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Blasst
Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 06:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

First I want to say that I've been lurking around this website for a month or so and you guys have answered questions I didn't even know to ask so thanks for that!

I kinda bought a 2003 blast from a buddy. (he rode it from NJ to MI last night) he gave me a good deal. I was wondering if I should check anything before I start riding it. (oil/leaking oil, brakes, filters, come to mind)

I've never ridden a motorcycle and I'm taking my MSF course this weekend but I really want to play around my neighborhood before that. Good idea or bad idea?

I drive a manual trans car now so it should be similar ie 1st=down, N=up one, 2nd=up one so on and so forth.

Is this going to deter my riding skills if I take it 10-25 mph in a neighborhood?

thanks again guys and gals!
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Ezblast
Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 06:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Just park it till after your MSF course - you'll thank me later.

Welcome though and enjoy!
EZ
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Zane
Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 07:14 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I just took my MSF course last weekend. If I knew last week what I know this week, I'd have parked mine instead of cruising the neighborhood. So much more to it than just figuring out the shift pattern and twisting the throttle.

Yeah, I vote you park it till you get through your course. Probably needs to be cleaned up after your friend's trip anyway.
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Reuel
Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 07:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The course will teach you about checking your bike before and after a ride. Try to resist until you take the course. I took my course several years after getting my Blast, but I had a mentor who's been riding for decades. Neutral is just half way between 1 and 2.
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Swampy
Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 09:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm for waiting also.

Welcome to the Thumper Forum, look for the community college and school district MSF riders courses, they are about $25 in Michigan, and are a great way to spend a few days on a weekend.
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Blasst
Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 10:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

DAMN YOU GUYS!!

I taking your advice and letting it sit until I complete the MSF this weekend. I cleaned a little bit of the oil off of it, armour-alled the seat and washed it to pass some time. I prob go over it again tomorrow just so i can be close to it.
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Zane
Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 11:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Blasst,

You're alive to be pissed at us and your Blast is in one piece. Consider that a good thing...

Welcome aboard.
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Blasst
Posted on Thursday, May 08, 2008 - 11:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Not really pissed cause you folks gave me the right advise. I just had to have someone tell me NOT to do it... I'm sucker for peer pressure

I'll keep you guys updated on how the MSF course goes as the weekend progresses.
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Reuel
Posted on Friday, May 09, 2008 - 07:31 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Make sure that if you have a choice, pick a Blast to ride.
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Blasst
Posted on Friday, May 09, 2008 - 11:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I just got from the MSF course and it seemed like they could have just handed me the rider handbook, told me to read it and answer the questions in the back of it.

It was kinda cool meeting some other people that are in the same boat as me. The only thing I could say that The 1st day seemed pointless but the real fun starts Sat...at 7am!!! SOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!

Oh yeah, Reuel, no blasts at MSF. Only Suzuki's (GS something), Yamaha's (Seca and dual sports) and some Rebels. That's what the instructor told me at least. I'm hoping the got new bikes since this was his 1st course this year at the location.
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Ezblast
Posted on Friday, May 09, 2008 - 11:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Remember everything they told you- finec, etc - how to grip the handlebars, friction zone, brake and throttle control - you'll find it all very usefull in the riding part - enjoy!
EZ
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Blasst
Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 03:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

On break from MSF right now and I have to say that I LOVE MOTORCYCLES!!

I had a great time running that little 250cc bike around the course. Weaving through cones was fun, emergency stopping...good times! I just wish we weren't restricted to 3rd gear. Hell, I even love the idea of countersteering! (even though I suck at it now)

I was thinking about going to a school parking lot and practicing what I learned tonight. Again, good idea or bad idea? (the school is less the a 1/4 mile from my house and it's my a neighborhood 25mph)
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Reuel
Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 04:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

If you were riding a Blast, you'd never make it past 2nd!
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Fast1075
Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 04:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Once sure isn't enough...practice, practice, practice...you need to build muscle memory...in a tight spot, if you have to think about what to do...you're dead....braking practice...countersteer..and ride like every car and truck have sights aimed at YOU!!!!..It used to be the dangerous ones were the 80 year old Q-tips and drunks...nowdays...it's everybody...a pox on using cell phones while driving...Grrrr.
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 07:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Excellent idea!
Watch out for the light posts though.
The classes are really designed to show you what to practice. I dont believe they were meant to make you an expert after the class.
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Ezblast
Posted on Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 09:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Concur!
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Blasst
Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2008 - 08:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Last day of classes! I have to say that I'm feeling very comfortable when I ride. In the oval turning drill, I was peg scraping ...the instructor asked me to slow down and told me I was doing everything correctly (entering wide, following my line inside, looking where I was turning and exiting outside). I was gitty during that whole drill!

