I bought a busa, my initial report/impression

[tached1000rr]

Warning Kinda long, Just wanted to share that I purchased a 2009 Hayabusa (gray) on Saturday and have put about 350 miles on it thus far, just thought I’d give an initial report and compare some points to the other 2 bikes I ride frequently 2004 CBR 1000, and 2011 R1.

Engine: I had never ridden a stock generation 2 busa before, only the previous generation and typically those had been geared etc. As I pulled out of the dealership parking lot, proceeded down the street and hit the on ramp to the interstate, I was like where’s the power!!! This thing is a dog! It runs too lazy! But considering my wife was on back and I did not really know what to expect I took it easy and these were my initial impressions. I wanted to ease into this thing. Well on the interstate I pull out to pass a car and get up to about 5000 rpms and roll on the throttle, next time I look down it’s running 95mph but I feel like I’m running 55mph. My first clue to the power between my legs, its subtle. At highway speeds it’s pretty much loafing compared to the higher strung CBR or R1, on those you feel like you are going as fast are you are.

Throttle: the busa has an easy to manage throttle it’s not as abrupt as I was expecting, in fact it’s nothing compared to the R1, just barely pull on the R1s throttle and you better be ready! My CBR is similar but not as abrupt as the R1 but the busa’s throttle just seems more linear if you will and allowed me to focus on the task at hand. With that said, once you reach the meat of the powerband, be ready and be holding on!

Engine vibes, while researching I had heard about the vibration that occurs at around 4500rpm, I did experience this but would not say it’s bothersome in anyway and it kinda adds character to the bike but in the higher rpms the engine is sweet!!!! Which brings me to another point, the busa is a high rpm machine, this caught me off guard due to its displacement I expected more of a low rpm-ish tuned midrange runner, this thing loves to rev! I’m not a top speed freak, so it’s possible that eventually I will drop it a tooth on the front sprocket or go plus two out back when it’s time to change sprockets down the road.

Given the way this bike makes power (in my opinion) it is tamer in low rpm city driving situations compared to the R1 or CBR again given the absence of the abruptness of the racier bikes. I’m guessing Suzuki designed it’s low rpm manners with the many of ham fisted not really experience riders in mind.

Transmission: Feels as good as both the R1 and CBR, no compliants what so ever.

Looks: We know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, well I loved the front of the busas, but the back has been a hit or miss for me. Now I really like the back of my 2009. Busas seem to fall in to either the face only a mother can love category or most wicked looking bike on the road. Mine came with a 4-1 muzzy full exhaust, I dig the sound but do not like the look, I intend to change to a carbon fiber can at some point Akra or Yoshi comes to mind. Looks are subjective and relative to the individual so let’s move on.

Speaking of exhaust, the full exhaust in place of the stock systems netted a weight reduction of about 40lbs! Each stock exhaust can weighs 17lbs!


Quality, fit and finish and the fine little details simply do not measure up to Honda/Yamaha Standards. For example the gas cap and locking mechanism is constructed of thinner metals, the turn signal buttons are not as “positive” as the Honda they feel more vague if you will.

Handling, I have to yet to attempt my typical pace with the guys on this bike as of yet on our usual roads. I did take it down one of my test roads and I must say preliminary results are PROMISING, not nearly as technical of a road but enough so to get a feel for the big bike, she was rock solid and surprised me in the speeds in which I navigated those turns. Bike felt extremely stable in the corners and I like the extra room to move around on the bike as compared to my cramped cockpit on the CBR. If I hit the lottery I will add a set of lightweight wheels which will help even more. Other low cost alternatives could be to throw a 190/55 tire out back and raising the rear 1” but I will get the suspension dialed in and go from there.

Brakes: Brakes are no where near those on my CBR or the R1. They are fine for majority of the riders out there not really pushing it. I will be upgrading to EBC HH pads and stainless steel lines up front initially, down the road I may consider an aftermarket full setup Beringer etc….

Two up riding: my wife likes to ride with me instead of piloting her own bike sometimes, so another variable in my decision making process was I needed a bike that could do all I wanted it do in 2 up mode as well. I’ve logged 97% of my riding on this busa thus far in 2 up mode. Wife certainly gives it a thumbs up in comparison to the CBR, but no shock there.

Comfort: my CBR tortured me, causing neck pain within 35 miles of a trip, I rode the busa 200+ miles on Saturday with no pain whatsoever MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!
In terms of future mods: I may get a set of risers for some longer distance riding, I will consider some lower pegs, and a long distance touring oriented seat. I’d like to be able to switch from sport to touring mode depending upon my destination.

Heat or lack thereof actually, no excessive heat coming off the engine or exhaust, I can’t say the same about the R1

Gas mileage: I have not really had a chance to gauge MPG as of yet, will have to report back on this one.

In summary, I set out to find a bike that had the power I crave, sportiness and good handling and most importantly COMFORT. I needed to be able to ride it and come home and basically feel like I would if I were getting out of the car. Certain bikes come and go, but this one is a keeper! I agonized over if I should buy an ZX14 or Hayabusa, I don't think I could have gone wrong either way personally, I missed out on a new 2010 ZX14 for $9499 two weeks ago, but I'm certainly a happy camper now.

Will get some pics up soon.