My Modified 2008 Hayabusa- Sport Touring at its Fastest!

[Gato]

Hello, I am new to this site, so I thought I'd begin by telling everyone a little about my ride:

I bought my '08 Busa in '08 and have been having work done on it from Dave "Witchdoctor" Lanigan at Speeddealer Motors in Seattle.  I rode it down to LA when we were transferred last year, and have been using it for commuting and touring ever since.  Here is a list of what I have done to it so far (I think I forgot a few things):

'08 Busa / 2 Bros full ex / Scorpio SR-i900 / Corbin saddles / HiD lights / Muzzy fans / Powerlets / SpeedoHealer / custom TRE / PCIII USB and Autotune unit / Givi luggage / custom 800 watt stator / airbox mod / WWB ceramic bearings / Tiger chain guard / Convertibars / mirror extensions / Garmin Zumo GPS with bluetooth and MP3 / Adaptiv radar detector / Laminar Lip windscreen / billet kickstand / Vortex sprocket 41 tooth / APE shift shaft / Pingel electric quickshifter / Factory Pro billet velocity stacks / custom cams / custom gas tank paint / oil baffle / oil pump / high volume oil gear / frame sliders / braided lines / Autocomm communications / Pazzo levers / Tiger Racing cannards / Throttlemeister /  Back-cut transmission / Crampbuster / Grip Puppies / Buell peg mod / Ohlins Steering Damper

[ConPilot1]

Awesome 'Busa man.  

[desert_rider]

Very nice set up!

Welcom to ST-N.

[Flyer]

Looks like a hyper-comfortable hyper-bike!
 

[Joey Stalin]

Beautiful bike. If I had a garage, I think there would be a Busa in it. Too worried to leave it outside for thieves.

[MadMax96]

Very nice - love the color.  

Oh yeah, welcome to the site.  

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Very nice ride! The busa is what got me into sport-touring, and the busa is the only bike I've ever regretted selling.

[FiremanBob]

Beautiful. It's nice to see a Hayabusa tastefully modded, not stretched and blinged like some punk squid's bike.

[knolltop314]

Nice!
That's what ya call "makin it your own".  

[Gato]

Beautiful. It's nice to see a Hayabusa tastefully modded, not stretched and blinged like some punk squid's bike.

   I'm not one to knock anyone for personalizing their ride, but I do think that dropping and stretching a bike is only OK if it is going on the drag strip, and excessive amounts of chrome only look decent on a cruiser- but, that's just me.

I suppose there are plenty of sportbike riders that think it is sacrilege that I threw hard luggage and a passenger backrest on a Hayabusa, but it does make a good platform for sport-touring- out of the bikes I looked at in my price range, it was the most comfortable "hyper" bike that I was able to fit on - I'm 6'4", and my wife is 6'.  There are also a surprising amount of after-market sport-touring mods and accessories for the Hayabusa.

90% of the mods on my bike were born out of practicality or necessity.  One of the big things I wanted was a bike that I could QUICKLY pull away from any hazardous traffic situation-  all while riding two up, with lots of luggage, already at highway speeds.  

There are plenty of quick bikes out there, but not too many that have the HP and the torque to be able to take off like a rocket while completely loaded down and cruising down the highway- the roll-on 65 MPH- XXX MPH capability is amazing- it makes me feel like my cheeks are being pulling back towards my ears if I pin the throttle while cruising at 65 mph- even when weighed down with wife and luggage.  I never pin the throttle while at low speed or at a stop- this bike demands a mature and respectful rider- something that all motorcycle riders should have, but not all bikes will punish you as quickly or as severely as a Hayabusa will.  After 25 years of motorcycle riding, I don't have the overwhelming need to show off or get stupid anymore.

A few years ago, we rode a BMW 1150GS on a three month trip around Australia when we were stationed in China, and aside from me nailing my shins on the Boxer cylinder heads sticking out the sides on a regular basis, and flipping on the heated grips accidentally when it was already over 95 degrees out (and not figuring out why my hands were sweating so bad for at least two hours), we had a great time.  
While I enjoyed the Beemer, the current crop within my budget did not quite have the power I wanted, so when we got back to the States, I sold my high-mileage TDM 850 (I wanted to keep it, but the wife thinks I only need one bike) and went for the Suzuki.  I am really curious to see what the new BMW V6 1600GT / GTL will be like- I'd be on the waiting list if I won the lottery, but government service does not support expensive hobbies.  , although, many automotive / motorcycle manufacturers offer a discount to diplomats, so if we ever get stationed in Germany, we will have to revisit the issue of a Beemer in the stables.  Anyhow, I'm off to put some miles on the bike.  Happy Fourth of July everyone!!

