| Author | Message | ||
     Pinkpank |
Brad (Dickenscpa), What color is your bike? I suspect black looks the smallest, while yellow the largest. Just guessing. I have also had to answer to a wide variety of onlookers, from my doorman saying "where'd you get the minibike?" and a friend refusing to ride on "such a wuss bike", but others including a 140lb 5'4" friend and a 300 lb 5'9" friend rode the bike last night and both said "wow, this thing is FUN!!!". The 140-pounder actually said "man, this is geared perfectly - 1st to 2nd shift it pulls a wheelie every time". ;-0 I was surprised, as I don't think it could do that with me on it (210lb, 6'2"). So yes, it's a real bummer putting up with that kind of commentary. But the more I ride mine, the less I care. This thing is a hoot to ride around, and I'm used to flogging cars around race tracks at 145mph+, so I'm not exactly "grandpa" in my driving style. BTW, my GF also thinks I look like a monkey on the bike and at first she felt "stupid riding on a toy bike", but now she hops on and realizes it's actually quite the perfect urban commuter. So she's gotten used to it. And with both of us on there, we have a cool 360+ pounds (I'm guessing, ahem - we're not tiny) on this little bike, but it's not an issue as I don't ever exceed 40 mph on it (and don't intend to). Saro, glad to hear you have a real motor back. I only wish "service morons" like the ones you dealt with would get sorted out via some sort of "Mechanics Darwinism" - but I'm afraid they never do. Even crappy service guys seem to linger and never get fired, if nothing else through those extended warranties that guarantee that you will take your bike back even though they muck it up so often (but it's paid for). On a wacky note, last night our "Beer Night" ended in a terrential downpour, and I was on the Blast. So I got to ride through standing water in underpasses and lots of puddles up to about 4" in depth. I got as high as 40 mph, but the giant raindrops felt like BBs at that point. My friend in his 944 Turbo had a hard time keeping up, and they were worried about me on the little bike (but both are appreciative of it as they are both vertically challenged and this is the only bike they had ever seen thart they could sit on comfortably!). So anyway, I dashed around the city and back to my underground garage in what was probably a cool 2" of rain in 20 minutes or so - and the Blast made it through safely and without the fear of "spinning out" or tipping over that I always had on my more top-heavy Ninja ZX-11. ;-) Oliver | ||
| Aikigecko |
I've had a few comments lately and my answer is the same now as it was before, it's mine not yours...I'm the only one who needs to like it. Besides how do you like waiting in trafic at the gate (onto Base). This usually shuts most people up. One a differant note those with fairings either the Buell or the LP What kind of speed differance at a given throttle have you noticed? I ask because I haven't looked at my speedometer in a year prefering to guage my speed by sound and gear. well the sound is the same but the speed it higher about 10mph as near as I can tell. | ||
| Fssnoc2501 |
Brad, Most of those who make those comments have not a clue about: 1) The true joy of motorcycling whatever the bike and / or 2) Don't appreciate the personal freedom of choice and want to dictate what we should ride (generally found among Goldwing, BMW, and Hogley Fergusun riders) No matter, ride what creates that great feeling of freedom and peace. I'm 6'1" and 220# and I ride a Blast with pride. In fact, it's more fun than ought to be legal (BTW I've been riding 35+ years)If you want to improve the flat spot in mid-range. You need to change not just the pipe but also tune the carb as Saro suggested. Look in the archives I've posted several times about the mods that I have made along with several others that post on this board. There is a wealth of information in those archives. Also don't be afraid to ask anything, the only thing that may happen is you get more info than you asked for  . Tony, I found the same perception after I installed my fairing. I attribute this to less wind sound created by the cutting action thus hearing the engine more clearly. I also noted that I felt much less wind drag on my torso which also adds to this perception. I was wondering if you were looking at the new pics of my bike on that aircleaner. My assumption when I heard the description of the Force Blast air snorkel was going to look simular to my design. (No I haven't seen Force's yet just a description) Ray | ||
