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.

[sportbikeryder]

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.

Somewhere between $60 and $5500 a year depending on your company, coverage, bike choice, and your records.

Seriously though, the only way to know os call your company or others. Don't be surprised if you hear some say they won't I sure it or if the quote is literally over $3k for a new bike with full coverage from some companies.

[BLU88]

i think the transition would be easy .. i have both now. i have a 2014 ultra limited, a hayabusa , a zx 14. when i was road riding my busa at the same time.. i have never had a problem switching between them.

i have had time where i road the harley all day .. then went back home and switched cause i was then gonna be riding with a bunch of sportbike guys vs. harley / cruiser guys.  then went and street raced the busa the same night.

so once you get used to the difference you will not have a problem... dont let the name and lore of the name hayabusa intimidate you at all. a bike is a bike they all have a clutch and a throttle and brakes...lol

[HOS]

Sound advice to get some insurance quotes in now.
Over here using bike insurance comparison sites the quotes vary wildly and they want answers to so may questions regarding you and the bike.
The difference between two postcode areas which might be 1 mile apart can give a large price differential.
I don't know about stateside, but they don't like modifications and each insurance company has different rules on whether the mods should be declared, or aren't covered,
or require a loaded premium. Bike insurance is a ballache.

[TheZman]

Yeah ill definitely have to call my insurance company for some quotes. Im guessing the Sport bikes are going to be much more then my Harley which is something ill have to consider since im not rich. I usually only ever have one bike at of time because thats all i can afford for now. And i know i wouldn't give up my Harley.

With that being said i went into a dealership today and sat on a bunch of different bikes. And i know it totally different sitting on them then actually riding them rolling down the road but it gave me a rough idea which was a good fit and felt good. I sat on a BMW 1000, a Kawasaki 1000 Ninja, Yahamaha R6, BMW cafe racer, the Hayabusa. There were others but those were the ones i got a chance to check out the most and spent the most time on.

Long story short for me the Hayabusa had the most awkward seating position out of all of them unfortunately. I honestly hope even more they give it a makeover for 2019. It actually kinda bummed me out because ive always wanted one. It felt super long in the front and the pegs where in the most awkward position. I knew if i got one it would be like that and i would have to get use to it and i was ok at first until i went and sat on the other bikes.

Odly the bikes like the BMW 1000, and Yamaha R6 felt lighter more balanced and more comfortable to me. Even though they have a more agressive riding set up. I just felt more stable on them and the lighter weight and shorter front end made me feel more confident on them. They felt less awkward to me believe it or not. Which totally surprised me.

Lastly was the Kawasaki Ninja 1000. Now this bike totally caught me off guard. Looking the style i looked like the other super bikes. Very aggressive and mean i almost didnt even sit on it. But when i did oh man was it comfortable. Hands down the best out of all of them. It actually blew my mind. My arms where almost is a straight position and my feet were just directly down. And it felt great. So after messing with it for some time and talking with the salesman i come to realize its set up that way for sport touring. I really liked it. Didnt really want a sport touring bike but i know tgats just my ego talking and honestly if i didnt sit on it i wouldn't have even known it was with its aggressive styling. I guess from researching it when i got home Kawasaki sells it as a mix a bike you can tour on or take to the track and race. Pretty interesting.

Kind of makes me wonder if you can just buy a more agressive bike like the zx10, R1, BMW 1000 and Hayabusa and set it up with more upright handle bars and move the pegs a little more forward with Aftermarket. Something im definitely going to look into for sure.

[Sport]

Don't be so shocked.  All those other bikes (are) lighter and (do) have shorter wheelbases.  Sitting on them in the showroom will of course give you the feeling of 'lighter, more balanced' and maybe even more comfortable, but stable, in a showroom at zero speed?  Stable is what the Busa is famous for (at speed).  You won't spend any time on a Busa at zero speed.  The longer wheelbase in part, accounts for this.  I've lowered my pegs but they never felt like they were in an awkward position, just a tad high and even that is more related to my bad knee.  Placing pegs forward will involve extending the brake and shifter.  Riding one is what you need to do.  You'll know if it speaks to you.

