| Author | Message | ||
     Ezblast |
Think Erik will do anything with it? EZ | ||
| Swampy |
? | ||
| Slaughter |
Why? It does everything it does very well. You should see the "Inseam Challenged" people visiting the Buell booth at the IMS throw their legs over it INSTANTLY smile when they realize that there's a bike that they comfortably fit and isn't too powerful. Don't even talk about the nutcases who race them! | ||
| Ezblast |
It could easily do everything even better, without a dime lost to parts and a style update is long overdue. EZ | ||
| Jlnance |
The manifold couplers tear. Would certainly be nice to have that fixed. Could we get the 06 transmission in the thing so it doesn't clunk and grind. I really don't understand why that wasn't done, it seems like it would be practically free. People have had problems with sheared off bolts on the front engine mounting bracket. People have had problems with the exhaust system shearing off pieces. No major things, but it would be nice to get it sorted. | ||
| Court |
The Blast® is fascinating and is the most reliable motorcycle ever produced by Harley-Davidson or Buell. I see it as kind of on the track as the KLR650. I can see some things I think could be "evolved" and I presume the Buell folks are continually monitoring and responding to reported issues. It's a really good starter bike that provides the novice with good handing, braking and a "real" motorcycle in an un-intimidating package. Quite cool . . . it's just a fun bike, | ||
| Jlnance |
I presume the Buell folks are continually monitoring and responding to reported issues. I am not sure that they are. My impression is that no one at Buell has a passion for the bike. It's not difficult to see why, the bike is no longer relevant to the future of Buell. Still, I'd enjoy seeing it enhanced. | ||
| Ezblast |
Talk about party line - lol  | ||
| Court |
>>>I am not sure that they are. Actually they are and I know the person in charge. The industry metric is warranty claims measured in effectively a $$/unit sort of fashion. The Blast is the lowest for any product to ever leave a Harley-Davidson facility and a number of the Blast processes are now used on Capital Drive. The bike, in my PERSONAL OPINION is an essential element, with the 100,000th person trained just last March 27th. For Buell to ignore the Blast would be like Tiger Woods ignoring his short game. I just think it's a really cool bike and, as I've said in the past, if I were buying two Buell, the Blast would be one of them. Dat's facts pure and simple. . . | ||
| Ezblast |
Actually what Jim quoted is fact concerning un-answered problems that the Blast has reoccurring - that I and others have dealt with regularly - why doesn't it show up in your statistic - simple - the bike is bought by a beginner and it may be the 3rd beginner and out of warrantee that faces these problems - leaving HD/Buell off the hook but leaving the reputation of the bike on the boards and in reality a bit tarnished - thats the reality never dealt with - the Blast - just like the KLR and Ninja 250 before it - could definitely use a face lift and those old issues (and the oil pump drive gear) dealt with. It is a great bike but with practically no effort it could be greater, however, we - the public have seen no effort - period - the party line you espouse turns a blind eye to these facts and hurts Buells reputation - especially considering how much positive the bike has done for the company overall and continues to do - these mechanical issues would have been easily addressed if XB had been part of this bikes name. EZ | ||
| Rex |
Doesn't it share the entire bottom end from the Buell? couldn't and wouldn't any oil pump, or transmission changes have been made to the Blast? Doesn't it share the top end of the Buell? Wouldn't a problem with the manifold be something easy to update and change if there is a problem. Looks like some of the start up costs,etc. could be going down, since it has not really changed over several years. I believe the Kawasaki 250 was updated fairly drastically this year, along with the Kawasaki 650 single. Maybe there could be room for a limited edition blast? Couldn't the motor fit into an XB frame? Wouldn't that be a cool limited edition bike. Not really anything new to get done with the feds, etc. All parts already exists. Not really any new parts to stock. Parts would just be listed for a couple of different bikes. You would have bigger wheels, suspension, etc? What about the limited edtion flat track bike? I am sure there would be a market that would buy several of these. Ducati has done it with its limited edition bikes? That Would give a couple of more options for the Blast engine, and some more sales.? Fun to discuss. REX | ||
| Ezblast |
