Buell Blast 500 ?

[Jackrat]

Met a guy outside Mt Eden Motorcycles about six months ago that had one.
He was looking for a shop to work on it for him,told me he'd had nothing but problems with it.

[avgas]

had the glory of taking one for a ride, what everyone else sez bad about them is bullshit. Yeh the do only do 150ish, but they get there damn quick, and sit there all day. They have so much torque that u want another gear.
Most fun to ride round town too, so much easier than a sport bike.
My suggestion is to get a test ride, if u hate it, dont buy it. But i dont think you will.

[Motu]

I'm with Frosty,the bike that makes you say ''hey,this is really cool'' is the bike for you,regardless of fashion,what looks good or what someone told you,the bike you are most comfortable on is your bike.I don't think you ever get to the limits of any bike - you just ramp up higher,level after level.

I think the Blast looks like a good bike,even better in the flesh,but I've never ridden one.I'd say it has a bad rep in the States just because of what it is...a baby Harley,a V twin with one cyl cut off,it'll never get any recognition from the nay sayers.The guy on TradeMe thinks enough of them to bring in one for himself and another for resale,unless he got them for peanuts he's not going to retire on his earnings - he did it cause he likes the bikes.

[merv]

Hey Paul

The SV is an awesome bike and I would recommend it to anyone.

Its just not the right bike for me. With all the issues I have had with it I am having problems relaxing with my riding. I have decided to explore other options rather than give the riding away altogether.

Can you not persevere with the SV because it should be a good bike? Can you get WT and his crew at WMCC to bring it down to Wellington and make sure they set it up properly for you if the fuckers in Auckland can't do it? Buying and selling bikes cost you in depreciation, money that might be better spent on buying a different rear shock, like an Ohlins or something, for the SV to lower it properly. Robert Taylor will custom make whatever you need. Then take a deep breath, jump on the sucker again, cast away your relaxation problems and take the bastard by the scruff of the neck and show it who is boss. Then it will behave and your smile will start beaming.

[Pwalo]

You could always have a look at something like my GS500. Cheap to buy and run.

It would also be a bit lower than the SV, and somewhat more relaxed in its power delivery. I'm a bit biased, but it will do most things that the SV can without being quite as intimidating, and is probably a better commuter.

Might just let you get your confidence up a bit more. Otherwise just keep on practicing.

[XTC]

Keep in mind that if that particular Blast is a US import it will be L/H drive and need a special certificate to drive on the road in NZ...(PT)

[XTC]

had the glory of taking one for a ride, what everyone else sez bad about them is bullshit. Yeh the do only do 150ish, but they get there damn quick, and sit there all day. They have so much torque that u want another gear.
Most fun to ride round town too, so much easier than a sport bike.
My suggestion is to get a test ride, if u hate it, dont buy it. But i dont think you will.

Would be worthwhile looking into whether you can change the final drive ratio. With belt drive it may be expensive to do though as I think the swing arm has to be removed to change belts (if you needed a longer or shorter one that is). That may help with top speed as it sounds as though it has the torque to pull taller gearing.

[ajturbo]

hey MD..

to many bikes to chose from...

if you are not happy with the bike and you can afford to change ...CHANGE!!!!

that buel sounds just the thing for you... like WT said.. how offten are you wanting to go over 140...i don't do it much ..any more ... honest officer...

i would keep the pipe...just to let the neigbours know that your are thinking of going for a ride... saves the time going over and asking them to join you.. you just start it..let it idle for a bit and over they come..ahahah

go for it.....!!!

GO FOR IT!!

andy

[Skunk]

Keep in mind that if that particular Blast is a US import it will be L/H drive and need a special certificate to drive on the road in NZ...(PT)

You're not far off with that - the headlight would dip the wrong way...

[Paul in NZ]

I just better say...

I have no problem with a Buell Blast apart from the looks and the name but thats a personal opinion. BUT - ask yourself this, can you buy one new? No you cannot (as far as I know) so the reasonable inference is that they were not exactly selling like hot cakes!

Thats going to seriously affect resale / trade in value and long term viability for parts etc (although with the interweb thingy - this is no longer such an issue) That alone would not stop me personally as I run an obscure 25 year old bike as my new motorcycle.... But I'm not afraid of tearing things to bit (putting them back together scares me witless mind you)

I have no idea of your budget or circumstances but there are a lot of bikes out there that will be just as suitable. BMW Funduro came with a low seat option and has a good reputation. Nearly any of the 500 twins like Pwalo suggested are fantastic bikes and really reasonable.

If you want options for a diminished inner leg measurement - check out

http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/sbl.faq.html

http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/sbl.sbl.html

http://www.ki.org/sbl/

HD's new Sportster range features a really low bike that is getting good reviews and the new Moto Guzzi Breva / Nevada 750's look and work well.

I do have one question though. Is your SV a faired one with clip ons or an un faired one? I'd say the unfaired one would be way easier to get to grips with!

Paul N

(please tell us to rack off if this is all too much info)

[cowpoos]

What problems are you having with the SV?

Maybe some of us can help u sort it out and save you $$$$$

[manuboy]

Move up to the thou. You won't have time to worry about those small things!

Then when you're finally about to flag it and try paragliding or sumfink, move back to the 650. You'll be able to kick it's ass round!

Solid advice i reckon

[Motu]

Trade it for a WeStrom.

[jrandom]

Buy a cruiser.

[2_SL0]

I was going to say FZ6 (yes Im biased) but then I thought the seat height might be a problem for you. I would agree maybe a Duc Monster. Go and ride as many as possible.