Gen 2 Hayabusa... Verdict? Best all purpose super/hyper bike?

[Jedz123]

Howdy Gents,
Most of you know (from another thread) that I'm in the market for a liter+ bike for my next daily ride which I plan on purchasing in the dead of winter (late January- early February). Talk is in the air about a cross country trip and a full faired bike has popped into my head. As I scoured the interwebz and start to realize there are more options that get me a decent "hyper" rig for $7K or less. My main hunt is for a B-king, only 3k made, one year only and based off the Gen 2 busa, I also just found one for $5800 in CT giving me hope that I won't have to wait too much longer to get on a hyper standard. However the hunt also has me thinking about the Hayabusa for it's intended to be a sport tourer and with minor modification it does quite well as one. I too found a couple GEN 2 Hayabusa's in the sub $6K range. I was curious which bike would be the better all round bike? The B-king or the Hayabusa? My GSX650 is very comfy and if the seating is the same with the GSX1300 I would imagine I would feel at home in the saddle of a Hayabusa. I also have been pondering looking at the ZX-14 (gen 1) and the FJR1300 (gen 2) both of which can be found in the sub $7K range (the ZX-14 is cheaper). So have at it! is The Hayabusa a worthy machine? As capable or more so then the B-king for long distance ridding? Should I consider the ZX-14? Is the FJR1300 too fat for me for I would like a speed upgrade from my GEN1 FZ1... The thought of a shaft drive sounds so apealing...
I've crested the $4.5K mark in the new bike fund and because I won't save much through the Christmas season I should be on mark for January to get my new machine.
Thanks
-Jedz

[GS1150Pilot]

For comfortable insanity, the B-King is hard to beat. Have you considered the BMW K1200R? Or, if you're set on having fairings, the S?

[Jedz123]

Oh Boy I love the look! The price is... not too bad, a bit over my budget but damn...



This one is a 2007, has 14k miles and is listed for $7800 and is located on the wrong side of the country...BUT I'll investigate a bit more. Thanks for the heads up Pilot.

Fairings are on the radar due to the fact I would like to do +300 mile days and have the option to be comfy for the cross country trip, one of the B-king's I'm looking at has a huge aftermarket windscreen. With how fat the tank is I heard it's like ridding a half faired bike like a Bandit or FZ.


The B-king has been in my sights for months now... Just realizing that perhaps I should broaden my horizon for there are some nice bike to be had in my budget.

[blowerbike]

busa's are everywhere...B-kings are NOT.
be different IMO...

[Hayabuser]

Having owned a 2001 and 2005 Hayabusa, a 2008 B-King and a 2010 ZX14, I think I can help you out.

Although both my Hayabusas were Gen1 bikes, they aren't that far removed from the Gen2 machines. Having said that, I did do some good miles on a friend's 2008 Hayabusa and there are definite improvements on the Gen2s. They are excellent long-distance bikes with big fuel tanks (22L), good fuel economy (they're geared way higher than the average liter-bike which has the big bus barely above idle at legal highway speeds) and comfortable ergos. Some folks feel that the stretch to the bars is too extreme but they are fine for taller riders (I'm 6'1") and if not, there are risers available in the aftermarket that raise the bar yolk up. I recommend a double-bubble windscreen as the stock one is meant for high-speed runs and doesn't offer enough protection unless you're lying flat on the tank. I bought mine from Zero Gravity and they worked great with no distortion and OEM quality. The 'Busa was the best all-around bike I have owned with faultless low-speed manners, decent roadholding and super-stable at high-speed. Plus both generations have steel fuel tanks which welcome any magnetic tank bag... proper fitting panniers is another story altogether however.

Now the B-King was a laugh-riot to ride with the 181hp Gen2 Hayabusa engine although for an everyday bike, it left much to be desired. The fuel tank is small at 17L and most of it is covered in plastic so magnetic tank bags are a no-go. I bought one from Bags Connection that mounted to a lock-ring that screwed around the fuel cap. It was a good compromise but was expensive ($300) and was not overly large. Rear bags are a no-go due to the pointy rear end and undertail exhausts but I have seen the odd one wearing a hard top box on an aftermarket bracket. Speaking of the exhausts, the stock system is unbearably ugly and massively overweight which applies to the rear fender assembly as well. I had a Yoshimura system on mine as well as their undertail kit which made the bike MUCH better looking. Wind-protection is marginal at best with just your legs somewhat shielded by the huge air intakes on either side of the fuel tank. I had the accessory fly-screen on my King which diverted a tiny bit of air but really not enough to make a difference so long highway rides were uncomfortable due to the lack of protection. The riding position is very friendly though with wide-spaced handlebars and low-mounted foot pegs, but be advised that the seat height is quite elevated and I wasn't able to completely flat-foot when stopped. It was a little disconcerting after the two Hayabusas since their seats are quite low. All-in-all, it was an excellent 2nd bike but I couldn't have owned it as my only ride due to its limitations.

