New third-generation 2021 Hayabusa!!!

[GS1150Pilot]

Just so long as you ride.

Fer sure! More nowadays than ever.

[Hayabuser]

And now a ride report... from me!

Full disclosure: It was just a short PDI ride (I'm currently a tech at a local dealership) but having owned three 'Busas myself, much of what I already knew remains true in the Gen3. The change in the ergos from the new handlebar position make a surprising difference in rider comfort, much like the Helibars did on my old Gen2. Pegs are still too high but not uncomfortably so, like a GSX-Rs are. The gauges are really clear and look very high-end, so happy they kept the analogue-style speedo and tach. The engine seems smoother but being the first Hayabusa with an electronic throttle, it might be artificially so? I will say that the new throttle system makes the bike feel ridiculously soft between idle and 2500-3000rpm... you roll onto the grip and it's like no one is home. Past 3000rpm though, wow, pure 'Busa. The published numbers are down but the butt-dyno says that it's all there and more. Again, maybe it's the electronic mapping doing its PFM (pure f-ing magic) but the transition from nothing to everything is something special. Being a brand new bike (that belonged to someone else), I didn't flog it but it is my duty to make sure that the bike is as advertised and that everything is working (launch control? ) prior to customer delivery...

Did I like it? Hell yeah but then I'm Busa people. Is it worth $24K (CDN)? I don't think that any bike is but that's pretty par for the course these days so maybe? If I had a fat wallet and a Busa-sized hole in my garage then it would definitely be top of my list. Would I upgrade from my current Gen1? No. It's just not five times better than my $5000 2005, and I have a strong aversion to electronics and nanny-state safety nets. If I was looking for an upgrade, I'd just buy back my old derestricted '09 with the Helibars and 4-into-1 Yosh full system and leave the '22 in my wake. Well, above the 300kph restriction anyway...

It is a sexy thing though, no argument from me on that!

[rphillips]

Oohh, get me started about the dang electronic throttle. My first vehicle with an electronic throttle was a Toyota Tacoma. It felt (I like his description) soft, just didn't feel responsive. Unhappy with it for a couple yrs. till I heard of the adjustable "Throttle Controllers". Installed one on the Tacoma and the response perked right up. I went from very disappointed the first couple of yrs. to very happy since installing it. I didn't realize bikes had this but surely there will be throttle controllers for bikes soon. Just something else to buy to fix what innovation has screwed up.