Suzuki Hayabusa
Discussion
Hi Guys.
Having not ridden a big bike for a number of years, I have just had an offer to purchase a new Hayabusa (2006 model). It will be imported by someone I know quite well, the bike can come for about £3,750 and I will have to register the thing at Reading. Can someone tell me if I am being sensible to but this bike. I have had one before, and all the bikes I have had in the past are big sports bikes. Any help would be gratefull.
Having not ridden a big bike for a number of years, I have just had an offer to purchase a new Hayabusa (2006 model). It will be imported by someone I know quite well, the bike can come for about £3,750 and I will have to register the thing at Reading. Can someone tell me if I am being sensible to but this bike. I have had one before, and all the bikes I have had in the past are big sports bikes. Any help would be gratefull.
Depends how long you have been off a sportsbike.
People brand the busa as a dangerious bike because it's "capable" of 200+mph in the straight line. However, to be honest with you. It's actually a big pussycat of a bike. It's heavy and it's comfy. In short it's a brilliant tourer. It's length and weight prevent it from being a true sportsbike (in my opinion)
I think that something like a new shape R1/GSXR1000 or alike is a more dangerious bike for the road.
Good bike tho. However, i will always like the ZX12 more
People brand the busa as a dangerious bike because it's "capable" of 200+mph in the straight line. However, to be honest with you. It's actually a big pussycat of a bike. It's heavy and it's comfy. In short it's a brilliant tourer. It's length and weight prevent it from being a true sportsbike (in my opinion)
I think that something like a new shape R1/GSXR1000 or alike is a more dangerious bike for the road.
Good bike tho. However, i will always like the ZX12 more
Throttle only goes as far as you turn it ! If you think you'll turn it too far too soon or at the wrong time then get a less powerfull bike and get a busa later.
Power delivery is silky smooth in a car, not at all jerky or overpowering. No idea what it's like in a bike but I hope I live long enough to find out
Power delivery is silky smooth in a car, not at all jerky or overpowering. No idea what it's like in a bike but I hope I live long enough to find out
Yeah,
I would expect that price to be the FOB price (FOB Stands for "Free on Board" for those not familiar with the import/export of vehicles)
FOB means that the seller puts the bike on the boat for you and pays for everything up to that stage. (All paperwork, transport costs, tax's etc)
As soon as the bike is on the boat, you have to pay for the rest. When the bike lands at port here in the UK, you will have to pay import tax and vat + the shipping costs and the clearing charges before you can even pick it up. If he puts it in a container with lots of other bikes then it's cheaper for you. But there are still costs to pay. I would say your probably looking at another £1000 on top at least. Especily after it's taxed and registered.
I would expect that price to be the FOB price (FOB Stands for "Free on Board" for those not familiar with the import/export of vehicles)
FOB means that the seller puts the bike on the boat for you and pays for everything up to that stage. (All paperwork, transport costs, tax's etc)
As soon as the bike is on the boat, you have to pay for the rest. When the bike lands at port here in the UK, you will have to pay import tax and vat + the shipping costs and the clearing charges before you can even pick it up. If he puts it in a container with lots of other bikes then it's cheaper for you. But there are still costs to pay. I would say your probably looking at another £1000 on top at least. Especily after it's taxed and registered.
J H 500 said:
Hi Guys.
Having not ridden a big bike for a number of years, I have just had an offer to purchase a new Hayabusa (2006 model). It will be imported by someone I know quite well, the bike can come for about £3,750 and I will have to register the thing at Reading. Can someone tell me if I am being sensible to but this bike. I have had one before, and all the bikes I have had in the past are big sports bikes. Any help would be gratefull.
IMHO, you aren't being even remotely sensible, but then again I guess that's part of the fun...Having not ridden a big bike for a number of years, I have just had an offer to purchase a new Hayabusa (2006 model). It will be imported by someone I know quite well, the bike can come for about £3,750 and I will have to register the thing at Reading. Can someone tell me if I am being sensible to but this bike. I have had one before, and all the bikes I have had in the past are big sports bikes. Any help would be gratefull.
SS HSV said:
I thought FOB stands for 'Freight on Board' 
FOB AFAIK.It does sound like a good deal, although I don't know what else might be charged.
Probably not the ideal choice for a 'born-again' but you could do worse and it only goes as fast as the rider takes it
I have never actually ridden a Hayabusa but I do know that that are ferkin' fast and I would imagine the power delivery is smooth so should be easily manageable.
