comments on a buell blast

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coolboarder · Sat Nov 04, 2006 9:05 pm

Hello,

First bike buying time. been looking at EX500. thanks to you guys I am taking msf Saturday and got a helmet that fit.

A guy around town has a 2000 buell blast with only 1700 miles and looks in mint condition. He is asking 2000 or best offer. This is 1000 less than similar kawasaki's and unfortunately around here all the gs500's are way overpriced.

Any comments appreciated.

Thanks,
Cool

macdaddy · #2 Unread post by **macdaddy** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 9:21 pm

I think it's an excellent first bike - I did my MSF course on one. Enough power that you don't "outgrow" it in the first month or two, but not so much that it's an invitation to trouble. Belt drive, so little maintenance to worry about. Standard configuration, so a good way to get started if you're not sure whether you're going the sportbike or cruiser path. Some people of average height (and certainly taller folks) can be a bit cramped on the bike, so throw a leg over and see what the ergos are like for you. There are two available seat heights - regular and low, so ask which the bike has. That's a really low price for that milage, so there may be something wrong - either some significant cosmetic damage (first bikes often do get dropped) or something else. Good luck.

Mintbread · #3 Unread post by **Mintbread** » Sat Nov 04, 2006 9:31 pm

CNF2002 · #4 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 4:41 am

First owner? The 2000 blast has a few TSBs you might want to consider before buying. There was a rear sprocket issue and a paper rockerbox gasket that would need to be replaced with a new metal one. They didn't always cause problems, but it is something you can expect.

1700 miles is low for a 6 year old bike! Was it being stored properly? It wasn't a Riders Edge bike was it? (those bikes tend to be abused since they are constantly ridden by newbie riders and sit idle for long periods - its an aircooled bike, so they can be overheated on the course).

Blast is a decent bike if you don't mind vibration. I think the EX500 is peppier though.

coolboarder · Sun Nov 05, 2006 5:28 am

Thank you for your quick responses.

Ian522 · #6 Unread post by **Ian522** » Sun Nov 05, 2006 7:05 am

CNF2002 wrote:
Blast is a decent bike if you don't mind vibration.

Im also thinking about a blast, but just how bad is the vibration...particularly on the highway? Do you have problems with your hands/arse quickly going numb on highway rides? Ive heard there is no counterbalancer on the motor.

DivideOverflow · Sun Nov 05, 2006 8:58 am

Unless you are under 5'6, I wouldn't bother with the blast. It is absolutely tiny.

I would highly recommend a Ninja 250 over the blast.

jmillheiser · Sun Nov 05, 2006 5:04 pm

Watch out for used blasts, there were a lot of issues with them the first few years, they vibrate A LOT, even more than an old harley and are decidedly cramped for anyone over about 5'7", they also absolutely eat tires and its not easy to find replacement tires for them (oddball tire sizes).

Used blasts are a crapshoot, low milage ones usually have mechanical problems from sitting, high milagle ones are usually your best bet with a blast as they have been ridden and maintained.

I would look for a used ninja 250/500 in good shape or a gs500 in good shape, they are known to be bulletproof. Also there is a whole plethora of smaller cruisers around that would make good first bikes if you want a cruiser.

CNF2002 · #9 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Mon Nov 06, 2006 4:15 am

Any bike thats been sitting around improperly stored for years is going to have problems. Thats not exclusive to the little blast. Have a heart!

The vibration is not all that bad. If you are used to a smoother multi-cylinder bike then I think you will be annoyed at first but you get used to it very quickly. It vibrates more at low rpms, just like any good thumper. Yes, spend a couple of hours on it straight and your hands will get numb at first. Longest stretch I've ridden my blast was 9 hours (with 5 minute stops every 2 hours), the first stop my hands were numbed, the rest of the time I felt great. Your body adjusts.

It is a small bike, its just not good for long trips I'm sorry to say. As a commuter and around-towner, its a breeze. Light, nimble, peppy but controllable throttle, and the weight is slung low.

The rear tire gets eaten up. I'm disappointed with it, but with my conservative riding I get 4-5k out of the rear, still on the first front tire at 10k with lots of tread left. Tires are not hard to find, maybe if you live in Bobville. When shopping for my tire I called 3 dealerships to price hunt and they all had them in stock. Only annoying thing with service is that only certain Harley dealers will work on them. But the blast is a very simple bike mechanically, barebones, and is a breeze to work on.

The bike isn't as small as some would claim (I wonder if they've ever ridden one?). Try riding it all day and your butt will be numb and you'll feel like you want to stretch out, but for 30-60 minute jaunts I don't feel cramped at all and I am 5'10.

In the standard category it is a decent choice. I would sit on several bikes and see which one fits you best.

DivideOverflow · Mon Nov 06, 2006 4:39 am

CNF2002 wrote:
The bike isn't as small as some would claim (I wonder if they've ever ridden one?). Try riding it all day and your butt will be numb and you'll feel like you want to stretch out, but for 30-60 minute jaunts I don't feel cramped at all and I am 5'10.

You are 5'10? ....How? Just...how? Yes, I've been on one. I'm 6'0, and the bike feels like when you get tangled up in your blanket and can't move your arms or legs. The bike was almost too small for my girlfriend, and she is 5'6. Did you change the handlebars? They are about level with my belt line in their stock form... and that is a bad thing on a bike that sits straight up. The bars also hit my legs when I went to turn the bike.
Here is the best picture I could find of someone on a blast with a side view... and this isn't even a big guy.. It is, in fact, a woman. I would guess her height to be around 5'6-5'8 tops, and she makes the bike look small.

Here's a good picture of some blast riders in action!

I know I am exaggerating with that picture.. but the blast is the only bike I've had to step over instead of climb on.