| Author | Message | ||
     Fast1075 |
There was frost on the pumpkin here in sunny Florida this morning...the Blast stayed in the garage...and the Heep brought me to work...poor thing though it was heading to it's favorite mudhole...at least it has a good heater. | ||
| Evilbetty |
So my girl friend and I head out on our bikes. My first real ride on the Tiger, and our first real ride together on separate bikes. Her on the Blast. I knew of a nice 45mph road through southern Kansas City with lots of trees and twisties. We rode all the way up and were half-way back before disaster struck. I was daydreaming through most of the ride back but still paying attention. We were heading toward yet another curve. I was in the shade. Just as I began to evaluate the curve to adjust my speed, the sun (which was directly in front of me) came out from behind a tree and blinded me. My instincts took precedence over what I knew, and I decided to straighten the bike up and come to stop. Next thing I knew the bike and I were on our left side. I looked up to check on my girl friend and she was coming to stop but in a panic forgot to put her foot down and fell over as well. She fell in the middle of the road just around the curve so I bolted up, got her to the side of the rode then moved her bike to the shoulder, just in time to miss a Jeep coming around too fast. My bike was completely off on the shoulder. After checking again that everyone was fine and out of the road, I squatted down and picked up the bike. I had a scrape through my jeans and under layer to the skin on my left knee, and my ankle felt a little sprained. Jacket seems to have saved my wrist. My girl friend was completely fine. The Blast suffered a little nibble out of the left grip end (sliders will be added soon). My bike... suffered far worse. After setting the bike up I see the front faring is cracked and scraped up. I thought the crash bar would have protected this. I checked the crash bar and tank and they are fine... a little dust. The left pannier is shattered. Other than that the only other damage was a little rash on the left handlebar slider. After standing there for a second thinking through what happened this is what I surmised. 4 factors contributed to this wreck: -My inexperience with this bike. -Sudden panic when I lost my vision. -My decision to stop, instead of lean and throttle. -The soft and loose gravel shoulder. I was entering the curve. Right before I was blinded, I felt the bikes weight try to pull me out of the curve. Any other time I would have leaned harder and gave it more gas. But the shock of losing my vision made me react instinctively, which was to stop. I was slowing fine but when my tires hit this very loose gravel the bike came out from under me (wonder if ABS would have stopped this?). When the crash bar hit the gravel it dug in about 4 inches or more, letting the faring hit and drag as well in the gravel. Pics:     If I had been on the Blast I don't think anything would have happened. I'm very comfortable with the abilities of that bike and I am sure I could have stopped it or powered it through the corner as my eyes adjusted. It's just money, right?  | ||
| Ezblast |
Yuppers! - sigh - thats what I keep telling myself - lol EZ | ||
| Indybuell |
Glad to hear no one was seriously hurt. | ||
| Fast1075 |
Dang it man...hate to hear ya went down..at least no bones ended up protruding..I know what you mean about getting blinded by the sun...there is a real nice twisty road here that i like to ride...it is lined with trees...at speed, you get a really bad strobe effect that is mind numbing....i recently bought a dark face shield for my helmet...that really helps out a lot with the shade to sunlight transitions. | ||
| Swampy |
At least you are still riding! Think ahead, ride safe. | ||
| Ezblast |
When asked where are all the new Blasts - Though Gas prices went back down and Buell had that recall - still most dealerships can't keep them in stock, and have had a hard time getting their orders filled due to Buell not expecting the demand. From 2000 to 2009 - ten years with few changes - and in all that time - even with the problems a few bikes had that where highly publicized - the Blast has endured as HD's and Buell's most reliable bike, least expensive, and most fun you can have at a price point type of bike. Inexpensive enough so you don't feel bad modifying it and playing with it, reliable enough to withstand the abuse of new rider after new rider. My 2000 daily rider withstood the abuse of 10 new riders before me - putting on only 5300 miles - at the time I bought her. I inherited every problem that bike could commonly have - still it was totally warranted work, and I've only paid around 250.00 for other things - basically everything you see on the bike - lol - still - I may blow a bit more down the line - lol - projects are like that. EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Glad to hear EvilBetty that you're okay. Best reason to not get a new bike: The first 6 months after getting a 'new' bike is when you're most likely to get into an accident.Fact. Keep that in mind with every 'new' purchase. | ||
| Evilbetty |
Thanks guys! I came out of the "my poor bike" fog pretty quick. Now I'm just excited for the next day warm enough to ride without fear of scratching it now! | ||
| Indybuell |
I'm thinking about selling my Blast and getting a CityX. Anyone made that change? Any opinions? | ||
