As I was searching for the a great beginner motorcycle to buy for my starter bike, there were two bikes that kept popping up in my list that matched my requirements. The first was the Buell Blast 500 and the second was the Kawasaki Ninja 250. This Buell Blast Review will hopefully give new riders a comprehensive look into this fun little bike.
While I liked the looks of the Ninja, I really wasn’t looking for a true sports bike so I ruled that out right away. After researching a number of other starter bikes, I finally settled on a used 2001 Buell Blast.
I rode the Blast in my Basic Riders Course, so I had an understanding of what it could do and how it felt riding it on the range. While I read a number of reviews on the Buell Blast (both good and bad) during my research, I decided to write a quick review on my 2001 Buell Blast to give my unbiased view of the bike.
Buell Blast Review
First things first, let’s talk about the Buell Blast specs. Not going to go into a great degree of detail on this, as you can find everything you wanted to know on the Blast spec’s right here.
Buell Blast Specs:
- 492cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine
- 34 hp @ 6500 rpm
- 360 lbs dry weight
- 5 speed transmission
- 2.8 gal fuel capacity
- 67 MPG
- 27.5″ standard seat height
Keep in mind, this Buell Blast 500 review is based upon me being a new rider that just completed a basic riders course. The requirements I had of my first bike was as follows:
- One that I could learn on and gain confidence with
- Easy to maneuver and control
- Wasn’t interested in a 250cc bike, but at the same time I didn’t want a bike that had too much power
- Was only interested in a used bike
- Finally, I only planned on keeping the bike for a year or two
Buell Blast Review: The Good
The thing I loved about my 2001 Buell Blast 500 is how easy it was to ride. It doesn’t weigh a lot and is extremely easy to control in low speed situations.
It’s a blast (no pun intended) in the corners. While it doesn’t have a ton of power, it is more than adequate for a first time rider. I’ve had the bike up to 70 MPH and there’s plenty of throttle left for more, although I haven’t had a need to go any faster than that. I can easily cruise at 50 MPH in 4th gear without over revving the engine.
A lot of reviews I’ve read complain about the shake and vibration. While I don’t really have anything to compare the bike to, this isn’t a problem for me and I’ve had no issues with vibration either at cruising or idle. While I haven’t been able to get to the advertised 67 MPG, I have been averaging just over 60 MPH and that’s with some custom mod’s the previous owner has made to increase horsepower.
Oh, and one other thing, basic maintenance is a breeze. Since I’ve never owned a bike before, I’ve obviously never had to change the oil in one. With some quick research, I was able to find everything I needed to know to change the oil on my 2001 Buell Blast, and I accomplished this in just over an hour. Not bad given it was the first time changing the oil in a bike.
Buell Blast Review: The Not So Good
The bike seems to take a bit to warm up. The Buell Blast 500 doesn’t have a choke, well technically it’s an automatic choke, it can seem a little finicky from time to time. I’ve had a few issues with the bike stalling after I’ve initially started it (before my ride), after the automatic choke kicks off, but that seems to only happen on real hot or cold day’s.
The biggest annoyance I have with the bike is the suspension, it’s kind of a rough ride. Ok, it’s a very rough ride. Some of the streets near me are a little old and bumpy and are in need of repair. When I’m riding on these streets, I can feel every bump in the road, so it’s not a very smooth ride at all.
Shifting down to first can also be an adventure. You don’t get that nice little nick you hear on most Japanese bikes, instead it’s a rather loud clunk.
Summing it up
All in all, I’m very happy with my choice of the Buell Blast as my first bike to learn on. I’ve been riding it for just over 2 months, and I haven’t become bored with it yet. It has all the acceleration and speed that I need for my first bike. It would be great if the ride was a little smoother, but it’s something I can easily deal with in the short term since my focus is gaining experience with riding.
Would I recommend this as a first bike to someone, absolutely. Feel free to leave any comments or questions, and I’d be happy to respond. Now I just need to figure out what kind of new bike to get in a year or so. Happy riding!
One more thing that may help you out. If your the type that likes to wrench on your own bike, I have the Buell Blast Service Manual available to view or download.
I also have some real-world stats on what you can expect on gas mileage with the Buell Blast.
I know you wrote this about 2 years ago but great Point of view. Thanks
Thanks Tyler. I happened to read through this a few weeks back and I still stand by my review. I actually miss this bike and wish I would have kept it.
