Better year over other?

[SnapAttack]

Looking to move over to a Busa after a few years on the RC51. Is there a particulair year that had some known problems that a new buyer should stay clear of? Is there a more desireable year and why? Appreciate the direction and looking forward to owning one.

 

[Devil Dog]

No matter what year you choose...get the BLUE. Suzuki used the 3M super aerodynamic topcoat in the paint mixture which makes it the fastest.

DD

 

[NoFearSpear]

Wont be a move over,lol, will be a move up.

 

[heavybusa]

(Devil Dog @ May 21 2007,15:31) No matter what year you choose...get the BLUE. Suzuki used the 3M super aerodynamic topcoat in the paint mixture which makes it the fastest.

DD

Go 2003 and up IMO.

Here is my guess at some of the changes.



99-2001 external fuel pump and no speed restrictions
2001 idle adjuster is now under the tank.
2001 'vent' on tail fairing on the right is flat unlike the left which is curved in.
2001 models have a steel sub-frame
2001 models have a Suzuki sticker over the rear tail lights.
2002 Models have polished mid pipes as opposed to the 99-01 models that have a solid header on one side.
2002 ECUs are reprogrammed
2003 New ECU or ECM 16 - 32 bit processing power (late 2002 intro).
2003 have gold/bronze colored front forks and brake calipers.
2003 have Titanium Nitride coated inner forks.
Polished stainless steel exhaust pipe for improved appearance.
bolt on, stainless-steel tie-down hooks (previously welded to sub-frame) ?
2004 Red limited editions have stylized single 'S' on the fuel tank.
2004 Red limited editions have unpainted rim edges on the wheels.
Limited editions have black frames.
2004 have unpainted radiators.
2005 Suzuki logo on tank changed to just a stylized S.
2005 All indicators now have clear lens.
2006 Only color changes.
2007 Only color changes.


I'm sure I missed something. <ul>

 

[Devil Dog]

(heavybusa @ May 21 2007,14:58)

(Devil Dog @ May 21 2007,15:31) No matter what year you choose...get the BLUE.  Suzuki used the 3M super aerodynamic topcoat in the paint mixture which makes it the fastest.

DD

Go 2003 and up IMO.

Here is my guess at some of the changes.



99-2001 external fuel pump and no speed restrictions
2001 idle adjuster is now under the tank.
2001 'vent' on tail fairing on the right is flat unlike the left which is curved in.
2001 models have a steel sub-frame
2001 models have a Suzuki sticker over the rear tail lights.
2002 Models have polished mid pipes as opposed to the 99-01 models that have a solid header on one side.
2002 ECUs are reprogrammed
2003 New ECU or ECM 16 - 32 bit processing power (late 2002 intro).
2003 have gold/bronze colored front forks and brake calipers.
2003 have Titanium Nitride coated inner forks.
Polished stainless steel exhaust pipe for improved appearance.
bolt on, stainless-steel tie-down hooks (previously welded to sub-frame) ?
2004 Red limited editions have stylized single 'S' on the fuel tank.
2004 Red limited editions have unpainted rim edges on the wheels.
Limited editions have black frames.
2004 have unpainted radiators.
2005 Suzuki logo on tank changed to just a stylized S.
2005 All indicators now have clear lens.
2006 Only color changes.
2007 Only color changes.


I'm sure I missed something. <ul>

Gregorizzzzzle.....you're spoiling my fun.

 

[nocturnal]

Good info heavy. I'm assuming you're recommending the '03 and newer mainly for the ECU change than the nitride forks. If that's the case then what are the benefits over that ECU rather than a previous version ECU equipped bike? Like was it more fuel effecient, have a better power curve, or simply just respond better to modifications?

 

[BA BUSA]

2003 and up are better

 

[SnapAttack]

Thanks. Besides the RC51, I've had CBR's and GSXR's. At 40 years old my back just can't handle it anymore. Getting rid of the 69 Camaro as well so I thought the Busa would provide a perfect quench for both need for speed and derailed rollercoasters.

 

[nocturnal]

(BA BUSA @ May 21 2007,21:51) 2003 and up are better  

Must be the gold paint on the forks and brake calipers.

 

[dadofthree]

(Devil Dog @ May 21 2007,15:31) No matter what year you choose...get the BLUE. Suzuki used the 3M super aerodynamic topcoat in the paint mixture which makes it the fastest.

DD

Black

 

[nocturnal]

^^^Hell yeah^^^  

Onto searching why '03's are better.

 

[Wag]

'03 seems to be the most trouble-free. '04's a close second.

Anything over '03 should be okay, though.

--Wag--

 

[BA BUSA]

(nocturnal @ May 21 2007,19:36)

(BA BUSA @ May 21 2007,21:51) 2003 and up are better  

Must be the gold paint on the forks and brake calipers.  

02 and up 32 bit ECM
03 and up upgraded starter
04 and up Flash to Pass
05 and up Clear lenses
06 BNG Woo Hoo
07 Black frames and BNG

 

[nocturnal]

I'll most likely be getting a late '07 or new '08. I'm just curious as to why about the '03's. So '03's and '04's typically have the least problems. What mechanically is different about them than say the pre-03's or even the 05/06/07's?

Just curious.

:edited: Okay, starter and ECU. 32-bit ECU sounds awesome. I remember when Sega went from 16bits to 32bits.

But what does that mean on a bike? More power, more adaptable to upgrades?

 

[NoFearSpear]

Some say black,some say blue,,,,why not both?

 

[BA BUSA]

99-02 had issues with bad cam chain adjusters and starters that could blow and crack your engine cases...all those bugs should be
corrected by now, but ya never know.

2003 and newer didn't have any of the problems that the earlier ones had

 

[nocturnal]

Thank-you BA BUSA, understood.

And NoFearSpear that bike is sweet! I like how the black comes in real suttle but looks like a hawks' head. Very nicely done!

I'd like to do something with the paint like get the Marine Eagle, Globe, & Anchor (like in my avatar) painted in chrome where the Busa logo is on the fairing.

 

[heavybusa]

(nocturnal @ May 21 2007,21:46) Good info heavy. I'm assuming you're recommending the '03 and newer mainly for the ECU change than the nitride forks. If that's the case then what are the benefits over that ECU rather than a previous version ECU equipped bike? Like was it more fuel effecient, have a better power curve, or simply just respond better to modifications?

You assume correct, as BA said they seemed to get all the bugs out after 03.

 

[nocturnal]

Thanks for the answers guys. Caution: Newbie learning!

 

[SnapAttack]

Great information. I appreciate you taking the time to educate. With me looking for an 03-06, what would be the first performance modifications you would do without sacrificing dependability (slip-ons, sprockets, etc...)? (Should this be a new thread?)