Hello all,

I'm taking the MSF course on April 22. Totally pumped!

I have the funds to buy a Sportster, but people tell me to get a used UJM for starting out.

I am 35, 6'1" and 195 (when I haven't had beer for a few days).

The Buell Blast has many different opinions in the online motorcycle world. That being said, I like the idea that is is made in the USA, and is built to handle falls.

I plan on practicing my MSF learned techniques and also the Ride Like a Pro DVD techniques, so the potential for a spill is definitely there.

The older Buell Blasts seemed to be panned for reliability issues, but how are the new ones? If I can pick up a 2004/2005 for a bit under $4000 vs. $2000 for a UJM that is 10 years old, I'm thinking that the Buell might be okay.

Then again, I want a bike that I can ride for a couple of hundred miles per day and be able to keep up with my buddy who has a 2004 1200R.

Thanks!

-Eric

What's a UJM?

Lots of opinions on this one. Imo, I'd get the old bike and beat that up if I was a newbie rider.

freaky I think he means a used junk motorcycle.

Universal Japanese Motorcycle...people just recommend a basic Japanese mid 80's-type bike.

Also, what kills me is that for a newer used bike (even a Honda or Suzuki cruiser, etc) they are going for $4000 and up. I'm thinking that about $7600 (after fees) for a XL883 isn't that bad considering. Even if it does get dropped. I will probably fix the drop results form a used bike if it happens anyways.

Just looking for some thoughts on this-I'm going to ride a bunch of bikes before I buy regardless.

-Eric

So-being that I got off my own topic-does anyone have experience with the 2005 Buell Blast? Worth a look? Am I going to be too big for the bike? I'm not looking for speed (taking up motorcycling to enjoy the outdoors even more so). I know that there is a site where they kill the Blast. Has it been improved upon for the newer years though?

Just some questions from a newb.

-Eric

I bought a 202 Blast and am having the H-D service overhaul it to clean up some issues with the older models.
Since they use the same model in th Riders Edge classes at the H-D dealer, there should be no learning curve after the class is over.

At least, that is my thought.

If you stick to legal speeds, a blast will keep up, until you hit 65 and over, I believe.

Cool...I really do like the concept of an American bike that is affordable and is made to be resistant to drops. I don't really care about the "coolness" factor since I just wanna ride. (This year at least LOL!).

My first stop to test drive is at my local Harley dealer as soon as I make it through the MSF. I totally dig the Sportster (the craft of the machine-I haven't ridden one yet), but I will give the Buell Blast a fair take.

Plus-with gas prices on the up and the existence of inflation, 70 mpg might sound real good come this time next year so selling the bike without much loss is probable.

Any other Blast owners out there?

We've got a Blast for my wife - it's a really fun bike to ride.

It's definitely not as well-built as the Sportster - you can find them cheap on eBay ($2000 for an 03).

There's plenty of get-up and go for around town riding - they shake quite a bit - the lean angle's great. You can totally deck one out for $1000 - sounds like a lawnmower stock - Gas mileage is good - service isn't quite DIY, especially 1000 mi. I've done 70 on it on the highway - but it wasn't really fun - it's a great "putt around town bike".

Some dealerships will give you 100% trade in on a Blast within one year when you buy it there - which will give you enough time to figure out if it's the bike for you.

Personally, considering all-in-all - it's a great value bike. My wife dropped hers her third day - a few scratches here and there - and a new turn signal was in order - but other than that, the bike's great.

If it's not about the Sportbike thing, you can probably find XL883's - 2004's for a little more. They'll have a higher value - can take you further (in your biking life), still get really good mileage.

If you have a dealer that lets you test drive - make sure you ride the Blast first. They'll try and get you on the Sporty first and then the Blast will seem "rough around the edges" by comparison.

You won't go wrong with either.

Cool-thanks for the advice!

-Eric

I'd say find a couple year old EX250 if you want something sportyish to learn to ride on.

I bought a 2003, used with 700 miles, for $2300 in September '03. I put 3100 miles on it, had one minor crash, and sold it for $2000 the following April.

It was a fun bike. Revs to 14,000. Handled nicely. Lightweight. Good brakes front and rear. Full instrumentation. 6 speed tranny.

In fact, I often kick around the idea of buying another one to have as a toy in addition to my Sporty.

Whatever you do, don't buy your beginner bike new. Depreciation will kill you.

the blast is fun to ride around the corner. my brother had one, he had to stop more often than i did for gas when we went on group rides. he also said it got very unconfortable on long rides. i am 33 5'10" 170lbs. and my '04 883 is my first bike. i wasn't sure if i could handle it, but fealt real sure after taking the MSF course.
my opinion is skip the blast and just get a sporty.

That's what will probably happen. It kills me right now not being able to try out some bikes (or even ride!).

Thanks to all.

-Eric

experienced riders dump there bikes the same as new riders , just not near as often. I would skip the learner bike thing and get one of the new 883r,s as you learn and grow in your riding skills you can make the bike anything you want and im sure there are plenty of 883 riders in here who will vouch you can keep up with the 1200 with a few exceptions which dont apply to a fun ride with your buddies.

I would go for the used UJM. You can get deals on them and sel lthem for about what you paid, with a blast you will loose 40-50% when its titled and they are overpriced to start with. But again, just my opinion........

The Blast is probably the most ideal bike to start on. It's light, handling is superb and there are a zillion aftermarket options to customize and tune it once you want it to go a little faster (Nallin!!).

I woudn't want a used jap bike. Get a 2nd hand Blast or something. They come really cheap. Then in 2006 you trade it in for a new model Buell! - LOL

Seriously though, a 2003 1200 sportster sport was my first motorbike. That's what I had for a year. I traded her in for a Buell XB9R. It really depends on how you want to spend your time riding. I would have kept the sporty if she had only been more confidence inspiring and if it didn't break down on me every other week.

