I have waited on Ted to fill us in and we all know this is coming, thanks man for your inside input!
*long post alert*
As a life long Corvette enthusiast who has seen that car undergo profound changes over the years (we are at the 6th Generation to date) this strikes me as a pivotal point in the Busa's legacy.
We have been entertained with special spots on networks such as the Science Channel and The Learning Channel covering the best of the best (in motorcycling) and there was Suzuki's Hayabusa either mentioned or at the top of the list - I loved it!
We have motor vehicle unlike any I have encountered in that it has its own symbol - Ok, Vettes have crossed flags and Stangs have that pony but how many bike models have an emblem?
We have this mystique of being the fastest production motorcycle in the world (6 years running) that even people outside of the motorcycling community recongnize.
We have what I think is the sexiest sport bike in production and now the competition has caught it, well sort of - the jury is still out on how well Kawi's new beast will do in the showrooms and on the streets but they jumped us. Mustangs NEVER did that to the Vette, production model to production model anyway.
Now, will they do this change 'right'? Will they carry the flag further? Will the market (the cruelest judge of all) like what they do with the new Busa?
In business, change equals growth, but change also equals an affront to tradition. Should of heard the bitchin when the C4 came out and I wont even mention Harley's slavery to 'dont change anything, they wont like it anymore'....
The Busa clearly enjoys a tradition within the motorcycle community and to some extent, an extended motoring public - see the ESPN article referenced in another thread and you'll see what I mean.
This change to our bike is exciting to me. I love the product and the following it has created. I bought one for all the reasons listed above and it sits right beside my Vette each night - far as I know they are getting along ok.
I just hope it goes well and the 'H1s' will emerge as the first in a generational line of kick azz Busas that Kawi, Yam and Honda will always chase!
Sorry for the long post and - uhem.... ROLL TIDE!