Long time Harley rider thinking about purchasing a Hayabusa.

[TheZman]

As the title says im a Harley rider looking to buy a Hayabusa. I started riding motorcycles when i was 14. I had an older model Yamaha back then. In my 20s i bought my first Harley. Im now 37 years old. I currently have a 2018 Road King Special that i purchased last September.

With that being said i have zero experience on sport bikes. Ive always admired and liked the Hayabusa and always wanted one as a second bike. With my limited experience to mainly just Harleys would a Hayabusa be hard to ride at first and hard to handle? Or since ive been riding awhile and would respect it and start out slow riding it still be ok to get one? Im asking because i dont want a smaller or different  sport bike but at the same time i dont want to get in over my head either. And the Hayabusa is the only one id want to buy.

So would this be a hard transition? Especially being that its a entirely different riding position and alot more power? Should i just get one and slowly get use to it?

[Sport]

I'd recommend riding one before buying.  Although manageable, some riders find having 160+ horsepower at the wheel (1st gen) a tad hard getting used to. What's the HD have, maybe 75?  And that's with 800-900 pounds to haul around.  Years ago I rode a 1400cc V Twin Suzuki 'cruiser'.  I loved the straight line power but it just didn't corner the way I wanted to ride.  Transitioning didn't seem to be a problem but I had other bikes as well.  If it 'fits' you the power won't be a problem.  Although the seating position is not nearly as severe as a liter bike or a mid size superbike, it's certainly different from what you're used to.  There are plenty riders who prefer the slant forward position due to back problems with straight up or laid back positions.  Ride one, just don't crack the throttle in a low gear right away.  Good luck!

[Rocketgeezer]

Go for it, I have had Harleys and sport bikes for years, currently 08 Ultra Classic and 05 Turbo Busa, had both since new, you will find that the Busa is a complety different ride. even stock the Busa would go almost as fast in 1st gear as the Harley flat out, just watch the throttle until you get real used to it............have fun and keep the shiney side up

[Frank06]

They are great bikes, my only recommendation would be to keep revs under 4K until you get used to it.  When you're ready, take it up to 50 mph in 3rd gear then roll it on...   

[TheZman]

Sounds like it would be ok to get as long as i take it easy until i get use to it. Kinda of what i was thinking. Hopefully the riding position will still be comfortable. I think as said keeping the rpms down is definitely the key. Ive watched some newbies online riding the Hayabusa for the first time and thats what they did and lived.  Lol

[TheZman]

I'd recommend riding one before buying.  Although manageable, some riders find having 160+ horsepower at the wheel (1st gen) a tad hard getting used to. What's the HD have, maybe 75?  And that's with 800-900 pounds to haul around.  Years ago I rode a 1400cc V Twin Suzuki 'cruiser'.  I loved the straight line power but it just didn't corner the way I wanted to ride.  Transitioning didn't seem to be a problem but I had other bikes as well.  If it 'fits' you the power won't be a problem.  Although the seating position is not nearly as severe as a liter bike or a mid size superbike, it's certainly different from what you're used to.  There are plenty riders who prefer the slant forward position due to back problems with straight up or laid back positions.  Ride one, just don't crack the throttle in a low gear right away.  Good luck!

My new 2018 Harley has the new M8 engine so it has 96hp and 111ft of torque.  Not that makes a difference because the Busa has a lot more power and my Harley is 822lbs.  But at least Harleys are a lot better then they use to be.

One of the main reasons i like the Hayabusa over the traditional Sport bikes is because its bigger and longer with more seat room. Especially being that im 6ft 225lbs i would never buy a regular small style sport bike. Plus the Busa is a Legend. Wouldn't  want anything else anyway. I love the way the Hayabusa looks with its big,  long and low stretched body and frame.

Another concern i have that might make me hold of for a year is there saying the 2019 Hayabusa is coming and is a total redesign and might have a turbo. Id hate to buy a new 2017 or 18 and that thing hits the floor. Should i wait? ?

[MJ Williams]

You shouldn't wait for the 2019, anytime you buy something the next day something better comes out. Since it would be your first Busa there will more than enough power to keep you amused (at least for a year or 2). The biggest advance to going with a Hayabusa is they are the 350 Chevy of the motorcycle world. They are stout, parts are everywhere for them and the platform has been around long enough there is a lot of knowledge about keeping them running.

[TheZman]

You shouldn't wait for the 2019, anytime you buy something the next day something better comes out. Since it would be your first Busa there will more than enough power to keep you amused (at least for a year or 2). The biggest advance to going with a Hayabusa is they are the 350 Chevy of the motorcycle world. They are stout, parts are everywhere for them and the platform has been around long enough there is a lot of knowledge about keeping them running.

