| Author | Message | ||
     Crazymike |
Sarodude, try rotating your ignition module about a 32nd or 16th of an inch counterclockwise. A lot of what I thought was valve clatter was preignition. It DOES sound like valve clatter. The box of rocks noise is detonation. Detonation will KILL AN ENGINE Note to all: If you are running at high rpms you are losing oil through the breather. Most of it goes right into the carb and you'll never see it. The oil light in the speedo ONLY reads oil PRESSURE, not level. That's the facts, you gotta deal with it by checking the oil frequently. | ||
| Sarodude |
Preignition even at idle? Even off throttle? | ||
| Crazymike |
Another possibility is the rear muffler mounts. What looks like a single long bolt is actually two short allen head bolts. Any looseness here sets up a harmonic buzz clatter as the engine returns to idle. This and the ignition module are easy to check. Won't help at all if the motor is determined to eat a valve. Any engine gurus want to speculate on the possibility of mashed lifters? | ||
| Blake |
Crazymike, I'd say that you're doing enough speculating for all of us. | ||
| Sarodude |
I've been suspecting a lifter collapse issue - but I THOUGHT hydraulic lifters are supposed to 'pump up' after some time at proper oil pressure. The noise seems to indicate that the lifters are collapsing during operation and pumping up when parked - the opposite of what I'd expect. I originally wondered if the valve failure was somehow due to the lifter going out of adjustment and causing the rocker arm to whack against the valve... Anyway, I'll update you guys on the proceedings. -Saro | ||
| Sarodude |
The Blast just went off to a different dealer (Ventura - where we bought 'em) to receive a new motor. Buell Customer Service didn't like the constant repetition of the words California Lemon Law - even though its application to bikes is questionable. I asked them (Buell, that is) to expedite the request. Today is Friday. They said it'll ship Monday. Doesn't seem all that expedient to me, but I'm probably just a big fat annoyed jerk who's STILL without a bike - and paying for it, mind you. What would I want to hear? * Overnight shipping (expensive, but I don't care right now) * Loaner bike (risky, but I don't care right now) * target date of completion (not so much of an issue if they gave me a loaner) * Some kind of thank you / sorry somethingorother (like that Vanson / Buell jacket :-) ) It really sucks for Buell 'cause this sillyness was the dealer's fault. That said, as far as the dealer goes, I don't even want to see anybody from over there anymore. It feels like breaking up with a girlfriend. We have a $90-ish dollar credit I no longer know what to do with. Anyway... -Saro | ||
| Fssnoc2501 |
Saro, Man I hate to here about your continued problems, although it seems your finally getting a satisfactory response. Good luck man. Version "B" of my aircleaner mode, It sure is working well. Here are the pics that I promised. The first is the snorkel that I made off the bike.  The next is the it on the bike it tucks in much better than my last attempt. You will note that I included a carb support bracket.  This next pic is my dad's modification to Oliver's (I think) rear wheel stand. It uses a length of 7/16" allthread with 2 peices of 3/4" X 4" black pipe with 7/16" nuts welded to the ends. It makes a very stable and inexpensive rear wheel stand. (Thanks to Oliver and my Dad)  If anyone is interested in the details of the aircleaner modes that I showed above let me know and I will post them Ray | ||
| Fssnoc2501 |
Sorry about that, that last pic that I posted was the snorkel on the bike without the aircleaner. Here is the the pic of Oliver & Dad's combined idea of a rear wheel stand.  Thanks, Ray | ||
| Ezblast |
buellersdayoff is the line size 5/8th or 1/2 and did you use a comp. tee or a slide in tee valve fitting? DP won't do it so I will. I was a navy machinest mate - this chore should be simple. Easier than the front handle bar,controls, and light switch I plan. Then a set of rearsets. etc., I have a lot of plans for the bike -one thing at a time though. | ||
| Phillyblast |
Blastin, I hit about 85 or so in 4th before the rev limiter kicks in. Glad to hear you got a warning flash - that would have been a depressing end to a good weekend. re: mileage - I get about 55 or so in the city, got 60-65 mpg on the last longish highway trip. Mileage went up when I went to the Vance and Hines. Saro - if it's any consolation (and it's not, I know) I just went blast-less for a week waiting on a rocker box gasket repair. Fouled up parts order combined with Labor Day Weekend. Since it's my everyday transpo to work it really screwed me up. Ray, aircleaner looks great - where'd you get the gel pad? david | ||
| Arbalest |
