Rider Review: 2003 Buell Blast

Submitted by: ezblast

A Review of the Buell Blast!

The reasons I chose this motorcycle will probably be different than the intelligent reasons found on this site for selecting a bike, however, this bike was built for the beginner - with all the things that entails. You will find a heavy duty transmission and HD's most reliable engine to date, inexpensive flexible signals and mirrors, scratch resistant plastic (the color goes all the way through and a lot of scratches can be fine sanded and buffed out - making this bike very forgiving of low speed drops), standard seating/control lay out, and a 2 seat height option - 25" & 27" - which makes the bike easy to ride for all except the extremely tall (anyone above 6'2") and is able to carry a passenger when pressed into such duty. The bike, with full fluids, comes in at just under 400lbs, with a very low center of gravity, the ability to really handle (an Erik Buell must for any bike he designs/sells) and an ignition controlled top speed of 95mph.

I had just finished my MSF course the weekend before picking up my bike and had spent 3 months looking around before settling on the Blast. Other bikes I had looked at are: KTM, Aprilla, Ducati, and others mentioned on this board. The thing that sold me on the Blast was the ease of maintenance, durability, and being an American product. With all the paperwork finished - I picked up my Blast at a dealership over 60 miles away. Practicing in the parking lot was very entertaining for everyone else as I tried not to lift the wheel by engaging the clutch and gas too quickly. After a half hour I finally was comfortable with the friction zone (which is not as large as a lot of beginner bikes because of engine design). Still it didn't take me long to master it and the accidental wheelies (two) did make the wife smile - lol - while scaring the stuffing out of me ;0). Now the fun began on the ride back home with a new bike and rider doing the freeway route. This is not a recommended thing for a new rider to try right away, however, it was the only way to not take 4hrs getting home. The bridge was the hardest part - slippery metal under a new riders wheels is not a comforting feeling. When I finally got home - I discovered new sore muscles from doing all the newbie mistakes - tired/sore wrists and hands from holding on too tight, a very sore butt, and sore knees and legs from holding on to the bike too tightly as well. 50mph was my speed limit in 4th gear for the bikes break in (keeping the bike under 5000rpm's), and she did it without batting an eye. From that ride till now I've had nothing but fun with the bike, and as my skill as a rider grew so the modifications to the bike. Though modified - the Blast will still never be a serious threat to the super bike world, however, it will be able to handle as well as a super bike, give you around 60 to 70 mpg's, and with those modifications you will never be seriously embarrassed by a super bike until your at illegal/unsafe speeds anyway.

I own two Blasts now, and though someday I may get a Buell XB, the Blast will always be my daily in city transport and area bomber. Their ability to be easily modified for more power, riding style, and personalization make them an ideal bike for life's everyday chores. My original Blast is now my tinker toy that I have modified so much that you have to look very carefully to see that it is a Blast, and my other Blast is a nicely set up daily driver (set up for reliability). After this much time with one (now two) I feel humbly qualified to give you both the pros and cons of this bike.

Pros

1. Ease & low cost of maintenance (so many of the other bikes I looked at had either extensive service schedules or expensive services - I almost had a heart attack when I read about the cost of a 620 service).
2. The ability to modify
3. Really great handling
4. Looks
5. Reliability

Cons

1. Short friction zone (being a HD product there will always be a lot of bottom end torque which leaves a short friction zone).
2. Stock power is low compared to other 500cc bikes.
3. When you really start getting seriously into leaning into corners you will scrape pegs.
4. HD dealerships - some are good, some are not, try to find a pro - Buell one and you should be alright.
5. Early model issues - 2000 - sprocket recall and re-issue, 2000 to 2001 had paper rocker cover gaskets - replaced in 2002 (& on up) with a Cosmetic - style gasket.

Conclusion

In conclusion I would to point out that the Blast is a single - that means there will be vibration at idle and very low engine speeds (below 2000 rpms) - this is neither a pro or con but merely the nature of the beast no matter the brand. Would I recommend this bike to other beginners - wholeheartedly - YES! Is this bike for everybody - no - no bike is, however, if you don't want to look like your neighbor, like buying American, and consider yourself 'Different in every sense!', then the Blast could be the bike for you!

I hope this helps - if you have any questions about the bike feel free to e-mail me, check out my bikes' website, catch me here, or go to the BADWEB Thumper section where questions are always welcome . Most of all though - whatever your choice - remember the important part - Enjoy the Ride!

Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