The BUELL Blast is dead... for now

What you see above is the new 2010 model of BUELL Blast. Yes, it is dead. This is an Obituary to a bike we all dearly loved. Blast, the small petite thumper from BUELL is no more. News of its death has been splashed all across the web and daily as I check The Knee Slider, the news of its untimely departure was really sad. Hurridly on checking the official BUELL Blast website, saw this. So the confirmation came that the news is true. Just read what they wrote on the obituary.

Smashed air-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder
Horsepower / Torque 0 HP / 0 ft. lbs.
Dry weight 360 lbs.
The Buell® Blast was a cute little motorcycle. It just never made much of a sportbike. But, as luck would have it, it makes a killer ottoman. Or end table. Or art piece. Through an innovative process known as crushing, we’ve turned a limited number of Blasts into colorful metal cubes, each numbered and signed by Erik Buell himself. Hey, there’s no denying the Blast’s aforementioned cuteness. But there’s nothing cute about racing or riding a sportbike the way it was meant to be ridden.

Sure, it deserves a better obituary :-( & :-) , the second emoticon for we are all sure the Blast will be coming back...

The 'Thumper' for beginners is not actually for beginners alone. Anyone would literally have a 'Blast' on the motorcycle. It's cool looking, very distinctive of the Buell styling, an easy handler and it is/ was affordable. While experienced riders would have lots of fun on it, it would instill confidence in new riders. It has a good performance machine for an engine of its size and it is of course very refined. And even for youngsters, it was the better sensible machine as it was easy on the pocket with minimum maintenance and quite frugal at 25kmpl (70mpg).
This 492cc air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder is equipped with 34 horses. The better thing about this thumper is the wide range of powerband which suits city riders and powerband just shoots north in the highway.

All in all, this is/ wasa very able bike suited to all kind of riders. Just because it's small, Buell didn't take it as a starter bike. In fact, it has so many features found in it's bigger siblings, there were no step motherly treatment. Knowing what kind of crowd it would draw, Buell has given the Blast some very good features. The muffler is not by the side of the engine, rather it is placed below the engine and this keeps the exhaust away from the rider's body.

It weighs only 164 kgs (360 pounds) dry. The standard Blast seat height is 27.5 inches. but to suit riders with lesser height, the rider has the option of fitting a factory made low-profile seat that reduces seat height to 25.5 inches, so just about any rider can reach the ground.

The Showa gas-charged rear shock and forks offer a very comfortable ride. It has Kevlar reinforced drive belt with self-adjusting hydraulic valve lifters. The drive belt doesn't need lubrication or adjustment adding to the ease of the rider.
The 10 litre tank is small for long touring but best suited for any other purpose and of course this bike is not meant for long tours, nonetheless, it will happily see you go 250 kilometers with a full tank. A high quality instrument panel displaying Electronic speedometer with LED, odometer and tripmeter; built-in LED, indicator lamps for low oil pressure, high beam, turn signals, neutral. Even minor features are taken care of like the shift pedal which are fully adjustable that enables personalized fit and has flexible turn signals to resist damage and there is a good amount of underseat storage space. The Blast is built to be durable, with tough Surlyn composite body panels. The color is molded into the Surlyn, so light scratches can be buffed out.

With all these features and the wide range of riders the Blast caters too, why would Buell stop producing this lovely gem? Of course not, it won't stop production, well I dont have any proof of it, but we can all guess, that a 2010 Blast is gonna be all new. We dont know when, but sure, it is coming. The other hint is that you must have heard about the new UK bike firm MAC Motorcycles and these guys have the Blast engine in their motorcycles. Where do you think they will source the engines from if Buell stops production of the Blast? Surely they wont stop now, I mean MAC Motorcycles have just opened shop, right, so guess... we are going to see a all new Blast. Man, it's gonna be a BLAST!

Engine - 492cc, Air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, OHV, two valves per cylinder

Bore x Stroke - 88.90 mm x 79.38 mm (3.500 in. x 3.125 in.)

