| Author | Message | ||
     Rwb |
I'm new to this forum, what a great site. Holy ••••, I never realized what potential a Blast had until I started reading over some of the posts. You guys are HARDCORE !!! I bought my wife an 02' Blast in Dec 04'. it was a leftover from a dealer in NY believe it or not , its now got an even 100 miles on it. She is a beginner and doing great but I wanted to make the bike a little more responsive for her, there is a slight hesitation sometime and it bugs her !! Im thinking dump the anchor and go with maybe a Kerker pipe and can for the fact that its a good system to modify down the road and re-jet if needed and maybe a performance air cleaner. Is this a good start to get rid of the dead spot ?? Im a v-twin rider but have had a few "Thumpers" in my day(BSA 500 single, a yamaha 500 singel etc...) What do you guys suggest. I really appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks RWB | ||
| Swampy |
larger primary and main jets in the carb, drill out the plug for the idle mixture screw and adjust, get primary adjusted, run the snot out of it and enjoy! It will run better after the first rear tire gets worn down. | ||
| Ezblast |
Ride the s**t out of it, then make those judgements! Each case is a bit different - It all depends on your personal riding style and comfort levels - right now - just enjoy the ride and ride at your own pace, and when ya start riding it like ya stole it - then think about modifications - lol - that said - usually handlebars/grips are the first mod - lol Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ  | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
I would caution against the Kerker as it has ground clearance issues, seems difficult to tune in,is reportedly very loud and reported to rust through. The Pro Series IMHO is the best bet for low noise , durability and performance gains with bolt on performance additions (air filter,Pro Series/B50 cams). If you plan more radical mods you'll need a different exhaust later. Another word of caution (since its your wifes bike)the exhaust exits directly under her ears, she may complain more about that, than a flat spot. Most rewarding mods would be exhaust, handlebars, seat, in my opinion. PS Whats a PP100? | ||
| Rwb |
Thanks for the advice everyone!! Gearheaderiko, a PP100 is an Indian motor, A power Plus 100 cubic inch. I build bikes as a hobby for friends,myself, Ive sold a couple. The current project I am working on features the PP100, should be a decent ride. You said the Kerker wasnt my best choice, what do you think would better?? I think I would build my own before I used the pro series, simply based on looks !! Thanks | ||
| Naustin |
I agree with you there. The Proseries header has that nasty bend in it. There is a new pipe on the market from jardine that hasn't had time to prove its durability. And there is also the Vance and Hines. Both cost about the same, and look very similar. The Vance and Hines needs to be repacked occassionally, and I assume the Jardine does too. | ||
| Swampy |
The Kerker IS loud! The Kerker does have curb interface issues! | ||
| Jugallo94 |
I put the vance and hines exhaust, pro series air cleaner, and rejetted my carb. luv the exhaust. really loud. I was ridding with a buddy that has a 1200 sportster with straight pipes and couldnt hear anything with the stock exhaust. put on the v&h and I am almost as loud as him at idle now. I like loud bikes though. | ||
| Ezblast |
I'd say that currently the D&D or Jardine are your two best bets - lol GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Rwb |
What about WHite Brothers?? Kerker's on sale everywhere right now for $145 !! Some say Kerker is loud....compared to what? SOme say V&H is loud, Jardine , etc... Loud is one thing but if it sounds like crap well..... I think I want the mods to the Blast done more than my wife !! Anyone have a new or used header pipe for sale!! That would be the ticket, then use any can you wanted !! What size is the stock pipe right out of the head?? Aftermarket pipes? Thanks for the help all. RWB | ||
| Ezblast |
If you can find a WB - then your doing great! A great exhaust if you follow the instructions on this board for setting it up and not theirs (skip the torque cone, add longer disc bolts (approx 2 1/2" ) and 23 discs - jet 45/175 and air screw 2 3/4 turns out) - lol - check the welds at the front of the can where it attaches to the connector to the header - if iffy have a welder go over them - otherwise the best performance exhaust system on the market - lol GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Rwb |
