| Author | Message | ||
     Dojodog |
I know this isn't a political forum, but I want to preface this note by sharing my heart-felt condolences for the victims of last Tuesday's attacks. I'm torn between a terrible numbing sadness for all of us, and a desire to return to some sort of normalcy. So, it's with trepidation and a sense of guilt that I write about something as trivial as my bike, and I apologize if I offend anyone by doing so. I had the OE bars replaced with HD's S-1 bars last week. Huge improvement in looks; the riding position is lower & more aggressive (more like a sport bike than a standard). The job turned out to be slightly more involved than anticipated. BTW, school's out on whether the Blast! windshield will work with those bars. The relocated front brake cylinder doesn't allow enough room for the right bracket. I'm having a local shop see if they can finesse it by rerouting the front brake line. I'll keep you posted. I may have discovered a trick to eliminate the occasional 'clanking' when shifting from first to second: instead of pulling 'up' on the shift lever, try throwing it 'forward'; seems to work for me. Thanx; God bless us all. | ||
| Ramon |
Hi all! I just bought my first bike, a Buell Blast, three weeks ago and I LOVE IT!!! I have already racked up 1100 miles. I have a few questions about my new bike and modifications: 1. I have a service appointment for October 1st, I also have 1100 miles on a 2001 model (and also keep up with oil comsumtion). Should I stop riding until my I get my first service? 2. My first service will include a few modifications. A Vanes & Hines pipe, Dyno jetting, and a K & N filter. Am I headed in the right direction if I desire an end result of better "Passing Power" (torque?) and off the line speed? BTW, my work is being done at Fremont Harley, Buell, and Honda. Sorry to sound like such a newbie, but I am  -ramon | ||
| Aikigecko |
The V&H pipe is nice though Hind sight being 20-20 I'd buy a White Brothers it's nice looking and probably provides a bigger increase (1-2hp same in torque) The V&H is loud when it packs in,maybe the White is as well. I didn't have any choice when I bought mine (early summer 2000) so I got what I got. Any pipe and jet change will give you the increase in torque that you desire. As all the pipe made so far get rid of the annoying hole at the center of the powerband. Some other mods to consider. New Seat (probably better to have Sarges redo your's during the off season than to buy a Corbin (YMMV) and change the bars to Sportbike 2.5"rise 4.5" pull. There are two fairing that fit one from Buell which may or may not work with lower bars and the LP Cafe which will only work with lower bars. Both will improve gas mileage. There are rearsets available from Crossroads Performance. I've got the Customs and I think Oliver has the regular ones. My final cosmetic adjustment will be to put a single seat rearend on a custom rear subframe. but that is a ways a way. As for engine mods Zippers has a kit in the works and Brian Nallin does exceptional head work. Aaron Wilson has his daughter's Blast at the Saltflats for a record attempt. He has done some "Special" things to it. What those "things" are will be posted if it runs well. I just rolled over 9200 (yup only 200 miles this weekend it was raining and the surf was huge (one takes waves when they come)) which is amazing to me considering that I've been out of the country or off the bike because of a wreak for 8 of the 18 months I've owned my Blast. The bike is great. | ||
| Dickenscpa |
Hello everyone! Bought my '02 grapejuice 8/31/01. In between the unusual amount of rain we've got in Middle Tenn here lately, I've got about 410 miles. Absolutely love the bike. No leaks or oil consumption so far. I've been reading through the archives for the last two weeks and actually made a post in the classifieds, but this is really my first "true" post. Two questions, please don't flame me I've used the search engine and although I've searched "Blast windshield" and "Blast seat" it searches each word independently and you get a blue million results. 1. Does anyone else other than Corbin make a seat for the Blast? Theirs is a little pricey. 2.Is there any windshield fairing other than the Buell Blast windshield that will fit with stock bars. I see catalogs and web sites with windshields that "look" like they'll fit, but it's hard to judge part unseen in mail order. BTW, everyone here seems like classy ladies and gentlemen from the posts I've read so far. Appreciate you guys. Brad Dickens | ||
| Sarodude |
In light of the happenings in the last week I haven't posted anything regarding my Blast. Seems kinda petty in the big picture. Current status of the bike: Ventura HD/Buell finished the bike Friday. They had some problems getting a hold of me and couldn't deliver it. I had problems getting to Ventura. I'll be getting it back today. In the end, Buell sent them a brand new motor. I asked for it on a Friday. It got there Wednesday. Bike was ready Friday. Note that this isn't the dealer who originally took care of the dropped valve scenario and missed some stuff in the bottom end. I still haven't heard whether it was a bottom end bearing issue or a lifter or what but my primary concern of getting my Blast back has finally been met - after 7 weeks. I'll put some miles on it to seat the new top end then I'll mount the Bub's pipe I got from eBay. Loli's bike has the V&H so it'll prove to be an interesting side by side comparison. I think that HD should stop accruing interest when the bike is in for warranty repairs. They can ask for their payments but they should apply it all to principal. Just a thought. -Saro | ||
