Hayabusa - Anyone had one
Discussion
Right I have lot of choice and unsure what I want to do at the moment. So thinking.
Still have a few more test rides I want to take including the new R1 before I get anything next Spring.
I was in my local Bike shop on Saturday and looking about. Came across a Busa. Always loved the looks (Yes Marmite bike I know).
One choice I have is possibly Get a 1299S, Sell the blade and spend lots of cash on the Ducati. Lovely bike and really enjoyed the test ride. They have them for about 16-17k secondhand. Maybe a bit less by next Spring. possibly
But I was thinking a 13 plate Busa, low miles and well looked after for 8k. Keep the blade for track. And have 2 bikes for less than buying a 1299S. Then I have a lovely bike for blating over Europe, and going out for a weekend or beat for a day with mates. And a bike for track. \
If Honda put out a new Blade next year I would pick that. But as I've been waiting almost 5 years for a big change with the Blade and it's not come I can't keep waiting for a new blade.
I don't like the GSXR myself. Not a Fan of the Kwak's myself Either. I don't like the looks of the ZZR1400 and prefer the Busa looks myself
I've Ridden the BM 1000rr and while it's a good bike and very capable, I picked the Blade over it in 2011 as the blade ticked more of the boxes for me and I never had 1 moment of regret in doing so. So I was happy with my choice when buying the blade
My thinking with the Busa is a comfy fast bike to enjoy on the roads.
I want to keep with sports bikes as long as my hips (major issues over the past 6-8 years, But still able to ride a sports bike so want to keep on them as long as I can)
Only bikes that really do it for me is the 1299 and new R1. I want to test ride the R1 but keep hearing how extreme the riding position is but won't comment myself until after the test ride.
I was looking at the new Multistrada. But don't really want to go the sit up and beg to soon. Maybe a bike for the future.
The RSV4 is tiny and won't be any good for me as i'm going to make it look like a 125cc sports bike. and thinking it won't be good for my hips either.
just keeping my options open at the moment.
Once I see and sit on plenty of bikes at the NEC and then decide what I want to test ride next Spring will I make a decision.
Choice choice
Anyone had a Busa and thoughts? Yes many love or hate them, Been searching and apart from Turbo or Supercharge i've found little in the way to add a bigger screen or exhaust. Any tips on places to look .
Still have a few more test rides I want to take including the new R1 before I get anything next Spring.
I was in my local Bike shop on Saturday and looking about. Came across a Busa. Always loved the looks (Yes Marmite bike I know).
One choice I have is possibly Get a 1299S, Sell the blade and spend lots of cash on the Ducati. Lovely bike and really enjoyed the test ride. They have them for about 16-17k secondhand. Maybe a bit less by next Spring. possibly
But I was thinking a 13 plate Busa, low miles and well looked after for 8k. Keep the blade for track. And have 2 bikes for less than buying a 1299S. Then I have a lovely bike for blating over Europe, and going out for a weekend or beat for a day with mates. And a bike for track. \
If Honda put out a new Blade next year I would pick that. But as I've been waiting almost 5 years for a big change with the Blade and it's not come I can't keep waiting for a new blade.
I don't like the GSXR myself. Not a Fan of the Kwak's myself Either. I don't like the looks of the ZZR1400 and prefer the Busa looks myself
I've Ridden the BM 1000rr and while it's a good bike and very capable, I picked the Blade over it in 2011 as the blade ticked more of the boxes for me and I never had 1 moment of regret in doing so. So I was happy with my choice when buying the blade
My thinking with the Busa is a comfy fast bike to enjoy on the roads.
I want to keep with sports bikes as long as my hips (major issues over the past 6-8 years, But still able to ride a sports bike so want to keep on them as long as I can)
Only bikes that really do it for me is the 1299 and new R1. I want to test ride the R1 but keep hearing how extreme the riding position is but won't comment myself until after the test ride.
I was looking at the new Multistrada. But don't really want to go the sit up and beg to soon. Maybe a bike for the future.
The RSV4 is tiny and won't be any good for me as i'm going to make it look like a 125cc sports bike. and thinking it won't be good for my hips either.
just keeping my options open at the moment.
Once I see and sit on plenty of bikes at the NEC and then decide what I want to test ride next Spring will I make a decision.
Choice choice
Anyone had a Busa and thoughts? Yes many love or hate them, Been searching and apart from Turbo or Supercharge i've found little in the way to add a bigger screen or exhaust. Any tips on places to look .
