Question about a bike

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aldar · #1 Unread post by **aldar** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 12:14 pm

Hello,

I am about to buy my first bike. I am looking at the Buell Blast, I was wondering if anyone knew if this was a good bike for a starter bike. I have found a used one for about 2,7000, why an new one is about 4700 plus whatever at the harley shop. If this is a decent should i buy the new or used bike.

Thanks in Advance

DivideOverflow · Sun Apr 10, 2005 12:20 pm

I havent heard of anyone actually liking that bike. Not to mention, they have a poor reliability record. My suggestion: Take the riders course that Harley offers, they are all on Buell's from what I have heard. See if it is for you.

For example, I took the MSF this weekend, and discovered that I hate standard bikes... they make my legs cramp from the ungodly strain they put on my knees.... unless the buell has more clearance then a nighthawk, I probably wouldnt like the Blast either.

If you end up liking the bike, I would go for the used one for several reasons. #1, you might drop the bike... it would be even worse if you paid full price and it was shiny and new. #2, You do not want to have to worry about breaking in the bike properly while you are learning how to ride. It is something new riders just should even have to bother with... you should only have to focus on your skills. #3 $2000 is a lot. Get the used one if you must have a Blast.

All I can say is try out more than one type, you might find something you like a lot better.

EDIT: These people seem to like it as a beginner bike: http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcbuell/blast/00blast.html

aldar · #3 Unread post by **aldar** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 12:38 pm

Thanks the closest harley class is in another state few hours away.

Part of the reason i was looking at it was that i am 5 foot 6 and many of the bikes feal to tall for me

DivideOverflow · Sun Apr 10, 2005 1:12 pm

If you dont mind a cruiser, they have low seat heights... the seat height on my bike is only 25 inches. All the other beginner cruisers are around the same.

If you have tried out the Buell and like the height and the feel, I dont see why you wouldnt get it. But you should make an effort to take the MSF, or some type of rider instructional program. Like I said, I just took it, and I cant imagine riding on the street without the knowledge and skills they showed me this weekend. It would have probably taken weeks to get all of that info on my own... and some of the exercises they have you practice could be the difference between you crashing or not.

aldar · #5 Unread post by **aldar** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 1:28 pm

Yes Virginia where i am requires a class, for the liecinse i must wait till sept to takel it as the classes are full till then. For the class i need a helmet etc... Which i would buy anyways, what is a good one to where.

DivideOverflow · Sun Apr 10, 2005 1:58 pm

Any helmet with a DOT and Snell rating. You really need to go to some sort of shop and try them on. It is important that the helmet is comfortable and fits correctly, or else it might destract you.

I suggest a full face helmet, statistics show that the most common place on your head that hits the ground is the chin/jaw area, so you probably want to protect that. I have an ICON, myself, and I really like it. But everyone has a different shaped head, so you will need to go to a store and try some different types out.

iwannadie · #7 Unread post by **iwannadie** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 4:56 pm

buell really trys to sell the blast as the perfect beginner bike, but ive see so many people complain about them. lots of trouble and costing alot to keep them going. they are very under powered from what ive herd and see. i saw one on the freeway and he was seriously stuggling to keep up at 65mph and it sounded awefull.

i would stay away, but i havent actually rode one so really its all based on what ive herd.

for the same price you could do alot better i think. Or use the bad press/info about the buell to talk the person down in price alot and get it for a steal and at that point it wouldnt matter.

pyropig · #8 Unread post by **pyropig** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 7:03 pm

I would stay away from them, thats the one bike Ive actually never heard a good comment about. Plus you will outgrow it, really fast. If your looking for a good cheap beginner bike, look at the Kawasaki ninja 250 or 500's, and also the Suzuji GS 500. If youve got some extra cash to spend it may be worth looking at the BMW F650 CS, or GS. I cant tell you how beneficial Anti-lock brakes can be to a new rider, if you can afford them.

Sphinxman · #9 Unread post by **Sphinxman** » Sun Apr 10, 2005 7:17 pm

Aldar, I'm in VA too and there are classes open before Sep. I know there are some in Richmond well before then. Go to www.mscv.org and check it out.

Coach · #10 Unread post by **Coach** » Mon Apr 11, 2005 1:46 am

$2700 is a lot for your first bike if you've never ridden before. I know alot of guys spend that and more, but I bought an older bike for $600, put $100 into it, rode it for 2000 miles and then sold it for $700. I didn't drop it, but if I had, I wouldn't have cared.

On another note, you can get a Ninja 250 cheaper than that Buell. My brother bought a 2003 Ninja 250 yesterday for his wife for $1700.