| Dojodog |
Ramon - at the rate you're riding the bike, you'll have over 1,700 miles on it before its first service. I'd at least change the oil if you're going to keep riding it until then, but as long as the bike's running OK, and you're going over it carefully & regularly (checking brake fluid levels, lights, tires, cables, etc.), you're probably OK to keep riding until the first. But, I'm a neophite at this mechanical stuff, so you might want to call the shop & check with them. Has anyone installed the Blast Fork Brace from Crossroads? Nice lookin' piece, but I don't want to shell out $132 just for the look! Thanx | ||
| Aikigecko |
I promissed Images of my recently rebuilt Blast with all the bells and whistles. As I said the rearset required some adjustment from the deal installed setup but that was personal not functional         | ||
| Mother_Big |
great lookin' bike, Tony. Thanks for the view. | ||
| Aikigecko |
yup now the next step is to find a welder in Yokosuka that will fab up a new rear subframe so I make it into a true racing single (at least cosmeticly) unless I get a windfall I'm just looking at a Nallin head a new Cam and a Force (whatever they end up making for the Blast). | ||
| Tripper |
You may want to call Nallin again after the Salt Odysey. Gather up more money also. | ||
| Fssnoc2501 |
Aikigecko, The bike looks great. Where did you get the turn signals ? They compliment the fairing well. Also, I redid the airclener on my bike pointing it down and closer to the bike. Pictures and details in the archives. Works great no problems as of yet about 400 miles since the change. I'm in agreement with about wanting very badly to know what Aaron did to the Blast, it sounds very interesting. Again the bike looks great!!! Ray | ||
| Aikigecko |
Tripper, As much as I want to know about the Salt experiment the whole over 500 bit has almost shutdown Aaron's work for me. One of the things I like is that the Blast is only 492cc I figure a headjob would bring it closer to 500 but not over. I'm not really interested in a bigger bore to gain power just improving the stock setup. Honestly it's more work than I want to pu in. That said I still want to know what he (Aaron) has done. It's a step that needs to be taken if people are going to take the bike seriously. Ray, I saw the photos that you posted. And it looks good...completely undoable on my bike but good none the less. My problem is that with the rearsets my thigh is right on top of the airbox and the area where your filter would go. The front turn signals are Lockhart Phillips USA Flush Mount V's and the rears (which easily replace the big stock signals and are so out ot the way they avoid trouble) are Lockhart Phillips USA Short Stock III's. My rear amazement is how differant the black bars look over the silver that I had. I'm glad that I couldn't get the Purple Bodywork now because although there are scratches on my Tank cover (which I'll keep to remind me of stupid people) I really like the all black look. Rather sinister. I'm currently awaiting some word from Johnny Lightning on the Forcewinder for the Blastit usually takes about a week (which is good because right now I don't have the money for one but I likely will in a week or two. | ||
| Jenkat131 |
Aikigecko: Sweet looking bike. Love the sea turtle decal. But just one question: Where are your mirrors? When I eventually get my new bike, I'd like to look into bars like yours... your whole setup is quite nice. Now the trick is for me to actually GET another bike, which I'm hoping will happen in the next few weeks... Jen | ||
| Aikigecko |
Jen...on my helmet. I am one of the "Bug Eyes" (look in the helmets forum) converts. I played around with the stock as well as Barend mirrors before switching to the Bugeyes and I will never go back. I saved one barend mirror for inspection every year and that's it. I can see behind me when I idleing now unlike any bike mounted mirrors. Funny your the first person in ages to notice that. Even the local cops don't notice and mirrors are required. Though to be honest most are more interseted in the mirrors that I do have. The Turtles are the Hawaiian "Hono" which is taken from real petrogyphs on Maui and the big island. It fist to as the blast is the little turtle that always gets there. I feel for you Jen I spent the whole summer Blastless and I so love having it back (I was also overseas for the last month so at least it wasn't too bad). It's taking me a while to get used to it though it isn't anything like it was before...the rearsets do make it a completely different bike in the way it handles. I feel way more locked in and at the same time it's much easier to stear. | ||
| Aaron |
Tony, The LSR Blast is only 510cc. It uses Nallin's bolt-in 3-9/16 bore kit. No machine work required, just remove the old and slap on the new. I can do it in less than 2 hours. Your bike looks great! On my way in less than an hour, wish us luck! Aaron | ||
| Aikigecko |