Compression Ratio 9.2:1

Fuel System 40 mm Keihin™ carburetor with auto fuel enricher system, side draft

Maximum Power & Torque - 34 hp @ 6500 rpm & 30 ft. lbs. @ 3200 rpm

Lubrication Dry-sump

Primary/Final Drive & Clutch - Chain/ Kevlar belt & Wet, multi-plate

Transmission - 5-speed, constant mesh

Chassis 3Frame Wide beam HSLA steel backbone frame with built-in oil reservoir, Uniplanar™ powertrain vibration isolation,

Front & Rear Forks - 37 mm Showa conventional forks & gas charged Showa non-adjustable

Wheels Front & Rear - 5-spoke cast 2.5 in. x 16 in. & 5-spoke cast 2.8 in. x 16 in.

Brakes Front & Rear - Dual piston, floating caliper; 320 mm, stainless steel, fixed rotor & Single piston, floating caliper; 220 mm, stainless steel, fixed rotor

Source of the superhuge pics: TOTAL MOTORCYCLE

Is Lucifer's Hammer 3 coming?

This month has been great. Couple of weeks after I made a post on the very rare DUCATI Supermono, I got a letter from a gentlemen who 'owns' one of the DUCATI Supermono and I made a post of it on the blog. Some time back, I made a post on the even rarer Lucifer's Hammer and just a few days back, I got another letter from a gentleman, Mr. Steve Ledsham who mentioned that he has more info the Lucifer's Hammer or rather on LH2. I requested Steve to send whatever info he had and surprise! surprise! He actually owns part of a Lucifer's Hammer! Part of? Did I say? Well, read on. Below is Steve mail. However I would request you to read the Lucifer's Hammer post first so that you dont miss out the story.

Lucifer 2 (LH2- Buell)

Regarding Homologation query raised in a previous post: In the mid 80's to achieve AMA homologation a manufacturer had to present a bike largely complete and meeting existing regulations, in this case to the AMA and demonstrate financial and manufacturing ability to build another 50 machines. However the AMA might have allowed a little latitude to an American manufacturer using Harley Davidson engines to take on the might of Europeans manufactures in BOT racing!

A little history: In the early mid 80's European manufactures had successfully argued that the CC limited should be raised from 750cc to 1000cc thus allowing Ducati, Moto Guzzi and others to race their bikes competitively, however this made Lucifer 1 (750cc) too slow to be a front runner against bigger capacity of the European works bikes. Lucifer 1 need to grow a little therefore, the engine was enlarged mating (as you state) XR750 bottom end with XR1000 top. The extra power produced demanded a better chassis and Erik Buell was asked to build the chassis which later became known as the RR1000. The bike was developed / raced showing great promise and made some "what might have been" headlines but ultimately failed to win a major in the USA. Alas Gene Church got hurt racing LH2 and ultimately retired from racing and Don Tilley's interest in the project waned. When manufactures successfully argued a reduction in the engine capacity limit from 1000cc to a new limit of 900cc the Buell / XR750-XR1000 was effectively outlawed and ended BOT racing and Buell Lucifer 2 story. There was some thought of reducing the capacity of the Buell framed bike to maintain eligibility but I don't believe this happened. The final variant of Lucifer 2 using the same configuration XR750/1000cc engine but in a XRTT chassis was not to my knowledge raced in BOT due to the CC limit but was successful in other classes (possibly BEARS).

I have a great interest in the Lucifer 2 Buell story or rather the bikes whereabouts. Let me explain.

Some years ago I bought an early Buell, the chassis is an RR1000 and has 02/86 forming part of a short chassis number; Note all of the production RR1000 carry a full VIN number but mine does not. Erik described this chassis in correspondence (c1991) as one of two lightweight chassis he built for his own race efforts in 1986. These two chassis predate the RR1000 road bikes and from a variety of sources I have been told that RR1000 chassis 2 went to Don Tilley and became Lucifer 2.