Normally i would agree with you 100%. And i usually give the same exact advise with this type of question as you because i feel the same way. But in this case i feel its different because Suzuki only really makes changes to the Hayabusa once every 10 years.

It first came out in 1998 as the first gen then got a revamp not until 2008 with the 2nd gen and now 2019 will be supposedly the new 3rd gen to carry on and start then next decade. If they were rebuilding the bike every 2 years i would agree. But once every 10 well thats a different ball game. And id rather the 3rd gen uf that really is th case. I just dont know for sure if it is the real case or not and id hate to wait for nothing. But i have a feeling it is and it will be an all new 2019 Busa. The timing and the reasons all add up to that.

[Frank06]

I have a first gen ('03) (well, actually I also have an '04 that's been electrified but while street legal, mostly ride it for LSR) and there are several mods that make it a bit more comfortable: heli-bars, Buell foot pegs, bar risers, different seat, etc.  I'm really curious to see what any redesign looks like...

[TheZman]

I have a first gen ('03) (well, actually I also have an '04 that's been electrified but while street legal, mostly ride it for LSR) and there are several mods that make it a bit more comfortable: heli-bars, Buell foot pegs, bar risers, different seat, etc.  I'm really curious to see what any redesign looks like...

Im going to guess the 2019 as far as looking different would be slightly agressive tweaks to the body style especially the front end without loosing the true size and style and i would guess the major updates would be lighter frame materials and an engine update to meet better emissions and give it more power.  Which just those 2 things a lone would be worth waiting for but im guessing there will be more upgrades to it then that.  All the information on this subject points to it really is going to happen and the timing makes sense as well. I just wish i new it was 100%  fact or not. 

[sportbikeryder]

I'd recommend buying a used bike. Very readily available for $6k or less for clean used.

Buel pegs to drop the footpegs an inch, and a set of bar risers, along with a different seat if desired and you'll be all set.

Keep the Harley and try out the used Hayabusa. If you like it, then consider buying a new or newer one. If not, sell it and lose no money.

John

[TheZman]

I'd recommend buying a used bike. Very readily available for $6k or less for clean used.

Buel pegs to drop the footpegs an inch, and a set of bar risers, along with a different seat if desired and you'll be all set.

Keep the Harley and try out the used Hayabusa. If you like it, then consider buying a new or newer one. If not, sell it and lose no money.

John

Im not getting rid of my Harley. The Busa will be a second bike. So theres no worries there if for some reason i didnt like it.

[sportbikeryder]

I'd still go with a used bike....that way, when you get a taste of the power and want more, you'll have plenty of cash juat laying around to send it over and we'll put a turbo on it for ya   

[TheZman]

I'd still go with a used bike....that way, when you get a taste of the power and want more, you'll have plenty of cash juat laying around to send it over and we'll put a turbo on it for ya   

Or wait for the 2019 that will already have a turbo and a dozen other new upgrades. Lol...

Honestly the 2019 probably wont have a turbo but it will have a dozen or so upgrades and i think it being the start of a new generation 3 with a new design would be the way to go for someone like me on the fringe of just getting one this close to the new design coming out.

Your advice is definitely sound for sure. But with the new generation right at the door step i wouldnt want to have buyers remorse if i went with a gen2 and then the 3 came out within the year.

[Sport]

If I were set on buying new I'd probably wait too but just remember, the 2019 might not have all the upgrades everyone hopes in spite of it being the 20th anniversary model. 

[TheZman]

If I were set on buying new I'd probably wait too but just remember, the 2019 might not have all the upgrades everyone hopes in spite of it being the 20th anniversary model.

When would the 2019s be available for sale? Like this Fall or next Spring? Waiting sucks. Lol

[Sport]

There can always be delayed or early reveal dates especially for a specific model (the Busa for example) but typically all next year's models are introduced the year before, as early as September. 

Chompin at the bit aren't you?     I think he's hooked boys...

[sportbikeryder]

Like I said, go buy one tomorrow and then buy a new one once they are available.  Used bikes hold their value pretty well since they are already so cheap. Buy a 2006 or 07 gen1 and then, provided they actually change something, you'll be very impressed with the differences in the "gen3".

As for power, coming from Harleys, the power difference in a gen1 and gen2 won't matter for awhile anyway until you get used to revving the piss out of it since the TQ curve is way different. 

[TheZman]

There can always be delayed or early reveal dates especially for a specific model (the Busa for example) but typically all next year's models are introduced the year before, as early as September. 

Chompin at the bit aren't you?     I think he's hooked boys...

Hopefully it will be an Early reveal. .. Lol

[HOS]

Hi TheZman,
Its a pity PJ isn't around atm he could tell you all about the switch to a Busa.

