| Author | Message | ||
     Swampy |
Yeah, the Big Kid has a problem with grinding a pound when down shifting to first. I told him not to down shift to first until it is stopped. Thats all it needed, an attitude adjustment. Also, I let a buddy insure the red Blast and we all rode up to Copper Harbor, MI and back. 1200 smiles! Road suggestions for Michigan: M66 Mancelona to Charlevoix, through the Jordan River Valley. M119 Petoskey to Cross Village no center line only the edges of the road are marked! M28 The famous "Seney Streach" 34 miles straight, you gotta watchout for the police. M41 L'Ance on up. M28 Phoenix to Copper Harbor. Lake Superior shore line. Then on the return take the Brockway Mtn. drive back to 28. M141 From M28 Covengton Junction to Crystal Falls. Just as fast as you want to go, Mr. Fife was no where to be found. The woods were cut back at least 150 feet from the road making them "deer safe". US2 Iron Mtn. to Powers "Going Back to the Flat Lands" I know from experiance that M26 south of Houghton is excellent also but we couldn't take that route because we were late for dinner. Both Blasts ran great and I thought they were more comfortable than the Sporty. | ||
| Ezblast |
Maybe I'm confused - wouldn't be the first time - when your stoping, downshifting, if the clutch engages and your at 50 in second - thats bad - above the rpm limit - if your clutch is in, you can shift down, but if you engage it at 50 in second - wouldn't you just end up shutting down (or engine damage possible) - engine braking only allowed from max rpms of 6500 and engaging in that gear at that speed would only try to make it spin faster than allowed by the limiter and the engines' ability. I was just asking if that had any thing to do with it? - if not - and its not engaging then yeah there is a problem, then it could well be as James has mentioned. GT - JBOTDS! EZ  | ||
| Jayb |
If your stopping with the clutch pulled in you could still be traveling 50 mph, but as the clutch is pulled in, the engine rpms drop down to idle. The problem is when you try and shift down more than one gear at a time...with the clutch still pulled in (against the bar) I am not using any engine braking to slow down with the clutch pulled in. the speed of your motorcycle has nothing to do it. Now if you were to be traveling 50 mph, and shift into first, and let the clutch out....Well thats a whole nother story!!! I even bought a torque wrench, that went that low, to properly adjust the primary chain. I'll have to check out the detent plate. Whats weird is it doesn't have any problem down shifting if you let the clutch out after each down shifted gear..to use engine braking to slow you down. It also shifts fine up shifting. never a problem...except the occasional hit of nuetral. Thanks for the help Was hoping maybe some had the exact same problem. JayB | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Keep us posted Jay. If you have an S1 then you know how a Blast should shift.So somethings definitely wrong. I'm reminded again of why I want a trap door for the transmission. | ||
| Ezblast |
Yeah - thats not right - I follow you now - a few Blasts have had detent plate problems - with wierd shifting problems as a result - could try adjusting once more to see if it helps, then if still the same, go into the primary and check stuff out - you could hit the regular KV section primary and ask there as well - the tranny differences are not that many and answers are usually found when all else fails - one big happy Buell family - lol GT - JBOTDS! EZ  | ||
| Joey |
I have a problem, too. It's very minor, and seems to only happen sometimes. Details: Usually, when I stop at the gate of Dover AFB, I sit for a moment, then ease forward in first gear. Sometimes, it seems to suddenly lurch just a tiny bit, like the clutch slipped just for a fraction of a second. Any ideas? All is adjusted well. | ||
| Newblaster |
I've never felt the lurching, but mine sometimes doesn't click all the way into first until I let out the clutch a little. Usually only first thing in the morning on those cold SF mornings (okay, not really cold, about 55-60 degrees... lol...) I just figure it's from the tranny oil viscosity before it warms up. Maybe it's the same issue, just more so? Is it first thing, or have you been riding for a bit when it happens? Are you running regular oil in the transmission, or the synth? I've heard that synthetic makes it much much smoother. | ||
| Ezblast |
Is it adjusted just from the outside? - a full adjustment also means taking off the inspection cover (after loosening your primary tension first - re-adjust after done with total clutch adj.) adjusting there first per manual, then at the cable adjustment checking the ferule spacing - all done also per manual - it is a process - lol - that said - if it is real noticable I'd re-adjust - if not leave alone. GT - JBOTDS! EZ  (Message edited by ezblast on August 10, 2004) | ||
