2004-06 Suzuki Hayabusa

[snowman]

I have my dealer currently searching for a good used Hayabusa from between 04 to 06. My current SV1000S is a great bike but the girl friend is riding with me a lot more and it is cramped two up. I know the performance reputation of the Hayabusa but a lot of owners claim its docile nature (if driven in that manner) makes it an excellent sport tourer. Looking for some actual ownership experience to help me decide. And no, I am not brand loyal to Suzuki its that the dealer is really good to me. Have also considered the following from Kawasaki, ZZR1200, and the ZX14. For blasting up and down the Alaska Highway between Fort Nelson and Fort Saint John and beyond I know I want the monster engine( read torque). Financing new is out of the question, I just recently financed a trio of off-road bikes for the family.
Any input from actual experience/ownership is appreciated.

[kml]

Love my '03 best bike I've ever owned. Get a '03 or later, by then Suzuki had fixed the fuel pump issues, used steel instead of aluminum in the rear subframe, installed an anti rattle spring in the clutch, resolved the cam chain issues with a new oil feed design, upgraded the ecu to a 32 bit unit, and most importantly installed a torque limiter in the starter idle/reduction gear, larger gears as well, to prevent the cases cracking went the starter went bad. They are the same from '03 to '07.

Mine has been bulletproof. Tons of torque, excellent street motor, not high strung at all. It goes through rear tires. The front fork is too soft if you are larger. Race Tech fork springs are a cheap and worthwhile upgrade.

A bike that has been dragged raced by a ham fisted noob who performed sloppy, high RPM clutched upshifts will have rounded engagement dogs and bent shift forks and will skip out of second gear. On the other hand mine has 50 thou clicks and the box is tight and butter smooth.

HUGE aftermarket support, sport touring, bling, drag, handling, what ever direction you want to go.

Here's a pic of mine.

http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/32150/2308261000102950911S600x600Q85.jpg

Corbin makes a rear passenger seat with a backrest that offers a wide perch and more leg room that the stock seat. Although the stock seat is still a couch compared to most sport bikes.

http://inlinethumb60.webshots.com/44155/2801520250102950911S600x600Q85.jpg


cheers
ken

[snowman]

KML: Thanks for the information. I did not realize they were the same from 03 on, why change a good thing, right? That Corbin seat is the absolute answer for the other half. I had focused on 04-06 to stay in a preset price range but based on your evaluation I won't worry so much about the year as I will about the overall condition. Will make sure it is at least an 03 when the dealer gets a line on one. I have found the dual compound Michelin Pilot Road 2 series to have a pretty good life span on my SV but I can see the Hayabusa being a total different animal on tires. That being said I do not drive hard, ie. hard launches, laying stripes in corners, etc. I just like the oomph factor of an engine that never seems to be working hard and seems understressed. Where did you obtain the Corbin seat?

[kml]

I once got 7 thousand klicks from a Metzler Z6, generally it's 4 to 6 thousand before it hits the wear indicators. Fronts don't last much longer. YMMV

Most dealers should be able to order a Corbin.... I think. You can order from the web site.

http://www.corbin.com/suzuki/hayabusa.shtml

Because I'm cheap, I kept my eye on E-bay and scored it for 275 yankee bucks.

cheers
ken

[yzf1000jon]

I've got a YZF1000 for sale. Not as big and fast as a Busa, but definitely more so than an SV. The only downside is the slightly high passenger pegs and the higher mileage on the unit.

[snowman]

YZFJon: Appreciate the offer, the YZF is a very good bike. My intent was to locate a good used bike through my dealer since he'll let me put it on layaway over the winter and I can pay it off in large instalments and not have to finance it. Just recently financed a trio of dirt bikes for the family so financing is out of the question. I have no doubt your Yamaha is very clean and well looked after but you can't be expected to hang on to it for 6-8 months till its paid off. Going to make the SV work for the summer then my oldest son is purchasing it from me.

[CDN-ZZR]

A ZZR-1200, now that's an interesting bike. Not allot around.
ZZR-1200 were made from 2002- 2005 and are an awesome bike.