Has anyone toyed with the idea of putting the Blast motor in an M2 frame? Since the Blast is a single, there should be room for the rear suspension. You'd have to come up with a swingarm and fabricate a top suspension mount. I'm not sure how the rear isolator thing would work. You would have a Blast that you could mount rearsets on, and 17" wheels. I still don't know why they didn't build it like that in the first place. I'm riding a modified '82 Honda Ascot. It has 88 Hurricane forks and wheels. I gave up a CBR1000f for this single. I would have loved to have a Blast, but that frame, 16" wheels, and fixed gearing just don't cut it. | ||
| Greasebag |
OK, I just picked up a yellow 2001 blast today. It's for my wife who will be learning how to ride. I rode it for a while today, and my butt is KILLING me! And I only rode about 20 miles! If this seat hurts me, it's really gonna bad bad for her. I know I'm not the only one who HATES this seat. Who makes a replacement, and where do I order it?? | ||
| Methodman |
Hey Saro Don't feel Bad. It took a month and a half to get my bike back!. the Dealer eventually put a brand new motor at Buells request. I am the same way I really don't care it I ever see those service guys again! Defintely going somewhere else for my second 1000 mile checkup. | ||
| Buellersdayoff |
ezblast, I honestly don't know which DP fitted it with, but good luck with the mod. I really am disappointed in DP and don't plan on using them anymore. I'd rather drive out of the city to get some customer service, not just another Harley-dude who doesn't give 2 sh*ts about the Buells they sell and service. | ||
| Prof_Stack |
Saro - after my Blast lost to some gravel in Feb, it took exactly 91 days before it was ready for me. Insurance company was slow, shop was busy, the contracted paint shop really stalled the process. That was 3 months of my 12-month warranty just plain wasted. I updated my website a little. A nice picture of the Blast with windshield and Pirelli tires is at http://www.dlux.net/~nhardy/2000_buell_blast.htm Scroll to the second picture from the top. | ||
| Fssnoc2501 |
Court, I have a yellow flyscreen with mounting screws if that will help. Swapped mine for a cafe fairing. I have been ordering my parts from Thunder-Mountain in Fort Collins and with the exception of a turn signal have been getting my parts fairly timely. Gel pad, I got mine from JCWhitney price was around $40 it's working well for now especially after inserting it under the upolstery. Mileage & Oil cunsumtion, I've been getting aroung 65 mpg on the average. In an earlier post I goofed and posted that I was losing 1/4-1/2 quart every 250 miles, that was meant to be stated as every 2500 miles. Air filter mod version 'B', Here are the details that a couple of you have asked for. Parts 3/4" carb spacer from Kurakyn $15.95 2" 90 degree black PVC elbow $ 2.98 1/8" nipple $ .75 1/4" OD rubber hose $ .95 RU-0620 K&N filter $34.95 I cut the elbow so that the angle was approximately 55 degrees cutting off the female end of the elbow. trimed off the casting markings from the elbow, then sized the male end so that it fit snug in the carb spacer. Polished the elbow starting with 600 grit sandpaper down to 1500 grit. I then finished polished with windshield plastic polish. I then fitted it to the bike to get the angle that I wanted and marked my postion in relation to the spacer. I drilled and taped a 1/4"-20 whole on the back side of the spacer for mounting the carb support. The carb support is made out of 1/8"X3/4"X10" aluminum strap drilled and polished. The elbow is secured into the spacer with JB Weld in the position I had marked. After adequate time to set up the assembly was placed on the bike and carb support secured to the right hand stock airbox mounting bolt. In my experience you need to go up one jet sixe after making this modification. The time envolved was about 8-10 hours. Ray | ||
| Rmcnelly |
Oil consumption seems to be excessive on my wifes 2001 Blast. I know its being sucked down the carb and wonder if anyone has come up with a fix. Does the Blast head use the same oil/vent passages as the Sportster or other Buells? Will the mods to drill out the vent/drain holes and install sleeves help? I'm afraid of running the bike out of oil. Having to check it at every gas stop is a pain. It looks like 1/2 quart is needed every other tank, sometimes more. Please help. --Rick Chesapeake, VA | ||
| Dojodog |
This site has been a huge help to me as a neophite mechanic; thank you all for your contributions. The Blast is my first bike & I'm lovin' it! I've got about 1,800 miles on it, and just noticed a small amount of oil leaking from the bottom of the airbox. I took the airbox cover off to clean up the inside of it, and discovered it's actually leaking at the 'T' valve behind the box where the 45 degree piece of hose - which runs through the box - connects to it. Oil was leaking along the hose and dripping down into the box. Unfortunately, I can't fully seat the hose to the 'T' valve without removing the entire box. I wonder if a spring clamp at that joint would fix the problem. Any thoughts? Also wondering if anyone has found a front jack/stand for this bike? Again, thanx for all the help. | ||