| Ramon |
Dojodog & Aikigecko, Thanks for the replies. I'm going to change the oil and try and get a sooner service date. I am sure this question has come up before (I'm new here and to motorcycling itself), but why are my Buell Blast wheels soo dinky? Is there anyway I can put 17 inch wheels so I have more of a tire choice? I would like a "meatier" tire with a result of greater "road presence". Is there any way this can be done? Thanks guys, -ramon | ||
| Dickenscpa |
Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you guys, I just got home and immediately took the bike out for a quick 30 miles. I think it was Pinkpant that asked what color my bike was. I have the 2002 Grapejuice. I'm attempting to put a picture of it up if I can figure out how. BTW, you guys are great. This is a classy message board. I thought the Xterra message board people were nice, but you guys and gals are top notch. Sorry, can't figure out how to get picture on my post. | ||
| Tripper |
Dickens: CLICK HERE for instructions. | ||
| Phillyblast |
Okay, everyone that feels self conscious about the size of their err... ummm .. blast, take a look at the team elves site for pics of the 50cc sidecar team!!! Way to go choptop! Land speed record, plus increased self esteem for the thumper riders in one fell swoop. Seriously, very cool. You just know the first words uttered by cave-men (women?) after they found out someone else had a wheel were "wanna race?". pink - wheelies? I got the front wheel off the ground once (accidentally during a suicide rush hour merge) and haven't tried to duplicate it. Burnouts, on the other hand, are a piece of cake. david | ||
| Prof_Stack |
Concerning the windshield(s): Yeah, the "official" Buell Blast windshield seems to help in the following areas: stability at high speed is improved motor is not working as hard; and, as a result: better fuel economy (high of 79.5 mpg on one long ride) on cold days (coming again soon) I stay warmer looks better than stock (my opinion) easy to clean keeps more bugs off me But, it isn't perfect:  Riders over 5'10" will get their helmets buffeted by the wind (I sometimes tuck in) at an idle it sometimes rattles Overall, a windshield/fairing is a valuable accessory for Blast riders doing more than a few miles. | ||
| Jimalexander |
I just replaced my red body parts with yellow with no decals and really like the Blast much better. When I replaced the front fender I forgot if the long part of the fender faces front or rear. I put the long part facing front and it looks kind of funny. Could someone take a look at their blast and let me know? Thanks, Jim. | ||
| Crazymike |
Jim , the longer part goes toward the front. Turning it around might keep the muffler a tad cleaner though. | ||
| Jimalexander |
Crazymike, thanks much, I did the job with the wheel on and wouldn't like to deal with it again. Jim. | ||
| Blastin |
Just a helpful reminder to everyone. USE A FUNNEL WHEN ADDING OIL (particularily with full quarts of oil) Don't ask me why, just trust me. | ||
| Blastin |
A new Land Speed Record for the Blast! 104.8 mph Congratulations!!!! Susan, Aaron, Pammy, and crew. Job well done. I only wish I could have been there, but all of us Blastards were there in spirit. Jerry http://teamelves.com/bonneville/2001_event/on_site/Galleries/09_21_01/Blast_M_PG/FrameSet.htm | ||
| Phillyblast |
Blastin - DOH! And you're never gonna get it completely clean again unless you take off the tank (don't ask me how I know) | ||
| Sarodude |
The plot thickens - or is the SICKENS? I'd been meaning to call Ventura HB/Buell for a couple of days to tell them 'thanks' for getting me the bike in less time than it takes for celestial events. Well, before I finished my thank you, the owner of the dealership said that the factory had screwed up and put the wrong VIN on the new motor. Since the dealer didn't order it and since my wife legally owns 2 Blasts (mine, the 2001, and hers, the 2000) the factory erred and put her bikes VIN on the motor. Does that bug me? No. Apparently it bugs Buell enough that they're sending me ANOTHER motor.... So, can anyone top 4 break-ins in 700 miles? -Saro | ||
