| Author | Message | ||
     Ajadams |
I am planning on getting a Blast in the comming months. I plan on using it mostly for commuting, but I do want to make some changes to it. my commute would be about 140 miles a day at around 65-70mph to and from Houston, Texas. 1) The factory Metro Tank bag. Is it worth buying, or is it better to get a tank bag from another vendor? I was planning on using a backpack instead of side bags like I do now on my Yamaha scooter. 2) Which is better: Adding a K&N filter to the stock airbox, or going with the Pro series air cleaner? I'm not bothered by riding in the rain, so which would be better? 3) I would like to replace the factory exhaust system with something that would give me better performance without being loud. I was thinking of the Jardine exhaust with the silencer installed. How quiet is it with the silencer? 4) Crossroads Performance fork brace. Worth it, or waste of money? 5) Is the windshield available from Buell any good? 6) Riding suits. I was thinking of getting the XRUJ jacket and XRUP Pants from the dealer. Has anyone had any experience with this outfit? I want something light enough so that I don't roast in the Texas heat, but also protect me from accidents, and from getting too wet in the rain. Thanks in advance for your replies. | ||
| Ezblast |
K&N and modify box. Crossroads brace is definately worth it! The windshield sucks, try Givi. GT - JBOTDS! EZ  | ||
| Sarodude |
2) Don't bother with anything that does away with the stock airbox for a commuter for reliability's sake - and you won't give up much oomph, anyway. Go with the drop in K&N. That said, Loli and I have had NO troubles with the UNBRACED Pro series intake - but I'd still recommend staying basic. 3) Be careful WRT exhaust selection. Focus on getting something STOUT. A couple of pounds on a commuter don't mean diddly. I was a fan of the now discontinued Pro Series exhaust for that reason. 4) TOTAL waste of money for a commuter. EZ is right if you're gonna be corner carving - but I doubt your commute is 70 miles of high lean mountain roads. 5) FUGLY but good if your main intent is wind protection in an upright riding posture. Keep in mind that lotsa Blast modders don't run stock ergonomics and wind up being more tucked in. We have one we occasionally run on my better half's bike. Always account for people's individual perspectives when asking for this kind of input. Ask EZ about the Pro Series intake without a brace and he'll tell you you'll be busting intake boots between gas fillups. Ask me & I'll tell you that the intake boot will outlast many tire changes. -Saro | ||
| Ajadams |
My interest in the windshield is mostly so I can sit upright when riding. I'm not to big of a fan of the "Making love to the fuel tank" riding position. I wanted to dump the stock exhaust as I heard about how much it is in the way when doing oil changes. The first time I looked that the bike, I saw that muffler and thought "that's a lot of hot metal under there after a ride." | ||
| Ezblast |
r. EZ is right if you're gonna be corner carving - but I doubt your commute is 70 miles of high lean mountain roads. I bet he wishes it was! GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Light_keeper |
The best thing is that right out of the box it will be fine. Then like many of us you can customize it to suit your tastes and riding habits. It is very change friendly. From this board there are many things that can be learned. Who knows. you may even come up with something on your own that will improve the breed. I guess my point is, welcome hope you join the fun. I have the windshield. usually only run it in the early spring and late fall. not very pretty but it does what it is designd to do, keep the wind down.  | ||
| Jprovo |
1) Personally, I hate tank bags, and with your commute, you're going to be taking it off once a day at at gas station. If it was me, I'd do something crazy like rivit some steel to the fuel tank cover and use a magnetic tank bag. Of course, I'm a little bit nuty though. 2) I have the same luck as Saro with the Pro-Series, but if you're OK with the look of the stock airbox, throw in a K&N and call it a day. 3) I like the pro series, but even they seem to only have a life of about 10,000 miles. They are loud, but not obnoxious. Never tried the Jardine. I also wear earplugs almost anytime I get on a motorcycle. 4) For a commuter, it's a waste of $$ 5) Dunno - never really liked windshields. 6) unless you've got a ton of $$, buy some Joe Rocket or Fieldsheer gear, you can get it for a lot less money, and it works. | ||
| Naustin |
I just got a Fieldsheer "highland" suit for about $220. I like it, and it has a removable liner so it works good in warm or cold weather. Keep the stock exhaust if you don't want it to be loud. Even the jardine with the "quiet core" will be loud. If the bike doesn't have enough power for you stock, the exhaust isn't going to make it any better. Most aftermarket exhausts open up some midrange torque - but don't really do much of anything for the top end. Being that you'll be commuting, the extra midrange power probably isn't worth it if you have sensitive ears, especially considering you'll be droning along at freeway speed with no rpm variation... | ||