My advice; buy it and enjoy.......
It is very soft and forgiving bike to ride.
Dont for one minute think it will go anywhere near 200 , or even 190 as stock though .
Assuming you like scratching , on the road it wont be left behind by any of the litre bikes ,but it does need some getting used to and carefull setting up of the suspension.
It doesnt like incorrect tyre pressures , especially the front .
At the price you mention it is of course a bargain , so long as customs dont clean you out
Dont for one minute think it will go anywhere near 200 , or even 190 as stock though .
Assuming you like scratching , on the road it wont be left behind by any of the litre bikes ,but it does need some getting used to and carefull setting up of the suspension.
It doesnt like incorrect tyre pressures , especially the front .
At the price you mention it is of course a bargain , so long as customs dont clean you out
Busamav said:
It is very soft and forgiving bike to ride.
Dont for one minute think it will go anywhere near 200 , or even 190 as stock though .
Assuming you like scratching , on the road it wont be left behind by any of the litre bikes ,but it does need some getting used to and carefull setting up of the suspension.
It doesnt like incorrect tyre pressures , especially the front .
At the price you mention it is of course a bargain , so long as customs dont clean you out
Mav, Dont for one minute think it will go anywhere near 200 , or even 190 as stock though .
Assuming you like scratching , on the road it wont be left behind by any of the litre bikes ,but it does need some getting used to and carefull setting up of the suspension.
It doesnt like incorrect tyre pressures , especially the front .
At the price you mention it is of course a bargain , so long as customs dont clean you out
Is there a standard set of issues to address with the Busa? The Falco has a few you need to nail and then you have a sorted bike. I've always fancied a Busa one day as an intercontintental missile for big distance touring, so I'm curious what they're really like to live with.
Ta,
Steve.
Steve, make sure it has a steel subframe full stop.
I know of skinny bastards that have had an alloy sub frame snap.
If its early years , then ensure it has the timing chain tensioner recall done.
Dont ever put fully synth in it unless you want an on / off clutch .
Be meticulous with tyre pressures
Be meticulous with tyre pressures lol
Run Bendix front pads with ss brake pipes
The front brakes can be awfull if not maintained , they arent good anyway .
Other than that , 6 years of abuse and she is sweeter and faster than ever .I honestly cant see the benefit of changing to anything else.
Chains and tyre wear is no different from any other powerful; bike, I like the Avon SP 49 + 50's , but they are getting very difficult to find now , the vypers have superseded them , but they are a rounder profile and dont afford you such a quick turn in
Will try to think of more later
I know of skinny bastards that have had an alloy sub frame snap.
If its early years , then ensure it has the timing chain tensioner recall done.
Dont ever put fully synth in it unless you want an on / off clutch .
Be meticulous with tyre pressures
Be meticulous with tyre pressures lol
Run Bendix front pads with ss brake pipes
The front brakes can be awfull if not maintained , they arent good anyway .
Other than that , 6 years of abuse and she is sweeter and faster than ever .I honestly cant see the benefit of changing to anything else.
Chains and tyre wear is no different from any other powerful; bike, I like the Avon SP 49 + 50's , but they are getting very difficult to find now , the vypers have superseded them , but they are a rounder profile and dont afford you such a quick turn in
Will try to think of more later
I passed my test last summer and brought a GSX-R1000 k4. It comes with a built in traffic sensor and speed restrictor. My eyes and my right wrist…
That said you need to be sure your concentrating ALL the time when you’re on a bike like that. Because it very, very easy to get into a lot of trouble. Although you can get into a fair bit of trouble on a CB500…
Just remember that us born again bikers on sports machines are currently the biggest accident statistics on the roads…
That said you need to be sure your concentrating ALL the time when you’re on a bike like that. Because it very, very easy to get into a lot of trouble. Although you can get into a fair bit of trouble on a CB500…
Just remember that us born again bikers on sports machines are currently the biggest accident statistics on the roads…
Ive had my busa for 4 years now and love it, its by far and away the best bike ive ever owned, however sometimes I would like something a bit more sports orientated but the girl friend likes to ride pillion when she can and I cant find anything that fulfils both roles as a scratcher and a relatively comfy distance bike to replace it with
A bit like an M5, despite the weight, it can boogie with the best of them with the right rider aboard, it just takes more physical and mental effort..ive tracked it a few times and as mentioned above the brakes, as standard are a big weak point…by far and away the worst thing about the bike is its appetite for tyres, do not under estimate what a royal pain(and expense) changing tyres every 1-2 thousand miles is, you wont make a decent European trip without changing the rear.
