Question about 2003 Buell Blast Clunky Transmission

[Will]

I am looking at buying a Buell Blast 2003 model, one of the problems with the bike as described by the owner is that shifting the gears can be hard. Is that a deal breaker? And what would that exactly mean? I am looking at this motorcycle as a first time buyer, etc. Also, any feedback on the Buell? I have heard a mix from different reviews, but not a single person I know that actually know anything substantial about this bike. Any feed back would help, thanks.

Also is a hard to shift bike something that can be fixed?

[wbeck257]

All Blast feel clunky..
It is made by Harley.

But either way, it is a great first bike to have. Hell, I still ride one just cause it gets insane gas mileage.

[brandon357]

As a buell owner I can tell you that my 2004 xb12s can be a pain to get into second from first at higher rpms. I have heard many people say this about theirs also. But I'm not sure about the blasts. I love my bike and have had no major problems with it. If you need more info check out www.buelletinboard.com. They have a whole section dedicated to blast owners.

Good luck and let me know if you end up going with a buell

[John]

My Harley shifts hard & clunky also. I switched to Redline transmission fluid with shockproof. It made a huge difference. Actually shifts pretty smooth now

[Sanchez]

Here's another great Buell resource: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/20164/20164.html?1267593536

[Dan43]

The Blast is never going to shift really smoothly. (I say this having put about 25k miles on one) Synthetic fluid helps some.

[Will]

Okay, so, as long as it being hard to shift for a new rider isn't a deal breaker, I will give this serious thoughts. Thanks for the websites, I will start looking at them now.

[wbeck257]

I really wouldn't say it is hard to shift. It just takes a little more force and the shift motion is a little more exagerated than a modern sport bike. You just have to be a little more forceful with your shift.

It isn't like a Penton dirtbike where it acts like an 11 speed, because there is a mysterious neutral between every gear.