Your scaring me !! Where can I get the extra discs for the WB?? Is there a bolt on exhaust that is ready to go?? I saw that someone used a front pipe of a sporty, are they basically the same as the blast? Thanks again | ||
| Newblaster |
There's a WB for $150 and a Bub for $165 on ebay right now. The Bub is LOUD! Still a great drag pipe with a great tone, almost indestructible, good performance, etc. The WB isn't that loud, certainly not quiet, but not bad. The sound more than makes up for any perceived loudness. You can get the discs at any motorcycle parts & accessories store, about $35-40 for a pack of 12. You'll have to match the bolts (take one out, go to hardware store bolt bin, grab a nut, make sure it fits both, I'm sure you know the drill. lol...) As far as a bolt-on that's ready to go, I'm not sure. But, really, putting on the discs isn't too hard, just make sure you have the bolts, the discs, the can (not mounted yet, of course), and red loctite. As far as the problems some people have had with the WB, if you follow EZ's advice on it, you shouldn't have any issues. Even if you do, you'll still have just about the best performance header there is for the Blast, so it's not that bad. I'm not sure about the Sportster header, but I'm sure there's someone on here who would know. You can probably tell that I really really like my WB, though. lol... | ||
| Rwb |
I'm the high bidder on the WB !! How many discs are on it stock?? Everyone i have talked to says they sound great. The Kerker still sparks my intrest. Maybe I will buy both and see what I like better. | ||
| Ezblast |
12 discs stock - the Kerker can be made into a great exhaust - but thats along way from its stock form - lol GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
I push the Pro series because I think its the best all around exhaust for stock despite its appearance (that I like). The Kerker has issues. The WB like the Kerker is a good start with modifications needed. If you can pick up a WB for much less than a Jardine, go for it. Otherwise get the Jardine. At least you'll have a warranty along with a good headpipe if you want to change cans. I consider the Pro Series (or WB) as loud as I want to go thats why I dont give the Bub, D & D or V & H much thought. I like loud pipes, but hate getting pulled over.(Actual recent officer quote "I pulled you over because thats the loudest exhaust I've ever heard." No, It wasnt on a Blast!). Also, too loud means you may need to change exhausts if you ever take it on a track. The stock exhaust headpipe is really too skinny to use. It has a 'torque cone' (as does the Pro Series)built into it. A Sportster or possibly Big Twin drag pipe may be an option. 'Burnmyheartdown' has tried it, but doesnt know which engine the pipe came off.The XL pipe will definitely bolt up though. Side note: I too heard all the bad stuff about the White Brothers, but it is the best Blast performance exhaust on the market. Tunability being a big factor. I thought, "it wont happen to me". The first WB can leaked at the can seams, right out of the box. "Put some exhaust sealer on it" WB told me.If I'd known how long the can was gonna last, I would have.After 4 trips (no can ever lasted more than 800 miles) to the WB factory where I bought the exhaust, I sold it and bought something reliable. WB told me the can needs repacking every 25-30 hours running time. Were SHOCKED I ride in the rain with their exhaust. More or less told me 'Dont come back again.We know the Blast exhaust is unreliable, thats why we stopped making it'. They actually told me to get it rewelded, at a shop, at my expense, while it was still under warranty.When I found myself making a spare exhaust to put on, while I did regular maintenance on the WB, I knew it was time to get rid of it. I paid full price for that exhaust too! No, I'm not bitter. I just hate to see anyone waste the kind of time I did with the WB. I just like people to know what they may be getting into. It's truly a 'race only' exhaust. (Message edited by gearheaderiko on April 30, 2005) | ||
| Ezblast |
Yeah - but compared to the Force Exhaust - its a long term exhaust and really has no issues that can't be delt with reasonably - unlike the Force - lol GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Rwb |
