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(click photos to enlarge)
Primary Chain Tensioner
Stock is prone to breaking where the threaded rod goes through the flat bar.

The updated version has a much thicker flat bar which should prevent breakage.

Periodically check tension
Keep an eye on the primary tension or the chain will rub against the inside of the primary cover.

1999 Buell S3 Thunderbolt

Buell's Pro Series race kit makes this Thunderbolt more ride-able whether in city traffic, droning on the highway, or flicking through a twisty road.

My list of backyard tricks include;

• Pro Series Race Kit:
  Carbon Fiber air cleaner assembly with K&N Air Filter. Race exhaust with muffler and race Engine Computer Module (ECM).

• K&N mini Billet Fuel Filter

• ASB lower front Polyurethane Exhaust Bushing

• 2001 Cylinders, front Brake Rotor and rear Shock and an updated Primary Tensioner

Our Buell S3 Thunderbolt projects:

Pro Series | DDFI | Fuel Filter Recall | Winterize

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Crankcase Breather Tube

The Buell Blast's stock breather tube vents down the carb in an attempt to re-burn the vapors to meet emission standards.

A disadvantage to this is liquids also go down the intake and create deposits in the combustion chamber, gumming up the spark plug and robbing the engine of horsepower.

To make the motorcycle run cleaner, we vented the vapors into the atmosphere by rerouting the breather tube under the seat while retaining the original drain tube.

To let vapors out and prevent liquids from misting out onto the bike, we capped it with a K&N breather filter.

Before you begin this modification, you need to remove the gas tank. (See article on this page)

(click photos to enlarge)

Trim off two barbs from tip of PCV valve. Turn it 180 degrees. Route hose with sleeve through hole in frame, bypassing original tee at the airbox.

Tee off just above the rear of the primary cover, retaining original drain tube.

Route breather tube under seat and cap with a breather filter (We used K&N. Part No. 62-1000). Tie wrap to secure. Plug hole in air-box to prevent dirt from entering.

After running the Blast with this set up, the bike runs cleaner inside and out. It's good to check and drain any sludge from the tube periodically, at least twice a month when ridden regularly.

2001 Buell Blast

Tiny but Tough
Don't let this little single cylinder motorcycle fool you. 500cc and some after-market modifications make this Buell Blast live up to it's pre-production code name; Thor.

What we've done;

• White Brothers E-Series exhaust system and re-jetted carburetor
  

  Editor note:
  WB has discontinued the E-Series. Other after-market exhaust systems are available. Try searching Vance & Hines, Kerker or contact a Buell dealer for more information.

• Reroute crankcase breather tube. (See article on the left)

These mods fill the dip in the torque curve of the stock setup. There's no lean spot in the mid-range anymore.

Our Buell Blast projects:

Clutch Cable Adjustment

Change Transmission Fluid

Re jet carburetor

After-market exhaust

Winterize

Browse through our Buell Blast photo journal for pictures of the stock 2001 Buell P3 Blast.

Visit the official Buell American Motorcycles site for more info on Buell Blast and accessories.