The best thing about the bike is the motor, it’s a bloody gem…from walking pace in 4th gear you can drive hard from 5 to 170MPH…I know the best litre bikes can match it for BHP and top speed nowadays but no engine(apart from a rocket 3 I think of) gives you 100ft lb of torque to play with in a decent chassis . GSX-R thous and similar feel thrashy motors in comparison
Your 2006 bike will come with a steel sub frame as standard and have all the modifications made by the factory over the years. My YR2000 model still has the alloy sub frame but im not paranoid…much ..and I wanted a 220MPH speedo!
For those that want to go second hand, I can offer the following advice which was given to me when I was looking for one
The first (MY1999) cam chain tensioner mod was to fit a slightly different one; the chain was replaced with one carrying a yellow dot (if I remember rightly!) in case the original had been stretched by a slack tensioner.
The moded ratchet one still used to backout with a closed throttle – this was then upgraded to a hydraulic one, easy to spot there’s an oil line going to the tensioner!
The sub frame issue is NOT a recall. However if you talk to Suzuki nicely they will change it free. 2002 bikes have the steel sub frame standard.
Known problems which aren’t recall items.
1999 only problems….
Fuel petcock filter too fine. Service bulletin item – should have been changed over first service.
Fuel pump filters blocking. Service bulletin item – check.
Fuel return line would crush leading to a very sick bike (running rich cutting out) replace with 2000 item. (£7)
The two filter problems were a symptom of a crap fuel pump design; they have a copper impeller that gradually eats itself constantly blocking the filters. Suzuki never admitted to the problem so you’ll get no-where with them. Strange there’s never been a pump failure to my knowledge! – They must run themselves in eventually!
There are two fixes (expensive and free!) the former fix is to fit a 2000 pump. The latter to rip all the filters out the FI system (including the little blighters in the injectors themselves) except the fuel screen in the tank itself. The filters are an overkill. Without them the tiny particles of copper pass through the system harmlessly. There are bikes that have covered high mileages like this with no ill Headlight misting up – Replaced with 2000 item if you asked within the warranty period.
There are no fuel system related problems with 2000 bikes, 2001 bikes do not exist (UK) they are actually 2000s. 2002s (LesserBusa’s) are the restricted item – Easily spottable via the puny 180mph speedo and the chrome looking exhaust link pipe. Derestricting ‘em cost all of about 2 pence
Fitting TTS heavy duty clutch springs (£10) improves the clutch’s feel no-end and removes the snatch caused by the premature take up of the back torque limiter.
Steering damper – these are often under filled causing a very notchy action, remove, drain and refill with 5W fork oil (using a syringe) The standard damper refilled like this is a remarkably nice damper!
All in all once the niggles are sorted the Hayabusa is remarkably reliable, get a 2000 if you can to avoid having to mess around with the fuel system.
A bit like an M5, despite the weight, it can boogie with the best of them with the right rider aboard, it just takes more physical and mental effort..ive tracked it a few times and as mentioned above the brakes, as standard are a big weak point…by far and away the worst thing about the bike is its appetite for tyres, do not under estimate what a royal pain(and expense) changing tyres every 1-2 thousand miles is, you wont make a decent European trip without changing the rear.
The best thing about the bike is the motor, it’s a bloody gem…from walking pace in 4th gear you can drive hard from 5 to 170MPH…I know the best litre bikes can match it for BHP and top speed nowadays but no engine(apart from a rocket 3 I think of) gives you 100ft lb of torque to play with in a decent chassis . GSX-R thous and similar feel thrashy motors in comparison
Your 2006 bike will come with a steel sub frame as standard and have all the modifications made by the factory over the years. My YR2000 model still has the alloy sub frame but im not paranoid…much ..and I wanted a 220MPH speedo!
For those that want to go second hand, I can offer the following advice which was given to me when I was looking for one
The first (MY1999) cam chain tensioner mod was to fit a slightly different one; the chain was replaced with one carrying a yellow dot (if I remember rightly!) in case the original had been stretched by a slack tensioner.
The moded ratchet one still used to backout with a closed throttle – this was then upgraded to a hydraulic one, easy to spot there’s an oil line going to the tensioner!
