[Jon D.]

Just another suggestion for a bike, it has standard controls and the V-twin will be plenty capable of pulling the hills. I would also say that because it does have some weight to it, the Semi’s that pass won’t be blowing you off the road. The bike avg’s 51mpg and with an engine guard would allow for some highway pegs and they look nice with a windshield. Also has the reliability of a decades old design and most of the problems encountered are easy fixes ( squeaky front brake being the biggest ) . Take care and God bless. Jon D. There is also a very nice review on this site about the bike.

[Munch]

Side note: also look at teh Vulcan 500 before I sold mine I was avg’ing 48-50 mpg all at 75+ mph. My ride to work is 36 miles to work and well depending on my mood various on the way back. It holds highway speeds very comfortably and does not get pushed around either. It has the same engine base as the Ninja 500 just geared more for cruiser style riding. Also the positioning of your feet is not that far forward. Just addin options.

[wbsprudels]

Maybe in 2001, but not now. The Buell Blast is the best-selling Buell model. It’s a single cylinder so there is less to go wrong with the engine. I can understand folks may not like the thumper aspect because of the single cylinder, but reliability? News to me. I’ve had no problems with my 2009 Blast but am comforted by the standard 24 month warranty. I have modified the handlebars, added a windshield, and a Givi trunk case. It’s an ideal commuting bike. I am 6’1 and 200 lbs and get 55-65 mpg. I’ve put over 3200 miles on my Blast since October. No reliability issues that I can see.

[Kendrick]

I wasn’t about to completely shrug them off. It looks like your about right. I came across this thread here and it indicates that Buell basically had some problems, up until after 2001 models, and folks seem to be quite satisfied with the reliability on these later models.

Not sure what kind of warranty I could hope for on a 2005 Blast from a dealership. I will definitely keep them on my list. Thanks for inspiring a second look man.

[Munch]

Both of you pls take a look at my post in Off topic “Recall List”

[wbsprudels]

Thanks. Interesting, but I wonder if there is a model or make not on that list.

[wbsprudels]

I know if you buy a Riders Edge bike from the HD dealership in Bloomington, IN, they give you the 24-month warranty, too. They’re not selling 2005’s. For more info on Blasts, check out badweatherbikers.com. The Thumper Forum has many active posters much more mechanically savy than me that could answer all of your questions.

[Clay Dowling]

I don’t mean to run down your ride. I’m sure it’s a great bike. But in February of 2009 I don’t think you can really provide any real long term reliability information about a 2009 bike. In 2014 you can provide some useful information.

I’m riding a 12 year old bike and it’s bullet proof. I have a friend who recently sold a 1979 Goldwing that was bulletproof other than needing carbs rebuilt from sitting idle for a year. A decade or two, you’re talking about a reliable bike. Four months, that’s not reliable. That’s “good so far.”

[Clay Dowling]

The Rebel isn’t on that list. And the list goes back to the 1970s.

[Kendrick]

I’ve finally arrived at a decision. I’m seeking out the Rebel. No, it won’t be the safest for the freeway, so I decided I’d use it on the alternate route, a 2 lane highway, which gets less traffic, and has a lower speed limit. I think time-wise, it won’t be slower, due to my typical work schedule and the traffic I will have to deal with.

I think a 250 it’s probably the only real economical choice if there is one. For one, the bike itself doesn’t have to cost a lot. Any good Rebel from whatever year, as long as it’s in good shape, should be about the same, mechanically.

For a toy, I’m thinking about building my own bike. Since I’ll finally have space to work, as opposed to my previous apartment life, I can seriously consider working on having a real toy. In the mean time, at least I’ll be keeping my riding abilities in good practice.

Thanks again guys. May I get 80mpg. Here’s the route.

[Clay Dowling]

I’m envious of the route. I drive through very flat farmland, nothing stellar about the ride. Having twisties most of the way to work would be awesome.

[Author]

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