Buying a training bike?

[scooterspal]

Hello All:

Like to get your thoughts on buying a Buell Blast (2001 to 2003 models) that were used for a motorcycle training class. All have anywhere from 800 to 1500 miles on them. Again, they were used as student trainers.

Write ups on the bikes show anything from engine needs work, to rear end and/or front end needs work, to oil leaking, to needs brake work... etc.

Is this something to stay away from or, if the price is right (what might that be by the way), should I go for one. I am capable of doing the work myself but not wanting to put another $500 into the bike. There seem to be tons of them around for $1000 to $2000 or so in these older (and earlier) model years.

Please give me some advice.

Thanks!


BTW: Are parts still easy and reasonable to come by from H.D. dealers?

 

[TooFst]

I rode one. Great little bike to start on. Very confidence inspiring. I'd try to find one that didn't need motor work but anything else should be super easy/ cheap. I hate to say it but I found a 250 ninja yesterday for 800$. If u can find a blast for 1000-1500$ you'll be happier then heck with it.

 

[scooterspal]

I guess what I as getting at was the fact that they were trainers... not sole owners which I think is the ideal if the person selling is honest.

These would be bikes that have been beat on transmission wise and other wise. NO telling what is wrong. I cannot ride any of them or even start one.

Buyer beware and all that good stuff in full force on this deal.


Question is... how well does this inexpensive model bike hold up to such abuse after some 7 years or so?

What would you personally pay for one like this with what I just told you about them?

Thanks

 

[RiderX]

trainers = dropped, abused, weathered, over heated and anything else bad you can think of.

if you take all that in and are still pretty happy with the price have fun with it. i have seen low mile ninja 250's for around 1200-1400 one owner with under 3000 miles. the ninja is a good starting bike and you can find a few good ones out there as people look for the step up.

 

[anrkizm95]

all the miles on them is stop and go low speed putting.besides you would out grow it in a couple months.get an xb

 

[Nuage420b]

XB12 was the perfect bike to learn on. started riding in January of this year and have knocked out 6500 miles and counting one little parking lot lay down on day one of riding and nothing since.

 

[upthemaiden]

an xb9 would be an even better starting bike. I got mine with 3400 miles for only $3200 miles. If you're looking for something cheaper than that find a blast, gs500, ninja 250, but I'd just recommend trying to find one that someone actually owned. Ninja 250s are often in great shape because people buy them as beginner bikes because people buy them, and resell them 200 miles later because they think they're too slow/not cool enough, GS500s are bomb proof and can be had for under $1000, and a blast would be cool too but I'd probably avoid the training class ones, unless you could get one for $500-600. $1000+ sounds like way too much to me.

 

[brightbuell]

I agree with you on getting a ninja 250 for a first bike, or just skip and get an XB9

 

[Jon0341]

Too many new riders fall into getting a small starter/trainer bike then out grow in a month or two. You lose out on money because you bought an under powered bike and now you want something to keep up with your friends. The xb9 would be excellent; low weight and when your ready it has the power to satisfy; imo. Good luck with your decision on a bike and also any Buell will put a smile on your face.

 

[upthemaiden]

In general I'm not one to encourage people to skip a good beginner bike for learning. I started on a 20 year old dual sport and then put 14k miles on a 250 before I picked up a 600. I just felt that I should clarify that when I said get an xb9 up above it was mostly in response to someone saying to start on an xb12.

At the same time, I'd definitely recommend an xb9 over a 600. The 9 is much friendlier to use and doesn't have that mind numbing top end acceleration and 150mph+ top speed that gets people killed so easily. It's not what you typically think of when you think of a 984cc sportbike.

I've never gotten to ride a blast. I sat on one and thought my feet were way too far forward. I loved the 250 though. Very easy to ride on, and just as easy to go fast on because it's so light, plus the new ones look awesome.

 

[BuellRider3158]

I started on a Buell Blast. If your looking for a starter bike its absolutely perfect. I loved the thing I still to this day wish I could have kept it. I actually had a 2002 Blast that was used as a trainer and never had a problem with it.

 

[scooterspal]

All the bikes went for between $700 and $775 at the CT state auction on Saturday. There were ten of them. Most were 2001 with one yellow 2003, as I recall. Anywhere from 800 to 1700 miles on them.

All needed work according to the auction sheet. All but the 2003 needed engine work. I did bid on that one but let it go when the bidding got to $750. A gal won it and she was thrilled so I hope it works out for her.


BTW: I've taken that training course. The bikes spend most of their time idling in the hot sun waiting for their turn. A 500CC air-cooled bike sitting idling for 7 to 9 years does not sound like much of a bargain even for $750.

I'm not a beginner but I was interested in getting a small "street bike" to bounce around on. My current bikes are all Hondas but the largest is a 1987 Elite CH250.

 

[upthemaiden]

I know the feeling. We still have my wife's old gs500 in the basement and even though it barely gets ridden, it's definitely run to ride around town. The handling is ridiculously light. I think we're still gonna get rid of it when spring comes around because 1 short ride every month isn't enough to justify keeping it, but still.

 

[Alfatango1]

I thought about buying one and doing the Cafe racer look but then I thought, I'd barely ride it with my 9R and 675 Triumph in the garage. I'm sure I'd end up giving it to my girlfriend.

 

[RT Performance]

Just watch crisgslist I got a scratched up 2007 and road it home change the engine and trans oil put tires on it. my gf just put 1300 miles on it since Thursday .
Best 1400 I spent + tires

 

[ezblast]

2003 and up is the safe bet.
EZ