General: Controls and Indicators

Top of page

Read the CONTROLS AND INDICATORS section before riding your motorcycle. Failure to understand the operation of the motorcycle could result in death or serious injury. (00043a)

Some features explained in this section are standard equipment on this model. Other features may be available as accessories for your Buell motorcycle. See a Buell dealer for a complete list of accessories that will fit your specific motorcycle.

Refer to the side view photographs in the front of the manual to locate the items discussed in this section. See 2006 Blast Models.

Ignition/Headlamp Key Switch: Blast Models

Top of page

The automatic-on headlamp feature provides increased visibility of the rider to other motorists. Be sure headlamp is on at all times. Poor visibility of rider to other motorists can result in death or serious injury. (00030b)

Do not lubricate barrel locks with petroleum based lubricants or graphite. Inoperative locks may result. (00152a)

The ignition/headlamp key switch controls the distribution of power to the ignition and lamps. The key may only be removed from certain positions. Refer to Key Removal: 2006 Blast Models for details.

1. See Ignition/Headlamp Key Switch: Blast Models. Turn the key clockwise to the IGNITION position (1) to provide power to the ignition and activate the lamps. The key must be in this position to start the bike.

NOTES:

• If you leave the key in the IGNITION position for an extended period while you are parked, the lamps will eventually discharge the battery.
• The headlamp and tail lamp illuminate when the ignition/headlamp key switch is in the ignition position (1), as required by law in some localities.

2. Turn the key counterclockwise to the OFF position (2) to shut the bike off.

3. The PUSH DETENT (3) is located between OFF (2) and STEERING HEAD LOCK (4). To turn the key to the PUSH DETENT (3) position, the key must be pushed down and turned counterclockwise. To turn the key to the STEERING HEAD LOCK (4) or PARKING LAMPS (5) position, the handlebars must be turned to the left and the key must be pushed down while in the PUSH DETENT (3) position and turned counterclockwise.

NOTE:


The key must be pushed down and turned to access the PUSH DETENT position. It does not need to be pushed down to access the STEERING HEAD LOCK or PARKING LAMPS positions.

4. Turn the key counterclockwise to STEERING HEAD LOCK (4) to lock the steering head in position and discourage theft of the motorcycle. See Steering Head Lock: Blast Models for more information on this feature.

5. Turn the key counterclockwise to the PARKING LAMPS (5) position to illuminate the tail lamp, speedometer and indicator lamps (neutral and oil pressure). See Indicator Lamps: Blast Models.

NOTE:


The speedometer lamp, tail lamp, neutral, and oil lamps are illuminated when the key switch is in the parking lamp position, as required by law in some localities.

Key Removal: 2006 Blast Models

Ignition/Headlamp OFF Push detent Steering head lock Parking lamps Ignition/Headlamp Key Switch: Blast Models

Hand Controls: Blast Models

Top of page

Electric Starter Switch

See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models. The electric starter switch (10) is located on the right handlebar control. Pushing in the electric starter switch engages the electric starter and starts the engine if ignition power is ON. See Starting The Engine: Blast Models for operation procedures.

Engine OFF/RUN Switch

See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models. The engine off/run switch (7) turns the ignition power ON or OFF. The engine off/run switch is located on the right handlebar control. Push the top portion of the engine off/run switch to turn off ignition power and shut the engine off. Push the bottom of the engine off/run switch to turn on ignition power.

Clutch hand lever High beam flash switch (behind dimmer switch) Left/right turn signal switch Horn switch Headlamp high/low beam switch Ignition OFF position Engine OFF/RUN switch Brake hand lever Throttle control grip Electric starter switch Ignition ON position Handlebar Controls: Blast Models

1. To shut the engine off, push the top of the off/run switch (7) to the ignition OFF position (6).

2. See Ignition/Headlamp Key Switch: Blast Models. Turn the ignition/headlamp key switch counterclockwise to the OFF (2) position to turn the ignition power completely OFF.

