2002 Buell reviews

I am not an expert but I have ridden for over 32 years. I've put well over 100,000 miles on two wheels, including several coast to coast trips. I recently sold my '98 Heritage Softail Classic, then sold my '97 Sportster Hugger, then sold my '81 Honda Passport. I was completely bikeless for the first time in many years. It had to be worse than coming off crack. After six months I just couldn't take it any longer. I bought a '02 Blast with 2123 miles on it, which was well within my budget. I have driven just over 100 miles per day, for several days now. It should be illegal to have this much fun on a bike. Ooh, it's not as comfortable as the Softail (my butt goes to sleep around 30 miles), and it won't pull the front wheel up like the Sportster would (but has plenty of get-up-and-go), but it is a kick in the pants to ride and I've averaged 65 mpg. All my old ridin' buddies laugh at me but, I'm in it for the ride. I'll have to post again when I get some more miles on it, but so far I am thrilled with the little bike. Show less

My 2002 Blast has lived up to all the Eric Buell hype. I have run 60-70 MPH all day and still got 70 MPG. Great in the country, in the twisties and on the open road. The Harley Boys could not outrun me through the corners! I don't know what everybody else complains about. I also have a Honda Helix and a 2005 Harley Dyna Glide Custom. They're all fun in their own right. There is no way to compare them. I'm 67 years old and tour, group ride and cruise. You will not outrun most bikes (and some maxi-scooters) or pop wheelies but speed and acrobatics are not what the Blast is all about. I've ridden bikes for 4 years and the Blast is a lot of fun. Test ride one before you buy it. This is a reliable bike with great brakes, quick steering and very easy to ride. In this area we are blessed with having great dealerships with excellent techs. Find one near you and have a Blast. Show less

I've had this bike for a while and it's still a joy to ride. More than fast enough for the street. Great front brake - rear isn't as good because it lacks feel. Handles exceptionally but requires some time to set it up for your weight and riding style. Very comfortable and does good on fuel, not that that's why you buy a bike like this. The only issues I have had with this bike is the speed sensor has failed twice (taking care of by warrenty) and a rear valve cover gasket leaked, but that was because of a pinched vent line. The gasket was so easy to fix I did it myself. I really recommend getting a high flow air filter and rejet because the jetting is bad from the factory. Even with the stock exhaust rejetting transformed the way it ran. The bike sounds bloody amazing with aftermarket exhaust. Be warned this bike gets a lot of attention just because it's so different. If you are looking for a sporty bike that stops and turns well and you can tour as well as commute, I recomend the Buell. You can't ride it without getting off with a big grin and at the end of the day isn't that the reason you ride a bike? Fun factor: 10!!! Show less

Actually I like the name Cyclone but it's such a blast to ride. I've ridden every style of bike and have ridden the Cyclone at demo rides for years. Now, I finally have one!!! This bike does not disappoint. I sold my Ducati Monster 750 to buy this bike and am so glad I did. The combination of Power, real comfort, American made, power, sound (yes a Buell sounds better than a Ducati), and did I mention power? This thing ought to have a tractor tire in the rear because you could use its 100 ft. lbs. of torque to pull stumps out of your back 40 (that's acres). It absolutely romps my friends ZX750r. that's right...The ZX 750 cannot keep up. Until of course the numbers go above say...110 (not that I'd know) Standing still I get so many positive comments and questions about the bike that I'm constantly talking about it (not that I mind). Durability is still in question. I read a lot of reviews that talk about durability. We will see. Fit and finish is way better than it used to be with the Buells. All the welds are smooth and professional looking. The switchgear is also much improved. Downsides are minor but noteworthy...the air box has grown on me, but I get many, many negative comments about it...Everyone that looks at the bike hates it. Also, the brakes don't seem to be that strong. I may ante up for another rotor/caliper set in the front. The engine has pre-detonation (pinging) under load once hot, even with Premium fuel. The engine also tends to backfire softly once when coming to a stop (embarrassing). Also, the front fender is so small that small pebbles from the road hit you in the face and collect on your seat as you ride (honestly). All in all this bike rocks and I'll take the good with the bad because it is comfortable to ride and is raw American power. Show less

Great machine. Put 13000kms on it in a year and a half. Had a few minor problems but Buell stood by with the warranty. Never let me down yet. Did a 4000km trip to Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho and Montana. Seat was very comfortable; it is a replacement for the original that had a mark on it. New one seemed softer and more comfortable but it was a Buell seat. Great mileage, comfortable, versatile, pretty and overall a great bike. I wish they still made them, as I would probably buy another in a few years. It is not the fastest bike in the world but I knew that going in. In a few words it is just a lot of fun to drive and they really do grow on you. Give one a try. Show less

This is a great around town and back road ride that handles great. They look much better in person and do get a lot of attention. Rejet the carb and change the exhaust and you'd be amazed at the difference! Show less

As a rider of H-Ds since 1972, I thought I'd try something a little different, particularly since my friend Bob ate my lunch on the back roads of Arkansas. You see he was on a Screamin' Eagle Road Glide, and I was on a 95 Heritage Nostalgia. Nonetheless, dragging that steel sled through tight 10- 20 mph turns was a drag. I came home and traded for the S3T, and I love it. It's faster than I need,handles superbly, and stops as fast as I want. I recently took a one week, 2,000 mile trip through New Mexico and Colorado. The bike cruised at 80mph without missing a beat. It loves to be between 3,000 and 4,000 RPM while cruising. I'm now at 6,500 miles since last year, with only one problem, the oxygen sensor had a glitch. The dealer took care of it under warranty, and I was on my way. Bottom line, it's a great bike, with a lot of fun inside. Is it a crotch rocket? No. But it will keep up with any of them in the turns. This bike handles exceptionally well. Do I miss the old sled? Yeah. But I won't get rid of the Buell. I'll just add another ride to the stable. Enjoy. Show less

This bike handles great. 4500 miles and no problems. It always wants to go to the inside in a corner. that's just Buell's way of saying "I want to go faster. Back in college riding my '61 ironhead this is the bike I always dreamed of. It's not as fast as other sport bikes but boy does it turn. Just plain fun to ride. Show less

YES AN R1 OUT HANDLES YOU AND HAS MORE TOP END. BUT DOES IT YELL OUT LOOK AT ME WHEN IT FLIES BY. I HAVE OWNED AND RIDDEN MANY BIKES FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. BUT WHEN IT COMES TO ALL AROUND FUN AND HOOLIGANISM ON TWO WHEELS THERE IS NO MATCH!! I HAVE MANY GOODIES ON MY MISTRESS INCLUDING FORCEWIND STRAIGHT EXHAUST(LOUD AS IT SHOULD BE) I HAVE HAD TO WRENCH BUT IF YOU CAN TURN A WRENCH ON A LAWNMOWER YOU CAN FIGURE THIS MONSTER OUT. AND WHATS BETTER THAN TO BUY SOMETHING AMERICAN Show less

I too traded in my Blast for a Cyclone. The people at Bloominton Harley and Buell were great, they gave me a great deal and I really trust their knowledge and honesty. My Cyclone is the beautiful blue with black frame and it growls every time i push the starter. Great riding position and tons of torque off the line. It always feels like i should be holding on tighter. It doesnt go 150 mph but im not a big track rider and i can't go that fast on the street. Real world power, with a combination of style and snap off the line. Show less