Is it possible to try an aftermarket exhaust with out a re-jet for a few miles to see how it sounds?? Thanks for the help | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Yes.It is possible with a stock engine to run without a re-jet for hundreds of miles.If you have the stock 170 main jet it is not a big deal. If you have an early Blast with the 165 main jet and run an open header or a more free flowing exhaust (Bub,modified WB,etc) the 165 may be too lean. The White Brothers exhaust install sheet specifically states that "re jetting is not necessary". The Pro Series install sheet makes no mention whatsoever of the need for a jetting change. I would also check the instructions that come with the exhaust. Its very likely that they wont recommend a jetting change either. PS and I have ridden hundreds of miles without a jetting change! | ||
| Rwb |
Thanks, thats what I thought !! 2002 should have a 170, so I ll give it a try. | ||
| Buellboy492 |
I have a 2002, with Pro-Series exhaust and air cleaner. The jet in the carb from the factory is a 170, and I have left it in place. I have tried the 175 twice, and both times my feeling was that there was very little difference. The gas mileage was approx. the same, and top speed was actually a little less with the 175. But there are variables in my experimental process that could account for this. I belive the proper tools would reveal the best combo- dyno and exhaust gas sniffer? Good luck and have fun! I didn't expect to ever work on my own bike, but it has become a fun part of Blast ownership for me! | ||
| Sarodude |
Best thing any beginner can do to theis bike: RIDE IT. -Saro | ||
| Mantis_man |
Hello everyone - I'm a new rider after a 17 year break due to children etc...I bought a 2000 Blast from the wife of a HD service manager. It is all black and runs well. Only mods are grips, bar end mirrors and a Vance Hines exhaust. After 3 months getting used to riding again, I've found it to be a great "city" bike. My question is the wheels are aluminum, and look dirty even after a thorough cleaning. What can you recommend as far as either painting them or possibly replacing them? I'm 55 and 6 foot tall. I have a constant @#$^# eating grin everytime I ride. =>Rich | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
A really good degreaser cleaner like Simple Green or Castrol and a brush can do wonders, but they tend to dirty up fast. I've never gotten them "like new" clean again though. I do know some people whose wheels still look new (sycho-you reading?) after many, many miles. Powder coating is great or just plain painting can really make them look good and set you apart. I've been told that to powder coat you'll need to remove the wheelbearings though.  *I'm assuming that since this was the dealers wifes bike that the pulley recall was done (it usually is). But count the 'teeth' on the rear pulley. 80 is good, 73 is bad. *Also check to see if the primary has been adjusted. There is a spacer on the chain adjustment bolt that if its been done, it shouldnt be there. Its under the left side of the bike, just under where the clutch cable enters the primary about 6" before the drain plug. If you see a bolt with a locknut and a spacer between-it hasnt been done.. If its a bolt and locknut with bolts threads in between-its been done. Just two things that should be checked because Blasts are notorious for not having certain issues attended too (even if they were serviced regularly at the dealer). Otherwise they are very low maintenance. Lastly: Welcome to the Badweb Thumper side and welcome back to riding (I bet you didnt realize how much you missed it)! | ||
| Sycho |
Lol thanks Gearheaderiko. I concur with his suggestion of a brush and a good cleaner. I have actually used a wire brush on the spoke part of the wheels as they are the hardest to clean. Clean wheels tends to be one of my pet peaves like the Tank cover trim is to others, lol. I do tend to spend a whole day cleaning the bike sometimes but it's worth it in the end. Oh and it's great to hear that you are out riding again I went thru the same thing and the Blast is my daily ride now. | ||
| Wild_card |
i have a 01 blast with a D&D dual exhaust and it is vary loud. i am good at making my own exhaust and have a few old pipes laying around i can cut up and weld together. i have a harley slash cut slip on im gonna try and see how it does. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Unless its a stock Harley muffler, it will be just as loud as your exhaust now, maybe louder. 2 stock Harley slash cuts would be ideal for power and noise reduction, but might weigh as much as the original. | ||
| Sethtyler21 |
Hey Guys, new here with an 03' Thumper all stock. this will be my 3rd bike/toy and after reading through much of this forum I am extremely happy with all the help and knowledge that has been given here. What a great community it seems and are increasingly harder to find these days! I look forward to really personalizing this bike for myself  |