Here is mine:
http://www.zzrbikes.com/albums/CDN-ZZR/IMG_1316_2_3_1.jpg

Great power (140+ hp and 90ftlbs @ the rear wheel), it's a comfortable big bike that is highly under rated. All day comfort one or two up I'm a big and tall guy 6'4" and north of 250 and the wife (5'6" 120) we can ride two up all day and can easily do 400km in a day. The Corbin seat is a help, I also run the matching OEM ZZR Hard luggage. Big tank 27ltr+ 400km to a tank. Some after market stuff available Exhaust, bar risers, wind screen, brakes, suspension and all the other F.A.R.K.L.E.S.

Mine is a 2002 first year, which some had 2 issues, some had cam pitting issues and a head shake slowing from 80km/h. The head shake is fixable by changing to an Allballs tapered steering head bearing kit, the pitting doesn't seem to be hurting anyone after all these years.
In 2004 the front forks added rebound.

Bike will hang with ZX-14, CBR1100XX, and Busa' to a point, but at that point it's usually jail time or the cops will just shoot you.

It's a great option and I'm sure would do all you need.

Check out www.ZZRBIKES.COM for more information.

ZZR-1200 is proof that Pigs can Fly

[snowman]

CDN-ZZR: Thanks for the input on the ZZR1200. Truth be told I have a Kawasaki dealer in Fort Saskatchewan who is on the lookout for a ZZR or a 2006 ZX14. He basically stated what you said about the ZZR1200, not many around and may be tough to locate one. I am not blindly brand loyal to Suzuki and am considering other bikes. The Hayabusa from 03 seems to be an anvil realibility wise and that was my reason for putting that model near the top of the list. As well there seems to be quite a few floating around Alberta and they seem to be the most readily available used. More selection gives one more opportunity to stay away from the abused units. Mind you motorcycles in the hyper tour category are generally purchased by more mature owners and the power is respected more. The Honda Blackbird is an excellent bike but again, nothing available.

[jimo]

I have seen a lot of people using the Busa as a sport-touring bike. Does anyone know the usable tank range on one. Here is a lovely ZZR near Winnipeg that I even considered for myself. http://headingleysport.com/new_vehicle_detail.asp?sid=02591669X7K4K2010J2I25I 46JPMQ5642R0&veh=14235&pov=1666015

[snowman]

KML: Found a gentleman in Redwater AB with an 05 Hayabusa with 6800 kilometers on it. Claims it sits and collects dust as he has other bikes he uses. $7500 is his price-I think that is quite fair as he is willing to let me put it on layaway over winter like my dealer was going to do. I told him I'll take it, how can you pass it up with low mileage like that? He is an older rider (in his 40's) so I'm quite certain it has had an easy life. By the photos it is absolutely mint. Think I found a good one?

[TimP]

He is an older rider (in his 40's) so I'm quite certain it has had an easy life.

Ahem. I know you haven't been posting for long here, Snowman, but you might benefit from the knowledge that most of us ain't squids on this board. Median age of the frequent posters is well above your vendor's age, and I expect most of our bikes are rode hard an' put up wet, so to speak.

And I wouldn't presume that older riders are all easy riders. That crotchety 40-something "senior" might well have shown that bike its best miles. If it could only talk...

Enjoy your 'busa. ride safe or it'll make an old man out of you in no time. ;)

[snowman]

Tim: wasn't implying older fellas can't ride, I'm in my 40's myself. I know some older guys that can really rip but they do so more on smarts and a larger degree of self preservation. The family, the job, other commitments make older fellows ride hard in the right circumstances and respect the power at hand more. Maybe the low kms are hard ones but likely "hard and smart"
clicks.

[Ivor biggin]

...I think that is quite fair as he is willing to let me put it on layaway over winter like my dealer was going to do.

Do you mean that you are going to park the Busa at his place over the winter after riding all Summer or put on layaway till spring and pick it up then?:confused:
I.B.

[Rocking Couple]

Ahem. I know you haven't been posting for long here, Snowman, but you might benefit from the knowledge that most of us ain't squids on this board. Median age of the frequent posters is well above your vendor's age, and I expect most of our bikes are rode hard an' put up wet, so to speak.

And I wouldn't presume that older riders are all easy riders. That crotchety 40-something "senior" might well have shown that bike its best miles. If it could only talk...

Enjoy your 'busa. ride safe or it'll make an old man out of you in no time. ;)


Ahem in deed. Tim, this was a great post. Had just the perfect amount of diplomacy. My initial reaction wasn't nearly as PC.