Now the ZX14 is a great bike, if you can stomach owning a Kawasaki. It's smoother than a Hayabusa both in engine (dual balance shafts vs. single in the 'Zook) and ride quality yet offers very quick steering with decent feel from the front end. I put Helibar risers on mine to get a little more upright but the stock ergos are more relaxed than either generation of 'Busa anyway. Brakes are much better than the Gen1 Hayabusa's and on par with the Gen2's although parts prices are higher. The rotors alone on the 14 are $325 EACH from the dealer with the pads a further $200 deeper into your wallet so make sure you check the health of the front binders when looking at a bike. Mine needed TLC... gack. The fuel tank is big at 22L and like the Hayabusas, the bike is geared to lope along at highway speeds so is very efficient for a large, powerful bike. Speaking of the tank, it's half-covered by a plastic piece that prevents magnetic tank bag mounting... I have read that some owners glue small steel plates under this piece to allow magnets to stick but I didn't try it. Seems like a great solution though! The big Ninja has wide front fairings that keep almost all of the windblast off of the rider but I did find that their design directed engine heat straight onto my legs... this is great in January but no so much in July. Your experience will vary with your location!

Enough blah, blah, blah... having owned all of these bikes, this is what I have to say on the topic: I have just sold my ZX14 and will be looking to replace it with a Gen2 Hayabusa. Read into that what you will.

[Hayabuser]

And since everyone loves pictures... you can decide yourself which one is most beautiful to your eyes.

[Hayabuser]

PS: The easiest way to make a B-King beautiful is to park it next to something genuinely ugly...



... right, Trevor?

[Jedz123]

PS: The easiest way to make a B-King beautiful is to park it next to something genuinely ugly...



... right, Trevor?

LOL
Wow...
Thanks for the input Dave.
I ride about 15k miles on my primary motorcycle a year, give or take 3k miles. My FZ1 has been a great bike minus the fact wind protection is a bit on the minimum, especially around the legs and this time of year it's been brisk.

I've turned the FZ1 into my take on any VT road bike and plan on running it until the wheels fall off. With +51K on the clock it's time I find a new mile eater that will be a better highway rig and of course be much faster then my already fast FZ1. My FZ1 is no longer setup to be a "fast" bike. She's setup to explore the plentiful dirt, farm and class 4 roads that litter the VT country side.... And also blister from stop light to stop light when I need her to... It's awesome to roll down the highway look to a random dirt road and think... wonder where that road goes? Then just ride down it and not have a worry in the world.

My new job gives 32 paid days off a year and I want to travel with my bike to far away places and I really want to do the 6k mile run to the pacific ocean and back.
I'm leaning more towards a fully faired bike, I think it will deliver more bang for my buck and allow me to travel farther out in better comfort....

Just read the stats on the K1200R... She's slower then my Fizzy and a FJR1300 out of the crate.

[Hayabuser]

There is another option, if you don't mind being seen on a Yawn-da...

http://www.vintagemotorcyclesonline.com/features/stories/257-honda-cbr1100xx-blackbird

... lots of these around hauling hard bags and touring luggage!

[Jedz123]

Meh... Honda has never made anything that has overly impressed me. Except the CBR250 (which is a bike I totally want for totally different reasons).

My next bike will be modern with new designs, features, styling and power. (fuel injection without a doubt will be a necessity for my next purchase). I also want something that's no older then a 2008.

I've owned a few Honda's in my past, I've sold them all for they are always slugs in whatever class they are in...

[GS1150Pilot]

The Gen 1 Busa in the copper color remains one of the prettiest bikes I've seen. Great riding machines. I had a 2003 FZ1 until 2011 and rode with a very cool Persian dude who had the Busa. We swapped bikes on a few rides. The big Bus is a stunner.

[trevor]

I LOVE my k1300R BMW! I have put 22000kms (14000 miles) on it since buying it in late January. Since Dave has thrown the first shot at me I will Athena shot back...lol. I have actually rode my bike places. You never talked about two up riding but if you do any of it the BMW is very good at that. My wife and I have been on some great rides together. I have been on a long trip with Glenn (Eddie 21) we went through 7 states in 9 days, 6400kms. We encountered all weather including heat, snow and down pouring rain. Glenn was on his 2011 concours and though he doesn't like to admit it I put less gas in my bike at every stop and that was when I was still breaking it in. The bike on one trip with my wife and full gear got over 50mpg!
I don't think I have to talk about performance... But I will...0-60 in 2.6 seconds. Nothing is that quick. Period. This bike does it all. Too bad you can't get a 1300 in the USA..but you can buy a used 1200. Someone mentioned about busa being more common, they are right, stand out from the crowd and get the Beemer. Go on ibmw forum and find out more.
Oh and as for comfort...I have done a few 600 mile days and no problem. After all you don't put on 14000miles in 10 months on an uncomfortable bike. Abs, traction control, GEAR SHIFT ASSIST!!!