I took the Blast out to the parking lot and it was kinda tough. There were loose pebbles all over the place so I can't say I went all out when I say practicing turns, weaving or stopping. I think I mastered the stop and go and the "low speed zone". Spent about a hour over there and I got a lot of crazy looks from people but whatever, I was having fun!
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Jlnance
Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2008 - 10:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Glad to hear the class went well. You ended up with an excellent first bike. Mine was a Blast too, and even though I've owned two other motorcycles, I still have, and ride, that Blast.

You asked what to check. Blasts burn oil, so check it frequently. It matters a lot if you check it hot or cold. Check it hot or you will over fill it. It's difficult to get accurate oil readings. If mine falls below half way between the lines, I add a little. No need to keep it tippy top.

The carberator manifold couplers (referred to here as boots) fail frequently. It will give you strange symptoms if this happens. It's a cheap part, buy 2. If the bike ever does anything strange, step one is to replace the boot.

Change the transmission oil when you change the engine oil. This gives you a chance to adjust the clutch, clutch cable, and primary chain. None of that is difficult, but people forget to do it and wonder why the bike doesn't shift right. The only hard part is removing the left foot peg bracket.

Ride it like you stole it.
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Blasst
Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2008 - 09:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Crap...failed the test.

During the emergency drill I locked up the front brakes and my handle bars weren't straight thus causing the front wheel to turn left then....BAM! Hit the freakin' asphalt!

I was freakn' pissed!! At the class we did that drill so many freakn' times and the only time it counted, I bit it. I can't explain to you guys the disappointment I have in myself. After the class, I took the Blast to the school parking lot and practice the hell out of the figure 8, emergency brake, and cornering drills. All of which are on the road test.

I really don't want to take the whole class again, I just want to test one more time(after I practice that damn emergency brake drill a few hundred times).

Is that possible? If so, how much does it usually cost?
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Ezblast
Posted on Sunday, May 11, 2008 - 09:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Yes - it could be free - just a matter of re-scheduling.

EZ
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Zane
Posted on Monday, May 12, 2008 - 08:39 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

No big deal, don't sweat it. The MSF course I took gives people to more free tries at passing the test. Think of it as another chance to go out and play on the course.
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Reuel
Posted on Monday, May 12, 2008 - 10:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

So, you got your first crash out of the way. Congratulations! I was told that "you are either falling or have fallen" when it comes to motorcycle riding.
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Blasst
Posted on Monday, May 12, 2008 - 05:23 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Thanks for the kind words guys!

I contacted a old manager (my 1st job was at Office Max, races bikes on the weekend, coolest manager ever!!)who teaches MSF and other courses and was told that I could take a 1 day class that pretty much would be riding the course and taking the road test again for only $25. I'll be taking that ASAP!!!

While I wait, I'll be practicing as much as I can. I think I'll get my temp permit so I can see how real world riding will be. I just need to talk some friends to go out riding with me which I think won't be to hard.

On a side note, I've been reading a bit on some cosmetic modifications that I want to do to my blast. I'm terrible when it comes to working on...well pretty much anything. I want to get some sportbike bars, bar-end mirrors and traction grips.

From what I've read, you just take off the stock bars, cut off the old grips, take off the controls, install the new bar, put on the controls and glue on the grips and VOLIA!! a better bike!

Am I missing anything? It sounds too easy.
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Swampy
Posted on Monday, May 12, 2008 - 08:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It is too easy....

My Little Kid changed his out by himself when he was 13.
The funny thing is both him and his older brother left the sticky lable on the bar end and the throttle was sticking. Somebody here did the same also.

I would disconnect the battery just to be extra safe while making the swap.
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Boltem
Posted on Tuesday, November 06, 2012 - 01:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

It took me 10 months to get my bike after my MSF class and my boyfriend bought me the Blast. I LOVE her. I rode the neighborhood many times and did drills in the school parking lot. Did my first real ride this past weekend. It was a bit unnerving riding in the dark and stalling on left turns up hill, but all in good time, I'll get better. Taking it slow - stayin alive and loving the ride.
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Ronbob43
Posted on Wednesday, November 07, 2012 - 02:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

You go girl.
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Gearheaderiko
Posted on Monday, November 19, 2012 - 12:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Welcome "Boltem"!
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