WELL WELL WELL I bought a Blast on e-bay.... and it's largely because of you and your neat website. I'm 43 and it's my first motorcycle. I wasn't going to buy a Blast at first until I read about your long distance trips with it, but I feel quite sure now I made the right choice, even though I have in fact, never sat on one - even yet-- its still with the seller. In the 1960's and '70's a 500cc bike was medium or medium large and people were taking long trips on them, but "everyone" was telling me no, no no because 500cc is "too small." I think your site shows them wrong from one end to the other.
I use bar end weights from HVMP, which you can get at hvmp.com I love them, they look good, easy to install and cut the vibration, not completely, but certainly an inprovement.
Mark: The seat is a Rick Mayer. You can find him at rickmayercycle.com. He has you sit on your bike, take pics and send him your pics, seat and measurements then he uses your seat pan to create custom seat. I had an extra seat which was convenient, I hate being without a bike. The seat is wider and better. It took some time to get used to, I went through a period where I thought he might have to "tweak" it, but now I think nothing of putting on a 400 mile day. Also check out his dad's original design now produced by his brother Russel seats, I've heard they are great as well. Good luck, sounds like a great trip. We loved Maine.
Titusand - sorry it took so long to reply. I will try to get a page dedicated to just the mods/extras on bike. In the meantime if you look in the "Response to Guestbook..."link to the right you will find answers to people asking similar questions. I have just not had the time to make the dedicated link. I will try to answer any questions you have.
I love touring on this bike and love to hear when others are also inclined to do the same.
Maggie: I see your Blast's seat is not stock. Where did you get it? I want to travel from Iowa to Maine and have a stock (reg) seat with a gel/sheepskin pad. Hope it works but a wider landing zone for my posterior might be just the thing!
Mark
Beautiful website. I wrote you before that your website that convinced me to get a Blast. Anyway, on your "Bike information" page, could you also list all of the add ons: which luggage, fairing, tires, etc.? I plan on using my Blast in the same way as you, and it would be good to get this information from someone who uses it for more than short trips.
Heey Mag and Thump!! Me and glenn have been wondering about you guys. Hope everythig going ok. Give a call if can. Glenn's got his same number. Or send me an e-mail. We would love to hear from you.
--Kelly & Glenn
Hi Mags! Just wanted to let you know I got my motorcycle license at Chester's Harley Davidson on December 6th! It was a long haul....4 days between classroom study and being on the bike. By the way, we learned to ride on a Buell! I thought you would like that! Can't wait to get back to Ontario in April and buy me a bike! Happy Riding!! Pam XX