The sub frame issue is NOT a recall. However if you talk to Suzuki nicely they will change it free. 2002 bikes have the steel sub frame standard.
Known problems which aren’t recall items.
1999 only problems….
Fuel petcock filter too fine. Service bulletin item – should have been changed over first service.
Fuel pump filters blocking. Service bulletin item – check.
Fuel return line would crush leading to a very sick bike (running rich cutting out) replace with 2000 item. (£7)
The two filter problems were a symptom of a crap fuel pump design; they have a copper impeller that gradually eats itself constantly blocking the filters. Suzuki never admitted to the problem so you’ll get no-where with them. Strange there’s never been a pump failure to my knowledge! – They must run themselves in eventually!
There are two fixes (expensive and free!) the former fix is to fit a 2000 pump. The latter to rip all the filters out the FI system (including the little blighters in the injectors themselves) except the fuel screen in the tank itself. The filters are an overkill. Without them the tiny particles of copper pass through the system harmlessly. There are bikes that have covered high mileages like this with no ill Headlight misting up – Replaced with 2000 item if you asked within the warranty period.
There are no fuel system related problems with 2000 bikes, 2001 bikes do not exist (UK) they are actually 2000s. 2002s (LesserBusa’s) are the restricted item – Easily spottable via the puny 180mph speedo and the chrome looking exhaust link pipe. Derestricting ‘em cost all of about 2 pence
Fitting TTS heavy duty clutch springs (£10) improves the clutch’s feel no-end and removes the snatch caused by the premature take up of the back torque limiter.
Steering damper – these are often under filled causing a very notchy action, remove, drain and refill with 5W fork oil (using a syringe) The standard damper refilled like this is a remarkably nice damper!
All in all once the niggles are sorted the Hayabusa is remarkably reliable, get a 2000 if you can to avoid having to mess around with the fuel system.
lol! no mate but im a bit of an anorak and try to keep up to date with everything bike wise, ive been riding since the early 80’s and ridden what I would say was most of the top sports bikes of that time till present but im no expert, just an enthusiastic…err..enthusiast ….as we all are here I guess.
Bear with me whilst I reminisce but the 80’s where the most exciting times of my motorcycling “career”, technology was coming along real fast and we had jap bikes that handled brilliantly( for the time) from the crate…and no frigging speed cameras..!!
As for the GSX-R to SV swap, sounds like a good move to me, shame it wont sound as fit as an SV with a decent set of race cans.
Bear with me whilst I reminisce but the 80’s where the most exciting times of my motorcycling “career”, technology was coming along real fast and we had jap bikes that handled brilliantly( for the time) from the crate…and no frigging speed cameras..!!
As for the GSX-R to SV swap, sounds like a good move to me, shame it wont sound as fit as an SV with a decent set of race cans.
I would like to say I'm like Suzie Perrie and know lots about bikes, but unfortunately I don't as I have only been riding for two years. So I wouldn't have experienced the eighties riding sadly, plus I was only 10years old, so wouldn't have been allowed my license!!! :-)
But I love the atmosphere, I worked with a bunch of bikers once who forced me into the scene much to my dads disapproval, and I haven't looked back since. We used to go to all the races and camp out with a bit of 'ging gang goolie' singing round the camp fires until the early hours of the morning then watched the races if our eyes could focus. So I feel I've become a born again biker!!!
I just can't believe the crappy weather out here though, I have absolutely no interest in riding in the rain, which leaves me about 10 days dry weather throughout the Northern Ireland summer to get out, and just my luck, 9 of those days I will be working!!! :-(
So, a Gixser6 for me next year then. Good advice as I really like the original colours and they will match my leathers, I will let you know how it goes.!!!! Do you go to any of the races/meets???
But I love the atmosphere, I worked with a bunch of bikers once who forced me into the scene much to my dads disapproval, and I haven't looked back since. We used to go to all the races and camp out with a bit of 'ging gang goolie' singing round the camp fires until the early hours of the morning then watched the races if our eyes could focus. So I feel I've become a born again biker!!!
I just can't believe the crappy weather out here though, I have absolutely no interest in riding in the rain, which leaves me about 10 days dry weather throughout the Northern Ireland summer to get out, and just my luck, 9 of those days I will be working!!! :-(
So, a Gixser6 for me next year then. Good advice as I really like the original colours and they will match my leathers, I will let you know how it goes.!!!! Do you go to any of the races/meets???
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