Buell Blast Review and Specs

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, you’ve most likely heard of the Buell Blast motorcycle. But are you familiar with all its features? This article will provide a full Buell Blast review and go over all of its features and specs.

The Buell Blast motorcycle was manufactured between 2000 and 2009. Up until now, it is a well-known brand for both beginners and experienced riders. The Buell Blast reviews are above average because of their affordability, fuel efficiency, and convenient features.

Read on to learn more about the Buell Blast motorcycle, including its specs and features, so you can decide if it is the right bike for you.

About the Buell Blast Motorcycle

The Buell Blast motorcycle was manufactured by the Buell Motorcycle Company between 2000 and 2009. It was founded in 1983 by Erik Buell who is a former Harley-Davidson engineer. Harley-Davidson bought minority shares of Buell Blast in 1993 and then wholly acquired it in 2003.

Initially, the Buell Blast was conceived as a motorcycle for beginners. It was designed in such a way that new motorcyclists would not only be attracted to Buell Blast. But also to be eventually interested in trying Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The aim was to build a motorcycle that was affordable and easy to operate and maintain. Buell then integrated features that would help them successfully achieve this. Among these were a carburetor featuring an automatic choke, hydraulic self-adjusting valve lifters, and an automatically tensioned belt final drive.

The Buell Blast’s design was patterned after the Evolution Sportster engine of Harley-Davidson. The main difference, however, was that Harley’s rear cylinder was eliminated from Blast’s design.

In the Edge New Rider program conducted by Harley-Davidson, the Blast was the unit used. This program resembles the Basic Rider Course conducted by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation of the United States.

It was in July 2009 when Buell announced their decision to stop manufacturing the Blast.

Let me start my Buell Blast 500 review based on the following interesting points:

Buell Turned Boring Motorcycle Parts Fun
Design Focused on Weight Savings and Mass Centralization
Buell Features an Aluminum Frame

1. Buell Turned Boring Motorcycle Parts Fun

The air cleaner assembly incorporated in Sportster engines may seem boring, but not for Buell. They took an interest in it and flipped it 45 degrees. They designed the curved steel frame in such a way that would compliment Buell motorcycles. This eventually led to the Screaming Eagle Carbon Fiber air cleaner assembly.

Buell Blast motorcycles feature top-shelf components. There were Harley wheels and brake assemblies that came stock on the Buell. Their steel frames feature artistic curves, complimenting the bike’s aluminum mounting brackets.

2. Design Focused on Weight Savings and Mass Centralization

Buell consistently prioritized weight savings and mass centralization. In fact, they eliminated 1 front brake assembly in their Buell S-Series and other variants featuring S-1 Lightning and S-2 Thunderbolt. Then, they instead decided to enlarge the remaining front brake assembly.

Such a design was integrated after discovering that there were no braking issues after doing so. In fact, the suspension rebound was even faster and more controllable for the forks.

Uniplanar mounting from the top controlled engine vibrations. It allowed the engine to float in a single axis while the other axis kept a stressed member. This brilliant engine mounting system enabled Buell bikes to take advantage of the heavy flywheels. It could resist flipping when bikers turn hard while leaned over.

3. Buell Features an Aluminum Frame

When Buell started, they were using modern steel frames that resembled those used by Ducati. Those frames were heavier than the Twin-Spar Aluminum.

They eventually used an aluminum frame. This allowed them to eliminate more than 40 lbs of bike weight. Aside from that, this allowed the bikes to remarkably increase their power performance.

The Frame Assembly was also the bike’s fuel tank. Buell eliminated the dry sump oil tank. As for the engine oil, it was stored in the swingarm. Below is a great Buell Blast 500 review:

Buell Blast Specs

Let’s now take a look at the 2009 Buell Blast motorcycle specs:

1. Engine and Transmission

The Blast features a 492 cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine. Its bore and stroke measure 3.5 inches x 3.13 inches. It has a compression ratio of 9.2: 1 and an OHV valve train.

Its ignition is electric while the induction is a carburetor. The final drive is belt type.

2. Fuel

The fuel capacity of the Blast is 2.8 gallons. As for its estimated fuel economy, it is roughly 64 miles per gallon for a city ride. At the same time, it is approximately 73 miles per gallon during a highway ride.

3. Brakes and Suspension

The front brakes feature a disc measuring 12.6 inches. As for its rear brakes, the disc measures 8.7 inches.

When it comes to its suspension, the front suspension features a telescopic fork. At the same time, the rear suspension features a twin-sided swingarm.

4. Tires

Front tires measure 100 mm in width and 80 mm in sidewall height. The rim size is 16 inches in diameter.

Rear tires measure 120 mm in width and 80 mm in sidewall height. As for the rim size, it is 16 inches in diameter.

5. Other Specs

The Blast’s wheelbase measures 55 inches while its rake is 25 degrees. Its seat height measures 27.5 inches. As for its curb weight, it is 360 lbs when empty.

6. Accessories

The Blast comes with the following accessories:

Windshield
Traction Hand Grips
Standard Profile Seat
Saddlebags
Low Profile Seat
Fortress Cover

In this video, Light Designs describes how fun it is to ride a 2003 Buell Blast 500cc. It talks about the Blast features and compares it with a Harley-Davidson.

Buell Blast Models

Below are the different Buell Blast motorcycle models launched from 1999 to 2009:

1999-2000

The 1999 MY Buell Blast motorcycle features an air-cooled, four-stroke, 492 cc, single-cylinder powerplant. It is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission engine capable of producing roughly 34 horsepower (hp) and 46 Newton-metre (Nm) of torque.

