Checked out Buell Blast

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May 6, 2007 | 07:25 AM

#11

Fred00

Road Captain

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 566

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From:

RE: Checked out Buell Blast

One more vote for the Ninja 500R. It's a great bike, if it's not too high for her. Plus it has enough performance (12.7s 1/4-mile) to keep her from getting bored. And a parallel twin is nicer than a single. Here's some info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Ninja_500R

May 6, 2007 | 12:59 PM

#12

Thongs2U

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 685

Likes: 7

From: In your dreams

RE: Checked out Buell Blast

Why not sign her up for Riders Edge. She can try out a Buell Blast for 16 hours and learn techiques all for $250. Plus if you are a member of HOG, you can get a $50 voucher back once she is done.
Cheers

May 6, 2007 | 01:27 PM

#13

grunt

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 17,682

Likes: 3

From: Dallas, TX

RE: Checked out Buell Blast

Get a used Blast. Nice little bikes (if I did not look like a Circus bear on a midget bike on that I'da got one)

May 6, 2007 | 01:46 PM

#14

Cryptoboy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 7,090

Likes: 3,882

From: Murfreesboro , TN

RE: Checked out Buell Blast

Quote:

ORIGINAL: harleyxlc

Honestly, I would recommend a ninja, the 250 or 500, for a couple of reasons. They are both pretty low and the seats can be shaved (even lowered) for the inseam-challenged.

But you can frequently find a used one, ride it a season and sell it for what you paid. I don't think you will find that with a blast.

And if she doesn't want to upgrade, some folks keep their ninjas, if she leans towards the sportbike thing. They are good beginners bikes, very forgiving and remain fun.

Actually my wife and I went the Blast route to learn on. Bought mine for $3k, bought her one 3 months later for $3k (both used, about a year or two old). I traded them in for $3k each, so I actually made $500 on the 2nd bike! I guess you could say I broke even, since I bought both at a dealer, because of the tax/tag/title portions. Granted, if you buy onenew you won't be able to do that, but that would be the same if you bought a new Ninja 200/500 (if they still make them).

The Blast was a great beginners bike to learn on, plus it still felt like a Harley (which was actually a requirement for my wife!) $200 for a V&H Pipe and it sounds just like a Harley too (mine was LOUD!)

May 6, 2007 | 04:24 PM

#15

jefkat2

Road Master

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 1,037

Likes: 9

From: Sedro Woolley, Washington

RE: Checked out Buell Blast

The Blast is a great bike to learn on. I had a 03 & 05. One was to teach my sister on and the other was my quick in-to-town runner. Took the MSF course a few years back and was the reason I bought them. Traded them in along with a Softail for a FLHTC.

2007 FLHTC

May 6, 2007 | 05:03 PM

#16

TowJam

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 1,751

Likes: 1

From: USA

RE: Checked out Buell Blast

I like Buells (have owned 3) but I would have a hard time recommending purchase a new Blast for a starter bike. In my opinion, they very overpriced and quickly outgrown - especially compared to bikes like the Ninja 250/500. On the other hand, the later models (say around '03 and up) are pretty much bullet proof and are excellent learning bikes for neophytes.

May 6, 2007 | 05:37 PM

#17

cajunrph

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 2,694

Likes: 94

From: LBC, Texas

RE: Checked out Buell Blast

Just get her a GSXR 1000.....JK. If you can get the blast for a good price, then go for it. The Blast or the Ninja 250 are great beginner bikes. Dirt bikes are great to learn on but they are not for the inseam challenged.

May 6, 2007 | 06:41 PM

#18

harleyxlc

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 1,074

Likes: 6

RE: Checked out Buell Blast

Quote:

ORIGINAL: atomic
Someone mentioned the Ninja 250. I think they redline at around 15,000 rpms. I don't think a beginner needs a bike with all the power that high up in the RPM range.

I promise you the 250 at 15k doesn't have all that power

Off the top of my head, I think the 250 makes about 20-25 hp. You have to look at them differently than a harley (yes even a Buell). Higher rpms is where the power is, doesn't mean good or bad, just different than those with the rev limiter around 6k.

But the bottom line is she has to be comfortable on it, so if the seat height and ergos of the Buell are what she likes, then that's the answer. I am a bit tippy toes on the ninja (seat shaved but suspension set properly for my weight). On the Triumph, I can only get one set of toes down after shifting my buns! Not the best position for learning...if she isn't comfortable, then you'll be selling whatever you buy