My chassis 02/86 including swing arm, front fairing sub-frame, engine mountings castings, isolastics and tie bars, Ohlins rear shock, breather / separator, seat and a complete race prepared XR1000 engine, primary, gearbox and exhaust came from Erik Buell in 1991/2; basically a bike less forks, brakes and wheels. The bike pictured was completed in 1993 and competed in the Italian round of the Battle of the Twins championship. I purchased the bike from builder / owner in 2004.

Several years after purchasing the bike and in an attempted to locate period race parts and advice I sent an email to Don Tilley. In a response from Tilley Harley Davidson; Don asked another to respond on his behalf they stated that their Buell project only lasted a couple of years and that they had "nothing left" and suggested I speak with Henry Duga of Buell. What exactly Don's statement "nothing left" means I don't know but it does sounds like he doesn't have the Lucifer 2 Buell variant or at least the chassis. I do know that the second incarnation of Lucifer 2 (XRTT framed version) does exist and Don's workshops reassembled this bike quite recently using the original engine (I am advised). If this is the case then rationally the existence of Lucifer 2 Buell variant is not possible as the engine can only ever be in one chassis and very recently Lucifer 2 using the XRTT frame was being paraded at the race meetings in the USA.

On the evidence I have; my early Buell chassis 02/86, correspondence supplied when I purchased the bike, emails, some rational and educated guessing I think I might have Lucifer 2 Buell chassis but I can't be sure. I do know that my chassis is one of 2 preproduction bikes and the debate surrounds the interpretation of the chassis number; either 02/86 refers to backup or race chassis 2 or 02/86 refers to the second chassis To be produced. In my limited knowledge the 1st chassis made is always stamped 1 and so forth.

Some time back I was sent some photographs of an RR1000 chassis under construction with a modified xr750 fitted and the low oil tank (road RR1000 had their oil tank under the seat). Henry Duga has confirmed that these photographs are of Lucifer 2. Using the head stock length and diameter and also known engine dimensions as data points I scaled off frame dimensions and tube positions and compared them to my chassis: The dimensions are the same. Also comparing later photographs of the completed Lucifer 2 and comparing bracket positions e.g. coil and fairing sub-frame again proved to be the same.

I have been in correspondence with the Buell factory in an attempt to establish which bike I have but Henry Duga advises no records exist of non VIN bikes so establishing which chassis went where is difficult therefore but I am sure there is someone out there who could shed a little more light on this subject.

My bike is currently being rebuilt, the engine is overhauled and the black paint removed, the manifolds and inlet ports are being reworked. A Motoplat ignition is being sourced, new under sump oil tank and fuel tank are being manufactured, I have Dymag wheels, correct forks and AP brakes. I have also fitted and XRTT fairing which has been trimmed and now fits great and looks superb. I just need to decide on the colour scheme. Any suggestions?

Dear Steve,

Best of Luck on your project and if it is not possible to create LH2 without Don, we are very sure with your dedication and passion, we can expect Lucifer's Hammer 3, the Steve Ledsham creation very soon. All the best. And yes, can we have more photos? Please?

Also requesting any reader if they could anyway help Steve. You can reach him by email at lledlaw@aol.com or you just might want to write to him to know more about the project.

Biker Girls - You Go Girl!

Just random videos of women on bikes. It's great to see these wonderful ladies on the big bikes, burning rubber, hanging out with the gang or just simply showing some attitude. You REALLY go Girl!

Hollywood Stars and their Bikes

A few Hollywood Stars are known for their penchant for motorcycles. It's difficult for them to go riding like us, none the less occasionally and often sniping out. Well, what they lack in privacy, they make up by buying exotics. Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and George Clooney are known to be bikers, well while Pitt and Clooney are more into riding, Tom like Jay Leno is more into collecting bikes. Here are some photos of Hollywood stars showing off their priced posessions. Also requesting if someone would have more photos or link so such a post, please send them over (my email is at the bottom of the page) so that I could add to these.