| Ezblast |
Well if you can only own 1 bike - then its a good choice, however, if you can afford both then keep the Blast as the errand runner - you'll feel less bad about it getting knocked over in city parking, etc., and that leaves the XB to be treated as the bike she is. EZ | ||
| Wbsprudels |
Hey, Indy, it didn't take you long to want to move up from your Blast. We better meet up soon before you sell it! | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
IndyBuell: My HONEST opinion-wait. No offense, but arent you the guy that ran your Blast into the field earlier this year? Put some more miles on it, learn to get at least 50% of its capability out of it (this bike will do more than you think), then move up or at least keep the Blast.See my earlier post: "The first 6 months after getting a 'new' bike is when you're most likely to get into an accident" Remember that more as a caution, not a deterrence. No offense intended, but most 'move-up' far too soon for their own good, usually after a summer of weekend rides. Granted some are born with natural ability (see field incident). I like to advise and err on the side of caution. The XB9 CityX is the next step up from a Blast. Besides my opinion of the hideous footpeg position (essentially rearsets to a Blast), its a very comparable motorcycle, just better in its performance. It'll also cost more to own, especially if you drop it. If your going to 'move-up' I think its your best choice. I dont think you'll be disappointed but keep the Blast as well) | ||
| Longranger |
33 last night, 26 this morning, sustained head wind of 65 MPH. Riding at night, working till light, and BUELL BLASTING past everything in sight! (then sleeping all day) Why do I do this, O'yea because I LIKE IT!!!!!!!! Post script - 4108 miles on my 130/80 Dunflop, its so squared off I can do a 6 or 7 sec. dead stop, (4 way) wait on traffic, and never put my landing gears down. Think I'll let old Black Betty thaw out and shop for some AM26's. Anybody know where I can get a good price?????? | ||
| Indybuell |
I'm not moving up this season, but maybe at the end of next summer. WHo doesn't like SPAM? | ||
| Ezblast |
Blastards ARE WE is now a reality - enjoy! EZ | ||
| Wbsprudels |
I also have a modification question: I see a number of Blasters have swapped out handlebars for superbike bars. Has anyone been disappointed with the change? Also, I am not very handy and am considering paying the HD shop to make the change for about $100. I am hesitant to try it myself especially after reading of one man who had trouble with his clutch after the swap and a number of others having trouble locking their bars after the change. Am I being too cautious? | ||
| Atleastonce |
Hey guys. Have any of you done body modifications to your Blast? I saw a tail on Ebay that I was thinking about buying, but I have never done seat mods, or body mods. This one seems simple, a solo tail, but If I screw it up? Here is a pic of it. Opinions would be appreciated asap, before the auction ends. Thanks That drag bike is sweet by the way. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Buell-Blast-race-tail-fairing-solo-body-seat-rear-sport_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35560QQihZ016QQitemZ260319648900QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW  | ||
| Wbsprudels |
One other modification question. A number of years ago EZ answered a question about the availability of a backrest/bag carrier for the Blast. He pointed Rocketsprink to the Ventura luggage link in the "Links To Stuff you can't find here & BADWEB Links!". The link doesn't work anymore but this one does: http://www.ventura-bike.com/. Has anyone added this Bike-Pack system to their Blast? It looks great to me. I am tired of loading my gym gear and basketball shoes in a packback everytime I ride. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Welcome "atleastonce"! There are pictures of that bike here and he has posted about the tail here (photos section). Should be easy enough if you are handy. I'd email him directly if he doesnt respond here. ...And it will look nice! | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
See:http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/201 64/402144.html?1223487875 | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Changing the bars may void your warranty if done by you and you dont have the knowledge to back up your installation. I dont have much faith in the dealer doing it right more than you doing it right. See about keeping your warranty intact and trouble free before your decision. Bars arent that hard to change and the locking issue is only a matter of bar adjustment. Ventura rack looks good, has great reviews on all make installations. I doubt the Blast is any different. | ||
| Imadreadhead |
 more in The Knowledge Vault | ||
| Indybuell |
Scott! Don't do it! We can do it for half that including the new grips. Did Southside quote you that? If you are interested in having the dealer do it for warranty reasons, I would call Bloomington. My guess is that is who quoted you the $100, since you bought your bike there. Those guys are good. Make sure that you get the Buell Traction grips included in that price. | ||
| Indybuell |
Atleastonce - I believe the bike that mod come off of is actually shown in the Buell Blast Pics section... august 2008 I believe. |