This model boasts impressive standard fittings. Its front disc brake measures 320 mm. At the same time, the rear disc brake measures 220 mm.

It features a Showa suspension package that includes a 37-mm telescopic fork in the front. It also includes a gas-charged rear mono-shock.

This Blast model also features an engine mud-guard, mid-mounted foot controls, a matte wind deflector, a dual seat, and cast-aluminum wheels. It also has an analog and digital instrument cluster.

2000-2001

The Blast motorcycle manufactured between 2001 and 2002 has all the general features of the model made from 1999 to 2000. If there are any differences, it lies in the external appearance, such as the color and the design.

Also, the fuel capacity of the 2001 Blast model is higher at 2.8 gallons or 10.6 liters. At the same time, the fuel capacity of the 2000 Blast model is only 2.6 gallons or 9.8 liters.

The 2001 Blast has a wheelbase measuring 55.3 inches or 1405 mm. Its ground clearance measures 5.3 inches or 135 mm.

2001-2002

Similarly, the Blast motorcycle built between 2001 and 2002 has the general features of its older versions. It also has a maximum power output of 34 hp and 46 Nm of torque from its air-cooled, four-stroke, 492 cc, single-cylinder engine. It’s also paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. But this time, it features a Kevlar-reinforced belt final drive.

2002-2003

This Blast motorcycle model basically has the same features as its older versions. But Buell made it even more user-friendly for beginners.

Buell aims to encourage more people to love motorcycling. With the 2003 Buell Blast model, even those who haven’t tried motorcycling before will find it fun and easy to learn. This model surely fits the requirements of every novice rider.

2003-2004

With the Blast motorcycle made between 2003 and 2004, Buell made sure that it would not only be enjoyed by novice riders. They made it a point to make it an interesting one for experienced riders too. More than anything else, it was built for all riders who prioritize agility over raw strength.

2004-2005

Buell, between 2004 and 2005, manufactured the 2005 Blast motorcycle. Its features are basically similar to the features of the Buell model built between 2003 and 2004.

If this model has any difference from its older versions, it is all about the added comfort. That way, novice riders will be even more encouraged to love motorcycling.

2005-2006

Similarly, there is not much of a difference between the 2005 and the 2006 models. The high demand for the Blast prompted Buell to build more units for the 2006 release.

However, this time, it doesn’t only fit the requirements of beginners. It also fits the needs of the seasoned ones. The 2006 model is more comfortable and more fuel-efficient. It can be used conveniently every day. Indeed, Buell continued to succeed in making the Blast even more user-friendly.

2006-2009

Buell continued to release Blast models every year from 2006 to 2009. There doesn’t seem to be much different when it comes to the features. But Buell went on producing units due to high demand.

Suffice to say, those built between 2006 and 2009 offer the same comfort, fuel efficiency, and user-friendliness.

Pros and Cons of the Buell Blast Motorcycle

Undoubtedly, the Buell Blast is one motorcycle that any rider will definitely enjoy. But just like any other motorcycle brand or any other type of vehicle for that matter, there are also disadvantages to it. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the Blast:

Buell Blast Pros

Built for the Real World
Fuel-Efficient
Durable

1. Built for the Real World

The Blast is lightweight and nimble. It may be slightly less powerful compared to other 500 cc motorcycles. But it is definitely more powerful than 250 cc bikes.

It has sufficient power and refined agility. This means that it will surely satisfy the expectations of seasoned riders when it comes to performance.

The Blast starts easily and features brisk acceleration. It has impressive power for highway riding. Its muffler is located just below the engine. That way, it will promote a low center of gravity. At the same time, it keeps the exhaust away from the legs of both the rider and the passenger.

2. Fuel-efficient

This Buell motorcycle is not only easy to use. But it is also easy to maintain. It features self-adjusting hydraulic valve lifters and a Kevlar-reinforced drive belt. Suffice to say that it doesn’t need lubrication or adjustment.

In terms of city riding, fuel economy is roughly 68 mpg. The Blast has a 2.8-gallon fuel tank that delivers a cruising range of approximately 200 miles.

3. Durable

The features we have earlier mentioned are proof of the Buell Blast reliability. But if that isn’t enough, it’s worth mentioning that it also features tough Surlyn composite body panels.

The color of Blast units is molded into the Surlyn. That way, light scratches can easily be removed by buffing.

Buell Blast Cons

While not all Buell Blast riders may agree to this, some say that the disadvantages include the following:

Clunky Transmission
Hit or Miss Reliability
Lack of Tachometer

Unfortunately, several Blast riders claim that they spend more time wrenching on their bike than literally riding it. However, most Blast riders claim otherwise, saying they haven’t experienced any issue with their Blast. If they had, these were mostly minor ones.

2009 Buell Blast Motorcycle Competitors

Maybe, you’re wondering which motorcycles are the key competitors of the 2009 Buell Blast motorcycle. There are a few, and among its 2009 competitors are the following:

Suzuki GS500
Yamaha FZ6R
Honda CBR 600
Kawasaki Ninja 500R

Conclusion – Buell Blast

The Buell Blast motorcycle was manufactured between 2000 and 2009. But it has always been a well-known brand for both beginners and experienced riders up until today. Its affordability, fuel efficiency, and other features make it all convenient to own and maintain one.

Overall, the Buell Blast is a unique motorcycle that is fun to use, particularly in the curves and twisty roads. While some Blast riders claim that it isn’t as reliable as its rivals, most say it’s all about proper maintenance.

Still not sure about its reliability after reading and hearing several Buell Blast reviews? It’s best to go and get a test drive. That way, you’ll get a first-hand experience of riding this unique bike.