| Author | Message | ||
     Titusand |
I've decided to get my first motorbike, a Blast. I have a few basic questions. On this bike, how many miles would be considered "middle aged" and how many "old." Can someone tell me about the storage under the seat? I would like to get some bags for this, where or how do they attach, and does anyone have recommendations on bags and a large windscreen? What about connecting an after market tach? Has anyone explored connecting those devices that flash the headlights and tail lights? If I buy one of one color, say white, could I easily change it to black? How is Buell about ordering parts on the phone or online? | ||
| Ezblast |
Welcome! I'm sure with a little searching you'll find answers to all your questions! EZ | ||
| Tortoise |
Titusand: I am not one of the experts here but maybe I can help with a couple of your questions. Regarding the windshield. I bought Buell's windshield designed for the Blast. It is ok but I don't like the way it mounts to the bike. It uses screws that actually go through the windshield. The problem is that, when tightened, the screws create a stress point. I put the windshield on in May and have noticed cracks in the windshield around the screws since then and its getting worse. Givi makes windshields with a different mounting style. I'm going to purchase a Givi A620 next year. Regarding the flashing lights. I believe that a flashing headlight is actually illegal in some states now? But don't take my word for it. The colors can be easily changed. I bet you could change all the plastics for roughly $400. Check on Ebay. | ||
| Court |
Headlight modulators are LEGAL in the United States and Canada. The FMVSS (FEDERAL Motor Vehicle Safety Specifications) are FEDERAL and no state may usurp them. As with all things . . think and act wisely. | ||
| Court |
It is very simple and cheap to change the colors on a Buell. Any Badweb sponsor can get you parts without delay. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Welcome Titusand! While I have answers to most of your questions, I must address one first: Headlight Modulators: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/201 64/324145.html?1247933298 Read the opinions there, but I must take this opportunity to say: USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. I encountered one of these again yesterday (I rarely see them) and was reminded how much they annoy me. Now I know what a headlight modulator is and what it is for, BUT I still get confused when I see one. I'm obviously on another motorcycle, so is that other rider trying to get MY attention? Is there a hazard up ahead? Is my cooler falling off (if behind)? or? Now if I know what they are and they confuse me, what do you think happens to regular automobile drivers when they see this? They, as usual, are likely to be confused (are you a cop?) and may become nervous or even panic as they often do when they encounter a motorcyclist on the road. Trust me, I've seen drivers do some crazy things around motorcycles and it is not usually to our benefit. To a much lesser extent, this goes the same for strangely pulsating brake lights. A much better option is better or more lighting. Frequent use of the horn when a driver may not see you (and of course anything that makes you a better rider). Two exceptions may be (imho) riding in New York City or another heavily trafficked urban area (if you've driven in NYC, you know what I'm talking about) or in the middle of nowhere where encountering a car is rare. PS as a new rider, at some point in your riding experience you will say to yourself either "these people are trying to kill me" or "they could have killed me". Not trying to scare you, its just a reality. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Under 5000 miles is good low mileage. Over 10,000 miles would be (imho) considered "middle age" for the purpose of a Blast comparison. More than 20,000 miles- very used. Many, many Blasts still sit in garages with very low mileage, even 9 or 10 years old. Storage under the seat is limited. Perhaps about enough space for a Gideons Bible. Buell makes bags specifically for the Blast as well as a tank bag. They come on & off very easily and should handle most of your needs being this your first bike. If you have specific needs, then that would be a different answer to a different question. I have not heard of any problems with the Buell Blast accessory windshield, Tortoise would be the first. Having had one, I dont see an issue if it is properly installed. Its also reasonably priced ($200), easy to install and made specifically for the Blast. We have a section on tachs. There isnt a 'bolts right on' Blast specific tach, but there are custom options. FWIW, the Blast has an engine rev limiter. You cant over rev it, it wont hurt it if you hit the rev limiter and I know from experience running it to the redline often isnt go to be especially harmful (within reason-constant abuse yields shorter engine life-I doubt you'll see a problem). As said, Blast body panels are easy to change and if you shop e-bay you could do it for less than $200 (+ shipping). All new bodywork is about $450-$500. Black is the most desired colour so be prepared to pay more for used. White often commands a premium price, but its hit and miss. Red, yellow, purple, orange and blue are less desirable. Deals can often be found depending on your concern for the quality of the body parts. Some parts will look fine with the odd scratch or two. Very used parts will be relatively dull, even if not scratched and its not easy to get a good shine on them once they get this far. Also, very often people are looking to trade colours. Its possible to strike up deal for the cost of shipping. Many Buell/HD dealers sell online or will ship via a phone call. BUT spend a half hour getting the dealer to look up a $5 in parts isnt going to get you very good customer service or a discount. Have the part numbers handy and life will be much easier and cheaper. Unsolicted advice: If buying used, look for a Blast that is bone stock without any modifications, except perhaps Buell bags and windshield, unless you really know what you are looking at. Ebay has great deals, but some will charge you double or triple the price of new. If unsure about the value of a part, ask here or check with a dealer. | ||
| Titusand |
Thanks everyone. This is all good news. I'm really enthusiastic about this model of motorcycle. I enjoy working on my car. There must be a Haynes or Chiltons repair manual equivalent for the Blast, any one can tell? | ||
| Titusand |
Are factory parts available (with prices) online or a catalog of same? If so, I haven't found it. Anyone know? | ||
| Crackhead |
Buell sells a service manual and it is not that expensive. there is also a parts manual available. | ||
| Ulywife |
I would like to get some bags for this, where or how do they attach, and does anyone have recommendations on bags and a large windscreen? My Blast came with the saddle bags. While they are great little bags, they don't carry a lot. This past weekend Webe helped me put a Ventura Rack on the Blast and we also changed it from red to black. I'll post pictures once my computer is fixed! | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Get the Buell repair manual as well as the parts manual, then you can order most anything. Once you have the part number many dealer websites (and some non-dealer websites) will let you order by part number allowing you to enter a part number and check price. Unfortunately when ordering from anywhere but the dealer (or American Sport Bike), Buell parts (esp. the Blast) are often not listed even though the vender might carry the parts  | ||
| Tortoise |
My '08 is middle age already?  | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
For the purpose of a Blast discussion (imho) If its got more than 10,000 miles, then its middle aged. If some were going to buy a Blast with 20,000+ miles on it, I'd say look around as there are still plenty of Blasts around with under 10,000 miles and many even under 5000 miles, regardless of the year made. Not necessarily a comment on longevity, just whats out there for Blast mileage. Middle age isnt bad, unless you consider that to be worn out? | ||
| Fahren |
Magster's web site: http://www.whereismaggiemae.com/ She is pretty much fer sher the top mileage touring Blast rider in the world. She is a member, and has good kit for touring: bags, screen, etc. if you look at her profile's list of mod's., as well as going thru the amassed knowledge on this Thumper forum. As to the tach, try riding by ear. You will get to know your bike better than if you have a tachometer to glance at. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Luggage Thread: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/201 64/63466.html?1241038949 With all due respects, he didnt ask what luggage would be good for touring, just what was recommended. To that end we should find out what he needs the luggage for! Please lets move the luggage question over to the luggage thread. That way the information will be in one spot (mostly) for future readers and reference  |