I'm so friggin' old I can barely remember thinking that 40 was old.

But aside from eyes that aren't as up to snuff as in better times, and reflexes I'm sure not being as on top of things as they once were, those young whipper snappers better watch their wet-behind-the-ear asses, if they think they're gonna blow this old guys pegs off. Ok, ok, I confess that I'm gonna likely let 'em win now. I've seen too many fallen riders and it has got to me. I don't seek the adrenaline anymore. Actually, to be honest, I have a birth defect that has given me a narrow area in my lower spine, and when adrenaline pumps thru there, it is so excruciating that it can distract you into making mistakes. Only lasts for about a dozen or so heart pumps, but with each beat feels like it is trying to pump a golf ball through my veins down there. i.e. I have paid dearly for any rush I've ?enjoyed??

Yes indeed...if only that Busa could talk, is right.

But not to rain on parades here. They are quite tough, and it sounds like a very fair price. Grab yourself an insurance quote with the actual VIN # and get their commitment quote in writing first. Some of them low ball you, then spring the real numbers on ya later. There oughta be a law against that..

[TimP]

Tim: wasn't implying older fellas can't ride, I'm in my 40's myself. I know some older guys that can really rip but they do so more on smarts and a larger degree of self preservation.

I'd like to think smarts play a role in my riding. If knowledge of my own modest capabilities counts as smarts then I'm becoming wise in my old age.

So, Old Snowman, you'll have to tell us more about life with your new 'busa. I look forward to your stories.

[yzf1000jon]

Remember, buying from Alberta (about 5 minutes from where my wife works by the way) and registering in another province, will require an "out of province inspection" at a certified dealer.

[snowman]

Here in the NT the bike only needs an inspection if it is more than ten years old (same as vehicles)
Insurance will run about $350 for a year. My SV currently costs me $244 per year to insure.

[hank]

Did someone say busa. I've got a 01 busa here with 116000km on it. Tossed the stock chain tensioner early on for a manual one. Had an issue with suzuki not puttin the washers in between the head and the valve springs. I've ridden it to Radison in Quebec a 4000plus tour, down to deals gap and back in 4 days and logged lots of 700km day rides. Best bike I've ever owned and very comfy for the passenger suspention is smooth. Those mich road pilot stand up great I've got 16000km on the back one(I must be getting old). Most other tires don't make it to 5000km. The bike and tire did a long haul then a track day at Mosport. Although the zx14 has more power,I get about 150km more, out of a tank of fuel(about 400km in total), this might be a consideration. We just bought a 2002 busa for my wife she just loves it(she was riding mine off and on). We pay about $950 for insurance, I think this is high but thats the best so far. Hope this helps? hank

[snowman]

Hank- Thanks for the input, any and all information is helpful. I've already reached an agreement with the seller to purchase from him this winter.
As KML submitted in an earlier post, the 03-07 models had a list of major improvements, one of which was the cam chain issue. Everything else I've heard or researched about the bike is pretty much very good to excellent.
You state that you're using the Michelins on your bike. I think that's what I'm going to do as well. They've been so good on the SV I don't see any reason to switch. How do you find the reach to the bars and the peg location?

[notalitre]

What are Busas like for heat to ride? Do they have hot spots? For example, R1's with undertail exhaust cook your butt, FJR and ST1300's are hot around the upper legs compared to say VFR800's and Boxer BMW's are not too hot to ride at all.

Do owners find them to have vibration in the bars, seat, pegs? So to compare, an FZ6 buzzes like a banshee, an FJR not quite as bad, an R1 slightly better, a 929RR better still, a VTR or MT01 more of a throb but still gets tiring, an ST1300 fairly smooth, a Gold Wing extremely smooth.

I find that vibration and heat are two of the biggest things that is hard to ignore about a bike, no matter how great it can be in other aspects.

[Dennis The Menace]

I have an 04 busa like the others have said who have them. I love mine, had a vfr and Kantana before that. I am running metzeler m3's right now but would like to try a dual compound tire next. I get decent mileage out of the full on sport tires just like KML. I have done a few upgrades, recently put a set of Heli bars on. Tail bag. just did 3 days on manitoulin. I notice a bit of heat dumping on my during hot days, but nothing that would make me change rides. I love my bike. only thing out there that might sway me would be the new BMW k1300. But that is way above my pay grade.