New to bikes...buying a 2003 Blast. Anything to look for?

[Axelf]

Greetings!

I'm new to motorcycles and just got my license. I've been tooling around in a pos chinese scooter and am ready to move up.

I am going to look at a 03 Blast this weekend. It's got 2500 miles and he'll take $1500 (listed for 1850). He said it has always had it's regular oil changes and a new battery. I was hoping you guys could tell me what to look for specifically on these bikes. I'm pretty new to this stuff so please use layman's terms

Thanks and I can't wait to join your ranks [up]

 

[nikfleisch]

http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-Forum/General-Motorcycle-Chat/Buell-XB-Buyers-Guide


Congrats, a blast some consider not a true buell, but enjoy! They are fun little bikes that are easy on the wallet.

 

[BuellRider3158]

Blasts ARE true Buells... It was my first bike and I wish I still had it, the thing was a damn sight more reliable then my Lightning that's for sure. Welcome to the forum, Blasts are simple, reliable, great little bikes for someone new to motorcycling. Basically if it looks clean, no visual sign of crashes or anything, and runs well(no knocks, pings, clatters, stutters or things like that) then your set. Once again welcome.

 

[Axelf]

I just picked up my scooter from the bike shop and the owner told me under no circumstances should I be buying a Buell. He said the entire line is prone to issues. He said for a first bike I should be looking at Honda.

Is he right? Will the Buell Blast be a money pit? I'm looking for honest answers. I know this is a Buell forum but I really don't want to make a mistake on my first bike.

He also said $1500 is too much for a Blast...is that true as well?

 

[Blastonia]

No more problems or issues then any other used bike, regardless of brand. If you dont know anything about bikes take a buddy who does have him ride it and tell you what his opinion is. Fyi when you let out the clutch on a blast it will clunk and maybe double clunk. Its normal.

 

[mnbuellrider]

Mechanically pretty reliable. Neutral may be hard to find at first, but enjoy taking it in curves. Very forgiveable bike and great at cornering. If you take care of it just like any other bike it will run for a long time with just normal maintenance. As far as buells being prone to problems welcome to moving vehicles. Anything that moves and stops under pressure is going to have components that go out. For fifteen hundred you can ride it for a year and if you decide to sell it get that back out of it. Just my opinion.

 

[BuellRider3158]

I had a Blast for a year and never had a single issue with it. So I would say no, great little bike.

 

[jetlee]

a blast some consider not a true buell

Well, even Erik said Blast's were not what Buell was about and he only came out with them under pressure to make a starter bike for MSF classes and to feed customers to HD. Look up some of his interviews around the time Buell was axed.

You obviously haven't seen some of the Blasts that left this site due to attitudes similar to yours.

To the OP, Blasts are as reliable as you are responsible, just like any other motor vehicle. You take care of it, it lasts a long time.

Fast, Cheap, Reliable <--Pick Two

 

[Axelf]

Thanks for responding guys.

@Alfatango1 I've already talked the guy down from $1850 so going to $1000/1200 will be VERY hard.

If $1500 for an 03 Buell is too much someone please tell me before I pay this guy.

Side note* How much does a full tune and fluid change usually cost? Maybe I can use that in further price negotiation...

 

[jetlee]

If $1500 for an 03 Buell is too much someone please tell me before I pay this guy.

Side note* How much does a full tune and fluid change usually cost? Maybe I can use that in further price negotiation...

It's not too much.

Fluid change is ~3 quarts of oil and a filter.

 

[Axelf]

@jetlee Thanks man. What about a tune? Is it a good idea as the bike is 9+ years old even though the mileage is low?

 

[jetlee]

Tune consists of just a spark plug and plug wire, and some seafoam through a tank of fuel.

If you don't want to upgrade, get this one.

If you do want to upgrade, get this one.

 

[NwRider]

Fast, Cheap, Reliable <--Pick Two

Thats awesome and so true.

 

[Axelf]

Fast, Cheap, Reliable <--Pick Two

Cheap and Reliable!

 

[Axelf]

Bought it for $1500. The guy wouldnt take anything less. Then on way (4 mile ride) from his house I got grabbed by the cops for riding without a plate (forgot to bring my other plate). So the bike got towed ($175) and I have a court date for the offense. Can't get bike till Monday and I have no idea what the judge will do to me...awesome friggin day. I have no one to blame but myself but what a way to start a purchase.

 

[nikfleisch]

You should have no problem in wi you have 30 days to get a plate, and as long as your only transporting it home you can ride...

 

[GAXB9R]

^^^^ That sucks. Here in Ga you can ride with out a tag for 30 days with a bill of sale. Did you show the cop that you just bought it. Some are just not as considerate as others.

 

[03Firebolt9R]

Congrats on your Buell Axelf. I don't understand why you would get citated since you just bought the bike. Doesn't make much sense.

Relax Jetlee...only attitude I sense is yours.

 

[Alfatango1]

You obviously haven't seen some of the Blasts that left this site due to attitudes similar to yours.

I was just relaying what "Erik Buell" himself said in interviews. I never said they were bad bikes and I didn't like them. I have posted pics of Blast' that I truly dig. If you got a beef take it up with Erik, not me.

 

[jetlee]

Relax Jetlee...only attitude I sense is yours.

That may've been an appropriate comment 2 days ago. [down]
That's like the guy that walks in to a group then tries to comment on a subject that was ended 10 minutes prior...


AxelF, check your local laws. If others are correct about the 30 days, then as long as you have a bill of sale, I would take it to the judge and then ask for reimbursement of all fines and costs because the officer was out of line and the issue should've never taken place.