I've not owned one but test rode one several times in 2009 back to back with a GSXR1000 as I wasn't sure which I wanted, ended up with the latter. I found the Busa not as relaxing a riding position as I expected, in fact the GSXR was more comfy. However, I am in a similar position to you, I have an S1000RR but looking to get a ZZR1400 to compliment it rather than replace, all I would add is it must be eons since Suzuki did anything to the Busa it may feel very old school by now, which may of course be fine, try the ZZR though if you can as feels much more accomplished, similarly marmite granted, although I do have the boss eyed Beamer 
The logical choice is to have a bike for the road and another for the track, but my Panigale 1299 is the finest bike from the 122 I have owned to date. I believe it to be the best sports bike ever sold to the public for road use. It is that good. Much better than the 1199 Panigale I had.
Better value though, arguably, is the new R1 or S1000RR. The R1 took such a leap in standard from the past model, a huge upgrade. The S1000RR is still the stunning sports bike it was only more refined than ever.
You are spoilt for choice and whatever you decide you will have done well, but will also wonder if you should have done something else!
Better value though, arguably, is the new R1 or S1000RR. The R1 took such a leap in standard from the past model, a huge upgrade. The S1000RR is still the stunning sports bike it was only more refined than ever.
You are spoilt for choice and whatever you decide you will have done well, but will also wonder if you should have done something else!
I've had one for about 6 months. It's a first gen, but from what I understand they are similar to the second gen. I absolutely love the thing. I put a lot of miles on it going a 120 mile round trip into London every day, plus weekend frolics.
All I've experienced so far is a great, do it all bike. Great for long hauls where it actually feels pretty refined, and all that torque makes it effortless. At low speed it's also very manageable for a big bus, around town or wherever. Fuelling could be a little smoother, but I imagine a second gen maybe a little better in this regard. When out for thrills it obviously delivers as well.
Thumbs up from me
All I've experienced so far is a great, do it all bike. Great for long hauls where it actually feels pretty refined, and all that torque makes it effortless. At low speed it's also very manageable for a big bus, around town or wherever. Fuelling could be a little smoother, but I imagine a second gen maybe a little better in this regard. When out for thrills it obviously delivers as well.
Thumbs up from me
Speaking as someone who has dodgy knees I found the Hayabusa far more uncomfortable than a normal sportsbike. The lower seat height and the footrests sort of in the same place means I was in pain and locked in position.
Not sure how your hips will cope. It will certainly be different to a current FireBlade and my suspicion is that is going to be worse.
You could try the sit up stuff - the latest Multistrada is lovely, the S1000XR is a flipping missile and I'm keen to buy a Tracer next year as my road bike after 25 years of bikes with clip ons and rearsets.
Not sure how your hips will cope. It will certainly be different to a current FireBlade and my suspicion is that is going to be worse.
You could try the sit up stuff - the latest Multistrada is lovely, the S1000XR is a flipping missile and I'm keen to buy a Tracer next year as my road bike after 25 years of bikes with clip ons and rearsets.
cheers all. If the sit up bikes feel better I may head towards that direction if I keep the blade for track.
like anything I need to try before I buy.
I did notice sitting on the busa it was quite short. IE as said the seat is low. I'm 6ft 2" so something to look at when getting another bike.
like anything I need to try before I buy.
I did notice sitting on the busa it was quite short. IE as said the seat is low. I'm 6ft 2" so something to look at when getting another bike.
I have a 1st gen Hayabusa and have tried the 2nd gen model a couple of times. The biggest difference between the two is the seat height & more importantly the seat to foot rest difference.
The gen 2 model feels alot more spacious than the previous model - I would question which model the above posters are referring to.
That is the only reason I'd want to change but in the meantime I've put non-rubber topped foot rests on mine which has gained nearly an inch without losing ground clearance.
The difference in insurance and the fact that mine is still going strong means I'm reluctant to spend the extra to change, mine has always been a 2nd bike for long trips keeping the KTM as a fun bike.
As they are pretty much bullet proof and have not changed between 2007 -2014, why not save some money & get an older one leaving some money free for the next 'blade?
They are a bit old school to ride but hustle on nicely and you just take the grunt for granted, bit of a mass to stop at times. The best way to describe it is it's a modern GSXR1100/EXUP, or how litre sportsbikes would have progressed if it wasn't for the original Fireblade.