I had 5 of them so they are very addictive.
Coming from what you're used to the things to watch are:
Clutch and throttle control needs to be very precise in pulling away from standstill and in slow speed tight turns.
Top speed in 1st gear is well over 70mph but it kicks very hard, its not a tall gear.
You may find yourself turning the bike into bends initially a long way before the bend. Its a physically big bike but it turns quick.
Get used to short shifting because you don't need to use that many revs on this.
In the wet or on greasy road conditions, just be ultra careful of tyre grip? Same with new rubber take it very easy to start with.
Example is when I was following a mate on his unrestricted gen 1 and he is FAST. I was on my my Busa and winding the throttle in a bit too hard
on a damp, level and straight road leaving town. The power is such that the rear wheel is spinning up and coming around to the side, I over reacted and snapped the
throttle shut like a rookie, the rear tyre gripped and it nearly spat me off ! Almost high sided going in a straight line !
Without hesitation I was back on the gas and trying to regain ground on my mate ahead, an impossible task.
Meanwhile another mate behind me on his Honda Blackbird nearly crashed his bike laughing so hard at my antics wrestling with the Busa.
You will have many adventures on these bikes I do know that.
It eats tyres fast. You can go out for a ride out for the day and get back home to see bare metal on the centre of the rear tyre.
I always wore out one rear to two front tyres and got about 2000 miles out of a rear or I could get it down to 1000 miles out of a rear tyre.
So find a good local tyre bay.

I got plenty of anti from people who don't ride Busa's and never will do. They are irrelevant.
Its a big, ugly, loud and obnoxious bike, it gets in deadheads faces and that's why I love em.
Don't whack the throttle........ squeeze it OK 

Bragging rights? It does 80 in 1st gear. End. 

[TheZman]

Sounds like a blast. The local dealer has a brand new 2017 leftover he said he would do $12,600 on it.. Its tempting but a huge part of me says wait for the 2019. There's also a part of me that has an interest in either the Yamaha R1 or R6. From the reviews ive read even the R6 is a really impressive bike for a 600cc. I can get one of those for $10k

In the end im trying to take my time and make the right decision since im not familiar with sport bikes. I like the Busa because its bigger and comfy and still fast. But i love the looks of those Yamaha R bikes. Just wish i knew if the new Hayabusa is going to be a reality or not and if it is what is the price going to be? Would be nice to know.

[HOS]

The R1/R6 are very radical sports bikes. The kinda bikes you will want to get off very frequently because of the pain you will inflict on yourself by riding it. Neck, wrists, shoulders, spine and knees. Applies to young guys too.
You know when you see a sports bike rider sticking his legs out with his feet off the pegs? No it's not some kind of sports bike rider secret greeting, its to try and return some feeling back into their legs. 

The Busa has plenty of rider and pillion comfort.
The R1/R6 has neither.
Get used to being asked for a pillion ride on a Busa, happens all the time I can tell you. 
However the pillion seat is separate to the seat hump. It's one or the other, not both. So if you wanna pull, fit the pillion seat.
Some riders fit a NOS bottle under the seat hump, looks tidy!

You can ride all day on the Busa in relative comfort but not on sports bikes. You don't want to reach your destination and then think hard about catching a train home because you're in agony!

The 2019 Busa is still a possibility but the price might be much higher. Considering a new Busa here is still only £11k but a new Fireblade is £20k and very little to show for it.
The new Blades look cheap and nasty.

I'd go for a recent lower mileage gen 2 at a fair price and get used to it. Then if the new bikes comes out then look to part ex. The gen 2 is faster than a stock gen1 and the original gen1 with the 200mph speedo isn't much less fast.

The Yoshi pipes are something good to watch out for if fitted. The latest Busa has them factory fitted.
I can say the Yoshimura race only 4 into 1 makes some serious sounds. You just want to play tunes on it all day.

[HOS]

I've had too many people whining at me for a pillion ride.
To the point where I've had to show them there is no seat underneath the seat hump because they wouldn't accept there wasn't one under it.
I fitted the hump as standard to avoid the hassle unless I knew I would be carrying a pillion.

[TheZman]

Your right and in the end even tho ive never ridin a sports bike one of the main reasons i gravitate to the Hayabusa is because of it size and looks to be alot more comfortable then  bikes like the R6. So thanks for the reality check i needed it especially with my non existence of experience with these type of bikes. Thats why im on here thinking out loud so i can receive good advice and believe me its greatly appreciated. So Hayabusa it still is.

[TheZman]

Here's a question i didn't think if. How expensive is the Insurance for the Hayabusa? My Harley is like $500 for the year.