Great luck to you and your's. Well Aaron what you can do in less than two hours would likely take me most of the day...right now I think I'll be happy with having my head ported and a cam change. That would likely be about all I feel capable of doing | ||
| Sarodude |
Having put a touch over 100 miles on my NEW motor I can say a couple of things: 1) The sound I was hearing (and which was getting worse) is absent - as it was and still is absent from my wife's blast. 2) The other motor was down on power. This one has a noticeable increase in oomph. 3) The only good mechanic is one that cares about your machine - YOU. Ditch the extended warranties and learn to fix your own stuff if you don't already know how. Hopefully I can now begin to have some FUN with my bike... -Saro | ||
| Aikigecko |
Mechanics...Ive had good luck and I can say that even though it took all summer to gte my bike back I honestly attribute this to both the insurance company and the fact that I live in Hawaii. My dealer kept to the estimate that the gave me and I know that the instalation of both my fairing and my rearsets took longer than expected (especially the fairing). Now I have the advantage over many people in that I'm used to waiting for thing (12 years in the military will do that) but I'm happy with my dealer. That doesn't mean that I can't or won't do my own maintainance my 10,000 mile check is coming up and I plan to do it all. | ||
| Mother_Big |
Tony, should I look in the archives for anything you've posted on the rearset installation? i.e., did it go smoothly, are the instructions clear? If not, let us know. I think I'd like to do that with my Blast! Crossroads, right? about $500? | ||
| Aikigecko |
I have the Custom Rearsets ($549) vice the standard ones that replace the OEM Y shaped footpeg mounts ($500) as I plan on removing my rear subframe (at some point in the future). The instaltion of mine require the fabrication of a bracket to mount the rearbrake resevior and a replacent of brakelinnes. The instructions are clear but inacurate in that they say the stock brakeline can be used. Other than that they are just a puzzle (childs variety) to assemble. Comeone esle here has the standard rearset and could likely give you good info on there assembly. The thing I really like about mine is that it removed the stock front pulley cover and leaves it covered by a grill. It's cool to look down and see the belt there. Now if I could just find a pulleycover that wasn't $100 I'd be really happy. | ||
| Phillyblast |
I have the standard rearsets (hmmm - replacing rear sub-frame - never do think ahead, do I?) I had to fab a small bracket to mount the master cylinder, but used the stock brake line. The biggest pita is removing the Y mounts. You need a swivel adapter to get in there, and even then it's tight. Other than that, just like Tony said, putting together a puzzle for ages 4 and up couldn't be simpler. david | ||
| Aikigecko |
Yea David I studied the Crossroads Project Blast. Personally I don't like the Chain drive, too much mess, I like to be more upright than the clipons provide though the Plate Bars I may have to trade Photo's for when I get to the Carrier (Photographers get cool trades) the bigger wheels don't appeal to me either though I'll be figuring out a swingarm stretch or more likely a mod to the shock mount to allow a bigger (read this as more standard) rear tire say like a 130/80 or 140/70. Yup I have quite a list of dream mods if I ever have the time/money. Top that with Aarons little comment about bolt on in two hours (you did that on purpose right you get a kickba...err commission from Nallin for every one you sell). The thing about that one is if I don't get my bike in japan (shipping and such) before I go to sea (4 6 months) I won't be able to send the head off to Brian Nallin. Which could/would make the "kit" a more likely choice (at least I have a choice...now). You know I would get bored with a Japanese bike. there ain't enough that you can do with/to them. I guess my next (whenever that is) will have to be a Buell | ||
| Jenkat131 |
Tony: Any chance of you posting a pic of your helmet? I'm intrigued. Which carrier are you going to be on, or are you allowed to say? I'd just like to know which one to root for, in the event you get sent somewhere on a cruise. I've already got an attachment to the Kitty Hawk, cuz I got to wander around on it during Fleet Week in San Francisco in '88 or '89. And drop me an e-mail so I can have your address when you're overseas... Jen | ||
| Dickenscpa |
I hate to bring this up and I know I'm shallow in doing so, but I'm human and when people talk it affects me. I've had my bike three weeks today. I've got about 530 miles so far (560 by the time I get home)In the last week and a half I don't think I've gotten one positive remark. I've been told everything from I look like a monkey on a football to a power rangers action figure. I know you'll probably say tune them out and have fun on the bike you want. That's easy to say, hard to do. Is there any aftermarket products or mods that give the Blast the illusion of being a little bigger? This bike feels too comfortable safety wise to give in to something bigger. I'm only 5'9" and 190, but I have big kickboxer legs that keep me from going down when things get sketchy. Any suggestions on mods appreciated, thanks. | ||
