I'm looking to buy a new bike soon and after riding a blackbird I've been leaning toward getting one. But I can't get the Busa out of my head. I was comfortable with the torque on the bird and I hear that the busa has so much more. I'm not out to set any records, I mainly cruise and tour. I just like the lines of the big Busa better. I want this to be my last bike and was hoping some of you have ridden both and could give an opinion of both. I want the bike to manageable in town as well as on the open road. Everyone I talk to about the busa makes it sound like it's unmanageable even for a mature rider. My only other bike experience in my 32 years is riding dirt bikes and a ninja zx-6. Any info you can share about the two would be greatly appreciated. I don't know if I want an '03 model or wait until sept. 15th when suzuki releases it '04 previews in vegas.
Can't decide on a busa or XX
- Thread starter wetrock71
- Start date
Welcome to the board
I made the jump to the Busa from a CBR 600 and love it. I have never ridden a BlackBird but I can tell you that you will fall in love with the Busa as soon as you ride one. As for the manageabilty of it, it handles great. It may be a little heavy when setting still but once you get it rolling it is very light on its feet. Just keep a few things in mine. If you twist the throttle it WILL go. It really likes to cruise at about 90 mph so keep an eye on the speedo until you get used to it.
I made the jump to the Busa from a CBR 600 and love it. I have never ridden a BlackBird but I can tell you that you will fall in love with the Busa as soon as you ride one. As for the manageabilty of it, it handles great. It may be a little heavy when setting still but once you get it rolling it is very light on its feet. Just keep a few things in mine. If you twist the throttle it WILL go. It really likes to cruise at about 90 mph so keep an eye on the speedo until you get used to it.
Mad_Otter
Registered
Wetrock,
I would wait and see what the new Blackbird has to offer - I was this close (pinching fingers together) to buying a new VFR before checking this out: VFR VTEC Problems 500+ posts of VTEC problems and literally no response from Honda...
Honda is known for rock-solid engineering, but VTEC is a definite black-eye to their reputation. It's the reason why I'm ordering a 2004 Hayabusa instead of a Viffer.
What does a Viffer have to do with a Blackbird? Rumor is, VTEC will be offered on the 2004 XX.
Then again, if you're buying on used, never mind... :tounge:
I would wait and see what the new Blackbird has to offer - I was this close (pinching fingers together) to buying a new VFR before checking this out: VFR VTEC Problems 500+ posts of VTEC problems and literally no response from Honda...
Honda is known for rock-solid engineering, but VTEC is a definite black-eye to their reputation. It's the reason why I'm ordering a 2004 Hayabusa instead of a Viffer.
What does a Viffer have to do with a Blackbird? Rumor is, VTEC will be offered on the 2004 XX.
Then again, if you're buying on used, never mind... :tounge:
the grinch
Registered
i have ridden both.the xx was a great bike, super comfy,silky smooth,and the handling was so neutral it felt like it was wired to my thoughts.but i bought a busa,it has way more soul;the closest thing man has come to building a machine that is alive.the busa handles better(even though it's harder to ride),and is a thrill every time you take it out.the xx has plenty of power,is definately a better bike to tour on,and it is a honda(reliability is certain).it was a tough decision for me(it came down to the two),my head said honda,my heart said suzi,i think i made the right choice.
p.s. anyone who says the busa is unmanageable either can,t ride motorcycles or wants to sell you something else.the busa is a kitten until you put the spurs to it...then it will destroy all who oppose it!...bwa ha ha ha !
p.s. anyone who says the busa is unmanageable either can,t ride motorcycles or wants to sell you something else.the busa is a kitten until you put the spurs to it...then it will destroy all who oppose it!...bwa ha ha ha !
Johnnycheese
Registered
Buy the Honda... You meet nice people on them that give you $$$ becuase it is a slug to go faster.
I get first run against you
I get first run against you
Welcome WetRock, I have ridden both the Blackbird and the Busa. They are both great bikes, and the Blackbird does have Honda's reliability, good Power, decent handling and decent looks. However, it also has freakin linked brakes, a bit of a wallowy numb feeling in the corners, a substantial reach to the bars, and some serious mass carried a little high. It is a sweet bike, but it doesn't talk to you, and you cannot adjust the suspension to try to get it to talk to you.