I think thats always been my point - an XB Blast would cost practically ziltch in tooling - except for the rear motor mount and the up draft stack into the airbox - the airbox again would hold the carb in place - a lot of stuff - wouldn't be needed - keeping the weight down - oil coolers, fans, ducts - etc - using the lower SG suspension would keep the beginners safer in a comfort zone and make that specialized group of parts cheaper through volume - and by using XB engine parts more consolidation would happen - XB cam, XB9 piston and head, 7500 rpm limit - a good breathing XB 9 type exhaust - the ability to have great gas mileage, reliably do a daily commute, and the ability to have fun in the twisties on the weekend - probably 38 to the rear but 45 to the crank - torque would probably fall in the 35 range - the latest XB tranny in the Blast would be a thing of wonder (maybe bring back the cassette tranny - with the updated inyards - I know a world of Tuber owners would love him for that - since in the end for gear parts they will be quoting Blast part numbers soon enough), under piston oilers, etc. - An updated, durable, last a 100,000 mile type of bike that would be fun for the beginner and experienced - would such a bike be used in beginner classes - well if it had wheel sliders and frame sliders - sure - that hp range is within the recommended starting range, would have excellent handling - finally - a great all a rounder with all the troubles addressed (as stated above) - You know a bike like this -  or this -  as proven a lot of times in a lot of threads - people would definitely buy this bike - hell - I'd trade both mine in for it and pay cash for the rest - even if I had to sell one of my cars - as it is I'm slowly gathering parts to try to make one - something I'm sure the factory could do much better. EZ | ||
| Slaughter |
I do have a take on the XB-Blast - and that'd be the PRICE. I would be afraid that it'd cost almost as much as an XB9. I am putting one together out of salvage parts for a racebike - soon as I get my Race XB put back together. Much as I'd like to see it, I'd think that taking off the back cylinder and saving some money on eliminating parts on an XB motor won't make the overall price that much cheaper. Don't get me wrong, it IS a cool idea... just wonder how many'd sell? (don't know what sales figures are on the Ninja 250 - comparable HP/Weight) I think IF they put a 660cc motor (bored/stroked Blast?) into it, it might work - but I'd also bet it'd have to be sold for about $8000. I just don't see the demand for it until/unless the gas situation here really gets a lot worse? I do agree the XB/Blast hybrid is very cool - a bike made for handling without regard to horsepower... kind of a purists canyon machine or formula singles racebike. (Message edited by slaughter on January 20, 2008) | ||
| Court |
Let me start by saying that it's tough for me to participate in any dialogue where every time I state my opinion it gets bashed (it's pretty ••••••• insulting) as the "company line". You have opinions and I have opinions. Are mine worth less because I've been riding Buells for over 20 years, have worked in the motorcycle business, done test riding and am familiar with the business case of running a motorcycle manufacturing company? It makes my answers and contributions . . . . . well, a waste of my time. I can see why Henrik, Peter and others who've been "Blasted" for their opinions have packed up and left. The Blast photo shopped about is a $9,000 bike that would be selling in a niche it would not sell in. In terms of your list of problems that you say are rampant among Blast owners. . . . what have you done? Have you contacted customer service? I have difficultly, having personally dispensed over $30,000 in parts to folks with bikes that have been out of warranty as long as 9 years in the last year, seeing Buell, as you suggest, "turn a blind eye". What has your dealer said? I guess I need to read the Blast stuff more . . . . I’ve not heard of any of these items (and, by the way, I concede that's likely me. . . . I don't read the Blast stuff in much detail). Anyway . . . all I can tell you (yep, just my ••••••• opinion) is that the Buell Quality guy is one of the most conscientious and hard working folks I know. I hope you DO something and get your problems addressed. I'm getting the sense lately that my efforts to help folks with problems are the epitome of "no good deed goes unpunished" but there ARE solutions easily available and I truly and genuinely wish you the best getting your problems fixed. I've owned a LOT of motorcycles, including 9 Buells, and I know I'd not stand for that. Court | ||
| Naustin |
