Operating Recommendations: Blast Models

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Do not run the engine at extremely high RPM with clutch disengaged or transmission in neutral. Running an engine at high RPM can result in engine damage. (00177a)

• The maximum recommended safe engine speed is 6500 RPM.
• Do not idle engine unnecessarily for more than a few minutes with motorcycle standing still.

Air-cooled engines require air movement over the cylinders and heads to maintain proper operating temperature. Extended periods of idling or parade duty can overheat the engine, resulting in serious engine damage. (00178a)

An engine running long distances at high speed must be given closer than ordinary attention to avoid overheating and possible damage.

When riding on wet roads, brake efficiency and traction are greatly reduced. Failure to use care when braking, accelerating or turning on wet roads can cause loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00041a)

When descending upon a long, steep grade, downshift and use engine compression together with intermittent application of both brakes to slow the motorcycle.

Continuous use of brake causes overheating and reduced efficiency, which could result in death or serious injury. (00042a)

Do not coast for long distances with the engine off. The transmission is properly lubricated only when the engine is running. Coasting long distances can result in transmission damage. (00180a)

Do not tow a disabled motorcycle. Towing can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00017a)

Break-in Riding Rules

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The First 500 Miles (800 Kilometers)

To properly wear-in critical parts during the first 500 miles (800 kilometers), please observe the simple riding rules below. This will assure future performance and durability.

1. During the first 50 miles (80 kilometers), keep the engine speed below 2500 RPM in all gears and do not exceed 50 mph (80 kph). Do not allow the engine to lug.

2. For the first 500 miles (800 kilometers), vary the engine speed and avoid riding at the same speed for long distances. Engine speeds up to 3000 RPM are permissible in any gear after 50 miles (80 kilometers) have accumulated. Do not exceed 55 mph (89 kph) for the first 50-500 miles (80-800 kilometers).

3. Avoid fast starts at wide open throttle. Drive slowly until engine warms up.

4. Refer to Upshift (Acceleration) Gear Speeds: 2006 Blast Models and Downshift (Deceleration) Gear Speeds: 2006 Blast Models. Follow table guidelines for when to shift gears. Avoid running the engine at extremely low RPM in higher gears.

5. Avoid hard braking. New brakes need to be broken-in by moderate use for the first 200 miles (300 kilometers).

Pre-Riding Checklist: Buell Models

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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)

Before riding your motorcycle at any time, make a general inspection to be sure it is in safe riding condition.

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)

Do not spill fuel onto the motorcycle while refueling. Immediately wipe up fuel spills on your motorcycle. Fuel can cause damage to cosmetic surfaces. (00147b)

1. Verify fuel is present in tank and add fuel if required.

2. Adjust mirrors to proper riding positions.

3. Verify oil is present in oil tank. Check oil level only after warming up the motorcycle.

4. Check controls to make sure they operate properly. Operate the front and rear brakes, throttle, clutch and shifter. All controls should operate freely without binding.

5. Check steering for proper operation by turning the handlebars through the full operating range. Handlebars should turn smoothly without binding.

Be sure tires are properly inflated, balanced and have adequate tread. Inspect your tires regularly and see a Buell dealer for replacements. Riding with excessively worn, unbalanced or under-inflated tires can adversely affect stability and handling, which could result in death or serious injury. (00114a)

6. Check tire condition and pressure. Incorrect pressure will result in poor riding characteristics and can affect handling and stability.

7. Check all electrical equipment and switches including the headlamp, stop lamp, turn signals and horn, for proper operation.

8. Check for any fuel, oil or hydraulic fluid leaks.

9. Check secondary belt for wear or damage. Service as necessary.

Starting The Engine: Blast Models

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Shift transmission to neutral before starting engine to prevent accidental movement, which could result in death or serious injury. (00044a)

The engine should be allowed to run slowly for 15-30 seconds. This will allow the engine to warm up and let oil reach all surfaces needing lubrication. Failure to comply can result in engine damage. (00181a)

FINE-C Method

Before starting the engine perform the pre-ride inspection and then complete the following steps:

1. FUEL: Check that the fuel supply valve handle is to the ON position. The fuel supply valve handle is located on the left side under the fuel tank. See Fuel Supply Valve Operation: Blast Models.

2. IGNITION: Insert the key in the ignition/headlamp key switch and turn the key clockwise to the IGNITION position. See Ignition/Headlamp Key Switch: Blast Models.

3. NEUTRAL: Make sure transmission is in neutral. Check to see if green neutral indicator lamp is illuminated. Roll motorcycle forwards and backwards to verify transmission is in neutral. See Indicator Lamps: Blast Models.

4. ELECTRIC STARTER: Push the bottom of the engine off/run switch to the RUN position. The engine off/run switch is located on the right handlebar control. See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models.

5. CLUTCH: Squeeze the clutch lever (1) in. The clutch lever is located just forward of the left handlebar grip. See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models.

6. Retract the sidestand.

7. Push the electric starter switch (10) to start the engine. The electric starter switch is located on the right handlebar control. See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models.

If you have any questions about the correct operation of your motorcycle, talk to an authorized Buell dealer.

Stopping the Engine: Blast Models

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1. See Handlebar Controls: Blast Models. Push the upper part of the engine off/run switch to shut the engine OFF. The engine off/run switch is located on the right handlebar control.

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

3. See Fuel Supply Valve Operation: Blast Models. Turn the fuel supply valve handle OFF.

Shifting Gears

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Getting Started

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

Gear shift pattern is first gear down, next four gears up.

1. With motorcycle engine running and sidestand retracted, pull the clutch hand lever in against handlebar grip to fully disengage clutch.

2. Push the foot shift lever down to end of its travel and release. The transmission is now in first gear.

3. To start forward motion, release the clutch lever slowly to engage the clutch and at the same time, open throttle gradually.

Upshift (Acceleration)

Refer to Upshift (Acceleration) Gear Speeds: 2006 Blast Models. Engage second gear after the motorcycle has reached the appropriate shifting speed.

Upshift (Acceleration) Gear Speeds: 2006 Blast Models

1. Close the throttle.

2. Disengage the clutch (pull clutch lever in).

3. See Shifting Sequence: Upshift. Lift the gear shift lever up to the end of its travel and release.

4. Engage the clutch (release clutch lever) and gradually open the throttle.

5. Repeat the previous steps to engage third, fourth, and fifth gears.

Shifting Sequence: Upshift

Downshift (Deceleration)

Do not downshift at speeds higher than those listed in the Changing Gear Speeds table. Shifting to lower gears when speed is too high can cause the rear wheel to lose traction and lead to loss of vehicle control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00045a)

Gear shift pattern is fourth gear down; next three gears down. Refer to Downshift (Deceleration) Gear Speeds: 2006 Blast Models for shifting speeds.

Downshift (Deceleration) Gear Speeds: 2006 Blast Models

See Shifting Sequence: Downshift. When engine speed decreases, as in climbing a hill or running at a reduced speed, shift to the next lower gear while partially closing the throttle so the engine accelerates as soon as the clutch lever is released.

Shift to neutral before stopping engine. Shifting mechanism can be damaged by shifting gears while engine is stopped. (00183a)

The gear shifter mechanism permits shifting the transmission to neutral from either first or second gear.

Shifting Sequence: Downshift