Getting on the Busa the first time was like being re-born. On paper there doesn't seem to be all that much to seperate them but when you ride it is immediatly apparant the the Busa is more than the sum of it's parts. It feels alive, it talks to you, really gets you involved, then you twist your right wrist and ALL doubt is immediatly pushed from your mind... The Motor is amazing, and the chassis can keep up. It is hard to explain but the acceleration is truly amazing. I have found the Hayabusa to be the most emotional bike I have ever ridden, it has character and personality/attitude. I have found myself more attached to this bike than I have ever been with any machine. It is also the first machine I have EVER purchased that has lived up to all it's press and Hype, you read all about the Busa experiance and I was sceptical, I mean really, I have been on fast bikes before, it cannot be all of that, right? Wrong, I have found it to be everything it is claimed to be and more... Truly I feel it is something really special, a fine bike in every way and it has a soul.
Now there are a few areas that need looked at. You will want to buy some braided front brake lines,(Factory lines lead to some pretty crappy brake feel) and if you really want to get extra comfy buy some Helibars and maybe a Dubble Bubble screen. Set up a rear tire fund, as you will be going through them at a pretty good clip. Small issues for sure, and none of which really detracts in my mind.
As for ridability? The Busa is a complete (though Torquey) pussy cat below about 6K RPM. It's nimble for it's size, and is really unintimidating if ridden gently, completely Mr. Hyde if you will. But...Get it out in the right location, (EMPTY, FAMILIAR) Twist the throttle to the stop and Doc Jekyl shows up to show you the Beastly side of the Busa, the shear joy with witch the Busa spins the speedo is something not to be missed, 150-160 MPH is addictive and easy and the beast never stops pulling, even past the 160 mark...it's amazing. Slow back down, and hell, put the Missus on the back and it will toodle around town and country just as happy as can be, no drama, no complaints.
Am I biased? Well of course I am, but in all fairness I really can recommend the Busa to anyone with some previous riding experiance, a level head, and the maturity enough to know when to unleash Doc Jekyl and when to walk around with Mr. Hyde. It really is just that damn cool!!! IMMHO
OH, and waiting just a couple of months to see what happens in 04' is a really good idea. You may have the opportunity to hop on a sweet new Honda or Busa, or you might be able to get a better deal on an 03 if the new flavours do not appeal...
Getting on the Busa the first time was like being re-born. On paper there doesn't seem to be all that much to seperate them but when you ride it is immediatly apparant the the Busa is more than the sum of it's parts. It feels alive, it talks to you, really gets you involved, then you twist your right wrist and ALL doubt is immediatly pushed from your mind... The Motor is amazing, and the chassis can keep up. It is hard to explain but the acceleration is truly amazing. I have found the Hayabusa to be the most emotional bike I have ever ridden, it has character and personality/attitude. I have found myself more attached to this bike than I have ever been with any machine. It is also the first machine I have EVER purchased that has lived up to all it's press and Hype, you read all about the Busa experiance and I was sceptical, I mean really, I have been on fast bikes before, it cannot be all of that, right? Wrong, I have found it to be everything it is claimed to be and more... Truly I feel it is something really special, a fine bike in every way and it has a soul.
Now there are a few areas that need looked at. You will want to buy some braided front brake lines,(Factory lines lead to some pretty crappy brake feel) and if you really want to get extra comfy buy some Helibars and maybe a Dubble Bubble screen. Set up a rear tire fund, as you will be going through them at a pretty good clip. Small issues for sure, and none of which really detracts in my mind.
As for ridability? The Busa is a complete (though Torquey) pussy cat below about 6K RPM. It's nimble for it's size, and is really unintimidating if ridden gently, completely Mr. Hyde if you will. But...Get it out in the right location, (EMPTY, FAMILIAR) Twist the throttle to the stop and Doc Jekyl shows up to show you the Beastly side of the Busa, the shear joy with witch the Busa spins the speedo is something not to be missed, 150-160 MPH is addictive and easy and the beast never stops pulling, even past the 160 mark...it's amazing. Slow back down, and hell, put the Missus on the back and it will toodle around town and country just as happy as can be, no drama, no complaints.
