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2001 Buell Motorcycle reviews

3.9 (21 reviews)
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Reliability
3.9
Overall quality
3.9
Performance
3.8
Comfort
3.9

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21 ratings and reviews

Voted most helpful review

Sanders

Great Lakes, Illinois

Reviewed on March 19, 2010

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Buell S3T Thunderbolt view listing

5.0
I'll startout by saying Buells aren't for everybody. If you're looking for warp speed, look somewhere else. If you're looking for a bike that is a good all around bike, then a Buell is a bike you want. There is mounds of negative press about Buell and for years it deterred me from buying a Buell. I co... read more
I'll startout by saying Buells aren't for everybody. If you're looking for warp speed, look somewhere else. If you're looking for a bike that is a good all around bike, then a Buell is a bike you want. There is mounds of negative press about Buell and for years it deterred me from buying a Buell. I couldn't resist looking at Buells everytime I started thinking about a new bike. Finally, I bought one. Somebody was almost giving away a S3 that his wife had ridden only once or twice and didn't like it. I found the negative press to be exaggerated a little. The bike does shake/lope a little bit at idle, but it is smooth as silk once you get above 2500. I have never had a major problem or a minor one for that matter. The motor is solid and doesn't leak. If you're thinking about a Buell, get an older tube frame Buell, you won't be disappointed.
Reliability
4.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Jon

Yukon, Oklahoma

Reviewed on December 30, 2006

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Buell Blast view listing

5.0
I bought this bike about 2 months ago. This is my third bike I've had. I am 22 and drive a semi, when I bought this bike it had about 10k miles on it. I've done some normal maintenance on it. It's comfortable for me and handles great. My wife rides on the back and we have gone on rides lasting hours. The... read more
I bought this bike about 2 months ago. This is my third bike I've had. I am 22 and drive a semi, when I bought this bike it had about 10k miles on it. I've done some normal maintenance on it. It's comfortable for me and handles great. My wife rides on the back and we have gone on rides lasting hours. The only downside of this bike is that it lacks power when there is a passenger. I've had mine up to 110 MPH and still had throttle left. I agree that the distance between 1st and 2nd gear is a big jump, but with a few city miles on it, it will be natural. I haven't had any problems except that parts are cheaply made, but they are cheap to replace. It's never stalled in corners and has never been laid down. People say that they are POS. I question their riding quality and the quality of their upkeep. This is a great bike whether it be for a beginner or someone that just loves to ride. This bike hugs the road and never wants to let go.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Alex

Rosamond, California

Reviewed on December 1, 2006

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Buell Blast view listing

4.0
I got the bike used with 2700 miles and already in 3 months put a total of 6600 miles on it. I replaced the stock exhaust with a slimmer and louder vance hines exhaust mainly to access drain plugs underneath the bike. The bike leaks from rocker cover and uses up rear tires every 2000 miles, with my very agg... read more
I got the bike used with 2700 miles and already in 3 months put a total of 6600 miles on it. I replaced the stock exhaust with a slimmer and louder vance hines exhaust mainly to access drain plugs underneath the bike. The bike leaks from rocker cover and uses up rear tires every 2000 miles, with my very aggressive driving. But I've also ridden with touring bikes and it could cruise at 80-90 mph for 300 mi ride at one time. I enjoy the bike and use it to commute to work every day.
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
3.0
Comfort
3.0
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Voted most helpful review

Gabi Ehresmann

Cascade, Wisconsin

Reviewed on November 21, 2005

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Buell Blast view listing

5.0
After the MSF class in 2003, I purchased a used 2001 Buell Blast with 1600 miles. Within the last two seasons, I put an additional 18500 miles onto the odometer. The bike performed perfect for its class, and its intended use, which consisted of an 83-mile daily commute. The gas mileage is exceptional, I got... read more
After the MSF class in 2003, I purchased a used 2001 Buell Blast with 1600 miles. Within the last two seasons, I put an additional 18500 miles onto the odometer. The bike performed perfect for its class, and its intended use, which consisted of an 83-mile daily commute. The gas mileage is exceptional, I got 75+ mpg. The oil changes were simple, and the bike was relatively maintenance free (no chain to oil, no valves to adjust) The only complaint would be the rear tire consumption... The bike always got me wherever I wanted to go, never leaving me stranded, except when I ran out of gas a half mile from home :) (Female miscalculation of risk...) Some people may complain about the seat, but I was able to do a 500-mile day with minimal issues (not the bike, but my bottom). The power was more than sufficient for city riding as well as keeping up with the traffic on the highway. Overall, this is a great beginner bike, if you accept this bike as what it is. Not a race bike, not a powerhouse, just a reliable fun bike. Buell did a great job with the bike, and there was a tear in my eye as I traded up to a Buell XB12R a month ago. Can't wait for next season...
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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ADB

Illinois, Illinois

Reviewed on June 20, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Buell S3T Thunderbolt view listing

5.0
Excellent True Sport Touring bike with tons of torque. Smooth over 2500, and handles like a dream. Only needs are a taller screen from the factory, and a nice integrated backrest. Luggage is first class, and seating position for someone 5'8" is perfect. Bars are medium height. Also needs a factory plug i... read more
Excellent True Sport Touring bike with tons of torque. Smooth over 2500, and handles like a dream. Only needs are a taller screen from the factory, and a nice integrated backrest. Luggage is first class, and seating position for someone 5'8" is perfect. Bars are medium height. Also needs a factory plug in for an electric vest. 8500 miles to date, and though I have had some glitches in the fuel injection, Buell went of their way with factory and dealer help. For others that have posted with one star, they need to call and talk with Buell customer service to get things resolved quickly.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Marshall Plaisted

Boise, Idaho

Reviewed on April 19, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Buell Blast view listing

5.0
This was the very first bike I ever even sat on. It has taught me so much about the motor cycle world. I have put over 2,ooo miles on it without any problems. I plan on adding a VH exhaust to make it more loud. For anybody considering an AMERICAN bike, this one is for you! Great gas economy, proformance,... read more
This was the very first bike I ever even sat on. It has taught me so much about the motor cycle world. I have put over 2,ooo miles on it without any problems. I plan on adding a VH exhaust to make it more loud. For anybody considering an AMERICAN bike, this one is for you! Great gas economy, proformance, and style. I only wish there were after-market mirrors for it. I would rate this bike with ten stars if they would allow it.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Another Buell victim...