Added a few more below courtesy Double Oh Two

Tom Cruise on a Confederate Hellcat and on the Honda Rune (with wife Katie Holmes)

Keanu Reeves on a Norton Commander and a customized Harley Davidson

Ben Affeck on a Suzuki Gixxer and George Clooney on his customized Harley Davidson

Brad Pitt on his customized Harley Davidson and Ecosse Heretic

Jim Carrey on a Harley Davidson and Heidi Klum posing on a Harley CVO

Above 2 pics courtesy Double Oh Two. Thats Orlando Bloom and Eric Bana on DEUS customized bikes. Well, one is ofcourse the Monster, my guess on the second is a Speed Triple.

Correction - The bike Orlando Bloom is riding is not actually a Triumph Triple as I guessed, it's a SR500. I recieved a mail from BIKE EXIF main man Chris Hunter where he mentioned that "It's a very heavily customized Yamaha SR500 rather than a Street Triple, and the first Deus bike to end up in the USA." For a detail on the bike, visit the DUES SR500 Street Tracker link provided by Chris. One more thing, if you haven't subscribed to BIKE EXIF, you are REALLY missing something. Everyday you will recieve a mail with some very interesting finds and if you love to look at a bike and appreciate customized bikes, then BIKE EXIF is definitely for you. You will find a permanent link of BIKE EXIF in this blog (right side bottom) at BEST OF THE WEB.

In The News - Nicky Hayden SE, RR Auction, WDW

The following came in my mail through the subscribed newsletter

2010DUCATI 848NICKY HAYDEN EDITION

Ducati North America is proud to announce the 848 Nicky Hayden Edition. This striking livery places a distinctly American stamp on the market's best middleweight sport bike. The 848 Nicky Hayden was publically unveiled at the 2009 Red Bull United States Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, where Nicky’s MotoGP race bike was presented in a matching scheme. There could be no better time or place to celebrate the American World Champion than at his home race on the 4th of July.
This US-exclusive model features an American inspired paint scheme, aptly fit for its introduction on the 4th of July, personally autographed gas tank, and model updates for the 2010 year. Check out the video of the Nicky's photo shoot with the bike below!
The new Ducati 848 Nicky Hayden Edition enjoys all the performance advancements of the entire Superbike family, while adding its own innovations to redefine the middleweight sport bike class.
The words 'agile' and 'refined' aptly describe the 848. At 168kg (369lbs), the 848 is an amazing 20kg (44lbs) lighter than its predecessor.

Type: L-Twin cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder Desmodromic, liquid cooled
Displacement: 849.4 cc
Bore and stroke: 94 x 61.2 mm
Compression Ratio: 12:1
Power*: 134 hp - 98.5 kW @ 10000 RPM
Torque*: 70.8 ft-lb - 96 Nm @ 8250 RPM
Fuel system: Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies
Exhaust: Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and lambda probe. Twin stainless steel mufflers.
Emissions: 50-State-compliant
Transmission
Gearbox: 6 speed
Ratio: 1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 28/20, 4th 26/22, 5th 24/23, 6th 23/24
Primary drive: Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.84:1
Final drive: Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 39
Clutch: Wet multiplate with hydraulic control
Notes: Power & torque data calculated using an inertia dynamometer.
Source : DUCATI through Newsletter