Am I biased? Well of course I am, but in all fairness I really can recommend the Busa to anyone with some previous riding experiance, a level head, and the maturity enough to know when to unleash Doc Jekyl and when to walk around with Mr. Hyde. It really is just that damn cool!!! IMMHO
OH, and waiting just a couple of months to see what happens in 04' is a really good idea. You may have the opportunity to hop on a sweet new Honda or Busa, or you might be able to get a better deal on an 03 if the new flavours do not appeal...
I've always been a cruiser guy until now. I bought a 03 Busa in June after looking at both the Blackbird and the Busa. I did not ride either, but I sat at length on both. The XX does not have an adjustable front fork as does the Busa and the XX brakes are linked. Both a no no for a sport-bike for me. After putting 1,200 miles on the Busa, all I can say is WOW. And it looks really cool, too.
Also, in addition to Honda's VTEC problem, they now have an aluminum frame cracking problem on all years of the 1800 Goldwing.
Also, in addition to Honda's VTEC problem, they now have an aluminum frame cracking problem on all years of the 1800 Goldwing.
Agree with Revlis-I was in the same boat about 3 months ago, but was also looking at the zzr 1200. I ruled out the xx pretty quickly, most lean over, most expensive, least power. The zzr was a closer call for me. Least lean over,nice looks,best price,decent power. The zzr was the most logical choice, but life isn't always about logic. The Busa has time compressing acceleration, reasonable comfort, a huge back seat, and most important to me, incredible stability at high speed. Just remember, because it's so confidence inspiring, it can lead you down the road to ruin in a hurry.
If you are serious about a "NEW" XX I would wait until Sept. 15th. They are supposed to be punching it out to a "1200cc" for 04!
It will still probably have the linked brakes though and who knows about the VTEC stuff, you'll just have to wait and see.
I recommend the HAYABUSA! Very comfortable for long rides, handles great for a big bike and good power were you need it "everywhere!" If only you can keep a rear tire on it.
Josh
It will still probably have the linked brakes though and who knows about the VTEC stuff, you'll just have to wait and see.
I recommend the HAYABUSA! Very comfortable for long rides, handles great for a big bike and good power were you need it "everywhere!" If only you can keep a rear tire on it.
Josh
I was going to reply till I read Revlis' comments. Can't add much to that. You can't go wrong with either the Busa, the XX, or the ZX 12, but why not just get the best overall? And that would be the Busa. If you strictly go by the critics, I think the XX is actually 3rd, after the ZX.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Topjolly
Registered
Right, I have just bought my 03 Busa after being knocked of a XX which I had for nearly 3 years.
First issue, power, there's hardly anything in it untill you get up into the 150s, 160 + and lets be honest, how often do we do that?
The XX is a Honda and is bullet proof
The XX 'look' hasnt chaned since its launch in 97 and is looking 'tired'.
The XX suspension CAN be adgusted, you purchace different springs for the front, (I had Hagon progressive) and you play around with fork oil till you find a weight that suits you. Replace the rear shock, there are loads ouit there.
If you are short, fit a set of helibar risers.
The XX has waaaaaaayyyyyy better weather protection, especially from the wind.
The XX is comfier for your pillion
You get better gas milage from the XX.
So, I hear you ask, why did I buy the Busa, simple, I fancied a change and have the following comment on the Busa:
The satisfaction grin I get after I ride it is waaaayyyyy bigger than the one I got riding the XX.
The Busa flicks around corners better than the XX
The look is definatly more radical, (Im still not sure about it, but its growing on me).
In conclusion....both are stunning bikes, if the Blackbird is a Sports Tourer, (ie a Tourer that is a bit sporty), then the Hayabusa is a Touring Sports, (ie a sports bike that you can tour on).... if that makes any sence.
Just my humble opinion
Heres my XX before it went spinning down the tarmac
First issue, power, there's hardly anything in it untill you get up into the 150s, 160 + and lets be honest, how often do we do that?
The XX is a Honda and is bullet proof
The XX 'look' hasnt chaned since its launch in 97 and is looking 'tired'.
The XX suspension CAN be adgusted, you purchace different springs for the front, (I had Hagon progressive) and you play around with fork oil till you find a weight that suits you. Replace the rear shock, there are loads ouit there.
If you are short, fit a set of helibar risers.
The XX has waaaaaaayyyyyy better weather protection, especially from the wind.
The XX is comfier for your pillion
You get better gas milage from the XX.