| Pinkpank |
Ray, I'd love to take credit, but someone else originally posted that rear wheel stand idea. ;-) Oliver '00 Blast '89 951S '88 951 | ||
| Flesh |
Hey, I'm new here and just stopped by to ask a few questions about the Blast. I'm looking for a sporty bike for commuting in the north bay of CA. I'm 5'11" and 210lbs, I have no previous riding experience. I started looking at 250 Ninjas and the like and then saw this Blast in a local dealer ad. I started to surf around and get more info and I came across this BBS, and you guys(and girls) seem to know what your talking about. SOOOOO,... #1. Will the blast be a good bike for commuting?? I drive about 50 miles a day on the freeway or backroads(I have a choice) #2. I hate the handlebars!! Will the Crossroad bars put me to far forward?? Is this a eazy swap? I have long arms and legs if that helps. #3. The exhaust system has to go....Who make the best pipe for the buck(ie..I'm poor)? #4. Will I grow out of the bike soon after I buy it or will there be enough aftermarket goodies to keep me interested? Sorry for the long post but I'm looking to save money on fuel and add a little excitement to my life while I'm doin' it. | ||
| Dojodog |
Flesh, Looks like the new guys have taken over the board today. You've got 50 lbs on me, but I'm sure this bike will be fine (according to the archives, people ride two-up all the time). Forget a 250 street bike; you'll outgrow it in a week. 1 - I think it's a perfect commuter; my roundtrip is about 30 miles a day. 2 - I'm taking it in tomorrow to have bars replaced with HD's S-1 bars. I understand replacing them isn't a big job, but I'd rather have the dealer adjust the clutch/brake lines. I replaced the stock grips; unfortunately, they cement the left one on, so it's a bear to get off. 3 - If you 'search' through the archives, you'll find plenty of references to alternative exhaust systems. I'm sticking with stock for now. 4 - I originally intended to trade-in next year for a bigger bike, but I'm keeping the Blast! | ||
| Mother_Big |
I think the Blast! is quite reliable enough to serve you as a commuter bike. I would just like to caution about two-up riding. One of our former posters seems to have had a serious mishap (Septus, I believe) involving his wife, and he indicated it came about by not strictly heeding the weight limitations listed in the manual. Otherwise, I can only say that the V&H is a good exhaust, especially if you believe that a loud pipe will save your butt someday. Don't know if price differences are very large between the various pipes. I'm also keeping the Blast! | ||
| Fssnoc2501 |
Airfilter mod, I forgot in my previous post to describe the method I used to resize the elbow. I clamped the elbow in a vise and used a 1" wide peice of medium grade emory cloth which allowed me to keep the roundness of the elbow. Rmcnelly, This amount of oil cosumtion is astounding. I would be tempted to to take the bike to a GOOD dealer for a looksee. Even though I check my oil at every fillup, I only have to add oil about every 20 fillups. Dojodog, That 'T' peice is not a valve, but just a 'T' peice thats purpose is to vent crankcase gases into the carb thanks to the EPA. I along some others have eliminated this from the airbox alltogether, look at previous posts. Also you might try to point the 'T' peice slightly upwords which I found to help until I eliminated mine. You might also check your crankcase breather drain hose if full it can cause excessive oil in airbox. Be careful not to open the wrong drain hose unless you are prepared to change the oil in your oil tank as they run paralel along the left hand footpeg mount. Flesh, I'm 2" taller and about your same weight and love my Blast and being a Blastard. Even though I'm thinking about a Firebolt in a year or two I plan to keep my Blast. 1 - Yes you can commute especially if the backroads are full of curves (TOO MUCH FUN  ) You might find that the seat can cause some discomfort (this can be fixed, the method is dependant on the money you are willing to spend) 2 - I chose a cheaper alternative than the Crossroads bars. Check the archives. The 2" rise sport bike bars worked well for me. 3 - The are at least 4 choices of exhaust ranging from $200-260. I personally chose the Kerker and am very satisfied. You will have to also do some minor alterations to the carb for maximum performance gains (Price range $20-100). 4 - This is a personal preferance, but there are several of us that have no intention of getting rid of our Blasts. Oliver, Sorry, maybe it was Blastin. Whoever it was my gratitude for your idea it works well. Ray | ||
| Greasebag |
