| Author | Message | ||
     Bigeasy |
My girlfriend really would like her own bike now. She loves HDs, in particular the fat boys. She is a joy to ride with as a passenger, leans into the turns with me very low. So here is my question. She does not have the funds for the fat boy. I also pointed out that bike shouldnt be the one she should learn on. She is 5'4" about 120lbs and in great shape (exgymnast). But I think the fat boy is to heavy for her until she gets more experience, not to mention expensive. So I was thinking of picking up a used Blast for her. I told her all of this and she agreed with me. She just loves the HD sound and shake and rattle. So a thumper with a pipe seems to be the ticket. Now I know the xbs reliability in my experience is bullet proof so far, 15000 in 8 months for me no problems. But I have heard that this may not be so for the Blast. So I would like to get some thoughts from the people that actually ride them. Any comments would be about the blast would be helpfull. THX | ||
| Bluzm2 |
Art, The Blast is a perfect bike for a first time rider. I started my daughter out on one. She loves it. She now has 3 years under her belt. Pick up a used one for 2-3K, ride it for a year or so, then move on to a bigger bike. You should only have to take a $500 or so hit when you sell. Don't forget to tell her the great gas mileage! Easy to get 50 or so per gallon. About the only thing we have "wrong" with ours is it has a slightly weepy primary cover gasket. not enough to drip, just a slight film of oil around the gasket between washings. Brad Brad | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I got a Blast when I decided to get back into riding after a hiatus of some 30 years. I got a left over 2003 for $2750 and sold it a couple of months later for $3000! I liked it. Very nice bike, only got rid of it because I was going to add pipe and jets, and I found a great deal on a leftover 2003 XB9S from a dealer getting out of Buells, decided the money would be better spent on the Nine. I think the 2002 and earlier units had a problem with leaky gaskets on the rocker covers: no big deal to fix. The Blast handles very nicely, and is fast enough to keep up with larger bikes on the road, but is much easier to handle, especially for a smaller person, than a twin. Looks like a Buell too:-) Go for it. | ||
| Jlnance |
Art, The Blast is a very reliable bike, I don't think you have to worry about it breaking on you. It's a great bike to learn on, and even once you have "learned," it's still fun to ride. I don't know if you are familiar with Harley's Riders Edge classes, but they use the Blast as their training bike. If she takes the class she can get some experience on the bike to see if she likes it. It's also an excellent way for her to learn how to ride. You can take it with her if you like, it's not just a beginners class, you won't be bored. If you do, you'll get to see the abuse those bikes can survive. | ||
| Bigeasy |
Thanks guys I'm sold!! Will be looking for a 2003 or above in black. | ||
| Lake_bueller |
The local Rider's Edge class was offering up their used training bikes for $1500. I had already bought one for my wife prior to her taking the class. I still think we should have bought another at that price (d'oh) | ||
| Gomo |
It just so happen that I took my wifes Blast out for a run today. I forgot how much fun the bike is and how well it handles. Granted at 6'1" I look a little big for it, but having put some miles on it - I was just as comfortable on it as any other in its range, or larger. It has the windshield, V&H muffler, tank & saddlebags (from a S1) and it makes a great bike to buzz around on the backroad twisties. I'll have to take it out more often. | ||
| Cataract2 |
Wouldn't mind a Blast just for riding to work and back along with a few runs to the store for. With 70mpg I can't argue about that. | ||
| Jprovo |
Big- Glad you decided to get the Blast. They are great bikes. I will probably never getr rid of mine, but will give it more garage companions. For what you can buy and insure one for, they are dirt cheap, and a great back up bike when the replacement rear tire you ordered is late coming in and you just want to go ride. James (Message edited by jprovo on July 31, 2005) | ||
| Dsergison |
XB9 low ! Blasts are so un inspiring. I wouldnt keep one if it was given to me and I could only get $2,000 for it. there is nothing a blast can do for you that an xb9 can't do better, sexier, faster and smoother. Sorry, I'm a blast hater. I rode one in demo twice. if she has to have that look, maybe a suzuki savage. (Message edited by dsergison on July 31, 2005) |
