Buell Blast or Equal
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,644
Likes: 397
From: Nonya, BS
Very bad idea unless you want a dead son.
The bike will have way too much power for an inexperienced rider. Add the fact that he is 17 and will try to use all the available power just get a rise out of people (blanket statement about all 17 year olds).
A used 250 to 300cc naked bike will help him develop the skills he will need to keep riding for many years.
The bike will have way too much power for an inexperienced rider. Add the fact that he is 17 and will try to use all the available power just get a rise out of people (blanket statement about all 17 year olds).
A used 250 to 300cc naked bike will help him develop the skills he will need to keep riding for many years.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
On paper, the Honda CBR300R looks awesome. In person, it looks awesome. With Honda engineering, it probably will run, and ride awesome. Put some sliders on it and it would be an awesome first bike. A good alternative is the Ninja 250R.
I also like the Yamaha 250 XT. A little taller in the inseam and an upright riding position. Great first bike, and something that will always be a fun ride on the trails.
Personally, I would recommend staying away from anything bigger than the 250cc class. They are light, inexpensive, easy to handle, and easy to find on Craigslist.
Last bit of advice... buy it used.
I also like the Yamaha 250 XT. A little taller in the inseam and an upright riding position. Great first bike, and something that will always be a fun ride on the trails.
Personally, I would recommend staying away from anything bigger than the 250cc class. They are light, inexpensive, easy to handle, and easy to find on Craigslist.
Last bit of advice... buy it used.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,017
Likes: 7,139
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
What does HE want?
How tall is he?
Your primary concern should be his fitment to the bike. And reduction in risk.
Then again, what do I know? I'm just the guy who'll be teaching your son to ride.
Yeah, I'm a...a
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 362
Likes: 11
From: Lost in the Ozone
I picked up a used Blast for my kid sister a couple of years ago.
NOT a rocket for speed. That big one lunger does make it easy riding but while I'm a big old boy it take a long time to get to 70MPH.
Here's the biggest issue. They are cold blooded SOBs. There is an enricher jet on the Keihin carb that is 1) problematic & 2) expensive to replace the thermal sensor. I have done it once but have taken off the LH side cover for the airbox so you can "choke it" with a hand over the intake trumpet.
Easy bike to maintain & nothing real brakes when you drop it.
I'm keeping it for grandkids. I guess that is an endorsement.
NOT a rocket for speed. That big one lunger does make it easy riding but while I'm a big old boy it take a long time to get to 70MPH.
Here's the biggest issue. They are cold blooded SOBs. There is an enricher jet on the Keihin carb that is 1) problematic & 2) expensive to replace the thermal sensor. I have done it once but have taken off the LH side cover for the airbox so you can "choke it" with a hand over the intake trumpet.
Easy bike to maintain & nothing real brakes when you drop it.
I'm keeping it for grandkids. I guess that is an endorsement.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
This would be the biggest reason why I would avoid the bike. While Buell has been reconstituted under a new brand, I'm pretty sure they won't be making parts for bikes they built when with Harley. If the Blast had been more popular (read a decent bike), the aftermarket suppliers would step up, but I doubt they will. Buell made some cool bikes when with Harley, but the Blast ain't one of them.
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