I was originally looking for a Blackbird but there were many more low mileage Hayabusas - many non high mileage riders bought Hayabusas as they were a 'cult' bike and just didn't do the miles, not sure if this though applies to the newer shape.
The gen 2 model feels alot more spacious than the previous model - I would question which model the above posters are referring to.
That is the only reason I'd want to change but in the meantime I've put non-rubber topped foot rests on mine which has gained nearly an inch without losing ground clearance.
The difference in insurance and the fact that mine is still going strong means I'm reluctant to spend the extra to change, mine has always been a 2nd bike for long trips keeping the KTM as a fun bike.
As they are pretty much bullet proof and have not changed between 2007 -2014, why not save some money & get an older one leaving some money free for the next 'blade?
They are a bit old school to ride but hustle on nicely and you just take the grunt for granted, bit of a mass to stop at times. The best way to describe it is it's a modern GSXR1100/EXUP, or how litre sportsbikes would have progressed if it wasn't for the original Fireblade.
I was originally looking for a Blackbird but there were many more low mileage Hayabusas - many non high mileage riders bought Hayabusas as they were a 'cult' bike and just didn't do the miles, not sure if this though applies to the newer shape.
Edited by graham22 on Tuesday 24th November 10:00
Edited by graham22 on Tuesday 24th November 10:01
RemaL said:
cheers all. If the sit up bikes feel better I may head towards that direction if I keep the blade for track.
like anything I need to try before I buy.
I did notice sitting on the busa it was quite short. IE as said the seat is low. I'm 6ft 2" so something to look at when getting another bike.
Keeping the blade for track? You seen the bits I still have for one of them?like anything I need to try before I buy.
I did notice sitting on the busa it was quite short. IE as said the seat is low. I'm 6ft 2" so something to look at when getting another bike.
Biker's Nemesis said:
RemaL said:
cheers all. If the sit up bikes feel better I may head towards that direction if I keep the blade for track.
like anything I need to try before I buy.
I did notice sitting on the busa it was quite short. IE as said the seat is low. I'm 6ft 2" so something to look at when getting another bike.
Keeping the blade for track? You seen the bits I still have for one of them?like anything I need to try before I buy.
I did notice sitting on the busa it was quite short. IE as said the seat is low. I'm 6ft 2" so something to look at when getting another bike.
graham22 said:
I have a 1st gen Hayabusa and have tried the 2nd gen model a couple of times. The biggest difference between the two is the seat height & more importantly the seat to foot rest difference.
The gen 2 model feels alot more spacious than the previous model - I would question which model the above posters are referring to.
That is the only reason I'd want to change but in the meantime I've put non-rubber topped foot rests on mine which has gained nearly an inch without losing ground clearance.
The difference in insurance and the fact that mine is still going strong means I'm reluctant to spend the extra to change, mine has always been a 2nd bike for long trips keeping the KTM as a fun bike.
As they are pretty much bullet proof and have not changed between 2007 -2014, why not save some money & get an older one leaving some money free for the next 'blade?
They are a bit old school to ride but hustle on nicely and you just take the grunt for granted, bit of a mass to stop at times. The best way to describe it is it's a modern GSXR1100/EXUP, or how litre sportsbikes would have progressed if it wasn't for the original Fireblade.
I was originally looking for a Blackbird but there were many more low mileage Hayabusas - many non high mileage riders bought Hayabusas as they were a 'cult' bike and just didn't do the miles, not sure if this though applies to the newer shape.
A few I have spotted a liked (orange and yellow ones) both have under 8k on them. The gen 2 model feels alot more spacious than the previous model - I would question which model the above posters are referring to.
That is the only reason I'd want to change but in the meantime I've put non-rubber topped foot rests on mine which has gained nearly an inch without losing ground clearance.
The difference in insurance and the fact that mine is still going strong means I'm reluctant to spend the extra to change, mine has always been a 2nd bike for long trips keeping the KTM as a fun bike.
As they are pretty much bullet proof and have not changed between 2007 -2014, why not save some money & get an older one leaving some money free for the next 'blade?
They are a bit old school to ride but hustle on nicely and you just take the grunt for granted, bit of a mass to stop at times. The best way to describe it is it's a modern GSXR1100/EXUP, or how litre sportsbikes would have progressed if it wasn't for the original Fireblade.
I was originally looking for a Blackbird but there were many more low mileage Hayabusas - many non high mileage riders bought Hayabusas as they were a 'cult' bike and just didn't do the miles, not sure if this though applies to the newer shape.