| Jlnance |
Hello All, I have a 2003 Blast. I got it about a month ago. I like it a lot, but since it's my first bike, I don't have anything to compare it to. From what I read on the web, I gather the Blast is fun, easy to ride, low maintainance, and inexpensive. A good bike for beginners (which I am) and ladys (which I am not). But I think I must be missing something. When I'm not a beginner anymore, why will I want to get a bike thats not fun, difficult to ride, high maintainance or expensive? What are the Blasts short comings that make people want the other bikes? Thanks - Jim | ||
| Ezblast |
The Blast is fun, even people who go up in size maintain that to be true! If the Blast is difficult to ride for you, then your not ready to step up, because it is an easy bike to ride, it is low mainteniance - HD's most reliable and less expensive all around than any other HD product. People step up because of stock speed/hp being low - it is built for a beginner, though Buell could have shoved 65hp into it and it would still be considered a beginner bike in the US - lol - its always about power and poser value - most folks don't want to wrench to modify - they'll step up instead - simple really - such answers are already in our KV FAQ section - read and learn! Welcome - Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
#1 Ego. The Blast is a good bike but has 'limited' power & handling capabilities. If you are an exceptional rider you will reach its limits easily. Most will not.(See also peer pressure). #2 The Blast no longer suits your riding style.For touring, racing, 'cruising' (or posing), 2 up riding,off road, etc. the Blast may not be your best choice. #3 Boredom. You simply want something different.Due to finances or a misguided thinking that you cant have more than 1 motorcycle, you trade it in. #4 or? PS I've been riding street for 24 years now.The Blast is not just for beginners, but its not for everyone either! | ||
| Ezblast |
CONCUR! | ||
| Blake |
"The Blast is fun, even people who go up in size maintain that to be true!" Please, no advertising for Enzyte on BadWeB! | ||
| Southernmarine |
Too damn funny Blake.  Jim, I had a Blast and I loved it, but I yearned for a bigger bike, so I got an XB12R. I actually miss my little bike. It was great for my short rides to and from work. If I could have afforded to keep both I would have. It would have been an awesome bike to keep to in order to teach my kids how to ride, and just to have for the kick of it. | ||
| Light_keeper |
I am now well into the second season with my Blast. (I am back to rideing after about 30 years) I was told that I would out grow it and that within weeks I would want to trade it in on something bigger. I have not out grown it and it will exceed the speed limit in most cases by a whole lot. It is fun in the corners and getting moreso as my skill level increases. I ride every day to work and as much as possible on weekends. Although I would like something bigger for two up riding, The blast is still fun. If I am able to get something bigger I will try to keep the Blast for day to day and playing in the corners. I have tried the XB bikes and they were lots of fun, now if they had one that would be good for two up, touring well maybe someday. I like to tinker with things. This bike is great for that. Would I like a bigger bike? Sure. Am I happy with what I have? Yes. Will I get a bigger bike? Someday. | ||
| Jasons |
No expert here, but as a new Blast rider, I can add a few cents to the pile.. I've put over 1000 miles on my Blast in the last few weeks... I am a new rider (at 45) and I have found the Blast a great entry into riding... it has allowed me to learn the basics very quickly. At 6'4" I am HUGE on the blast and I feel it every time I ride. The bike is a real hoot to ride, and it has given me my "bike legs", but I will be moving up very soon. While the Blast is great fun and easy to ride, it is a bit uncomfortable for me. It has a teenie gas tank and as much as I am finding myself riding, I am putting gas in almost daily. The seat is not fit for someone my size, for more than a 30 minute ride... Mind you this is all personal stuff... the bike is great... runs great.. handles great... and it is and will have served its' purpose for my needs... in fact I already have a buyer lined up. People move up from the blast for many reasons, and for me none them has anything to do with the bike itself, but everything to do with me. cheers! ( can you say Sprint ST? ) | ||