[HOS]

Thanks Sport and yeah you are spot on about the Busa stability, that is what makes it a world class leader.
The huge stability of the bike has made up for more than a few of my misdemeanors.
But ultra fast handling sports bikes do not have that stability. They are extremely focused bikes with little room for rider error.
The Busa did feel very long and low when I got my first, but its a feeling that passed quickly.
I've spoken to guys who've taken a Busa out on demo and rubbished them on return. But the reality is they probably didn't get it out of third gear.
Others speak the truth like a mate of mine who is a total race rep addict, he kills a set of knee sliders on a weekend ride out. He can get a pillions knees down.
He took a Busa out on demo more out of curiosity than wanting to buy one.
When he dropped the bike back at the dealer and came down to see us on his Prilla he was stunned at the deceptive way the Busa easily carried 60mph more than he realised.
That's Busa fast and there's a difference: Stability.

[HOS]

For peg positions?  that's why Valte Moto, Gilles and Harris Engineering make superb billet adjustable rear sets.
Personalisation is what its all about.
There is no one size fits all motorcycle on the market.

[HOS]

There is another significant thing to know about the Hayabusa.
There are a fair few drag racers on here and I go and watch the drag racing fairly often and have done for many years.
The vast percentage of drag bikes are Busa based. There's a handful of very fast Kawasaki's and maybe one Honda although
Ive not seen that one race for a while (I know the rider).
The other regular drag bikes are GSXR1100 based.

There is a big statement there about the robustness of the Suzuki motor and drive train. They are legendary.
Suzuki has a long pedigree of making bullet proof engines and gearboxes.
Don't see any Yamaha drag race bikes.

[TheZman]

There is another significant thing to know about the Hayabusa.
There are a fair few drag racers on here and I go and watch the drag racing fairly often and have done for many years.
The vast percentage of drag bikes are Busa based. There's a handful of very fast Kawasaki's and maybe one Honda although
Ive not seen that one race for a while (I know the rider).
The other regular drag bikes are GSXR1100 based.

There is a big statement there about the robustness of the Suzuki motor and drive train. They are legendary.
Suzuki has a long pedigree of making bullet proof engines and gearboxes.
Don't see any Yamaha drag race bikes.

Thats a big part why ive always wanted. Hayabusa because im a big drag race fan. But ive only ever drag raced cars and not professional but just for fun. Ive always had a fantasy of getting into drag racing on a bike or at least getting that rush in a straight line out on the open road every once in a while. Which the Busa would be perfect for.

The only problem with that is the reality is quite a different story. I live deep in the mountains on very steep and sharp twisty roads. Even just to get to a flat straight road from my house is far out. I worry that the Busa with its long wheel base, heavy weight and akward long front end would be an issue where i live compared to a bike like a Zx10 or even R6 thats set up to handle the sharp twisty roads at my house. I feel like the  Busa is better set up for areas like Florida..

 Im only thinking out loud to get feed back so dont think im on here trolling because im definitely not. Im just new to sport bikes and trying to make the best decision.

[sportbikeryder]

From everything you've posted, you probably should just stick with what you have now and go ride.

There are no handling issues with a stock hayabusa on any road (aside from maybe extreme gravel or ice...)

If you want a small bike, a hayabusa isn't for you.

Definately don't buy a new bike. You've never rider one, admitting don't have lots of spare cash sitting around and are about as fickle as a hen house full of old women 

If you want a bike, get something from the 2003-2008 range, be it a liter bike or big bore. Even those are well in the "way too much power" years. A 1993 gsxr 100 earercooled bike was plenty powerful enough, then along came the zx11 and zx12 and hayabusa to follow with "insane" power, only to be quickly superceeded by liter bikes.

If you want a Hayabusa, get one. Buy a 2008 and and do a mild 320hp turbo build as well

[TheZman]

From everything you've posted, you probably should just stick with what you have now and go ride.

There are no handling issues with a stock hayabusa on any road (aside from maybe extreme gravel or ice...)

If you want a small bike, a hayabusa isn't for you.

Definately don't buy a new bike. You've never rider one, admitting don't have lots of spare cash sitting around and are about as fickle as a hen house full of old women 

If you want a bike, get something from the 2003-2008 range, be it a liter bike or big bore. Even those are well in the "way too much power" years. A 1993 gsxr 100 earercooled bike was plenty powerful enough, then along came the zx11 and zx12 and hayabusa to follow with "insane" power, only to be quickly superceeded by liter bikes.