Edited by graham22 on Tuesday 24th November 10:00
Edited by graham22 on Tuesday 24th November 10:01
cheers for your feedback
Have a 1st Generation one. Am 6'1". Don't have a problem wth the seat to pedal / ground height, but have got used to it over the years. Not tried the 2nd generation. Have a back problem which means I've had to go sensible on the car, but the Busa is great for my back, as some of the weight is on the wrists.
Definately slow steering, doesn't like changing direction in bends. Brakes are crap compared to modern bikes, weight of the thing doesn't help. Great for long weekends abroard. Torque is fantastic, can ride it on French back roads in 3rd gear if feeling lazy. Have been complained at by my mates that I just shut off the throttle coming up to corners so they don't get any brake lights as warning I'm slowing down (but I do ride like a girl) Roll on in 3rd / 4th gear on an open road is always fun as its just hang on!!!
If you've got a blade I think you will find it too heavy and not as sharp handling.
Definately slow steering, doesn't like changing direction in bends. Brakes are crap compared to modern bikes, weight of the thing doesn't help. Great for long weekends abroard. Torque is fantastic, can ride it on French back roads in 3rd gear if feeling lazy. Have been complained at by my mates that I just shut off the throttle coming up to corners so they don't get any brake lights as warning I'm slowing down (but I do ride like a girl) Roll on in 3rd / 4th gear on an open road is always fun as its just hang on!!!
If you've got a blade I think you will find it too heavy and not as sharp handling.
ilovequo said:
Not sure if a Busa is the answer for touring Europe...
Not sure if talking from experience.Neil1300r said:
Have a 1st Generation one. Am 6'1". Don't have a problem wth the seat to pedal / ground height, but have got used to it over the years. Not tried the 2nd generation. Have a back problem which means I've had to go sensible on the car, but the Busa is great for my back, as some of the weight is on the wrists.
That's good to hear, I'm only 5'8" but suffer with my left knee due to a previous injury, still OK for 600+ mile days on it though.blade7 said:
1299S every time, for a sunny day toy. Not sure I'd want to stick a lot of miles on one or ride a long way on it though.
Why i've been thinking a nice bike for the road and the blade for the track. just trying to think what I want. Which is always going to be 2 bikes over 1. But if that 1 was the 1299S I think I may be able to put up with just one bike. I have up until now
graham22 said:
ilovequo said:
Not sure if a Busa is the answer for touring Europe...
Not sure if talking from experience.Neil1300r said:
Have a 1st Generation one. Am 6'1". Don't have a problem wth the seat to pedal / ground height, but have got used to it over the years. Not tried the 2nd generation. Have a back problem which means I've had to go sensible on the car, but the Busa is great for my back, as some of the weight is on the wrists.
That's good to hear, I'm only 5'8" but suffer with my left knee due to a previous injury, still OK for 600+ mile days on it though.The 1000 has adjustable pegs, higher bars and far more distance tween seat and pegs, go sit on both at your local Suzuki dealer and see what you think, BIKE magazine a while back the confirmed both the GSXR and KTM RC8 was far more spacious a tourer than even the VFR1200...
I believe the frame is the same between Gen 1 and 2, so any differences in comfort can be made to the Gen1 (air hawk seat and lower cranked pegs will get you some leg room)
Obviously, if your only using the bike for shorter distances, it may not bother you, love the Busa motor, low down it makes a thou feel broken , the weight and long wheelbase makes the settled under power on bumpy roads but go against it on fast direction changes, they understeer a fair bit and on the brakes , run wide a tad, just need some commitment & muscle that's all.
They are a cult bike thou and id much rather have one than a Blackbird or K1300. I can tell you on the Busa forum people are crying out for a Gen 3 Busa, the old girl is a bit long in the tooth now but a great second hand buy.
Ive just sold my lovely original bike, would have made a great buy for you.
Id recommend a test ride (Suzuki have loads of demonstrators) and if your still interested after that, join the uk busas site, you may even find a nice one at a decent price
http://www.ukbusas.org/
RemaL said:
blade7 said:
1299S every time, for a sunny day toy. Not sure I'd want to stick a lot of miles on one or ride a long way on it though.
Why i've been thinking a nice bike for the road and the blade for the track. just trying to think what I want. Which is always going to be 2 bikes over 1. But if that 1 was the 1299S I think I may be able to put up with just one bike. I have up until now
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