| Vjb77 |
Jim, I too was told I would get bored of my Blast! easily. I have not. I have enjoyed tinkering around with all aspects of the bike and have found Bad Weather members(Ezblast in particular) to be EXTREMELY helpful with just about everything. I live in Chicago and ride 5-6 months out of the year...I ain't spending $12K on something I only use half a year. I ride recreational and commuting...I don't need something with sidebags and a dresser to go back and forth to work with or sit in Chicago traffic. You will enjoy becoming the best rider you can and making you Blast! everything it can be. | ||
| Newblaster |
Most of the complaints against the Blast have to do with it being "underpowered". Is it? Depends on what you mean. If you don't mind a bike that tops out at about 95 with a tailwind, but pulls pretty hard up to about 80 (stock, a little work will change that...), then you won't have a problem with a lack of power, once you learn how to ride the bike and get the best it has to give. Understand the bike, and it will serve you well for a long time. | ||
| Prag_b |
I love my Blast, I believe it was the best decision I could make for a first bike, next year I do plan on purchasing a Lightning, but that has nothing to do with any shortcomings of the Blast, I simply, absolutely, positively lust over the looks of the Lighting XB9S (I dont care much about the power, I would take the Lighting with the same hp as the Blast)... my wife will be riding the Blast when I get the Lightning because I cant bring myself to get rid of my Blast, it's like an old friend, and I've only had it a few months... and I'm sure everytime the Lightning scares me I'll be cruising the Blast around until I get brave enough to get back on the Lightning... | ||
| Swampy |
I rode the Big Kids Blast from the Mackinaw Bridge home...like 200 miles, with that being the second leg of the trip that day of 400 miles, we were going 85+ all the way down I-75. I was more comfortable on that than my Sporty(see picture in profile), just slid my butt into the rocking chair and rolled the throttle on. What Fun! The stock one(except for carb jetting) was right there all the way. The Big Kid had the Sporty up to 110+ on the trip down, thats the only time I had trouble keeping up with him. Also.. I think the clutch slips a little bit during take off in first after sitting a while. I think maybe its a friction plate issue. | ||
| Joey |
The clutch thingy: It's when I've been riding down the highway. I come to a stop, fully engaged in first gear. I get the lurch after I am in motion, with clutch fully engaged, and I apply the throttle. It has only happened on hot days. I'm using synthetic. It is probably time to change the fluids, so I'll try that and see if it helps. | ||
| Swampy |
Yep, same thing happens with mine, I'm just living with it for now! | ||
| Swampy |
For your viewing pleasure. I was working late tonight and found this just outside of Elsie, MI, the Dairy Capitol of Michigan! The only thing I can think of is the second cutting hay didn't turn out as expected.  | ||
| Newblaster |
It's always a hard lesson to learn... "I'm not Evel Kneivel." Life's tough, sometimes... | ||
| Phillyblast |
I may be re-acquiring my Blast - never wanted to sell it in the first place. stay tuned. I have some plans for it. (Aaron if you see this I'll call you as soon as I have the little sucker back in my grubby hands)  | ||
| Ezblast |
lol | ||
| Ezblast |
WooHoo! - I'm part of the working class once again! Let the fun begin! Won't be spending too much time here during the weekdays, but I'll still be checking in pretty regular like in the evenings - lol - Now I feel better about planning some rides! Nothing like a new job to cheer ya up! Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ | ||
| Kaveman |
Just posted my beloved Blast in the Classifieds. Looking to sell it to finance an XB9SX. Hope it ends up in a good home! Kaveman  | ||
| Ezblast |
Ahhh - so wisper my darksider dreams - if money where no object - I'd get a XBSX - hand it over to NHRS - have them yank the twin and put in their ultimate single with a 6 speed, take out all the unnessesary stuff - litening it up even more, add some laverda bars, CRG mirrors, Micro signals all around, wave brakes fr & rr, sliders and call myself blessed indeed! Think how light the bike would be without all those things needed by the twin - 350lbs or less The ultimate Blast! Ahhhh - to dream on the Dark side! Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ (Message edited by ezblast on August 17, 2004) | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Congrats EZ. I do hope you wrote having the SLO weekend off into your contract?! |