If you want a Hayabusa, get one. Buy a 2008 and and do a mild 320hp turbo build as well

I never said there was handling issues with a Busa and i wasnt trying to come off that way. Im just simply playing Devils advocate out loud so i cant get feed back. And i have no doubt that a Hayabusa in an experienced Busa riders hands could rip through my roads with no problems. But my steep windy roads with horseshoe turns for 10 miles just to get to a flat road isnt the best place to start and get use to a bike like that especially if it doesn't fit like a glove. So thats mainly why im being picky. Hell if i lived somewhere with long flat stretches of road i wouldnt care. Give me whatever and I'd ride the sh$t out of it. But if i am goimg to spend more money i want to make sure its the right bike. Thats all.

[HOS]

The Hayabusa is not a sports bike.
Its a very focused machine at doing one thing, going extremely fast and that it does exceedingly well.
Its in a class of its own.
No bike fits like a glove when you buy it. Most riders modify their bikes in some way to improve the relationship of seat, handlebars and footrests to their own personal preferences for comfort. If you think that sitting on a bike in a dealer will tell you that it is comfortable, see how it feels after 50 to 100 miles in the seat in town or on the highway.
Being 6 foot 2" tall meant I couldn't see the top half of the speedo on the Busa, so its common for taller riders to fit a "double bubble" aftermarket screen. Thats just one minor
example of how these bikes need to be modified in some way for your personal fit.

No one here is going to bust a gut to sell you a Busa, its an exclusive bike which isn't for the majority of bikers.
I call it "the thinking mans bike" becasue you have to think very hard when riding it. Its challenging and you need a large amount of mental focus to ride them.
I had a full power ZZR1100D Kawasaki the ex worlds fastest superbike but that did not prepare for the speed and power of the Busa. I needed to re-calibrate my brain
for the speed the bike would reach in the blink of an eye and how it would easily hold great speed and initially you don't realise it.
I left a 150 yard darkie on the road from the back brake trying to scrub off a large amount of speed as a came up to a traffic island when I first got mine.
So bear in mind that was coming from a ZZR1100D which is a 185 mph superbike. You are coming from a  Harley.
If you really want a sports bike and you think it will be comfortable, then go ahead and have fun.

But the fun is in trying out different bikes over the years, try them all and have a blast.
I even had a 1200 Buell which was an absolute riot !!!! Buelligan bike !!  

[TheZman]

Well i just found aftermarket handle bars for the Hayabusa online that can put your arms in a more comfortable position and i found adjustable foot pegs as well. So i think those items alone will make the bikes seating position more favorable to me similar to the set up on that Kawasaki 1000 i sat on yesterday.

Also i think the Tokyo motor show is coming up at the end of March 23rd to the 25 i believe. I have a feeling if they are going to refresh the Busa thats when we will find out and hopefully the new model will be on display and ill make my decision from there. Rumors are that the 2019 will be a mid 2018 summer early release which would be perfect.

[Frank06]

The 'Busa can be an extremely fast bike if you use most of the rev range.  If you short-shift and use the torque it's a fantastic road bike.  Mine is set up for sport-touring at which it excels. 

[TheZman]

The 'Busa can be an extremely fast bike if you use most of the rev range.  If you short-shift and use the torque it's a fantastic road bike.  Mine is set up for sport-touring at which it excels.

Did you change out the handle bars with your set up?

[Frank06]

Heli-bars, risers, double-bubble, Buell footpegs and revamped seat.  I have a Ventura luggage system and tank bag that live on the bike and soft bags when I travel or need more storage.

[TheZman]

Heli-bars, risers, double-bubble, Buell footpegs and revamped seat.  I have a Ventura luggage system and tank bag that live on the bike and soft bags when I travel or need more storage.

Nice.. Sounds like thise accessories made a difference enough that your touring on it. I wont be using the Busa for touring since i have a Road King for that but i definitely want to make it more comfortable.

[sportbikeryder]

"Ghost geezer" had these or similar on his turbo bike.

[TheZman]

"Ghost geezer" had these or similar on his turbo bike.

Nice. Yeah i think new bars like that will make a huge difference how the bike feels and seating position for me since im so use to sitting up right while riding all my life on Harleys.