Throttle Control Grip

See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models. The throttle control grip (9) is located on the right handlebar control and is operated with the right hand.

1. Slowly turn throttle control grip clockwise (toward the front of the bike) to close the throttle (decelerate).

2. Slowly turn throttle control grip counterclockwise (toward rear of bike) to open the throttle (accelerate).

Clutch Hand Lever

Do not position fingers between hand control lever and handlebar grip. Improper hand positioning can impair control lever operation and cause loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00032a)

See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models. The clutch hand lever (1) is located on the left handlebar and is operated with the fingers of the left hand.

1. Slowly pull clutch hand lever in against handlebar grip to fully disengage clutch.

2. Shift to first gear using the gear shifter lever. See Gear Shift Lever.

3. Slowly release the clutch hand lever to engage clutch.

Horn Switch

See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models. The horn is operated by pushing on the horn switch (4) located on the left handlebar control group.

Headlamp High/Low Beam Switch

See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models. The headlamp high/low beam switch (5) is located on the left handlebar and controls the headlamp high and low beams.

• Press the top of the headlamp high/low beam switch to activate the high beam.
• Press the bottom of the headlamp high/low beam switch to return to the low beam.

See Indicator Lamps: Blast Models. The (blue) high beam indicator lamp (2) will illuminate when the high beam is on.

High Beam Flash Switch

See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models. The high beam flash switch (2) is located on the back side of the handlebar control area. Pressing this switch allows you to flash the high beam. The high beam will be illuminated for as long as the switch is held down.

Turn Signal Switch

See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models. The left/right turn signal switch (3) is located on the left handlebar control and activates the front and rear turn signal flashers.

• Push the turn signal switch to the right to activate the right front and rear turn signal flashers.
• Push the turn signal switch to the left to activate the left front and left rear turn signal flashers.
• Press the yellow button in the middle of the left/right handlebar turn signal switch to manually cancel the turn signal.

See Indicator Lamps: Blast Models. The (green) turn signal indicator (3) will illuminate and flash to indicate the turn signals are in use.

Gear Shift Lever

Top of page

The clutch must be fully disengaged before attempting a gear shift. Failure to fully disengage the clutch can result in equipment damage. (00182a)

The gear shift lever is located on the left side of the motorcycle and is operated with the left foot.

1. Push the gear shift lever all the way down (full stroke) to shift the transmission to the next lower gear.

2. Lift the gear shift lever all the way up (full stroke) to shift the transmission to the next higher gear.

NOTES:

• Release the gear shift lever after each gear change.
• The lever must return to its central position before another gear change can be made.

See Shifting Sequence (shown from left side of motorcycle). First gear is the last gear position that can be found by pushing the gear shift lever full stroke downward.

Neutral is located between first and second gear. The green neutral indicator lamp on the dash will illuminate when the transmission is in neutral.

1. To shift from first gear to neutral, lift the gear shift lever 1/2 of its full stroke.

2. To shift from second gear to neutral, push the gear shift lever downward 1/2 of its full stroke.

When the motorcycle is standing still and the engine is not running, shifting gears requires a different technique. Before shifting in this condition, move the motorcycle backward and forward with the clutch fully disengaged (clutch lever pulled in). While maintaining slight pressure on the shift lever, shift from one gear to another.

Even with the engine running and the motorcycle standing still, difficulty may be experienced in shifting gears. This difficulty occurs because transmission gears are not turning and shifting parts are not lined up to permit engagement.

When difficulty of shifting gears is experienced, do not under any circumstances, attempt to force the shift. The results of such abuse will be a damaged or broken shifter mechanism. (00161a)

See Shifting Gears for more information.

Shifting Sequence (shown from left side of motorcycle)

Brake System

Top of page

Do not apply brake strongly enough to lock the wheel. A locked wheel will skid and can cause loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00053a)

The rear brake pedal controls the rear wheel brake and is located on the motorcycle's right side. Operate the rear brake pedal with the right foot.

The front brake hand lever controls the front wheel brake and is located on the right handlebar. Operate the hand lever with the fingers of the right hand.