| Xgecko |
Yikes, that sucks...one of the reasons that I wanted to rebuild my bike was that the Engine had 9000 miles on it and ran beautifully (I was nice/paranoid during breakin). BTW Due to changing computers and not remembering the exact spelling of my password (I have been using a cookie) I've had to start a new Profile (I guess Blake is away for the web these days) so in keeping with the lizard-like I'm now Xgecko Peace Tony | ||
| Prof_Stack |
Wonderful 140 mile ride today east of Seattle on a 70+ degree Autumn day. The Blast got 71 mpg, which included some 70-80 mph time on the freeway and stop and go city traffic coming back into town. But the rural farm roads were clear and curvey and very relaxing to ride upon. I could have gone for two more hours. Maybe I should have. With 5250 miles now, I've noticed that 5th gear is getting more usable at lower rpm's. Now I can have it in 5th at 40 mph without the motor complaining and thumping as much. However, 4th gear at 40 mph is butter-smooth going. So, Sarodude, I wish you good luck breaking in another motor. Please be patient. For me, the Blast just gets better and better. There is truly something special (and visceral) about a nicely made and great handling single cylinder motorcycle. | ||
| Xgecko |
BTW it's a Harley Davidson thing the Jugs, Cases and Frame must all have the same Vin Number of it isn't a HD probably the same for Buell | ||
| Phillyblast |
Good News/Bad News for the LSR Blast. Good news is the new lsr record set by Susan - bad news is the bike blew up. Which has an up-side, although since Aaron paid for the effort out of pocket I'm not sure he'd agree with me on this: it's a good learning experience for everyone that wants to hop up their thumper. It'll also help the Nallin Bros. in their efforts to design performance parts for the little beast. Nothing reveals the weakest link like racing. So hats off to Aaron and the crew for undertaking the project, and I for on *still* want to hear what you did to it to get sportster-like hp from a blast - If blow mine up I promise I won't whine to you about it :-) david | ||
| Xgecko |
I also want to know what he was running in the way of fuel when it blew up. I know he is/was running the RR in multiple classes depending on fuel probably the same with the Blast. | ||
| Blastin |
Sarodude, Buell is starting a new program this year. You can buy motors from any of the four models, without the bike. Maybe you should pick a Blast motor up and keep it as a backup. Just kidding of course, that has got to suck rocks. Good luck with everything. Jerry | ||
| Dickenscpa |
Fellas, I hate to do this, but I must inform you that I traded my beloved Blast!. I had written Fri night that I had just gotten back from a quick 30 miles. After that, I went to Kroger for my wife and I needed gas so I took the Blast. First of all my right mirror vibrates and falls off about every 50 miles. My dealership (excellent one BTW)wound up replacing the whole housing and everything. It had been retightened too many times. But, as luck would have it, right before got the the station, both fell off. When I got to the station, I borrowed a wrench and put them back on, gased up and when I restarted, I had no lights. No head or tail light, speedo light, or signals. In Krogers' parking lot I could see that the speedo was still working, but you could only see it under street lights. Weird? When I got home, I had oil all over my jeans. None on the engine. I couldn't for the life of me find where it was coming from. I called my dealers 24 hr hotline and he said they would come get it for me in the morning (Saturday, 30 miles from the shop)I rode with the guy to the shop and he told me it would be ready Sunday, but pick me out something to ride home on. I was wondering why he told me to bring my gear along. I picked a Sportster Hugger that had been upgraded to the 1200cc. It had Screaming Eagle pipes, saddle bags, windshield, two-up seat with backrest, moustache bar w/hwy pegs, and chrome everywhere. I put 184miles on it Sat & Sun and needless to say I never gave it back. However, my Blast was sold before my deal was done. The Sportster is a 2001 with 840 miles when I got it and my dealer STILL gave me 100% of my money back on my Blast! even though the Sportster was used. Sorry I've become a turncoat and that this post was so long. My Blast! will always have a special place in my heart. Because of it, my wife let me get back into riding and to it I will always be greatful. Brad Dickens | ||