| Phillyblast |
Dickenscpa- About the only thing that would make the Blast(!)(tm) look any bigger are 17 in. wheels, although the rearset pegs get your knees out of your chest if you're tall, so that might help too. I've heard all kinds of comments, from "wow that's tiny" or "where's the rest of it" to "You look like one of those Russian circus bears on the tiny bicycles" - actually, that last one is what I said that to my brother when he took my Blast out for a ride last Sunday - he's 6'4" 275 or so. I'm 5'10" about 170 and it's comfortable for me. You've already given yourself the best advice - have fun and ride what you want. Tony, Agreed on the clip-ons. And it's nice to have choices, though. Can't wait for AW to return. One of the reasons I pursued an air-cooled single when I was looking for another bike was ease of maintenance/modification. No water jackets! I'm kicking measurements to friend of mine this weekend to fab a fork brace - he's a machinist and will use aluminum. Probably won't be as pretty as the xroads one, but will work and not cost me anything. I'll let you know how it turns out. Have some pics being developed right now, I'll post as soon as I can. david | ||
| Blastin |
Dickenscpa (your going to have to explain that screen name. I just like to try and get to know all of my friends here.) I'm 5'10" and 240 lbs, so I can understand. There isn't much to say that you probably haven't already thought of. I have a yellow blast, and I wear a bright yellow riding jacket with a "skid plate" back protector stiched into it, and a bright yellow full face helmet.(My brother has nicknamed me "bannana boy".) I get a lot of comments. But you know what, they have no excuse if they don't see my ass. I added flames to the bike and on my helmet. I think it looks pretty good, have gotten several compliments. Including a nice big smile from Erik Buell himself. I don't think your going to find too many mods to make the bike "look" bigger, that is without some serious mods and money. Most people are probably used to hearing a V-twin rumble around the block or an inline 4 whine. The Blast has a entirely different sound because it is a thumper. The boat anchor haning off the bottom of it doesn't give it much of a characterstic sound other than maybe a overgrown lawnmower or a really big go-kart. So I guess I would look into changing out the pipe. I know I will be doing it this winter. I just wanted to get about 5,000 miles to get the motor really broken in before I started playing.(just my personal preference) The only other thing I can say(and I seem to be saying a lot this week) is just ride what makes you happy. If it puts a smile on your face, then that's all that really matters. Jerry | ||
| Dickenscpa |
Blastin To explain my screen name is: My name is Brad Dickens and I'm a CPA. I use that same screen name for everything, hard to get confused that way. My basic thinking on the size thing was pretty much, "It's my bike, to h*ll with you," until I bought a digital camera and my wife and I looked at the pictures. When my wife made a comment, although more loving than the others, it kind of stung a bit. Also, my wife is getting where she wants to ride too. I see in the posts here where people ride two up all the time. However, I'm 190 and she's 110 (Sorry honey). That's a full 100lbs below the weight limit, but getting above 4th gear is impossible. Maybe it's inherent in my bike. I do know that mild grades on a four lane hwy by myself are third gear hills and it labors at that. Could there be something wrong with my bike? Do I need to get it checked out? | ||
| Aikigecko |
Damn David you had to go and mention a forkbrace...hey if it works (and it's not too much) and you buddy want to fabricate another I might be interested in one. Jen I am indeed heading to the Kitty Hawk I go to school (Advanced Digital imagery) in march and then report to the boat in May... I cannot wait. Ridding in Japan should be cool at well. I'll see if I can shoot a photo of my helmet. Brad your problem is that boat anchor Buell calls a pipe. It leaves a big whole in the Mid range that when you are carrying a "load" (don't ever refer to your wife in this manner where she can see it) the engine can't get over the whole. I new exhaust will allow for freer reving | ||
| Dickenscpa |
If I go to a new pipe, can I just put a new pipe on? Such as V&H, Kerker, etc and that's it. Or, does it require other tinkering? Also, will a new pipe help HP and top speed? Appreciate all this help guys! | ||
| Sarodude |
Brad- Most folks report improvements - with or without exhaust mods - after re-jetting their carb. K&N and DynoJet offer jet kits (similar part numbers - go figure) and other options (Dial-a-Jet, etc) are out there to change how your carb delivers fuel. (beware of silly terms like 'better') Depending on how comfortable you are with TUNING, your best bet may be to talk to someone who's already done similar mods (many folks have the V&H exhaust) and see what they did in concert with it (jetting) and just follow along. Most folks think of jets as things you INSTALL whereas jets are things you TUNE your carb with. The Blast puts a tuner in the unfortunate position of having to do a fair amount of work to tune via re-jetting. Anyway, gotta stop blabbering... -Saro |