[trippivot]

I am a standard riding motorbiker . I love my Bandit / 1150 / . I get all the chances to ride sport bikes / touring bikes/ A gen2 busa with mods is a great choice - if not for power but for the amount and variety of aftermarket support. it is the SBC of the modern motorcycle. air ride // dual fuel map capability // etc...

[Hayabuser]

I LOVE my k1300R BMW! I have put 22000kms (14000 miles) on it since buying it in late January. Since Dave has thrown the first shot at me I will Athena shot back...lol. I have actually rode my bike places. You never talked about two up riding but if you do any of it the BMW is very good at that. My wife and I have been on some great rides together. I have been on a long trip with Glenn (Eddie 21) we went through 7 states in 9 days, 6400kms. We encountered all weather including heat, snow and down pouring rain. Glenn was on his 2011 concours and though he doesn't like to admit it I put less gas in my bike at every stop and that was when I was still breaking it in. The bike on one trip with my wife and full gear got over 50mpg!
I don't think I have to talk about performance... But I will...0-60 in 2.6 seconds. Nothing is that quick. Period. This bike does it all. Too bad you can't get a 1300 in the USA..but you can buy a used 1200. Someone mentioned about busa being more common, they are right, stand out from the crowd and get the Beemer. Go on ibmw forum and find out more.
Oh and as for comfort...I have done a few 600 mile days and no problem. After all you don't put on 14000miles in 10 months on an uncomfortable bike. Abs, traction control, GEAR SHIFT ASSIST!!!

So come on, stop beating around the bush... do you like the K-bike or not?

[Jedz123]

Trevor
Thanks for your input on the K1200R. I have found a few K1300R's in the states but they are out of my price range. They discontinued the K in 2011 here. I'm looking to spend $7K max not $12K... I found a few 2007 K1200Rs with high miles in the $6K-$9K range. Comfort is important, I put 15K miles on my gen 1 FZ1 first year I had it and 11k miles so far this year so I too ride allot. Not much on the road here in VT that could keep up with a FZ1, I want something faster and gruntier for the 998cc just isn't as brawny as I want and the kick in the pants power is gone when ridding loaded or 2 up... I've read a couple reviews on the K1200R. Said standing 1/4 mile was 10.9 seconds, 0-60 2.9. The Gen 1 FZ1 had a better standing 1/4 and has a similar 0-60 time. However I read another review where the K1300R was quicker then the B-King by a tenth or two and had 9 mph higher top speed... The 1300 is what I'd consider but not sure if I want to buy a motorcycle that is worth more than my car and demands twice the budget I'm saving for... Plus the extra savings means I wouldn't hit budget till spring and any chance of finding a steal would be missed.

I don't ride 2 up often. if I do it's for a couple hundred miles tops on a day trip only. We usually bang around on the GR650 for it's the most comfortable for both of us. Sometimes on the Fizzy for she loves the thrill of speed. The FZ1 will still be an option as well for I intend on keeping it... I also had a sit down with the Mrs and she's strongly considering getting her own 2 wheels next season... So 2 up is not a factor in my purchase. Partially why I'm leaning towards a Gen 2 Hayabusa.

I found another gen 2 Hayabusa in the $6K range with 14k miles and the prices are starting to drop out... Biggest bang for the buck is looking like a Suzuki so far. However I'll keep a K on the radar for if one rolls around for cheap, I'll consider it.

Oh I've never ridden a BMW but hear the shafties are nightmares. I hear they dry themselves out to destruction and when the clutches go (dry style clutch) it's nothing but a PITA. Another reason I steer towards the Jap bikes, You can get some big miles out of them for little overhauling... Best CL adds of BMWs I've seen, [My K75 just had the drive shaft rebuilt at 45k and will do another 45k before it needs it again...] Um don't Gold wings go hundreds of thousands of miles and their drive shafts are still fine??? How many Suzuki GS shafties go past 50k miles with absolutely no issues? You want $4k for your 94 BMW??? No thanks and still the add sits... My concern's and thought of BMWs.

As for uniqueness.. I have only seen a couple of FZ1's here in VT. Mine is the only FZ euro badged as a Fazer 1000S. You see more FZ6's and Bandit 600's then anything else as standard goes, well that and allot of 80's UJMs. I have only seen 1 Hayabusa this past season in VT and that was in Burlington and it was from NY. If I had a Gen 2 Hayabusa I'd be willing to bet it would be one of 3 in the state if that... B-king probably the only one. I do see ALLOT of BMWs. ALLOT K75's, K1200 (full faired) and GS's. When I park for work at Middlebury college I'm usually the only Yamaha there, always the only liter Jap bike. Rest are BMW's.... or Fricken baby V-stroms...