Cheers,

Mark

[KodiakRS]

Very nice bike!  I'm about 6'4 and am looking at either a busa, zx-14, or K1300s as a hyper sport touring bike.  

[Gato]

All of those would make good S/T rides- at a certain point it comes down to personal preference and your wallet: price, and the cost of insurance.  
If you plan on buying or needing a lot aftermarket items or upgrades, it helps to check into the availability and cost of those items so you don't get blindsided.  
I was pleasantly surprised to find more S/T mods and upgrades available for the Busa than I anticipated when it came time to buy a new bike.
When are you thinking about getting your new bike?

Cheers,

Mark

[Gary B.]

At first when I saw the title of the thread I...well, you don't want to know what I was thinking, but I clicked anyway. Impressive! Way cool, in fact. I'm likin' it BIG TIME!! Sweet ride! Barely looks like a 'busa. Thanks for sharing.

So, how many people have called it a Beemer?

[Warchild]

So, how many people have called it a Beemer?

No one has ever called my K8 a beemer....  





















This is a Rick Mayer custom seat built around the 4.7 gallon aux fuel cell....






At the start of the Utah 1088....

[Joey Stalin]

What are those connectors behind the fogs, something they came with or did you mock that up? I have the same or similar Hellas, and they simply have a rubber boot and two leads coming out of the back.

[DNA]

Very sweet Busas - both of 'em.  

I like them a lot, but doubt my license could tolerate one for long.  I got into enough trouble with the Sprint - the GS is slowing me down in a good way.

Still - it is nice to look and dream...

[Gato]

Well... with that mondo aux. fuel tank nobody can say that you are not willing to go the distance!  Seriously- you go on any endurance rides or Iron Butt?

At first when I saw the title of the thread I...well, you don't want to know what I was thinking, but I clicked anyway. Impressive! Way cool, in fact. I'm likin' it BIG TIME!! Sweet ride! Barely looks like a 'busa. Thanks for sharing.

So, how many people have called it a Beemer?

Thanks for the compliments- I get the Beemer thing here and there.  Usually what I get is just ... confusion.  My tags wore out a week or so ago, and I had to take my bike in to the DMV and get it inspected since I had out-of-state tags.  

I arrived at the DMV in the morning, and I had the Busa parked out near the area where people wait to get inspected, and when I returned from getting my new plate, I was startled to look up and realize that there were three CHP officers and about and 4 or so other people standing around staring at my bike.  

This kinda spooked me for a moment- I'm not used to it, and with three law enforcement officers standing around staring at my bike made me wonder if I had some unpaid tickets (not likely), or had they noticed that my license plate cover distorts the digits printed on the plate (unintentional)?

As I got up closer to the bunch, I hear: "...I have no idea... there are no emblems or logos that I can see....  you see anything over there?....  nope.  nothing"  "Nope... nothing over here... So... Beemer..?..,  naah.  I think it is a Triumph.".   "Triumph??!!  no way!!"

....."Excuse me officers, is there a problem with my bike?"....

Well.....

Everything worked itself out- the CHP was just curious and they could not agree on the make of the bike, (there are no visible emblems logos, or stickers on the bike in it's current form), and the other people hanging around staring were doing exactly that- just being nosy sheep, and wondering what the CHP was so interested in.

So, the bike was a surprise hit at the DMV, and I'm glad it does not draw too much of a crowd- that would likely make it a larger target for theft.  So, yeah... people get curious and think that it a prototype BMW  or something here and there, but people generally like it, even die hards in the sportbike crowd.

Cheers,

Mark

[DNA]

Well... with that mondo aux. fuel tank nobody can say that you are not willing to go the distance!  Seriously- you go on any endurance rides or Iron Butt?

Did Ozzy do drugs?  

[FiremanBob]

Warchild, I love those HID driving lights. Where can I get a set?

[Gato]

They remind me of the ones that Pashnit is selling, but his are LEDs:


 http://www.pashnit.com/product/clearwater_lights.html

[Warchild]

Well... with that mondo aux. fuel tank nobody can say that you are not willing to go the distance!  Seriously- you go on any endurance rides or Iron Butt?

Heh... yeah, I have just a few endurance rides under my belt.  

Bought this 2008 Hayabusa new off the showroom floor - put 42,000 miles on it the first 9 months.

What are those connectors behind the fogs, something they came with or did you mock that up?

Those are the stock Hella Micro DE HID connectors. Here's a better view:

Warchild, I love those HID driving lights. Where can I get a set?

I scored mine off eBay for an incredibly cheap price... ~ $400/set. They normally retail for ~ $700.  The Clearwater LED lamps do not even hold a candle to the Hellas with regard to putting usable lumens on the roadway. The Clearwaters are outstanding as marker lights, however.

