just dreaming... educate me on what I should get please!

[BLINGMW]

Maybe for next season, I'd like to get a bike. The Blast calls to me because it's somewhat light (360lbs), is touted as a good starter bike, air cooled, carbed, nice and simple and inexpensive, just the way I like it. I also like that it's a sport/touring bike and should be a little more comfortable on the street, and a barely used one is $2-3k. I would use it to go to work (70MPG!) and play on nice days.

BUT.... I'd like to do at least a few track events too and really learn how to ride fast. From what I can tell, there are a few that track them, but I get the impression that there might be better choices. So I guess my question is:

A) Would the Blast be any good on the track? I'm sure I'd get wasted on the straights, but if you know me, you know I don't care about that. Low powered but lightweight is what I like. But would I be able to really lean and corner like any one else, or does the belt drive or street-tuned suspension or something else (brakes? shocks? I don't know) prevent that?

B) If not the Blast, then what? Although the Blast is "light" compared to most bikes made today, I'm finding evidence of some "race" bikes, with even smaller engines that are much much lighter. Something like the Aprilia RS 125 or 250? That 125 has just as much power as the Blast, but weighs 100lbs less, is track oriented and has to be badass! Right? Is that or something like it available in the US? Is there an older 2-stroke race bike I should consider? I'm sure 360lbs is a barge compared to older bikes. If I want to spend only a few grand, but want something reliable, do I have any options?

[Ginger]

This is great news! The Dark Side has you now!

I think the Blast is a cool bike, first off. I took my MSF course on one and I've got a lot of the pushrod blood in me, but I don't think it's a very good choice for much of anything except your first month on a motorcycle.

I feel that it doesn't have enough Go to get out of it's own way if you get into a hairy situation the requires liberal use of the right grip. I can tolerate the lack of locomotion in a car, visibility is higher as is the error-tolerability-factor, but it only takes one cager to shift lanes into you before you're in a wheel chair, or worse. It's good to have real power there when you need it. When you're comfortable on a bike you're also going to want something more powerful; twisting the throttle is a lot more entertaining than you might imagine... after a short while the lackluster bang from the Blast will get very uninspiring. Which brings me to the track ability you queried. I think it's out of place there.... it's not entirely inappropriate, it's just not a gofast piece of metal.

It's lean angles aren't the most impressive in the world. You'll run into rubber availability issues (call me crazy... but I like being able to use the tire truck at the track). None of the hardware is up to the kind of serious use that Riding Fast [on track] is up to. There won't be any spares for you in the pits if anything goes wrong (although, apparently riding the world's most popular bike doesn't assure this, either). Soo.. what would I choose? A 2 stroke is going to be a bear for a new rider and will be 100% out of place anywhere but the track (especially the Aprilias)

You want something that's beginner friendly, but has room to grow. Something track capable, but street worthy. Reliability, parts availability, and a large network of know how for to fall back on are all factors... I think a GREAT decision would be an SV650. They're cheap, all over the place, more than at home on the track, dead nuts reliable, twins, and just pretty durn cool. I'd rock one.... maybe I should. Would be a nice additio... I should stop this. I think, to say that they're the E30's of the bike world would be a good comparison.

I'd be more than happy to help you out finding one and going to look at it and all that garbage.

One more thing - I've got to say it, although I'm sure you've thought of it, because it's such an important safety decision to make. Take the MSF Course! I don't know if you'll have much of a wait, but it's a good idea to get it out of the way now. Getting everything done in a hurry is a recipe for for disaster.. plus, if you take it now you'll want a bike even sooner!

[Chris]

[quote="asteele2" I think, to say that they're the E30's of the bike world would be a good comparison.[/quote]


I think you sold him with this line!

[Ross]

I was going to say everything that Andrew just said. Although I might have compared the SV to the DC2 Integra. Either way, it's what you're after.

[BLINGMW]

I plan on taking the MSF course by the end of the summer, VA Western is at the end of the block where they have them all the time! 8)

And hmm.... I like that SV, not a bad sugestion at all! I like the looks, weighs the same, double the power, higher seat would probably fit me better, I'll have to take your word on the tires issue-- if it's a more common size, that can only be a good thing. Chain drive is probably a good thing too. And it might just make it into my price range if I bought off season as I plan to. Would I be looking for the "S" or regular? Just a looks thing or is there any performance difference?

The only thing I see on the list that I'm not a huge fan of is the water cooling. That was one thing I liked about the Blast and all years of the SV's have it. Again, just a simplicity thing, it's yet another system that needs maintainence and care. Tell me.... is that silly? Is the cooling system on a bike just so simple that it's really a non-issue, and if anything means you have less to worry about on a hot day?