So, I hear you ask, why did I buy the Busa, simple, I fancied a change and have the following comment on the Busa:
The satisfaction grin I get after I ride it is waaaayyyyy bigger than the one I got riding the XX.
The Busa flicks around corners better than the XX
The look is definatly more radical, (Im still not sure about it, but its growing on me).
In conclusion....both are stunning bikes, if the Blackbird is a Sports Tourer, (ie a Tourer that is a bit sporty), then the Hayabusa is a Touring Sports, (ie a sports bike that you can tour on).... if that makes any sence.
Just my humble opinion
Heres my XX before it went spinning down the tarmac
Topjolly, It's good to hear from the other side of the fence. (and Pond) So what your saying is the XX suspension isn't adjustable...it's replaceable...true of any bike, though a valid point.
-My wife will argue the Pillion comfort, though in your pic that seat looks pretty darned comfy.
-You are right about the Bullet Proof though, over 1.5 years never had a single issue.
I sometimes miss the smoooooothnessss of the XX but I get over it as soon as I twist the grip....
-My wife will argue the Pillion comfort, though in your pic that seat looks pretty darned comfy.
-You are right about the Bullet Proof though, over 1.5 years never had a single issue.
I sometimes miss the smoooooothnessss of the XX but I get over it as soon as I twist the grip....
S7R4NGER
Registered
I had the same problem... XX or Busa? Kawa was no option! I decided when I was at the Honda dealer waiting to get my old Ducati evaluated. While I was waiting I was looking at the XX and I thought that the bike was so ugly I wasn't going to buy one. I left and never returned...
BUY THE BIRD.....?
hee hee hee.....
hee hee hee.....
CorrodedAlien
Registered
Lot's of good talk here.... I'm an ex-Honda rider. Had an ST1100 for almost ten years and 100k miles. The Honda's have ALWAYS have smoooooooth power delivery. I was concidering the ST1300 vs. the Busa. It was an even toss up for about a year. Yes, a year of looking and concidering. I waited for the ST1300 to come in after last years Long Shoreman walkout and was on the edge of getting one, then the '03 Anni Orange came out and it pushed me over the other way. Yes color is superficial, it was the exscuse to get the big sport bike over the big tourer.
Power, the Busa have it in spades. The throttle will react a lot like the XX, not a lot of twist get's lot's of MPH. Give it a big twist and you better be leaning up on the front or you are history. This thing pulls like a rocket. (yes there is the obligatory sh!t eating grin on my face when I think about it too.)
Awesome choice, if you are looking for a nudge from another Honda fan.
Power, the Busa have it in spades. The throttle will react a lot like the XX, not a lot of twist get's lot's of MPH. Give it a big twist and you better be leaning up on the front or you are history. This thing pulls like a rocket. (yes there is the obligatory sh!t eating grin on my face when I think about it too.)
Awesome choice, if you are looking for a nudge from another Honda fan.
Revlis, I gotta hand it to you on this post. I think you have explained what it is like to ride a Hayabusa just as good as Ive ever heard anyone explain it and maybe even better. Atleast what you have said, is exactly the way I feel and I mean exactly.......... There is NO other bike that I have ever rode or seen that in a sense talks to you, and gets you involved like the Hayabusa. It truly is amazing, and hard to explain but you explained it pretty good.
O good-fuggin'-God.....Revlis, I gotta hand it to you on this post. I think you have explained what it is like to ride a Hayabusa just as good as Ive ever heard anyone explain it and maybe even better. Atleast what you have said, is exactly the way I feel and I mean exactly.......... There is NO other bike that I have ever rode or seen that in a sense talks to you, and gets you involved like the Hayabusa. It truly is amazing, and hard to explain but you explained it pretty good.
you should both write for Hallmark , or Harlequin .
You sentiMENTAL bastids . Yuck . I just ate for Christ's sake .
hee hee hee...........
"To know me is to.....Love me....NAH,not fuggin likely. "
To know me is to have a laff,grab a beer, and PHILOSOPHIZE....Revlis Style...
hav a good 1.....RSD.
no 1 gets me.......
I have ridden the xx, 12rr and the 'busa.....depends on what you have in mind for for your last bike!! No matter what you decide i am sure you will enjoy it! All three of these bikes are great bikes, all with different qualities that seperates them from each other. It's your cash ....just make sure there are no regrets..... 
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