Faults:

The left flasher indicator failed (burned bulb probably).

the front of the frame, was rusted badly.

General Comments:

I only drove this motorcycle one hour, as I rented it to do the test to get my license.

This motorcycle vibrates so much, it's almost unreal. Hey, I've got an XL600R 1982, 600cc single, and it doesn't even come near to how much vibration you get with that bike, it's ridiculous. I'm used to dirt bikes (got a CR250), and this thing vibrates like nothing I've seen.

The transmission is very clunky. The gears are not well related one to each other. First gear is very low, and second is very high, meaning you cannot make small turn (like a corner) in second.

The engine doesn't have enough torque for the revolution. If you downshift to first, even rev matching almost locks the rear wheel.

Getting the bike to move in first will either get you to spin the rear wheel, or the engine will die.

That's about it. The evaluator agreed that this bike was one of the worst things ever.

Sorry for my English; I'd rather speak french.

Anyway, don't buy or rent this motorcycle; it could be a big mistake.

Faults:

The first year was rough.

Front fork seal leaked. Replaced under warranty.

front motor mount broke. This was discovered while going through the 1k service. The part was replaced under warranty.

The poor bike spent nearly 2 months in the repair shop just to get the fork seals fixed.

Then it took about 2 weeks to get the motor mount repaired. The dealership had to order the part.

By the time the bike came back, fall was around the corner and the weather started to get too chilly to ride. I had invested so much on summer gear too :(

General Comments:

Once the bike was fully repaired, I got to ride it more in the late spring/early summer of the following season.

It is a joy of riding to get your skills re-tuned.

The bike has good off the line get up and go. I can say that it will do 70mph on the freeway.

It loves the tight turns. I did a deep lean without falling, but did managed to scrape out the rubber cover on the footpeg leaning left. I guess I should invest on some rearsets.

Reliable in cold starts.

Invest on some wrenches. The bike likes to rattle a little, and this loosens the mirrors just a little.

The first fill up of gas since the repair shop was well under $4.35. My benz will go through $65 easy.

Faults:

The standard rear Dunlop tire was completely worn by 3500 miles.

The bike tends to need refueling after only 2/3 of the tank has been used. I believe this is a known issue.

The HD-derived transmission is rather clunky.

General Comments:

This is my first motorcycle and I have been very happy with it. It is easy to ride and handles incredibly well due to its light weight and low center of gravity. The brakes are fantastic.

The engine shakes a little (it's a 492 CC single), but has good power through the gears. The engine has been very reliable, doesn't use oil, and never fails to start, even in cold weather.

The transmission is geared well, but clunks from gear to gear, especially into first.

The styling is cool for a cheaper bike, and the HD dealer network is good. Parts can be surprisingly expensive, though.

Overall I'm very happy with the Blast and plan to upgrade to a different Buell in the future.