[SameeRR]

hey man, i used to have a blast for a few months. it was my first bike, and it treated me very well. it sounds awesome too.

it would be pretty crappy for the track however. if you have any questions about them lemme know, i should be able to help you.

[BLINGMW]

hey man, i used to have a blast for a few months. it was my first bike, and it treated me very well. it sounds awesome too.

it would be pretty crappy for the track however. if you have any questions about them lemme know, i should be able to help you.

I knew someone in MM had one, I forgot it was you. So you tired of it after a few months? And what gave you the impression that it'd be inapropriate for the track?

[BLINGMW]

hmm... the GS500E (without the fairing), seems ideal, air cooled!.... but it's actually slightly heavier than the SV. That's kinda gay, why isn't it lighter? Any other suggestions? Are there sub 300lb bikes the exist or is ~360 kind of the floor for a somewhat modern bike?

[Ross]

hmm... the GS500E (without the fairing), seems ideal, air cooled!.... but it's actually slightly heavier than the SV. That's kinda gay, why isn't it lighter? Any other suggestions? Are there sub 300lb bikes the exist or is ~360 kind of the floor for a somewhat modern bike?

GS500 is heavy because the technology it's based on is old.

If you want something that is rider-friendly and track-friendly, SV650 is the only answer you're going to get. And you don't need someone's first-hand experience to know that the Blast is going to suck.

Another light bike that has good track potential is the Ducati Monster. The 620 is super light and has a very low seat height, somewhere between a Blast and an SV650. Although if you're scared off by the SV having a 'complicated' cooling system, I don't think a Ducati is up your alley.

[.RJ]

Although if you're scared off by the SV having a 'complicated' cooling system, I don't think a Ducati is up your alley.

I dunno, a monster is stupid simple to me. Air cooled, 2v desmo twin...... seems like the way to go if can do the maintenance yourself and not pay the local $$ducati dealer$$ for it.

I'm torn on whether my next bike should be a monster 900/S2R or a Honda F4i....

[SameeRR]

Oh yeah, Channing, I forgot to tell you that I am Chris Procopio's roommate. JayRay told me to mention that. But he's pretty retarded, so take it for what its worth.

Anywho, the Blast is an awesome beginner bike, like I said. It doesn't let you do anything stupid by jerking the throttle and its very forgiving if you mishift by mistake (thats much more than I can say for my RR).

I don't think its a good track bike because its only got 30 lb-ft of torque and like 34 hp. It's also a single cylinder engine.

Though this bike can handle corners with the best of them, and I'd imagine you taking most turns on a track in 2nd gear - you gotta remeber that this bike was not built for the track. its a beginner bike, not a track bike.

Take a look at this link when you have some time, its pretty helpful.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcbuell/blast/00blast.html">http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcbuell/blast/00blast.html</a><!-- m -->

[Apoc]

Would I be looking for the "S" or regular? Just a looks thing or is there any performance difference?

It's basically the same bike except for the seating position and the wind buffeting. I suggest you go to a local dealer and sit on both... like night and day.

[Mike]

don't get a blast... 3rd or 4th vote for an sv.

[Kaan]

SV650... great bike... well ballanced... tracks well

older F4/F4i.... reliable, etc... inline 4... pretty good to track... comfortable and rider friendly.

[.RJ]

I'll sell you my F3 this winter

I want to buy an F4i....

[Ginger]

I'll sell you my F3 this winter

I want to buy an F4i....

Just get it over with... sell it to him now.

[.RJ]

Just get it over with... sell it to him now.

I'm broke now.

I suppose by the time winter its it'll have ~35,000 miles, if that matters at all. Special Price for an old friend

[Sijray21]

JayRay told me to mention that. But he's pretty retarded, so take it for what its worth.

damn Indians, who let them in here anyway

i think the Blast is a great commuter and sounds incredible. I have no idea what to think about it being on track, but it's a great bike for putting around town, enjoying a nice ride, and learning. The GS500e is also a great bike to learn on. It gets about 45-55 mpg, VERY easy to ride, and relatively low maintenance. Both bikes are fairly inexpensive and i wouldn't pay more than 1500-1700 for either bike. In the winter (if you find them) they'll be super cheap.

[G.Irish]

GS500, SV650, Ninja 500R, CBR600F3/F2, YZR-600, K2 or K3 Gixxer 600, pretty much all of those bikes will be cheap, decent gas mileage and suitable for track duty. Of those the most popular for track days is by far the SV, so that means parts are plentiful and the support community is large. Bikes like the CBR are probably going to be easy to find parts for as well. Matter of fact I saw a few track bikes for $1200-2500 on WERA.com

[Feersty]

500R is good for beginners!