Do not position fingers between hand control lever and handlebar grip. Improper hand positioning can impair control lever operation and cause loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00032a)

Brakes should be applied uniformly and evenly to prevent wheels from locking up. A balance between rear and front braking is generally best.

Indicator Lamps: Blast Models

Top of page

General

See Indicator Lamps: Blast Models. The speedometer houses four indicator lamps.

• The red oil pressure indicator indicator lamp (1) illuminates when oil is not circulating through the engine.
• The blue high beam indicator lamp (2) illuminates when the headlamp high beam is on.
• The green turn signal indicator indicator (3) flashes when a turn signal is activated. The flashing arrows indicate the turn signals are in use.
• The green neutral indicator lamp (4) illuminates when the transmission is in neutral gear.

Oil pressure indicator lamp High beam indicator lamp Left/right turn signal arrows indicator lamp Neutral indicator lamp Indicator Lamps: Blast Models

Oil Pressure Lamp Operation

Conditions that could cause the red oil pressure indicator lamp to illuminate during operation include:

• Empty oil tank, incorrect oil level or diluted oil (at speeds above idle).
• Oil feed line clogged with ice and sludge, preventing oil circulation (in freezing weather).
• Grounded oil signal switch wire.
• Faulty oil pressure switch.
• Damaged or improperly installed check valve.
• Improper oil pump operation.

If the oil pressure indicator lamp remains lit, always check the oil supply first. If the oil supply is normal and the lamp is still lit, stop the engine at once and do not ride further until the trouble is located and the necessary repairs are made. Failure to do so may result in engine damage. (00157a)

If the oil pressure indicator lamp illuminates during operation:

• Stop the engine immediately and check the oil level.
• Add recommended oil as required until proper level is achieved.

If the oil pressure indicator lamp illuminates during operation despite proper oil level:

• Stop the engine immediately and do not ride further until the necessary repairs are made. See a Buell dealer.

Instruments: Blast Models

Top of page

Speedometer

Travel at speeds appropriate for road and conditions and never travel faster than posted speed limit. Excessive speed can cause loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00008a)

See Speedometer/Odometer: Blast Models. The speedometer (1) registers miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (kph) of forward speed.

Odometer/Trip Odometer

Never attempt to tamper with or alter the vehicle odometer. This is illegal. Tampering with or altering a vehicle odometer may cause equipment damage. (00160a)

See Speedometer/Odometer: Blast Models. The odometer records the total distance traveled. The trip odometer records distance traveled since it was last reset by the rider. The odometer window (4) is located on the speedometer face and displays the odometer/trip odometer readings. The trip odometer reset button (5) allows the rider to toggle between odometer and trip odometer readings as well as reset the trip odometer.

1. Press the reset button (5) on the dash panel to display the trip odometer reading.

2. Press and hold reset button to zero the trip odometer.

3. Press reset button again to display the odometer.

Speedometer MPH display KPH display Odometer window Trip odometer reset button Speedometer/Odometer: Blast Models

Rear View Mirrors

Top of page

Objects in mirrors are closer than they appear. Use caution when judging distance of objects in mirrors. Failure to judge correct distances could result in death or serious injury. (00033a)

Your vehicle is equipped with two convex rear view mirrors.

This type of mirror is designed to give a much wider view to the rear than a flat mirror. However, cars and other objects seen in this type of mirror will look smaller and farther away than they actually are.

• Use caution when judging the size or relative distance of objects seen in rear view mirrors.
• Always adjust the rear view mirrors to clearly reflect the area behind the motorcycle before riding.

Sidestand: Blast Models

Top of page

This motorcycle does NOT have a locking sidestand. Park the motorcycle on a level, firm surface. An unbalanced motorcycle can fall, which could result in death or serious injury. (00122a)

Always park motorcycle on a level, firm surface. An unbalanced motorcycle can fall over, which could result in death or serious injury. (00039a)

The sidestand is located on the left side of the motorcycle and swings down to support the motorcycle for parking.