I bought a Blast a while back for my wife to learn to ride on, and I have to say it's a really cool bike. Fun to ride, handles great, and stops on a dime. I dont think a Blast would be right for you though. I'm about 5'10" 180 and I feel like a Giant when I'm on it. You should definatly take one for a test drive first. I say get an 883 and you wont be dissapointed six months later. But for some reason your no longer satasifed with the power you can always punch it out. Just my .02 worth

We have 2 Blasts, there are some bad ones out there for sure, but we got lucky and have had no problems with either of them, the first thing we did was switch them to Mobil 1 synthetic. I would agree with Luckymic, the 883 is one you can grow into a lot longer, although the Blast is only like 385 pounds, if I recall. My 883 totally dusts my wife's Blast, even though I weigh more than her, and I have an '04 sporty which weighs in at 553 pounds I think. We'll seeee..... her new '05 XL883L was delivered to the house today, chopper blue, and it is sweet. I can still dust her, she can't really ride it the way it was meant till after the break-in period! Plus if you get a newer rubber mount Sportster, you not only get the sweet low vibe ride, but the 150 series rear tire as well. It looks like a baby Dyna!!!! Also you can go to 1200 cc really cheaply like 500 bucks or so, and to get over 600cc in the Buell Blast is expensive. Of course, if money is no object, we wouldn't be talkiing on the XL forum.... The FXD is a super deal if you can afford it though. In closing, the Blast is a really short bike, the wheels are small, unless you're like 5' 2" to maybe 5' 6" I would save for a new Sportster. They're $125.00 a month payment for a 2005 XL883L with $1500.00 down through Harley Davidson financing. Yours might be cheaper if your credit is better. A base model XL883 is $6495.00 MSRP and the XL883L is $7115.00 so the payment is probably around $115.00 or so for a 883 standard. Ends up about $8200 total with ship/prep/tax/title/license...you may be able to drive a harder bargain, our local dealer is family owned, and hey, we all gotta make a living. Plus the XL883 standard and low really shine, less of that gray powder coating than the customs and roadsters! Whatever you get, ride it! Its all about fun, not poser points, or whether the big twin boys are giving you crap about a girls bike. I have a Tour Glide too, that usually shuts 'em up when I mention that, and that I like my Sportster for shorter rides. Hell you could tell them the same thing, and not even bother buying a big twin :)

I would skip the "learner" bike myself... I went that route and in the end if you know deep down (even if you are just saying "something to tool around on") you will be kicking yourself later on. I took the class and had no intention of buying a bike, then when I was done with class I thought maybe just something to ride on, no biggie. So I bought a used Ninja 500R. It was nice until I started seeing all the "full size" crotch rockets on the road. So shortly after I traded it in for a Ninja ZX6R (got bent over on trade of course). I enjoyed that bike and then wanted an American bike. So I found a Sporty.... in the end basically look into what you want and get it the first time. No need to have a $20,000 sporty because you got screwed with all the trade ins when you could have gotten it in the first place.

just my 2 cents.

I went into the Harley shop on my way home today to pick up some syn oil and left with a 2005 Blast :tour . Just got out of the mountains a few minutes ago. The thing is a "Blast" to ride. You can really throw it around (very agile).

http://img257.echo.cx/img257/6178/buellnsporty9og.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

27 miles on her so far.

Congrats on the new scoot Kenny!!!
When are you going fishing with it? :laugh

Gazza

Congrats on the new scoot Kenny!!!
When are you going fishing with it? :laugh

Gazza
:laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh :laugh

The problem is I'm so stoked I can't get to sleep and I gotta get up at 4am for work.. :frownone :frownone

I've never ridden one, Kenny...how does the power feel? I had a single cylinder BSA (441 Victor) when I was stationed in Panama, and I enjoyed it fully! It had so much torque I really think it could've climbed up the trunk of a tree! Anyway, I've been really curious about if the Buell might be similar! They're having a hell of a sale on the Blast about 200 miles North of me, and I've been tempted! Keep giving us your likes and dislikes of it, ok? By the way, congrats on adding to the stable! :D

I went into the Harley shop on my way home today to pick up some syn oil and left with a 2005 Blast

Dang, there are some seriously persuasive salesmen at the Stealer!!! :eek: :p

Gives a whole new meaning to "Have a Blast!".....okay, all bad puns aside, congrats on the new bike.

-Sting

I've never ridden one, Kenny...how does the power feel?
Well B, The power is a little lacking at about 30hp but it gets up and boogies when the R's get up there. It handles really well though and I'm liking that as I've got some good twisties around here. I'm thinking about some exhaust and A/C (jets too) and I hope that will give me a bit more umph. Anyways, Thanks for the grats everyone and I'll let you know more about it when I take out this weekend.

I love my Blast. Got a windshield, tanks and saddle bags, LED tail light, and have ordered a Corbin seat.

I had it up to 50 mph Monday with no sweat. I have 211 miles on it.

My father bought a blast to mess around with. I think the bike handle great. The engine is just as reliable as any sportster. The engine is the same minus one cylinder. Our blast is a 720cc and had 66 hp the last time we dynoed it.

Damn Smitty, that's one quick Blast! I could have SO much fun in the canyons on that thing, passing sportbikes in the curves...

As an update to my original post, I ended buying a 2005 XL 883 Sportster. Bare bones...not one option-$7500 out the door including registration and tax.

I love it!

The Blast is still cool-I just never found one locally.

Congrats guys! Both good choices.