Hi Craig, I also have a 2005 Beull Blast and absolutely love it since I am a smaller petite woman at only 5’01” height so I feel very comfortable handling it. I do have a question my low seat has a tear in it right at the top seam and has the staples coming out do you have any advice on how to fix this fairly inexpensive without me having to spend the money on a new seat since it is not very attractive looking at all when I ride. Please let me know. Thanks so much. Sincerely, Vanessa W.
Hi Vanessa – I need to apologize to you as well for not responding sooner. Too busy with other things I guess.
As far as the seat goes, check out YouTube, there are a number of video’s on how to repair a vinyl motorcycle seat. May not look like band new, but it beats having to invest in another seat.
Glad you’re liking your Blast, I miss mine, and am kicking myself for selling the thing.
Hey I was wondering I’m getting this bike but I’m thinking hard because it has a few things I have to bike like the odometer sensor and also the axle and the head gasket and I’m thinking if I should get it or should I save for an other bike
I guess it depends on how comfortable you are with wrenching on the bike. If it was me I’d pass and wait for the next opportunity.
Getting ready to go look at my potential first bike purchase – a 2001 Blast. Thanks for the review, very helpful and the pdf’s of the service manual are greatly appreciated.
Thats awesome Mark. I loved my Blast and I wish i never sold it.
I’m also looking into getting a 2002 Blast; where are the pdfs of the manuals you mentioned?
Hey Katie – If you do a site search on “Buell Blast Service Manual”, you’ll find the post I did.
Just bought my Buell Blast.
One thing you didn’t mention and that can be a bit frustrating at the beginning, especially for new rider is the almost binary clutch. But once you understand you need to handle it very carefully, it’s a really nice ride. Good for novice, and great also for experienced bikers who want something cheap and simple to commute.
Agree with you Sergio on it being a great bike for a new rider. I’m still mad at myself for getting rid of mine.
I don’t recall having the issues you are stating with the clutch. Wonder if yours just needs some adjustment???
Hi Craig,
I am just getting back into riding after decades and came across…
Are you ready for this?
A 2003 Buell Blast with 1,006 miles on it. Two windscreens, saddlebags, black and red plastic body parts.
Ready for this one? I got it for $1,200! I am used to riding bigger things, but honestly I am getting up there in age so I want to slowly slip back into riding. I rode a 50cc (uh…no it isn’t modified wink wink TaoTao) for a year before I bought this because I wanted to make sure I still had the skills to ride period.
Automobile drivers are scary enough and I wanted to make sure I could still make it out there in the ‘killing fields’ that is everyday commuting when it comes to riding. I have had close calls on ‘scooty’ and even my mountain bike (a mongoose).
The purchase was great, but this isn’t the type of bike I am used to. No fuel gauge, no tach. There is a rubber gasket to prevent spashback in the tank. How full do I fill the tank? Supposedly? There is a reserve switch since there is no fuel gauge or warning light. Is it there on the older models? I have a 2003 and I can’t find it. I am going to either buy an owner’s manual or go to the local Harley shop and get laughed at but ask.
My other question is how do you know how to shift? Without a tach, do I listen for the motor to get to a certain sound? I plan on riding this around town. ‘Scooty’ went to my son-in-law and in a year or two I plan on giving him this as he also really wants to ride. Thanks for any advice you can give.
BTW, this one doesn’t have the stock exhaust, it has an exhaust that makes this thing go “pot pot pot pot pot”
Which is half of potato potato potato…LOL.
Mark – My apologies for not getting back with you sooner! Every time someone leaves me a comment on this post, I get mad at myself for selling my Blast. That was a fun bike, and so easy to handle.
So you got everything for $1200, and the bike only has 1000 miles on it? Good for you!
If I recall, filling the bike was a bit of a challenge because of the flange on the tank. You just had to insert the tip of the nozzle in the tank when filling up. No fuel gauge on any of the Blasts, they all had a reserve. The petcock is on the left hand side, within arms reach, and can easily be flipped over to reserve once the bike start sputtering.
Shifting for me was by sound. When it started winding up, I knew it was time to shift it. I think the limiter was set to like 6k, so you don’t need to worry about over-revving the thing.
Happy for you – keep me posted on things.
Haha I find it fun that Craig keeps regretting selling his Buell Blast. My first motorcycle was a 2000 Buell Blast brand new out of the Harley dealership. And.. I regretted it.
Come 16 years later, I couldn’t pass it up. I grabbed a 07 Buell Blast with 9K on it for $950.00. I think I’ll keep this one for good.
