Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

Cycle News 2000 02 02

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128026

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Singular sensation: The Blast's 492cc "Y-single" Is fed vla a 40mm Mikunl carburetor. has been designed specifically to accommodate the Blast's single-cylinder powerplant. The chassis has been designed to run a little low in the saddle, thus increasing rider confidence. Two seat heights are available: 27.5 inches or 25.5 inches. The bike carries a claimed dry weight of 360 pounds. And what about that engine? Well, if you guessed that it is merely one half of a Harley-Davidson Sportsterbased Buell engine, then you're about half right. The 492cc, air-cooled, twovalve single has been seriously reworked to produce a decent 34 horsepower at 6500 rpm, with a max torque figure of 30 ft-Ibs coming at 5500 rpm. The engine is fed by a 40mm Mikuni carb with a special enrichener circuit that eliminates the need for a choke during cold starts. Power is transferred to the belt drive via a five speed transmission. The clutch has been redesigned for more effortless engagement. The rest of the bike is designed to require very little in the way of maintenance. Buell reports that after break-in service of 1000 miles. the service intervals will be about 2500 miles. That should come as good news to the target audience, who would probably rather be riding than wrenching anyway. Production is scheduled to begin in late January, and look for Buell to push the Blast button, hard. Buell plans to offer several cool accessories for the Blast, and plans are also in the works for a nation-wide, companyendorsed rider education program that will be made available to Buell owners. Time will tell whether or not the Buell Blast will provide the fuel to ignite the type of wildfire, in terms of industry growth and new motorcycle sales among current non-motorcyclists that Buell would like, but we can certainly appreciate the endeavor. CN • Build WEEKLY FOOT TRAFFIC in your store • Create ENTHUSIASM for new prOducts, latest events and trends in the sport of motorcycling • Local COVERAGE of events in your area, in addition to National & Worldwide news about motorcycles - as it happens! Plus... You get a free display rack and "authorized dealer"· decals for your store GET STARTED TODAY! Call our Dealer Sates Manager at (7141751-7433 24 Hour FAX Order Une (7141751-6685 BIWNG PLANA BIWNGPLAN B "You Only Pay for What You Sell" '"Less Paperwork More Profit" 56% Prof"lt Margin· With Returns 72% Profit Margin No Returns .. u .. I e n e _ os • FEBRUARY 2, 2000 27

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