| Mother_Big |
Brad, sorry to hear it. I'm glad you're still fond of the bike, as a concept. Thanks for not bad-mouthing it. Most of us haven't had those troubles at all. If I had them, I hope I'd be as patient as you seem to have been. ride safe, mb | ||
| Dickenscpa |
There's nothing bad to say about the Blast. I had a few minor problems there on the end, but if I decided to keep it, there's no doubt in my mind my dealer would have taken care of it and I would have been pleased as punch. The bike is absolutely awesome as far as fun to ride and nimble. My main deal was this: I'm big into mountain biking, my wife isn't. I wanted my motorcycle to be a we thing and not a me thing. My wife just never seemed interested in riding with me. But, when I came home on the Sportster, it had a two-up specific seat w/backrest and she immediately hopped on and we rode about 125 miles. We had a ball. That was my goal to ride a bike and have my wife there too. I can see about this time next year when a flood of used Blasts come in at good prices, buying one just for me to get out and let loose on. My problems at the end didn't sway my decision. A bike is a mechanical being, things go wrong and they get fixed. If people can't except that about ANY bike, they need to walk everywhere and hope when they break down others don't badmouth them and try to send THEM to the junkyard. Brad | ||
| Whimsical |
Hey all...just thinking about some winter projects and am very interested in installing the vance & hines pipe. I know this has been discussed earlier but the search results are too numerous to go through. Can you install the pipe without rejetting it? I heard there are some problems with just installing the pipes without any adjustments? Thanks in advance! | ||
| Xgecko |
Can the V&H pipe be installed without rejeting? Yes but it will Blue out pretty fast if you do. You might be able to tweak the mix a bit though the cost of new jets (not a Jet kit) isn't that much and it isn't a big deal to change. I just madeup my mind not to upgrade/change the intake today. Well actually I've been riding with the rearsets for a week and a half and I've come to realize that the airbox is what keeps my knee from smacking into the front of the carb. Force hasn't gotten back to me in 2 weeks of messages. and to top it all off the only AirFilter that Cycle City had was the K&N. At $60 (actually $50 something with a discount) there is no way I'm gonna get rid of that filter until I have gotten more than few rechargings out of it. So that ends the Intake issue for me. I'm not sure what the Force would have looked like nor if it would have been comfortable anyway (my seating position is drasticly differant than a stock Blast). I did finally aquire the parts for a rear wheel stand for my Blast. 2 three ton (overkill I know) jackstands and a piece of 7/16" solid rod so that I can change the Tran. Lube this weekend any problem saving hints would be appreciated here). I love oilchanges on the Blast they take all of 10 minutes. | ||
| Phillyblast |
Yep, that's about where my right knee sits too. One of the things that I'll need to address over the winter here. Btw - the fork brace will most likely be a one-off as a favor, but I'll keep you posted if that changes. david | ||
| Ramon |
Hi Everyone, Is there a mileage limit on the Blast! buy back deal? | ||
| Dojodog |
Ramon - the dealer told me there's no milage limit on the buy-back deal. FYI - I installed the new Buell mirrors. I think it improves the bike's looks, and marginally improves the rear view; however, a word of caution: tighten them up TIGHT. I thought I had, and they were fine for ~100 miles, but last night after an hour at highway speeds they loosened up - and I didn't have my tool kit (that won't happen again). Has anyone taken Harcourt's learn-at-home motorcycle mechanics course? I'd like to learn how to do more than just change the oil & mirrors - but I can't find any related text books. Thanx, Skip | ||
| Ramon |
Thanks Dojodog, Do you have a link to some pictures of the new Buell mirrors? Where can I see them? thanks, -ramon |
