Buell Blast
Encyclopedia
The Buell Blast is a motorcycle
that was made by the Buell Motorcycle Company
from 2000 to 2009. It was the smallest motorcycle and the first single cylinder motorcycle made by any subsidiary of Harley-Davidson since the sale of Aermacchi
's motorcycle division in 1978, and the first single cylinder motorcycle made by any subsidiary of Harley-Davidson in the United States since the 1966 Harley-Davidson Bobcat
.
The Blast was conceived as an entry-level motorcycle to attract newcomers to motorcycling
in general and to Harley-Davidson in particular. As such, the design goals were low cost, ease of operation, and ease of maintenance. Steps to achieve this goal include the use of an automatically tensioned belt final drive, self-adjusting hydraulic valve lifters, and a carburetor with an automatic choke. The plastic bodywork pieces of the Blast were made from Surlyn, a substance used to make the outside of golf balls, to protect the surfaces when the Blast is dropped. They were also molded in color.
The Blast was used in Harley-Davidson's Rider's Edge New Rider program, a similar course to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
's Basic "RiderCourse".
In July 2009, prior to Buell ceasing all motorcycle production, Buell ran an ad campaign stating that the Buell Blast would no longer appear in their line-up. The ad featured a Buell Blast being destroyed in an automobile crusher.
For 2010, a limited run of crushed Blast cubes was offered for sale upon request. They were available in Battle Blue, Midnight Black, and Sunfire Yellow, and were individually signed and numbered by Erik Buell
.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
that was made by the Buell Motorcycle Company
Buell Motorcycle Company
The Buell Motorcycle Company was an American motorcycle manufacturer based in East Troy, Wisconsin and founded in 1983 by ex-Harley-Davidson engineer Erik Buell.Harley-Davidson acquired 49% of Buell in 1993, and it became a wholly owned subsidiary by 2003....
from 2000 to 2009. It was the smallest motorcycle and the first single cylinder motorcycle made by any subsidiary of Harley-Davidson since the sale of Aermacchi
Aermacchi
Alenia Aermacchi is an Italian company designing and producing trainer aircraft for military pilots.-Profile:Alenia Aermacchi has sold about 2,000 trainers to more than 40 countries and has collaborated in major international military programs....
's motorcycle division in 1978, and the first single cylinder motorcycle made by any subsidiary of Harley-Davidson in the United States since the 1966 Harley-Davidson Bobcat
Harley-Davidson Hummer
The Hummer was a motorcycle model manufactured by Harley-Davidson from 1955 to 1959. However, the name "Hummer" is now used generically to refer to all American-made single-cylinder two-stroke Harley-Davidson motorcycles manufactured from 1948 to 1966. These motorcycles were based on the DKW...
.
The Blast was conceived as an entry-level motorcycle to attract newcomers to motorcycling
Motorcycling
Motorcycling is the act of riding a motorcycle. A variety of subcultures and lifestyles have been built up around motorcycling.-Benefits:Robert M. Pirsig's book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was a paean celebrating motorcycling...
in general and to Harley-Davidson in particular. As such, the design goals were low cost, ease of operation, and ease of maintenance. Steps to achieve this goal include the use of an automatically tensioned belt final drive, self-adjusting hydraulic valve lifters, and a carburetor with an automatic choke. The plastic bodywork pieces of the Blast were made from Surlyn, a substance used to make the outside of golf balls, to protect the surfaces when the Blast is dropped. They were also molded in color.
The Blast was used in Harley-Davidson's Rider's Edge New Rider program, a similar course to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Motorcycle Safety Foundation
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a United States national, not-for-profit organization, founded in 1973, and sponsored by the U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha motorcycles...
's Basic "RiderCourse".
In July 2009, prior to Buell ceasing all motorcycle production, Buell ran an ad campaign stating that the Buell Blast would no longer appear in their line-up. The ad featured a Buell Blast being destroyed in an automobile crusher.
For 2010, a limited run of crushed Blast cubes was offered for sale upon request. They were available in Battle Blue, Midnight Black, and Sunfire Yellow, and were individually signed and numbered by Erik Buell
Erik Buell
Erik F. Buell is the founder, former Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of the Buell Motorcycle Company, which eventually merged with Harley-Davidson Corp. Buell is a pioneer of modern race motorcycle technology...
.