[birdrunner]

Heh... yeah, I have just a few endurance rides under my belt.  

Bought this 2008 Hayabusa new off the showroom floor - put 42,000 miles on it the first 9 months.

Warchild is the only person I know of who MAY have worn out a Blackbird.

Busa's make fine ST mounts, and I can attest to the suitabilty of Hyperbikes to tour.  I even pull a trailer with mine  (search "Uni-Go), still managed a wheelie.

[mjrfd99]

Beautiful. It's nice to see a Hayabusa tastefully modded, not stretched and blinged like some punk squid's bike.

+1-  absolutely

[kitesurfer]

  I even pull a trailer with mine  (search "Uni-Go), still managed a wheelie.
[/quote]
got any pics of yuor trailer set up--particularly the hitch.

[eye.surgeon]

Hello, I am new to this site, so I thought I'd begin by telling everyone a little about my ride:

I bought my '08 Busa in '08 and have been having work done on it from Dave "Witchdoctor" Lanigan at Speeddealer Motors in Seattle.  I rode it down to LA when we were transferred last year, and have been using it for commuting and touring ever since.  Here is a list of what I have done to it so far (I think I forgot a few things):

'08 Busa / 2 Bros full ex / Scorpio SR-i900 / Corbin saddles / HiD lights / Muzzy fans / Powerlets / SpeedoHealer / custom TRE / PCIII USB and Autotune unit / Givi luggage / custom 800 watt stator / airbox mod / WWB ceramic bearings / Tiger chain guard / Convertibars / mirror extensions / Garmin Zumo GPS with bluetooth and MP3 / Adaptiv radar detector / Laminar Lip windscreen / billet kickstand / Vortex sprocket 41 tooth / APE shift shaft / Pingel electric quickshifter / Factory Pro billet velocity stacks / custom cams / custom gas tank paint / oil baffle / oil pump / high volume oil gear / frame sliders / braided lines / Autocomm communications / Pazzo levers / Tiger Racing cannards / Throttlemeister /  Back-cut transmission / Crampbuster / Grip Puppies / Buell peg mod / Ohlins Steering Damper

That is a very nice ST busa setup, maybe the nicest I've seen.

[blackcayman]

Back in the summer of '99 I had a Silver and Blue Busa as a demo bike. After a long Sunday ride, with short arms and sore wrists - I just "knew" Suzuki would build a Sport/Touring Bike from the bones / motor of the "Mighty Hayabusa". Powerful, stable at any speed, quick handling for such a big bike.

Since then I have seen quite a few that became SPORT/touring mounts with various little alterations.

If you love motorcycles; you've got to experience the thrills of The Mighty Hayabusa!!!

[sweeney todd]

Relatively small mods gradually over 10 years.  It's still such a potent and effective ST for me & the Mrs we can't bear to part with the old girl

[ChrisInTexas]

I know this thread is a few months old, but I have to commend you on your Busa. The nicest one I have seen for touring. Well done, you should be very proud.

[Rodan]

Question for Gato:  where did you score the 800W stator for the Busa?  Is someone marketing these, or did you have it made, and if so, by whom?

TIA

[Justin]

Question for Gato:  where did you score the 800W stator for the Busa?  Is someone marketing these, or did you have it made, and if so, by whom?

TIA

Yeah, I'd be interested in knowing that as well. And how did they come to that figure? Does not seem very feasible to get 100% more output from a rewind and rebuild. I don't think based on the stock stator size it would even be possible. Most aftermarket stators or rewinds will get you 30-35% more power optimistically - and I'd even be happy to get that; 540 watts beats 400  and if the 800 is true, I'd be all over that.

[Rodan]

This guy:  http://www.ricksmotorsportelectrics.com/proddetail.php?prod=20-315H&pmc=MDZTdXpHU1hSMTMwMA==

Has a 500W stator... you have to send yours and they rewind it.  He also recommends a higher capacity reg/rec.  I would like to know if an 800W stator is obtainable... you could run all kinds of stuff with that much power...  

[sweeney todd]

I know this thread is a few months old, but I have to commend you on your Busa. The nicest one I have seen for touring. Well done, you should be very proud.

Thxs Chris the piccie was taken on holiday in Luxembourg last year.  Another 2 up trip that took in the Mosel Valley and the Nurburgring before returning to the UK.

This year we'll take the old girl back to France in June before I roll out my '78 GS1000 for a trip to a classic rally in Autumn Spain

[Akumu]

OP: Great bike. I'm envious. Now put the damn kanji back on it.   (The Hayabusa logo on the fairing.)