1999 vs 2000 Hayabusa???

[OB_Booker]

I'm seriously considering purchasing a new 2000 Hayabusa. I've read all of the articles I can find and done quite a bit of research, but I've not been able to find out what the differences are between the 1999 and the 2000 Hayabusa. Additionally I've got some other questions.

1. How is this beast on tires? Right now I ride a 92 ZX-11 and I get about 8k miles out of the rear and probably double that out of the front. What kind of tire mileage are you people getting from the Hayabusa?

2. What are normal maintenance cost?

3. How well does Suzuki deal with warrenty work?

4. How reliable is this bike?

5. Overall, what are you feelings about this bike?

My ZX-11 makes about 138-140hp and I think it's pretty fast, but obviously 160hp is in a totally different league. I've never really given this bike much of a thought until recently mostly because it seemed a bit intimidating on paper, but the ZX-11 is getting a bit long in the tooth now and I'm ready to move on up. I've got a dealer willing to sell me a Blue Hayabusa for $10,400 + state taxes. Delivery and setup are included in the $10,400. Is this a pretty good deal?

 

[OB_Johnnycheese]

I will only say this....
I sold my fast ZX11 and waited 8 months for my Fast Coppertop and have never regreated it.as a matter of fact everytime I ride a 11 I say to myself this is the best decision I ever made.Get a Busa or a 12 get rid of the boat anchor 11 and you will be happy.

 

[OB_SlowHand]

The Busa is lighter, with a lower center of gravity, and handles much better.The difference in torque at low and mid-range is astounding.

On the down side, the Busa is a little tighter on riding position, although that can be remedied easily by aftermarket bars, modifying pegs, etc. The stock Busa clutch is strong but grabs, so the mod is a good idea.

There was a problem with some fuel screens clogging, although that may have been solved. A tiny percentage have had cam-chain problems, but in general the bike seems to be reliable.

The Busa is much smoother than the big Ninja. I would not expect tire mileage to be much different from the ZX, unless you really hammer it. From the mileage you quote, that doesn't seem to be your style. I don't know anyone who gets that kind of tire mileage on a Busa, but I've never known anyone to get that kind of wear on a Ninja, either.

The bottom line is that the Busa is a new design which is not totally sorted yet, but rewards its owner with a unique look and other-worldly performance. The Ninja is better sorted, since they have made it for decades with only minor changes. The bad news is that the Ninja looks and feels just like what it is, an outdated design.

 

[Guest]

I have a Reg&Grey 2000 with only 600 miles on her. I agree with Cheese. No question this is the best bike I have ever ridden. I'll take a shot at your questions.

The OEM tires are expected to last 2000 to 5000miles depending on how hard you are on the bike. I bought mine with Metzler MEZ3's on her day 1. I hear Michelin Pilot Sports might be a better choice.

The first 600 mile maintenance cost me $120 for oil change, filter, throttle sync, TPS check and Penna State Inspection. I had the dealer do it to keep the warranty in effect.

I plan to do my own oil changes from now on. Filters are about $12 and Mobil 1 synth 4cyl oil is 5-7 a quart. You'll need 3.5 per 3000 mile change.

I've never had a Suzi warranty claim so I am not talking first hand. I "hear" they are OK if you treat the dealer fairly.

10,400 is an OK deal. May I suggest you do what I did. Get "out the door" prices from several dealers. My prices varied almost $3k. Then take the one you like best, not necessarily the lowest, walk in with checkbook visible. Tell them you'll give them a deposit if... Throw in a (helmet, pipe, tires, your call) and you'll buy the bike today. I told them I wanted a matching red Arai helmet. I paid 10,200 for the bike and got a $440 helmet thrown in. You would have paid $440 for the helmet but the dealer only pays $200 for it. Therefore you BOTH make out. Remember this is a long term business relationship. You'll want his warranty service, parts, accessories, free advice, and his goodwill. Don't overpay him but don't nickel and dime him either.

Be sure to get a helmet with loose cheek pads. You'll be riding around with a big smile.

 

[Guest]

Just noticed you're from Bowie MD. RobBase from DC and I occassionally meet at the Cozy Inn in Thurmont MD for lunch and a mountain ride.

If you're interested in seeing a copper and a red close up email me.

lrussel@newholland.com

[This message has been edited by Lyle (edited 08 May 2000).]

 

[OB_EZ2XLR8]

Booker,
Suzuki has fixed all of the issues with the '99 on the '00. Aside from these fixes, the only major difference from '99 to '00 appears to be the timing in the ECM for two of the cylinders.
1. Given the kind of riding you'll become accustomed to on a Busa, 4,000 miles per rear tire seems about average. Your results may vary.
2. The book calls for valves to be inspected every 15,000 miles, seems better than some on maintenance.
3. Dealer accidentally dripped acid on my swingarm when prepping the bike for delivery. I brought this to their attention at the 600mi service. Suzuki replaced the swingarm and the battery, no questions asked.
4. Bike seems very reliable, I've only got 3600 miles on mine, but not a lick of trouble.
5. This is one of the finest motorcycles ever built, and the ZX12 not withstanding, is quite literally in a league of it's own.
EZ