Detroit, Michigan

Reviewed on December 6, 2002

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Buell S3T Thunderbolt view listing

1.0
I purchased my Buell S3T about a month ago and am ready to sell it after only 200 miles. The overall quality of the bike is very poor, and the handling is even worse. I made numerous attempts to contact Buell with some of the concerns I have but they don't return my calls. The "customer care" lin... read more
I purchased my Buell S3T about a month ago and am ready to sell it after only 200 miles. The overall quality of the bike is very poor, and the handling is even worse. I made numerous attempts to contact Buell with some of the concerns I have but they don't return my calls. The "customer care" line is nothing more than voice mail. Did I mention that I sat on hold for 15 minutes before the voice mail? I've owned about 8 other bike before the Buell, and I can honestly say that this is by far the worst. Junk on wheels. I can almost hear Erik Buell laughing at me as I write this.
Reliability
1.0
Quality
1.0
Performance
1.0
Comfort
1.0
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Ralph R.

McAlisterville, Pennsylvania

Reviewed on December 6, 2002

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Buell Blast view listing

3.0
There are pros and cons to my review. And I must say that I went into the Blast wanting to Love the Bike (which I do, but which maybe biased?). But for some, the Blast maynot be as good a starter bike as similarly sized Jap bikes (i.e.- 250 Ninja, Gz250 Suzi, etc.). Like most Buells using Harley engines, y... read more
There are pros and cons to my review. And I must say that I went into the Blast wanting to Love the Bike (which I do, but which maybe biased?). But for some, the Blast maynot be as good a starter bike as similarly sized Jap bikes (i.e.- 250 Ninja, Gz250 Suzi, etc.). Like most Buells using Harley engines, you'll find more than it's share of Vibes and leaks and vibration related problems. So if you buy a Harley or Buell Product you need to pay closer attention to maintenance and checks of bits and pieces. IF that is done, the Blast is quite reliable, and what few problems(defects?) the Blast has, can be quickly and cheaply remedied by the handy owner. BTW- I own two Blasts and one is a race bike. If you want something as carefree as an auto, then maybe bikes aren't for You. Even the Jap & Euro bikes need more maintenance than your used to. But the Blast is fairly carefree with it's beltdrive and self adjusting valves. This Bike DOES have extremely Good Brakes and Handling ! I feel it's a very safe bike to ride although it may steer a bit too quick for experienced riders(?). My 2001 street Blast now has over 6,000 miles on it and has only needed two new rear tires and a gasket for the rocker box oil leak. But I do take pride in and maintain MY bikes very well. If you don't like the Blast, then you probably won't like ANY OTHER Buell or Harley product as what is common in one is common to all H-D/Buell Products. I'd recommend this bike if you want to be serious about learning all their is to bike ownership (like we did in the old days- btw I'm 44 yrs old). If you'd rather not learm much about bikes...buy a Jap bike and pay the dealer for ALL the service and be done with it. But if you want into the world of Harley, this is the bike to get you started. To each his own......
Reliability
3.0
Quality
3.0
Performance
3.0
Comfort
3.0
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A-Train

Lantana, Florida

Reviewed on November 13, 2002

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Buell Blast view listing

3.0
I bought my Blast new in 2001 and the first three months in stayed in the shop with oil leaks and the mirror fell off. The good points is that this is a great starter bike hits the turns easily and has just enough pep to get you through the lights. If it were not for my warranty and the low cost of this bi... read more
I bought my Blast new in 2001 and the first three months in stayed in the shop with oil leaks and the mirror fell off. The good points is that this is a great starter bike hits the turns easily and has just enough pep to get you through the lights. If it were not for my warranty and the low cost of this bike - I would be very upset at the constant maintenance in the first year. I guess you get what you pay for - it is mixed blessings for me. My advice - get the extended warranty. I am moving up and out of the Buell family to a cruiser.
Reliability
3.0
Quality
3.0
Performance
3.0
Comfort
3.0
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Randall

Gower, Missouri

Reviewed on October 2, 2002

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Buell Blast view listing

5.0
I bought my 2001 Blast used in May of 2002 from a harley dealership and I've loved it ever since. It is my first bike and it has allowed me to learn how to ride a bike the right way. This bike corners so well that on certain occasions I have even out ran Japanese crotch rockets. It is only after the corner... read more
I bought my 2001 Blast used in May of 2002 from a harley dealership and I've loved it ever since. It is my first bike and it has allowed me to learn how to ride a bike the right way. This bike corners so well that on certain occasions I have even out ran Japanese crotch rockets. It is only after the corner that they waste me. But what is more fun the corners or the straight aways. I did have the problem with the ignition module that everyone else had and it was fixed a few monthes ago and I have had any trouble since. I plan on trading it in on a Firebolt next year and if I could afford it I would keep it around just because of all the fun times I've had on it. Even my dad who has riden bikes for over 25 years says that you can have more fun on this bike than the law will allow. So if you want something reliable and fun to ride I suggest the Blast. Plus I get 65-70mpg on average and I ride at highway speeds most of the time because I use this bike as a commuter to and from work and college.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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