| Author | Message | ||
     Wsplrll |
I have been lurking around and reading all the posts I can on the Blast and posted a few question etc over the last few month. Finally on Sunday I was able to pick up the '04 black Blast and actually ride it. It was the first time I have been on a bike for quite a few years. And I was pleasantly suprised. The bike is louder and vibrates more and has more low end torque that I thought it would. All good stuff. After the first 24 miles I am smiling and looking forward to putting on some more miles. ( I am taking the first MSF course scheduled for this year in March ) and until then I am sticking to back roads and parking lots although I am gaining confidence but this bike is not as mild mannered as I had imagined. Even the Harley guys at the dealership told me " Don't underestimate that little bike". So just wanted to check and in and post a message. | ||
| Ezblast  |
You only got to do one thing - well at least after it is broke in - Ride it like you stole it!  Welcome! GT - JBOTDS! EZ  | ||
| Wsplrll |
Today was great. Called in saying I would be late for work. Road the Blast so I could get it over 50 miles on the odometer. I am getting more comfortable. I now understand countersteering. Not that I need it as much to get the little bugger to lean but still. I road for an hour an a half and finally headed back to barn. I am sure I was smiling. All that vibration is a therapeutic. I am now at work and totally stress free. Great little bike. I am thinking up names for it. | ||
| SouthernMarine  |
Congrat's on the bike. Enjoy it. I loved the one I had, then moved over to the XB. I wish I could have kept mine. AWESOME bike. My old neighbor bought mine from me and he is loving it now. | ||
| Joey |
Quickly, while it is still young--go WOT for a few seconds here and there, but don't hit high RPMs. You want to do that to help seat the rings. Do it in 4th gear at 35MPH or 5th at 45MPH. It's actually best to do it during the first 20 miles. Wait until it warms up, though. | ||
| Wsplrll |
"go WOT for a few seconds here and there, but don't hit high RPMs. You want to do that to help seat the rings. Do it in 4th gear at 35MPH or 5th at 45MPH. ,,." So just open the throttle for a few seconds in 3rd or 4th???? won't I hit high rpms by doing that???? | ||
| Ezblast |
HD recommends a gentler method, however, there are a lot of different break-in procedures - depending on the expert you talk to, or read of - however, following the factory recommended way does protect you from other issues later. GT - JBOTDS! EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Concur!-follow the factory recommended method. We could spend days going over individual break-in suggestions. 2 important things are dont lug the engine and dont let it sit and idle very long to warm up.Be gentle, 1-2 minutes is plenty (you can fry a new engine by letting it sit & idle). Its not a race engine, you dont have to do anything that special for break-in. | ||
| Wsplrll |
When in doubt err on the side of caution | ||
| Evaddave  |
You would, eventually. But, in 3rd or 4th (or even 5th), only holding it open for a few seconds wouldn't be enough to get you way up in the RPMs unless you were already there. Congrats on the bike. How'd you manage to pick it up on a Sunday? Did you do the paperwork earlier? | ||
| Evaddave |
Just in case there was confusion, I agree with EZ and Erik on breaking it in. I was just trying to answer your question. One more question for you: How'd you get into the first MSF class already? | ||
| Wsplrll |
" How'd you manage to pick it up on a Sunday? Did you do the paperwork earlier?" Yes - I was supposed to get it Saturday but they needed to put in a new battery and I needed to go helmet shopping. I ended up getting Scorpion helmet. Awesome helmet. "One more question for you: How'd you get into the first MSF class already?" I am being optimistic since I am calling on the 1st day in the AM to schedule the first available class. | ||
| Evaddave |
Wsplrll (and anyone else in PA), You can register online now. I discovered that cool little tidbit when I read that you were in the first MSF class. The site is www.pamsp.com. I think you might be able to stay up late the day before registration technically opens and register just after midnight.  I might try to take the beginner course again and then go for the ERP later in the year. | ||
| Wsplrll |
"You can register online now. " That's cool. I don't see the dates when they open for registration but the DMV PA site says 3/1/05 is the date of the first registrations starting. So hopefully we can get in then. I am looking forward to it. | ||
| Evaddave |
Wsplrll, To find the date when registration is open, click the "Find a course" link. Put in your ZIP code and click the GO button. Find the closest site (probably Phoenixville) and click on "View Courses." In the page that comes up, the first column, "Open Date," is the first day you can register. Notice how the Open Date is three weeks or more before the start date of the course as listed in the Classes column. | ||
| Wsplrll |
"To find the date when registration is open, click the "Find a course" link........" I will check it out. BTW Just hit my first hundred miles on the Blast. Couple more weeks and she should be broken in. I can't wait. | ||
| Wsplrll |
Just an update- Took the blast out Saturday.....froze my ••• off. ( I have been fighting a cold anyway) Couldn't feel my hands and even wore my ski gloves. Sunday - went out again since it is supposed to snow this week. Anyway - Sunday was the first time I felt like I could enjoy the ride and am feeling more comfortable on the bike. Still taking it easy but she runs great. 160 miles so far. Didn't forget to turn off my turn signal once! | ||
| Ezblast |
So let the Blasting adventures begin! GT - JBOTDS! EZ  | ||
| Evaddave |
Havin' fun yet? It gets better when the weather's warm.  Drop me a line next time if you wanna meet up some time. I was out Sunday, too. I went around Valley Forge and saw TONS of deer. | ||
| Wsplrll |
I went around Valley Forge and saw TONS of deer. I was over there too but it was later in the day. I can't wait for warmer weather. | ||
| Naustin |
Congratulations on your bike. I was you last year. Except I didn't get mine until April. I put 2500 miles on it already, and I'm so excited to get it out and ride it again I can barely stand it! As soon as the ice and snow melts off the roads here (minnesota), I'm taking into the deal for a primary adjustment so that when the nice weather does show up, I don't have to wait for it. | ||
| Wsplrll |
MORE snow here last nite. - I am hoping the roads clear sometime this weekend. I have to go out for at least a short ride!!! I guess it is not as bad as Minnesota. | ||
| Joey |
Long delay in answering the break-in thingy. I've read from several places written by engine rebuilders that the increased pressure insice the cylinder helps seat the rings better. It only takes 2 or 3 times to get it done, otherwise an engine is more prone to letting oil past the rings. |
