For guys that have owned both gens......

[Rothman]

Which generation do you prefer and why? What differences do you like or dislike? Comfort, handling, etc....

Not trying to start a war here just wondering.
I love my Gen1 but have a huge crush on 2nd gens.

 

[twotonevert]

Thats a tough question. The Gen I fit me like a glove, but I have different seat on my Gen II. The Gen II has way more power and has a smooth gear box. I like the gauge cluster on my Gen II better. I can ride all day on both bikes. I like both bikes, overall I have to say I like the Gen II better, but I am still learning this bike and had 4 years of on my Gen I before I sold it. You wont regret the change, but you will miss the Gen I.

 

[Rollin20z]

Mine feel like 2 totally different beast's to me. But I'm sure that is do to the different wheels,tires,seats,rearsets,exhaust etc.. Best way is to just have at least one of each. Gen 1's you can't beat them and they just have that sexy original Busa look, Gen 2 stock more hp and different look which had to grow on me, but now I sorta like the way she looks.

 

[kromdom]

My 1st Busa was an '01 and got an 08 when I had the chance. Lost that and now have an 09. I cannot see myself going back to a Gen I. The Gen II improved on the Gen I....period.
P.S. The Gen I fans/lovers will be here shortly.........

 

[schroetf]

gen 1 is so much cooler looking---both are king---

 

[SpeedFiend]

Definitely Gen 2. Just got back on my Gen 1 for the first time since May. Second gen is more smooth turning, fit and finish is better, obviously more power, power modes are nice for rain, but the Gen 1 is alot more comfortable.

 

[Kento-Moto]

Gen II ! I wish I could afford both but since it's just one, I kept the 08.

In a word : Smoother.

Better handling, better suspension, much better transmission. I like the gear indicator on the 08. But the hump storage is a little smaller. My 03 was set up pretty nice so the power does seem to be a huge change for me and the ugly butt on the Gen II finally grew on me

 

[dadofthree]

Well, this should be an easy one because anyone who has owned both will absolutely vote Gen II. It's the fix for every complaint about the Gen I and has added power and handling, better tranny, etc. IMHO the Gen I had a better looking butt and more room in the trunk, but there's no doubt which one I would pick.

 

[lonner]

what's not to like about that blue gen 2 lovely

not keen on the all white gen 2 but in blue or red and black of course there oh yer give me that nowlease:

funny none of you have said how good the radial front end is ?

 

[Rothman]

Maybe I'm the wierd one here then because I really didn't like the look of the Gen 1, it took a long time for me to grow into it. The gen 2 on the other hand, I thought was gorgeous from the first time I eyeballed one.

 

[04Duramax]

I previously owned an 05' Blue and Silver now my 08' I think the Gen II is a much better bike as far as performance and riding goes.. but I still have a soft spot for the Gen I. I kinda miss my old one at times.

 

[LaRedd]

Gen II. It's just all around a lot smoother machine with the exception of taking the plastics off

 

[Hayabusa4life]

Gen II all the way, lots of upgrades. Both bikes are nice, but if you get a gen II you probably wont go back.

 

[02spool]

Have both and the gen2 is evolved!
On this past Indy trip the wife commented on how smooth it is in general(every way).Have to agree,though I love them equally.
We would not have this refinement without the original benchmark to work off of. They did a great job with it.

 

[05 Busa LE]

Excellent thread. Enjoy reading about the comparisons from real owners.

 

[BigBadDodge]

I've ridden the gen 2 but really cant compare since it was stock, and mine isnt, so i've just decided i will eventually have one of each in the stable

 

[VIPER]

I just came from a gen1 about a month ago. i can say this for sure the gen 2 has way more power stock and there is no comparison when it comes to the handling. the gen 2 is way smoother and cuts corners way easier. if you try to throw the 2 around like the one you turn way too much. the butt is ugly in my opinion on the gen 2. it is growing on me slowly. but that is my only complaint at all. that and i don't like the stock battle axe garbage they put on it for shoes. the suspension is super smooth transmission way smooth and engine is totally awesome. the gen 1 almost feels clunky compared to this. the one thing i noticed right away it the air box. when you are in the gen 2 hard the air box growls! Sounds like a mean cold air system on some cars.

 

[riccoh]

apples and oranges, Gen I is the civic in every respect, while gen II are considered more like Escalades.. I beat them both up for a short time, but when it came time to down sized, the harley and the Gen II had to go.. Gen I is vicious, you make a mistake and she will bite you, Gen II felt a bit more friendly and I was getting to comfy with it... and that is not a good feeling,,, definately scrape more parts on her in 1 year than the Gen II in 3