| Ajadams |
Thanks for the information. I bookmarked the Highland suit at Fieldsheer's site. It looks better than the other suit I mentioned. How comfortable is the Blast on a long trip? Say about 350-400 miles? | ||
| Ezblast |
Get a Corbin for a lot of trips of that size. GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Jprovo |
How comfortable is the Blast on a long trip? Say about 350-400 miles? Doable in it's stock form, but you are going to be sore for a day. With a handlebar change, and a seat change, you'll still be sore, but just for the night! The only mods I did to my Blast before going to Wisconsin from California was a handlebar change, comftorable grips and a Corbin seat. | ||
| Swampy |
I've ridden 1400 mile trips with a backpack bungeed to the fuel tank. All you will need to do to your bike is change the primary and main jets so it starts and runs better. Get some comfortable and very protective riding gear. Thats it, thats all, I'm done, bye, bye! | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
I like the Givi A602 windshield on my Blast. Heres a pic from my website http://www.hvmp.com/images/universal/2_universal_on_buell_blast.jpg | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
1) I have the Metro tank bag had find it very useful (still use it though I'm not riding to work anymore!). Easily flips out of the way to refuel and since it (along with the saddlebags) was made for the bike it doesnt get in the way of anything. I have a larger Tour Master tank bag that works but is a little inconvenient. Backpacks are for rookies and I consider them unsafe and uncomfortable (sorry backpack users!). 3) Pro Series exhaust if you can find one! 6) Buy a one piece rain suit big enough to go over all your gear (bigger is better). Then go with whatever you like (or is suggested) for riding gear. While most will keep you dry they'll eventually soak through and at the end of a work day it sucks to put on wet gear. The rain suit is also good for emergency warmth. Superbike bars will be more comfortable and you wont be leaning on the tank. Corbin seat is excellent. PS Are they now selling Blasts in the UK? | ||
| Berkshire |
1. How much stuff do you want to carry? The tank bag isn't very big, and it costs way more than a backpack! On the other hand, it's very convenient for small items. I use it to hold my wallet, keys, and rear disc lock while I ride, and a thin rain suit if I think I'll need it. It's good for picking up fast food at the drive-thru and other small items like that - basically anything I can cram into it. Since I can access it while sitting on the bike, it's a lot handier than a backpack, or strapping things on the back. It's also a handy place to keep a tire gauge. I've used the clear map holder a couple of times, but I usually leave that part at home. It has quick-release latches on the straps, so gas & oil access is no problem. I got mine on ebay for $50 or $60, and I'm glad I did. I also recommend getting an elastic cargo net - they're dirt cheap and VERY useful for bulky items. 6. I'm in Houston too... it's not so much the heat as the humidity - no wait, it's BOTH! For summer, I wear a Joe Rocket mesh jacket w/ armor (mine is a "Rio" - about $50 on ebay. the new model is called "Phoenix", I think). That gets me to work relatively sweat-free. For "really cold" weather (LOL!) I have another JR armored jacket that is similar to the mesh one, except it's the regular "solid" type material and it has a zip-in liner that can be removed if it warms up in the afternoon. For rain and cooler summer mornings or nights, I have a rain suit I got for about $5 at Academy (polypropylene? like "frogg toggs", it packs down pretty small) It doesn't keep me completely dry, but it makes the ride back home tolerable. If it's raining when I leave home, I drive the Ford! | ||
| Ajadams |
Thanks for the information. No, they aren't selling Blasts in the UK, but there are a few around. Most people here like the BMW 1200 Enduro bike, and they use it for touring in the summer. My time in the UK will be over in July, and I plan to purchase a bike in a month or less of returning to the states. What handlebars would you recomend switching to? I'l check out the Corbin seats. Does anyone make a luggage box that will fit on the rear of the Blast? | ||
| Berkshire |
...that's Houston, TEXAS! (not Houston, north of Soho) | ||
| Ajadams |