TO FLESH: I just picked up a yellow 2001 for my wife who wants to learn how to ride. I've been riding it to work for the last few days, to break it in, and "get to know it". I've put on about 60 miles so far. Here's my --> OPINION <-- Good things: Looks cool Sounds cool (hers has a Vance & Hines pipe) VERY easy to ride VERY light & easy to balance at a stop light Plastic body wont dent too easy Good on gas Bad things: You're 5'11" (me too) You're 210 (I'm 175) What I'm saying is "I dont think you're going to be too comfortable on it" You will outgrow the limited power of the bike in one season (if you ride a lot) Suspension lets you feel every crack in the street No tachometer?! What the....?! (Wouldn't that HELP a new rider?) Terrible seat for a standard bike. Summary: This is an AWSOME bike for any beginner. It's a great bike for a small person of any experience level. Buy it, learn to ride, have fun for a season Then take it back and upgrade. I think most dealers will give you the MSRP back toward another bike if it's within one year. You would feel more comfortable on a bigger bike AND after you have learned the basics, you'll be able to handle a bigger bike too. Take all that for what it's worth to you. To everyone else...let's keep this as advice for Flesh...not a flame for me. I went through all of the decisions already and decided that this was the best bike for my wife. And so far, I believe I made the a good choice. | ||
| Wolverine |
Flesh, I commute about 50 miles each way, but I had some real trouble with the stock seat. There are different options, and I went with the corbin seat and its perfect. Not sure about the handle bars. I have the Vance and Hines Exhast. Its cheap ($200), looks and sounds great. The aftermarket for this bike isn't that great right now, but its growing and it will grow even more when the Blast starts hitting the used market. I started out planning on upgrading to a larger Buell, but after riding the Blast for a month and loving it I decided to keep it. After thinking about it some more, I'll probably trade in the Blast for a Firebolt and then buy a used Blast later. I figure with the trade in program, dealers will start collecting used Blasts and start offering good prices. | ||
| Prof_Stack |
With some people talking about trading in the Blast for other bikes, I thought I would relate my own experience: I bought the new Evo 883 Sportster in '86 and loved the looks and sound of a real Harley, albeit with 4-speeds. But I didn't ride it very much and not very far. I rarely had it over 60 mph due to increasing vibrations that weren't pleasant. It was reliable but then I didn't push it hard. Handling was adequate. I was a poseur. I sold it in '92 and later bought a used '89 HD Electra-Hog, a nice highway hauler. The Blast, on the other hand, is better handling, and I've ridden it more in one year than I did the 883 in 6 years. It is smoother at freeway speed than my 883 was. Frankly I don't notice much difference in pickup above 50 mph. No posing now, I just love to ride it. Thumpers are unique in the street motorcycle genre and the Blast is a nice little gem of one. Not perfect, we know, but a heck of a lot of fun. | ||
| Pinkpank |
Professor, Well put. I bought my ZX-11 and also rode it less than I do my Blast. I actually can't wait to get on and "blubber" along at 30mph, listening to every power stroke. So it's my favorite ride so far (although I expect to like a Cyclone just as much, except for the added price and weight). To any "newbies", if I had to change a few things, they are all items already mentioned here: 1) Better seat (maybe even a choice of a wider, 2" taller one) 2) 17" rims so I get more tire choices 3) Rear grab handle 4) Stiffer front spring 5) Better and/or lockable storage bin (could go hand-in-hand with the better seat) 6) Tad more power - maybe increase to 720cc? 7) "Blast" stickers are silly (easy to fix) Other than that, it's the perfect bike for puttering around the city. I'm sure I would have more complaints if I commuted 50 miles on it, but I don't, and I don't intend to, so I'm sticking with the Blast. No matter how many people make fun of me. ;-) Oliver (6'2", 220 lb, often riding around town with similar sized friends on back with NO problems!) | ||
| Aikigecko |
I finally have my Blast!!! I picked it up today after work. I was lazy and spent insurance money to have the Dealer attach the fairing but in the end I still made $200 and thats after buying the Crossroads Performance Custom Rearsets. On the Subject of the rearsets. They are quite cool and very comfortable (clearance out the wazoo) I had to buy a new rear brake line (braided and it looks cool matching the front) and fab a Master cylinder bracket, but wow do they change the look of the Bike (Photos to be posted on Monday) THe only bummer of the whole thing is that there is now no way to do an Intake like Ray's there just isn't any room to put it now that my feet are so far back and up. So I guess I wait for the Force and or just put in a K&N Blast filter...decisions. Now I need to reaquaint myself with my Bike. Some lessens I've learned already. 1) Never pick up your bike after any maintainance/rebuild without your own tool kit. 2) Never expect a 5'6" mechanic to be able to set your controls for you if you are 6'1" 3) A bicycle "Cooltool" is all but worthless on a motorcycle. That's it so far |