I've been watching this thread for several days. I am guy that the Blast was built for, and my path into the motorcycling world gives me some credibility on this point, I think. I was 24 years old and had never owned or ridden a motorcycle. I searched online for bikes that were good to learn on, because at 24, I was smart enough to know the value of caution and prudence. Also, I wanted a bike that was sufficiently unintimidating and easy to ride that 1) my wife would allow me to do it, and 2) Hopefully she would learn to ride on the same bike. I bought a Blast, brand new for several reasons. 1) There is a Harley Dealer in my town allowing me to buy locally. 2.) It was cheap and Eaglemark financed the damn thing for 4.9% for 6 years and the payment was practically nothing - they also allow me to finance gear for both me and my wife. 3.) The blast fit the bill in terms of the beginner bike I needed and got (for the most part and all except for a few internet psycho's) good reviews. I rode and later modified that bike for 2.5 seasons before trading it in the S3 I have now. I put 8,000 miles on it. My wife and I both took the MSF class together. She never took to being the pilot, though she loves to ride, but has recently been talking about buying my old Blast back from the dealer. (They still have it in the back shed - untouched since the day I traded it back to them.) The Blast is perfect for the job it was designed to do, which is train new riders. It's cheap, easy to maintain and there is absolutely no reason for Buell to change the bike one iota, or to stop building it. Also, in those 2.5 years, I actually only heard of a few people with coupler failures, almost always the result of using the Pro-Series intake which does overstress the coupler when the riders knee flexes it. I, however, NEVER had a single problem with my Blast. Not one. Zero. If not for the Blast, I would never have been a Buell owner, period. As far as the XB Blast, neat project for sure and purely for racing in a very small arena. It makes no sense for Buell to do it. Buell already builds a bike that is 98% of what you're asking for, EZ, it just happens to have an extra cylinder and is called an "XB9". That's all just "My Opinion". But I hope the Blast takes the KLRs record as the longest running production in motorcycle history someday... I'm with Court on this one...  Nick  | ||
| Court |
You hang out with a very surly crowd. . . . You are EXACTLY who the Blast was intended for. I it's an the outer edge of it's price point envelope now. I love the Blast, would buy one, and hope that it get's refined rather than reinvented. It's a really good motorcycle and I'm eager to look into some of these concerns by owner and see with what frequency they have been reported and, if they have been reported, what action has been taken. I know the folks at Buell well enough that I am skeptical to accept the "they just sat on their ass" claims. | ||
| Court |
By the way . . the KLR is an amazing bike. I've got two of them as "CAV" (City Assault Vehicles) in the project phase at the moment. | ||
| F_skinner |
Naustin, you are a wise man. I wish I used your logic when I first became interested in motorcycles. I wish the Blast was available as well. I now find myself shopping for a Blast for my GF. She has been riding Sportsters for 11 years and recently rode a Blast. That was it, she has to have one. I want it for fun and ease of maintenance. But I really think she, like me, feels more comfortable on smaller bikes. Locally the dealership promotes the Blast like HD did the XLs in the early 80’s. I think the ad went something like: Buy a XL for 3995.00 and trade it in for a Big Twin in one year and get 3995.00 for your trade in (as long as it was a Big Twin I think). My 2 cents: I seriously doubt anyone at a forward thinking company in such a competitive market sits back and thinks product development is complete. If something works and works well then the next step is making it do several jobs, this is the Blast in a nutshell for me. It does a lot of things well without a lot of parts. I have only met a few Buell employees and one was a young man that went to work for Buell in 1999 and was one of the people behind the development of the Uly. I met him at Sturgis last year and he was enthusiastic and proud to work for Buell. He had an infectious pro-Buell attitude. I wish I had the knowledge to engage him in intelligent conversation. He was very interested in hearing what I thought about the Uly, of course I had only rode one a couple of miles so I could not tell him a lot except that it was a lot more comfortable than my Firebolt, I felt like an idiot. He made me think about BMC and the type of people that work there. I was very impressed and it was the highlight of my trip to Sturgis. I bet that the people responsible for the products we ride are always looking for ways to improve it. | ||
| Ezblast |