I guessed Houston, Texas. I don't know if I will get the bike from my closest dealer (Goe) or in Houston from Mancuso. I plan on getting it new, as I plan to keep the bike for years. I like the bike because it's very practical and I like the "less is more" design of the bike. After reading everyone's sugestions, I think I'll forget about the exhaust, get the K&N filter, maybe the fork brace, a Corbin seat, Buell tank bag, windshield, and new bars. I plan to take a run from Freeport (south of Houston) to Dallas. My commute will be up 288 from Freeport to the east side of Houston for work. I'm a bit worried about 610 around the ship channel bridge area where the road goes all to crap. A pot hole at 60 isn't fun on a car, and I'd hate to become an astronaut on the bike around there. With the Texas weather, what's a better tire, the Avon or Perelli? My last bike, a Yamaha 125 scooter, I ran Deestone tires and they were great in the rain, but I don't think they make them for a Buell. I rode it all year long. http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a331/ajjessadams/AroundthetownofNailsworth030.jpg (Message edited by ajadams on March 10, 2006) | ||
| Ajadams |
Berkshire, Since your from Houston, have you ever had any trouble with the engine overheating in traffic? EzBlast, Your right about wishing I had some twisty roads for the commute. We have a road here in town called "The W". It's a mile long, up the side of a steep hill, has 3 hairpin turns, and 2 90 degree turns. God it's fun going down on the scooter! I almost brought over a Balst with us when we came, and I wish I had. They do TT races up it twice a year. I'm 6ft 1, 200 lbs. What handlebars do you recommend I switch to? (Message edited by ajadams on March 10, 2006) | ||
| Jprovo |
I still like the Avons, and I'd try Superbike Bars. | ||
| Ezblast |
Concur | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Ventura makes a rack. You wont overheat the Blast! | ||
| Ajadams |
I found the Ventura rack a while ago, and it looks perfect. I could bungee cord any old bag to it instead of buying their $150 sack. Does anyone have a link to these Superbike bars? The links I found in the archives here didn't work. How much work are they to install? | ||
| Ezblast |
The links work, however if you look in the handlebars section of the Thumper KV you'll find I posted the same link there for someone else - don't forget grips. GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Light_keeper |
"How much work are they to install?" Two cups of coffee, three phone calls and waiting for the glue to dry on the grips. With out the distractions and less the drying time about 20 min of taking your time and doing it correctly.It is fairly easy just make sure all the pins line up with the holes on the bars and it all fits together quickly. While you are at it get the better grips. They cost about $16 to $20, you can get a bad web discount thru DaveS at Appleton HD they have a link here. As far as bags. I sort of went in a different direction. I have a set of Max & Willy bags on mine. Gives me room to carry rain gear, tiedowns, extra gloves, tire gage etc and still have room for water and lunch. They are a smaller size so they don't look too out of place (my opinion) | ||
| Ajadams |
http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/product_family.asp?family%5Fid=5740&gi ft=False&mscssid=00393EDFABDD04BEF8EAA9969188D1AE Are these the Superbike bars your talking about? | ||
| Ezblast |
Yes - though they went up 4 bucks - lol GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
"It is fairly easy just make sure all the pins line up with the holes on the bars and it all fits together quickly."-There are no holes on any other bars except Buell. You can take the time to drill your own holes, then find out the pins have sheared off anyway! Use duck tape & cut the locator pins off-saves lotsa time. I had plenty of room in the Blast saddlebags for all that stuff.(Nothing against other bags, its just the Blast bags aren't as small as they look). | ||
| Swampy |
My youngest son put the bars on his bike while I was gone on a ride. So its pretty easy to do. JPROVO, Are you going to come to Wisconsin again this year to do the ULY Buy and Ride Deal with Daves? | ||
| Jprovo |
Not this year, I'll probably go out there for Buell's 25th in 2008 (I know, It's a long ways away). I'd love to do the fly and ride thing but between the too many projects to buy a new bike, the lack of vacation time and the fact that California Bikes need special Smog equipment, It's not happening. | ||
| Ajadams |
So to put the bars on, I need to drill a couple holes to pull the wires thru, and for a locating pin(s) on the neck? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Only for the locater pins on the hand controls.(Two 1/8" holes to keep the controls from spinning.Duck tape works just as well) Trust me, its more trouble than its worth! Handlebars are not a big deal to change and I'm sure there are many who didnt even realize the pins were on the controls and didnt bother to drill the holes. | ||
| Ezblast |
Concur | ||
| Ajadams |
So just wrap a little duct tape (gaffer tape here in the UK) under where the controls will sit on the bars? |
