2008 Suzuki
Hayabusa
MSRP $11,199
The 2008 Hayabusa's Chief Engineer, Hiroshi Iio, didn't stray too far from the original Busa design he presented us back in 1998. Instead Iio massaged the previous model to address a few key elements which needed improvement. The new Busa's basic appearance was only altered slightly, with the motor receiving some performance-enhancing refinements. Handling was also improved with the addition of a new front fork, while radial-mount brakes complement minor changes to the frame and chassis. Exactly how these changes affect real-world performance is the question we wanted to answer at the Hayabusa's press introduction. After a couple days on the street, strip and track, all you really need to know is this: The new Hayabusa is bigger, badder and better than ever before.
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First things you notice... it's heavy at low speeds but becomes a bit more agile once underway. It's very stable and composed. Things like the wind don't affect you as much as say riding on a 600cc would.
It has good suspension for normal, everyday riding. Soaks up the bumps very well. And ofcourse it's got loads of engine. It pulls strong from low revs... no winding it up like some 600cc bikes. As long as you roll on the throttle smoothly it won't do anything crazy.
It gets up and goes fast enough for anyone's needs or wants I would think. But, at the same time it can be ridden day to day around town and to work... as long as you don't mind the weight.
Overall, nice experiance riding it. It is a purpose built machince. If riding briskly through the canyons is your thing(mine) then this bke may not be your best buy.
Also, in part due to the low seat hieght.... rearsets feel a little too tight/high for me. But that may not be the case for everyone.
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I own a 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa GSXR-1340R, with over 31k miles on it already... As a previous owner of a "Fatboy".., I can say that I truly enjoy the comfortable and extremely fast and reliable ride that I get from this bike everyday... I can rely on the power being there for me whenever I call on it. Believe me I have called on it many times to escape the idiots driving "Tracker-Trailers, RV's, Pick-Up Trucks and Cars!!!! I religiously have the bike serviced every 3k miles and have had 6 sets of tires on this bike already. Just now getting ready to replace the Chain and both Sprockets due to fair wear and tear (31k plus miles). Before I purchased this bike.., I took atleast two years before I decided on this particular bike. You could say, that I am very pleased with my decision. Especially, since I live in "Cruiser Country" and manage to get respect for my bike... You can count on my putting many more miles on this 'Busa...
Sincerly,
D1Islander