THE BIKE WILL BE AUCTIONED AT EICMA

An example of “made in Italy” excellence will be showcased with pride at the G8 summit to be held in L’Aquila. The Ducati Desmosedici RR, a true icon of Italian technology and design, has been prepared with a special livery by Ducati and the Fiera Milano, a unique, one-off design.
The graphics, suggested by the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, incorporate the G8 logo, emphasizing the choice to hold the upcoming summit, from 8 to 10 July, in L’Aquila, the city at the heart of the earthquake that hit the Abruzzo region on 6th April this year.
Ducati and the Fiera Milano accepted the invitation to design and create a special version of the most prestigious bike that Ducati has ever produced, the Desmosedici RR – a limited, numbered production run of only 1500 machines that sold out before the bikes were built.
A more emblematic and prestigious bike could not have been selected. The Desmosedici RR is a jewel in the crown of Italy’s motorcycle industry, and allows Ducati to compete and win on racetracks all over the world.
A bike derived from the MotoGP machine, it is the first real production bike to benefit from the technology and innovation gained by Ducati during its experience racing in the world MotoGP championship, a championship in which the Bologna-based manufacturer took the title with Casey Stoner in 2007.
The bike will be exhibited at L’Aquila, inside the building reserved for the representatives of the eight countries that will participate in the summit, as a testimonial of Italian ingenuity and technology. Once the summit concludes, the “Desmosedici RR – G8” will be handed over to the Fiera Milano and auctioned during the 2009 edition of the international EICMA motorcycle trade show, to take place from 10 to 15 November, with proceeds going towards the reconstruction of the Abruzzo region.
“We feel a very strong sense of belonging to the Italian community”, declared Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati, “and it makes us very proud to be able to show what we do to the Heads of State and Government that will participate in the G8. At the same time we also want to contribute to the reconstruction of Abruzzo. Ducati and its employees have already shown solidarity in light of the Abruzzo tragedy. This important initiative, carried out with the Fiera Milano, allows us to help in a concrete way. One can count on our prestigious product, and on the strength and notoriety that a brand like Ducati possesses; Ducati is an ambassador of “made in Italy” the world over.”
The General Manager of the Fiera Milano S.p.A., Enrico Pazzali, commented, “we have collaborated with Ducati, to bring the Ducati Desmosedici RR to the world stage of the G8 summit, for two reasons. First and foremost out of solidarity for our fellow citizens affected by the terrible earthquake of the 6 April. The beautiful Desmosedici RR-G8 will be auctioned during the Eicma motorcycle show, to take place at Rho-Milano between the 10 and 15 November, and the money raised will go towards the reconstruction of the Abruzzo region. Our second motivation is also linked to Eicma 2009: to bring a shining example of Italian industrial excellence to the attention of opinion makers and consumers alike. A level of excellence that our company, Fiera Milano, also strives to adhere to.”
Source: DUCATI through Newsletter

World Ducati Week, September 2010. Save the date.

Warm up your engines and get your heart revving! The greatest Ducati gathering is coming back.
The planned date for motorcycle fans of all ages and nationalities to come together is September 2010 at the Misano World Circuit.
Four days of non-stop fun are planned: track sessions, official riders and stunts, evening parties, concerts, motorcycle tours, Ducati Factory and Museum visits, historical bikes exhibitions, conferences, and much more.
The World Ducati Week 2007, the amazing Desmodromic world celebration, was an unprecedented success. There were more than 50,000 presences throughout the event that saw Ducatisti from 28 different nations. WDW means World Ducati Week - the colossal worldwide Ducati rally of thousands of aficionados from dozens of nations.
A veritable legion of motorcyclists and motorcycle fans, meeting at the Misano World Circuit in Misano Adriatico, Italy to have fun and celebrate their love for bikes.
Since its first edition in 1998, the Misano World Circuit is the perfect backdrop for this celebration of everything that is Ducati. For the occasion, given the prevalence of the well-known main Ducati colour, the circuit turns red from tip to toe, reshaping itself into a "Red Planet" where Ducati fans feel completely at home.
The 2007 edition of WDW took place from 28th June to 1st July
Source: DUCATI through Newsletter and WORLD DUCATI WEEK

Visual Gratification - HONDA VTR 250

One of the smallest and cutest bike in the market now is the HONDA VTR 250. Although aimed at the women folk, wont definitely mind adding one to the garage, well, who would? Not available yet in USA, it is expected to hit the European market by this year and if you really really want to have it, you may have to go to Japan to buy one as it's available there.

Photos courtesy: Motorcykle Poland