Actually - you are just now coming away from the company line and stating your opinion - and I appreciate that - 7 to 8 g is the price range - I'd pay it, so would others - they already are if they are buying a new KTM, BMW or Husq. Singles in the Bay area (and other areas) - when those things happened to me, I took my bike to the dealer and they - being DP - reluctantly fixed it - all under warrentee - but those issues are shared by others - especially the boot - you've only to read any of the other Buell forums to know this is so - and you'll see me and others supporting those folks with advice and knowledge on how to repair those issues. I want to point out that these issues are not regular (except the boot). http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/The-Buell-Blas t/ http://www.beginnerandbeyond.com/index.php http://www.beginnerbikers.org/ http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Buell_Blast_No t_Censored/ Just a few of the sites. Henrik, Peter - have never been touched/maligned in this forum concerning Blasts - and if you think taking a company line is an insult - well thats a personal problem - I like Buell as a company, wouldn't bother me at all - it was meant to draw out what you really thought about the topic and it has done so - I apologize if I offend, however, though these problems - except for the boot - are not rampant - they are an occurrences that have happened enough to affect a lot of folks comfort level when looking to buy the bike - though I pitch the hell out of it - as you would see checking those sites. I've sold truck loads of Blasts - lol I like the Blast and I just hope Erik does something with it and not just let it die - it has been my transportation for going on to 8 years now - I like it so much I own two now and I am the Blast advocate on the net and locally at the SFMC, BARF, etc., Naustin - though a great guy - is still a new comer when it comes to the Blast and its ins and outs so I weigh his words lightly on this topic - the Blast by its design is very maintenance free, simple to work on - I now do my own - and fun to ride - I've thought seriously about an XB9 but then the original reason why I bought a Blast would be defeated - a reasonable easily maintained commuter that I can have fun on. In conclusion - I am asking if Erik is going to do anything with it because the issues it does have could be easily addressed and fixed - perhaps something as simple as an extra QC inspection at the head bolts and muffler welds - I don't know - I do know that that it has happened more than just a few times - the factory has been told about the boot an infinite amount of times by now - lol - and it could use a face lift just as the Ninja 250 and KLR got one, and finally a few updates using existing XB parts - trany, XB9 Pist/head/cam would really make the bike a much better bike while keeping it in the range of its intended customer base and incur little if any extra cost - surely these are not outlandish things for Buell to consider and perhaps act upon. Sincerely - EZ | ||
| Court |
>>>Actually - you are just now coming away from the company line and stating your opinion My opinion has never changed. I did develop test riding on the Blast (when there were still two models being tested) and have always had a soft spot for it. I've not seen any of those sites, the 3 I frequent keep me busy enough. But good for you . . . there is nothing more powerful than an enthusiastic owner to sell things. I sued to spend tons of time in San Fran pushing Buells. . . sounds like some good has come out of it all. I expect, if anything, the Blast may be "brought current" but it would defeat, as you point out, the purpose of the bike to "evolve" it and I'd expect no big outlays in tooling for a "new and improved" Blast. I'm going to take some time to visit with the Blast team. It's good to hear your input. Thank you, Court | ||
| Cityxslicker |
If they BUELL built a competively priced 450 SM/DS in the 7-8k range I would buy it. I am getting really tired of spending money to create what is offered the very next year, at less money and with a factory warranty. | ||
| Rex |
Thumpers are fun. Just check out the FSSNOC (Four Stroke Singles National Owners Club) These guys will drive 500-800 miles for a lunch (Thumper Cafe ) and then back home. They will do across the country trips on their thumpers. The Kawasaki and the BMW are a couple of their favorite bikes. They do a quarterly newsletter and a website. They featured a Blast on the front before. These guys are like us Buell Guys. Motor cycle Enthusiasts, and have pure passion about their Singles. I read their newsletter from cover to cover when I get it. I have a Honda FT 500 myself, and love it. I have had four of them over my motorcycle history. The original Blast is great,and should remain for what it is. It can be even better I think, especially cost wise, since it has been around for so long without much changes. Other platforms of the Blast I am talking about is to not take the place of the original Blast, but to compliment it. Limited edition, pre sold bikes only. Sell the bikes first, then produce them, so as to not have a lot of bikes sitting in the dealerships. Sell them to the limited number of folks that would buy them. Yep, an XB Blast would cost more, due to the frame, wheels, forks, etc, but you wouldn't have to recreate the wheel. The parts should already be around to use. The Blast cool. Wonder if the Austrian powerplant single would ever replace It? REX | ||