Some people tend to bash smaller bikes, but these days 500cc singles are in fashion. Cafe Racers… Scramblers… and Streetfighters… You name it, those hipsters are crazy.
It was a very fun bike, and you’re right, I do regret selling it. If I could find one like you just found for under $1000, I’d buy the thing in a heartbeat.
As for being a hipster, because of my Thruxton? Nah! Enjoy your Blast!
Yeah I had one red one, and now I have a white one. The guy took out the baffle on a universal Screaming Eagle muffler. It was louder than a Royal Enfield. I told the guy give me the baffle or I’m not buying the bike. lol
Great bike to learn on in every sense of learning…. riding, fixing, experiencing on the road repairs…. I’ve learned to ride without a clutch, I’ve driven with a battery charger connected, I’ve gotten use to spraying the engine down with brake cleaner to remove the splatter from the leaky rocker box and pushrods and base gaskets
The worst thing about this bike was is finding parts and service….. badweatherbikers is your best chance as well as buellster(good luck calling them) and Twinmotorcycles
Mark,
I enjoyed reading your review. I am new to motorcycling—I just completed the basic rider course. I am looking at an’07 Blast, which has a good price for only having 6,800 miles. I appreciate learning that it is easy to control. I hope the throttle is solid—the bikes used for the riding course were very new, and the the throttle seemed sloppy. Over sensitive is probably a more accurate description.
I am hoping to look at and test ride the bike tomorrow. I have read good things about the Blast. What are your thoughts about it’s long-term reliability?
Well my ‘01 Blast was still running fine up until I sold it back in 2013. I’d say it was pretty durable. Sounds like you have a good deal, and I’m sure you won’t be sorry.
I just recently took a beginner’s weekend class and now looking for a good beginner bike to gain my skills on. I am going to be looking at a Buell Blast as my first bike and this review has really sold me on taking a good hard look at this bike. I can’t wait to respond back to let you know what my experience is.
How awesome. Can’t wait to hear back from you Marianne. Still wish I had my Blast. It was a “blast” to ride 😀
Bought 2004 with just a lil over 3 grand on it for 1200… went yo oversize tires which doesn’t kill me in mileage but decreased a few. Went from O.Es to 140/70/16 on back and 110/40/16 on fro t what a difference I love my lil single.. highly recommend
Awesome stuff Richard. Sounds like you got a great deal!
I just bought one today a 2001 Buell Blast 500 10k on it $1000 and it was even delivered. I love the fact it’s not real heavy I can touch both feet flat on the ground which was important to me. Only thing I didn’t like was it was hard to find neutral and no tach and no fuel guage and only shows neutral and not any of the other gears which helps me a new rider basically haven’t been on a bike in over 20 years. All in all the good and the bad I love it so far and can’t wait for weather to get warmer so I can ride it
I know right. A tad to cold and snowy to be riding! Enjoy that bike!
Hot or cold DAYS, not “day is”
If YOU’RE the type that likes wrenching…
If you would fix those spelling mistakes, I’d give your review a thumb up!
Appreciate the call outs Don. I’ll get the grammar cleaned up. 😀
I just bought my first 2002 Buell blast. I’m having trouble with keeping the engine running. Is this typical of this bike? I changed the spark plug, all the oils, the carb is clean, I don’t know what else to check. Any ideas would be great!
Thanks, Cyn
Hey Cynthia – I never had any issues with my Blast keeping it running. Perhaps someone else can chime in with their experiences.
Thanks Craig. I have no trouble with it by spraying gas into the carb, but it will only stay idle at that time. I’m assuming the gas isn’t getting through. The fuel lines are clear. Idk what else to check. I’m a newbie to all this.
This just occurred to me. Are you sure you have the fuel switch set to on or reserve? It happened to me.
I’ll have to check, lol! Thanks!
Will be buying my ‘new’ 2004 Buell Blast tomorrow, after not being able to ride for ~20 years following a bad accident. Bike has only has 2K miles on it, has been garage kept, on a battery tender and with gas stabilizer. Below is the seller’s description of the bike. I can’t wait to climb on it! Seller is letting it go for $1,350, I think that’s a good deal for the condition it’s in:
Seller’s description
2004 Buell Blast with 2108 miles
-Always kept in garage with a battery tender, stored with fuel stabilizer, and ran monthly
-Ride it a few miles per month
-Carb was cleaned a few hundred miles ago and oil is clean obviously
-Vance and Hines Exhaust (I believe it has been jetted as well)
-Never laid down
-Virtually brand new
-Comes with battery tender
-Registration paid till 05/2020