Is a Buell Blast a good ride on the highway/freeway? Also, pros and cons on this bike?

Question

Im going to be getting my first bike soon, and after a lot of research, I think Id like this bike best of all. I dont want a beginniner bike and then want to get a bigger engine bike, so this seems like a good choice.

Anyway, does this handle good on the highway and freeway? Also, do you really never need to maintain the chain since its made of kevlar? Thanks a lot! :)

Answer 1

The blast is primarily a surface street bike, at freeway speeds, yer really gonna have the r's up there. It's fast, and fun to ride.

Don't kid yourself, the belt does require maintenance, it has to run true, and at proper tension, or it will check out early, and they ain't cheap to replace.  

Answer 2

It is a Harley with a single cylinder.   I test rode the twin and didn't think they are that great of a bike.  I would stay with Japanese made bike for beginner, it'll take more abuse and won't get to see t he shop as much as the Buell.

Answer 3

Yes.  Many Pros; only a few Cons.  If I were you, I'd buy it.

Answer 4

The Blast -is- a beginner's bike.  It's designed to be easy to ride, and also at an 'entry level' price point.  

I would say it has plenty of power for the freeway.  It may not be the most comfortable bike for a trip across the continent, but you'll be having so much fun you won't care.  

Every bike is a compromise. Bikes that are built for more comfortable long-distance touring are a lot heavier and harder to handle on city streets.  The Blast is a good all-around bike.  If you get serious about either touring or sporting, you'll grow out of it. But it will be much better for you to learn on than either serious touring or sport bike.

I have heard both good and bad things about belt drive.  I hate chains. They are always either too loose or too tight, so you have to adjust them.  You have to lube them and they throw the lube off.  I understand the newer ones are better, I haven't had a chain drive bike in a while.  Shaft drive is elegant but it adds weight to a bike.  The belt drive is a good compromise, the best of both worlds, light like a chain but relatively maintenance-free like a shaft.  I suppose after 50,000 mi. or so you have to replace it, and this is a non-trivial job since it is 'endless' so the bike has to be taken apart to put a new belt on.  I'm sure this is less trouble overall than a chain.

Answer 5

In a recent review of beginner bikes the Blast was refered to by the reviewers as the Be Last.  They all hated it  It's heavy, slow and has a stiff clutch, sounds like a riding lawn mower.  Lots of better choices for less money.

This is kind of a nice site for beginner riders.

http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/