| Naustin |
My old Blast, sitting in the harley dealer's back shed, still has a FSSNOC sticker on the tank. I made it to a Thumper Cafe event a few years ago (2-up no less) and even had a little story in the ThumperNews... That was my Blast on the cover! I really hope my wife buys my old blast back from the dealer this spring! I've decided that whether she becomes a pilot or not is going to have to be up to her though...  (Message edited by naustin on January 20, 2008) | ||
| Ezblast |
Court - I expect, if anything, the Blast may be "brought current" but it would defeat, as you point out, the purpose of the bike to "evolve" it and I'd expect no big outlays in tooling for a "new and improved" Blast. This is all I'm hoping for - the evolution I'm speaking of - a few updates using existing XB parts - trany, XB9 Pist/head/cam, and a better intake boot - would grant a minor gain in power but a great gain in reliability and fun factor - especially the easier shifting, of course an S type lighting and fairing would also be cool - lol - I envy the fact you got to test ride one of the proto-types - I may even have a pic of that somewhere in my collections - if you do talk to them tell them to use locking washer & threaded-rod coupling nuts for the peg hangers - mechanics and owners alike will thank them for finally making changing the primary oil easier - lol Rex - yeah the FSSNOC rocks - I've always liked their style - Ray German - Blast LSR Sidecar record holder turned me on to them when I first discovered the Blast in 2000 -  EZ | ||
| Ezblast |
Naustin - always loved that bike! EZ | ||
| Naustin |
Thanks Man, Hopefully it will find its way back into my garage. Ann says: "For sure it will"... (Message edited by naustin on January 20, 2008) | ||
| Luckyduck |
Hey Court, et al. We have also been having this discussion on the Thumperforum. I am hoping to get over and take a factory tour in the next couple weeks as I have business in Delevan, WI. Is it possible to maybe meet the Blast person? If so, how would I do that? It may be nice to chat them up a bit. I would put my money on the table to order up a limited edition $8k XB6 sight unseen and ride unrode. The XB9 was just too much HP to be fun when I test drove one, always driving at 10% throttle is boring. In comparison to an XB6, a nicely done Blast ($4700), with head work and piston for 7500rpm ($1000) and exhaust ($300) and Works suspension/fork brace ($1000) and Corbin seat/new handlebars ($400) has you at $7400 and still has crunchy shifting. It does have the benefit of being a super sleeper at the stop lights.  Keep up the good work and we will keep singing the virtues of simple, lightweight motorcycles. Maybe someday more people will listen. Paul | ||
| Ezblast |
Paul, Rex, Naustin, Court - that is a very good point brought up - why not a Special Limited Edition XBBlast - by order only - I'd be there and I know others would as well - even at the prices mentioned - there would probably be enough folks to fill at least an order of 500 - just a thought - imagine though - the new Vincent Comet bike - the Blast! EZ (Message edited by ezblast on January 23, 2008) | ||
| Kmbuell |
Guys, Its great to dream. But it does not make sense to try to build a "Special Edition" bike that will have to pass all safety and emission standards to sell a very small number. All the parts to do what you all are talking about are out there. Maybe one of you ought to just build it, show the world how good it works and see if they beat a path to your door for an $8,000. single. I think you will never see Buell or HD do what you are asking. As a business person I understand and support their position. Court has tried to point this out and got flamed for trying. You will never find a stronger supporter, or a better friend when you need one at Buell than Court. He has extremely thick skin to take the crap he has been given. If we lose Court, we have lost the greatest asset we have as Buell owners. I don't work for Buell or any dealer, This is my opinion, it's not a company line. It's just common sense. I also enjoy my Blast when I'm not on the S2 or M3. In fact it is a great little commuter with Crossroads rear sets, City X Bars and Pro Series intake and exhaust. Just a plain lot of fun. | ||
| Ezblast |
He didn't get flamed - and KTM, BMW, Husq. already make 8,000.00 singles and seem to be selling a lot of them - and everyone here likes Court. Jeez Court - talk about a rabid group of fans - lol - relax dude - everyone speaking here are long time BADWEBers and they are just inquiring about feasibility of a special edition - which we would all buy - and perhaps updating the original so some of its less desirable quirks could disappear and make it more desirable in todays market. EZ |
