plastic over if need be. Thanks for all your help - still heartbroken and bikeless...Daytona, one day away. | ||
| Rainman |
Hi Maggie Mac, I'll keep an eye out around here for you (Virginia). We often have black Blasts up for sale (used) that are in good shape. Also, you any relation to CityXslicker (Brian McKenzie) or have kin up in Michigan (Bryan McKenzie, that's me) We'll have to have our own McClub, pretty soon. | ||
| Roysbuell |
How is everyone doing this morning? This morning I found out what I hate more then riding in rain. Riding in fog! My helmet fogged up so much I had to open it to be able to see anything. I live in South Texas so winters are on the mild side but conditions are perfect for fog. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Maggie, Freight? I was thinking Road Trip! I didnt realize you were still trying to make Daytona. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Subvert, LOL! Wider tyres are fine. Some fit without minor swingarm modification. There are some negative aspects such as increased weight and potentially poor handling (depending on how aggressive you are).There are things to consider when throwing on non stock sized tyres, ask first here before you buy as some tryes are a bad idea or may not have the desired handling. PS ralph reads this site too! | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Tires: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/201 64/92908.html?1224103234 | ||
| Rainman |
I didn't mind the Dunlops until I got the Pirellis. Big difference | ||
| Themagster |
Erik - yeah, still plan on attending Biketoberfest, never miss that one, just would rather be riding the rider seat rather than the pillion. Either way, I will get over my at the moment sucky attitude and have a good time. Still working on getting a new Blast, but the Buell Gods may not be there for me this time. Bryan - well yes and now. I do have kin in Michigan, grew up in Potterville, but no McKenzie's. I was an Ireland. Make the trip (on my Blast) to Michigan every few years. Love it there. No relation to CityX Thanks for keeping the eye out - I'm pretty certain another bike is in my near future, just don't know yet what it will be. | ||
| Carlost |
Just a warning that George's Tools wheel bearing remover/installer kit no. 740010 will not work with the smaller bearing we got on the Blast...just found this out the hard way. Supposedly, the full kit from Buell/HD part no. B-43933 is like $240something...man... | ||
| Carlost |
Does anyone own the Buell bearing remover/installer kit B-43933? Would be willing to rent or exchange for weed...nah...just kidding on the weed part... | ||
| Ezblast |
Mag it could be something as simple as a busted detent clip - something I suggested replacing - lol - Don't give up on the ole girl yet! EZ | ||
| Reuel |
About Alaska riders: Alaska has the most motorcycles per capita. | ||
| Sikablast |
Ditto on EZ suggestions. Your little blog is one of the first places I looked at and peaked my curiosity about Blasts. Hope you'll check her out and let us know. She may have many miles left to travel!! | ||
| Evilbetty |
Am I mistaken or is Alaska usually an ice cube? I took a test drive last night... not to test the bike, but my clothing. It was about 50 degrees and dark outside. I wore a fleece pullover, my summer riding jacket with the liner, a neck / turtle thing that covered my neck up to my nose and ears, a pair of rain pants, and my snowboarding gloves (gauntlet style / knuckle protection). Report: These gloves are fine except the palms are not made for grabbing a bar. I'm hoping the traction grips help next week, or else I may take a heat gun to the pads of the gloves. Rain pants don't cut it. Need something insulated. Will remember to close my helmet vents next time before I get on the bike. My First Gear Mesh-Tex jacket apparently has a perforated liner. Didn't know that. It's not rainproof OR a wind breaker really. But it ended up working fine. I think I would have suffocated if it did not breath somewhat. So this morning I go to ride to work. It's 38 degrees but the sun is up. I added sweat pants to the equation. That helped a lot but it's a lot of clothes to tear off when I get to work. Layers are obviously key. I had thought about wearing coveralls. I'm curious what the rest of you wear in colder weather. | ||
| Reuel |
You're mistaken. Cold weather riding: If it's below freezing, and I'm going more than 20 miles or so, I'll wear two sets of sweats and my rain gear. That keeps me warm and stops the wind from getting in. If it's below 20 and I'm going more than 20 miles, I wear a steel cage. At 38 degrees, I'd wear Gortex jacket, and Gortex pants and liner. | ||
| Themagster |
Sikoblast - Glad to know I have have had a part in your getting a Blast - it is a bike I've become addicted to. Some people don't understand why I just don't go out and "get a bigger bike" but I love her. EZ - yes, you told me so (so many times I fear) but I failed to heed the warning. I am a bit confused about the Detent Clip though and as usual looking for expertise here. OK: I'm plugging into diagnostics: here goes... The noise was what I can describe like an engine knock. No problems shifting. Timing readjusted just to be sure. How do you identify the Dentent Clip as a problem? Any possibility it could be a rod bearing? No luck on new Blast either. Damn stingy with those things...Riding pillion tomorrow to Daytona, I'll try to smile. Thanks guys... | ||
| Swampy |
Magster, Hotrod HD in Muskegon had some 2006 Blasts they were selling for $2500, they were RE bikes but looked OK. An Ireland? My brother-in-law is an Ireland. Potterville? Gizzard City USA! | ||
| Dingosm8 |
I didn't say i like those ... toy tires.. Buell held a gun to dunlop's head and said.. Make a tire unfit for your brand!.. and they did. But the pirelli (compound aside) is a copy yes no? Well the avons are all out of stock in one end or the other. will stick to the pirelli (haven't submitted my order.. but from hawaii I have to do it NOW) i have 2 weeks to get the bike going. Tires are the only thing holding me back. (Message edited by dingosm8 on October 16, 2008) | ||
| Ezblast |
Dingl- the Pirelli are way different - no copy - too funny to even say that - the Avons do have a waiting list but not long usually a week to two weeks - for a Hawian you sure seem in a rush - lol - Maggie if interested let me know - I'll give you a link - I have a 2008 buell blast it is in prestine condition just over 700 miles on it only looking to upgrade to a bigger bike as wife really got into it after saying she wasn't interested.. I can send pics to interested parties asking 4000 obo I am in southwest Montana Jordan Montana to Fla would be a great fall season ride! EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
As I previously posted: "With no loss of power, it could just be the primary chain loose (bad shoe?). Could also be a piston pin or rod knock. No loss of power, you just stopped the bike because of the horrendous noise? Bad timing, enough to knock that bad, would have a loss of power. Without further info, it could be a lot of things. Anything making that much noise would likely exhibit some power loss, with the exception of the transmission (which would likely cause other problems)." | ||
| Themagster |
Thanks EZ - would love the road trip right now - but fear my boss wouldn't! I am heading to Daytona this morning, who knows what will be floating around over there. I may be riding home on a new bike. Diagnostics: Timing dead on. Tensioner shoe, chain guide, perfect. Everything inside primary looks to be in good shape. Erik - sorry I am vague here, I know you are trying to help. I have a little short term memory problem since I fell off that golf cart and hit my head - so recall is tough. I was riding at 75-80, bike had good pick up and power, but noise was getting worse. Then all I can remember is feeling like it suddenly started to loose power, I pulled off road. It would restart, but the knock was so loud I just shut it back off. How do I diagnose detent clip problem vs piston pin or rod knock, etc.?? Please know - I appreciate your patience with me and your help. I know she still has life in her somewhere... |
