Buell Blast: Really a Blast?

Question

I've heard a lot of good things about it, but I also heard it is horribly unreliable and I'd be better of getting a Jap bike because it's so bad, that excessive vibration was awful, and it's really hard to sell it when you want to get a bigger/better bike.

So now I'm trying to decide if I'd be better of going with the Yamaha Virago or Kawi Ninja 250 rather than taking a chance on a Buell. Anyone wanna help me out here?

(I plan on buying it used. And I'm 5'7 and 200 pounds, if that makes any difference.)

Answer 1

Really, he's right -- ride all three. The Buell isn't really unreliable, but it's kind of slow, so people don't like it. It's faster than 90% of the cars, though, and it looks good. Modern motorcycles don't vibrate very much, compared to the "classics."

The Virago 535 is even slower, and so is the Kawasaki 250, but there's nothing wrong with that. All three will fit your stature, and that's a major consideration, especially when learning.

Any of those three should make you happy for a year, at least -- then you'll know exactly what you want, and you'll know a lot about riding and traffic. Those two areas of experience are a lot more important than going fast.

You sound like the mature kind of soul who is approaching this for the long term. Welcome to the pack, bro.

Answer 2

is it a blast? no, it is a very good starter bike. that's it.

the ninja 250 will outperform it, and have better resale.

I'm not mentioning the virago, assuming 250, cause, feh.

I know people with both blast and ninja. I've ridden both. I've owned/raced a ninja. Both are okay learner bikes.

The Blast was initially marketed with the campaign that HD would buy it back, no matter what condition, for $5k toward purchase of another HD/Buell. THAT offer made it a great starter bike.

Now that offer is no longer in effect? The blast is 1/2 a sportster motor, at almost the same price.

sit on them both, buy the one you like best, be ready to sell after 6 months to a year, when you have built up your riding skillz.

Answer 3

I haven't ridden the Buell so I can't speak from experience. I have read a review that wasn't all that great and I rarely see a Buell Blast on the road. I'm not saying it isn't a good bike, just that it may be questionable. There is no doubt that the Ninja would be a very reliable bike if it is enough power to keep you happy. A buddy of mine just got the racing green one and it is a great looking bike. I think the Blast is fairly ugly myself. I really don't think I would limit myself to just those two choices, but it's your money.

Answer 4

Those three bikes are like comparing apples to oranges to carrots. I would try all three if they are your only choices available, and decide what type of riding you want to do. For example if you ride a long way to work you would probably choose the Yamaha over the Kawi. If you like sport riding choose between the Kawi and the Blast. They are all three good bikes for learning but are a bit under powered for a big guy. To answer you question though, every one I know who has a Buel likes it.

Answer 5

Everybody who has one loves them. You will probably enjoy the handling of the blast over the Virago and the engine will be peppier than the Ninja 250.

Funny how everyone complains about buell vibration and sportster vobration, but never complains about a 400CC single cyl. dirtbike. In my experience, they vibrate about the same.

Answer 6

Unfortunately for folks like you there are some ignorant people like james a giving ignorant advice. I agree with some of the other folks here that those bikes may be a tad underpowered for your size. If you want a mild power delivery a V-twin would be the best way to go. You might want to take a look at the Suzuki SV650.

Answer 7

a 250 seems small for a 200 lb person I would go with the Buell

Answer 8

I would like to enlighten you on vibration. Harleys do vibrate, but it is a very enjoyable low frequency. Smaller bikes, and other bike engine configurations tend to vibrate more like a chain saw. Personally, I find my hands and butt suffer more from this type of vibration. The Harley V-Twin configuration is a gift from God.

Answer 9

So, don't take a chance.
Ride all 3 if you can, then choose.
That's the only way to tell if YOU will be happy with it.
I never bought a used bike I didn't ride first.

Answer 10

I have a buell m2cyclone and it fun ride but it vibrates because its a Harley motor Vtwin.the blast is a single cylinder 500cc motor.it shouldn't vibrate that much.if you don't want any vibration then go with a metric bike.