Looking at other bikes...

Message

AmericanWeiner · Wed Jul 20, 2005 6:13 am

So I'm looking the Hayabusas and thinking I'm going to finance one without insurance.. I don't think I'll be able to afford safety gear, though. Or an MSF course...

Just kidding. Is a Buell Blast really as bad as people say they are? Considering how new they are, I'm not counting on finding one at a decent price, but if I do see one for $1,500-$2,000 in reasonable shape...and can't find a used GS 500 (no suzuki dealer here..so I dunno..), would it be worth it?

Aaand...I don't want a Ninja. What are the chances that I'll find a BMW 650 for a budget price?

iwannadie · #2 Unread post by **iwannadie** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 9:22 am

im sure theres a few buell fans out there that will praise the blast. but from what ive seen they are horrible. mechanically they have lots of problems (google to find out). seems like a small step up from a moped to me, the ninja250 would give it a run im sure. go with a ninja500 or even a kantana600 or around that range not the buell blast.

DivideOverflow · Wed Jul 20, 2005 9:26 am

I didnt care for the blast, I disliked the leg positioning, and it was overpriced... it barely has more horsepower than my Alphasport 250cc.. If you saw one for 1.5-2k and you actually like it, it would be a good buy. After all, no one else can tell you what bike you should be comfortable on...

I highly doubt you will find a bmw at any reasonable price...ever.

For 1.5-2k, you are probably going to end up with an older bike. I got a Kawasaki KZ650 for under $700 bucks, and it is really fun. I know you can find something, but that price range really really limits your choices. Once you find a bike in your range that looks alright, ask around.

Jaymz · #4 Unread post by **Jaymz** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 10:46 am

Do I sense a stab at me? lol.

TechTMW · #5 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 10:59 am

Naw Jaymz at least you're still hangin around and reasoning thru your situation .... we occasionally get trolls who just post that stuff to start flame wars.

Hey Weiner - have you considered a KLR650 ?? They're about the same as a Beemer in terms of what it can do and how it feels, but they're alot cheaper used.
or this ...
http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/0/2/80022002.htm
or
http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/1/5/80192315.htm

#6 Unread post by **t_bonee** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 12:15 pm

I've read mixed things about buells on the Internet, but the few people I have met that have/had them loved them. I don't know if they'ev taken care of some of the mechanical problems they were having on newer models or what.

Sit on it, get a feel for it. Research it a bit to find out what the known issues are and what has been done to rectify them. If you like it, who cares what anyone else thinks. It's your choice and will be your bike. That is all that matters.

AmericanWeiner · Wed Jul 20, 2005 4:47 pm

TechBMW wrote:Naw Jaymz at least you're still hangin around and reasoning thru your situation .... we occasionally get trolls who just post that stuff to start flame wars.

Hey Weiner - have you considered a KLR650 ?? They're about the same as a Beemer in terms of what it can do and how it feels, but they're alot cheaper used.
or this ...
http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/0/2/80022002.htm
or
http://adcache.cycletrader.com/5/1/5/80192315.htm

The GS 500 is the bike I'm looking at when I say "other" bikes. I love the look of it and reckon the power is not too bad for a n00b. I'm just trying to find bikes that are similar, because looking for a specific bike for a specific price can't be too easy.

About the KLR, do you (or anyone) have any thoughts on it for street riding vs dirt riding?

TechTMW · #8 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 7:24 pm

Ya man, There's alot to like about the klr for the street. Upright seating position, lightweight, highly maneuverable at low speed, and the ability to go offroad on a whim. Plus it's a model that's been around for decades, so you have established aftermarket support and technical support. Plus it's got a big (6.1) gal gas tank, which is about 50% bigger than many bikes (4 gal seems about average)

Randy · #9 Unread post by **Randy** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 9:40 pm

I did a lot of checking regarding bikes when I went to buy my SV650. I really like the look and feel of the Blast. I was really impressed that Buell made self adjusting valves. I called several independant repair shops to price valve adjustments on the SV, and I always made it a point to bring up the Buell.

In the Sacramento area, several of the shops made comments about the Buells blowing head gaskets. I found this to be quite weak. I spoke to the Buell salesman, and he said that steps had been taken to rectify the condition, (but I am not sure he had my best interests in mind).

At any rate, the Buells look cool and I like them a lot. Just not enough to buy one.

I am not sure what your riding skills are, but I love the SV. The throttle is sensitive, and it isn't as forgiving of my mistakes as my old Virago was. I have been riding for over two years, and I don't think I could recommend the SV as a beginner bike (it is a GREAT second bike).