The motorcycle has an ignition interlock feature controlled in part by the sidestand position. The sidestand must be fully retracted before you can begin forward movement on the motorcycle. Attempting forward movement with the sidestand down will result in immediate loss of ignition power.

Be sure side stand is fully retracted before riding. If side stand is not fully retracted, it can contact the road surface causing a loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00130a)

Steering Head Lock: Blast Models

Top of page

Protect your vehicle against theft. After parking your motorcycle, lock the steering head and remove ignition key from switch. Failure to lock your motorcycle may result in theft and/or equipment damage. (00151a)

The steering head lock is located on the ignition/headlamp key switch and is operated by the ignition key.

1. Verify sidestand is down. Turn handlebars full left or right.

2. See Ignition/Headlamp Key Switch: Blast Models. Push down on the ignition key and turn it counterclockwise to the steering head lock position. Move handlebars slightly until locked.

3. Attempt to turn the handlebars to the right to verify that the steering head is locked. Handlebars should not turn.

4. Remove key from the ignition/headlamp key switch.

Do not operate vehicle with forks locked. Locking the forks restricts the vehicle's turning ability, which could result in death or serious injury. (00035a)

Footpegs: Blast Models

Top of page

Two sets of footpegs (rider and passenger) are standard on the motorcycle. The rider footpegs are fixed in the extended position. The passenger footpegs are retractable and should be in the retracted position when not in use.

Fuel Supply Valve: Blast Models

Top of page

To prevent accidental flooding of the engine or surrounding area with gasoline, always turn the fuel supply valve to OFF when the engine is not running. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury. (00098a)

See Fuel Supply Valve Location: Blast Models (shown from left side). A three-position fuel supply valve controls the supply of fuel to the engine. The fuel supply valve is located under the fuel tank on the left side of the bike. Turning the valve allows the rider to:

• Turn OFF the fuel supply.
• Turn ON the fuel supply.
• Access the RES (reserve) fuel supply.

When the fuel tank supply is low, approximately 0.55 gallon (2.1 liter) of fuel remains in the bottom of the tank. This is the reserve fuel supply. The reserve fuel supply is accessed by turning the handle to the RES position.

1. See Fuel Supply Valve Operation: Blast Models. Turn the handle to the OFF position to turn off the main and reserve fuel supply.

2. Turn the handle counterclockwise to ON position to turn on main fuel supply.

3. Turn the handle clockwise to RES position to access the reserve fuel supply.

Fuel supply OFF Fuel supply ON access to main supply Fuel supply ON access to reserve supply Fuel Supply Valve Operation: Blast Models

Fuel Supply Valve Location: Blast Models (shown from left side)

Fuel Filler Cap: Blast Models

Top of page

Stop the engine when refueling or servicing the fuel system. Do not smoke or allow open flame or sparks near gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury. (00002a)

Avoid spills. Slowly remove filler cap. Do not fill above bottom of filler neck insert, leaving air space for fuel expansion. Secure filler cap after refueling. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury. (00028a)

Use care when refueling. Pressurized air in fuel tank can force gasoline to escape through filler tube. Gasoline is extremely flammable and highly explosive, which could result in death or serious injury. (00029a)

Removal

1. See Fuel Cap: Blast Models. Lift locking tab up.

2. Turn locking tab 1/4 turn counterclockwise until it clicks.

3. Pull up on locking tab to remove fuel filler cap.

Installation

1. Position fuel filler cap on fuel tank with locking tab up.

2. Turn locking tab 1/4 turn clockwise. Push locking tab down.

Engine oil dipstick Vapor vent valve Locking tab Fuel filler cap Fuel Cap: Blast Models

Rear Shock Absorber: Blast Models

Top of page

See Rear Shock Absorber: Blast Models. The actions of the rear suspension are controlled by a single rear shock absorber with an external, coil-over spring. The rear shock absorber is located under the seat and is not adjustable.

Rear Shock Absorber: Blast Models