gotta ask (Busa Good First Bike?)

Hi All,

So this is the first thread I read here, and my first post. I just joined in order to post as I am looking at getting a New 09 Hayabusa gsx1300r.

So I have read throught he entirity of this thread and boy is it long. I have come across lots of good thought out points of view and would like some responses to my situation and feedback on my own views.

Firstly I would say that from the majority of you experianced riders, in the vast number of cases a lower cc bike would be the recommended course of action. The theory makes sense and relating this to cars which is where my experiance lies, this makes sense. Like the legal alcohol levels are 18 (Im from England) it makes sense for the majority but there can be 100's of examples to disprove the rule so to speak. I appreciate that sentement and agree.


I am 26, Male and have as of today zero bike experiance. my love for bikes has grown more and more the last 3 years since I moved to Spain. My Mum just turned 50 in Febuary and after her Boyfriend went to the shop and bought a 2nd hand GSX 750 (Not yet holding a license) for himself. She was not to be out done and did the same, buying a Bandit 650. So they both had bikes and no permission to use the Queens highway. They did at the same time an intensive 4 day course and each passed. I was back in England on the weekend and went on the back of my Mums boyfriends 750 and loved it. I am now pulling my finger out and sorting out getting a bike.

I intend on doing an intesive course in England to get legal (Just like they did), then coming to Spain and straight-away doing a course here to give me additional experiance, knowledge and to help driving on the other side of the road (Although Spain is where I drive everyday for the last 3 years and am more comfortable - I felt it prudent as my initial test is being taken in the UK)

I passed my driving test at 17 with gears in the UK, I was a typical thought I new best, boyracer type. not crazy but I had a few prangs. Nothing major but they happened. I have since being 20 never had any form of accident. I am a fast and good driver (Surely a LOT of road experiance crosses over from one to the other?). I usually win at go-karting and track days etc and I firmly believe you can be taught A LOT, but the fact is Natural ability plays a major part and therfore your choice of bike. One persons cieling is anothers floor so to speak. I have always played sports etc to the highest level, hand eye co-ordination, vision etc play a big part and cross over to bike and cars etc I feel. One of the things that will help me most with the bike but that Im sure I will develop further as I adjust is defensive driving. It means I am always expecting the other drivers to do the stupid thing. something that has helped me out many times.

So the reason I am thinking about going straight for the big one?

Firstly My Mums boyfriend who went straight into the 750 says he already regrets not having something bigger. He wants to switch up but money is an issue. I dont want this to happen to me. I want to get the bike I want and can enjoy for years without having financial difficulties leaving me stuck with a bike I feel I have out grown.

Also I feel I am 100% not going to over extend myself with this bike. I nearly died about4 years ago and it turned me into a bit of a wimp, initialy scared of fair ground rides etc. Always worried about death when doing anything remotely risky. Until a year ago scared of flying. I am over these irrational fears now but I do retain a healthy respect for all things life threatning. This WILL keep me in check!

I do intend on getting very good with my bike, doing track days, building up and possibly racing if I end up back in he uk, but I wont be doing this stuff on the road.

.....and of course I do like the idea as well as the look and capabilites of having the Hayabusa. ANYONE that say no part o them enjoys haing this bike because its the baddest MOFO on the road in my opinion is Lying or in DENIAL. So yeah thats a part of it. Having it doesnt mean I will be using it before its time.


So please - stupid, crazy or a possible exeption to the rule; tell me what you think?

Thanks all

B
 
Forgot to add I will be investing in the best safety gear I can get!

Change anything for you? :laugh:
 
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Yeah! From what I've heard near death experiences always makes a new rider able to skip right past a starter bike to the big boy. :laugh:

It's not so much about keeping in check cause you can end up in a bad situation with a moped with lack of respect. It's all about learning and developing reactions. Which is easier and safer on a starter bike. Those people you refer to about how the Busa is well respected aren't going to be the ones laying in the hospital regretting it cause of the respect of a motorcycle over another.

But all that's been discussed in this thread and your mind is made up. Hope that life changing experience that occurred doesn't get another to add to it, or worse.

My advice is take the course and ride your Mums 650 to develop some skills. I'm sure she'll understand you wanting to preserve your life and not jumping into what might possibly by over you head by buying a Busa.

Good luck!
 
Just a comment on the Busa insurance rates. I'm 27 with 6 points on my license and full coverage for my 09 Busa is only $39 a month. Maybe Ohio IS good for something.
 
Well, I just read 6 years 21 days 8 hours 10 minutes and 36 seconds worth of peoples opinions.

Out of the many pages, there were 3 things which I can say I had not considered, and for those facts I am glad I took the time to hear what all of you had to say.

I have lots to say, but wasting my time to type it all out isn't going to teach anybody anything. Everyman learns for himself at his own pace.

I waited until age 25 to consider a bike because I knew any younger and I wasn't going to be mentally prepared to appreciate the awesome killing power between my legs. Any older and I'd have too much money into something else to consider a "hobby" such as motorcycling.

I'm still in the research phase right now, but when I make my choice at least it will be a well informed one. Thanks for all the insight gang, hope to see you out on the road someday with in the next year. I like to know all I can before getting into something, and this website is just what I needed.
 
Well, I put 430 miles on the Busa this weekend and no close calls. Ran up I-71 in Ohio at around 150 and she felt nice and tight to the road. In and out of traffic like a dream. My buddy on his 09 Street Glide couldn't believe how well the Busa did. He's just simply amazed at the bike. Only 170 miles till my first service, then she's making a run to Pennsylvania, maybe even New Jersey.
 
myfirstbusa said:
Well, I put 430 miles on the Busa this weekend and no close calls. Ran up I-71 in Ohio at around 150 and she felt nice and tight to the road. In and out of traffic like a dream. My buddy on his 09 Street Glide couldn't believe how well the Busa did. He's just simply amazed at the bike. Only 170 miles till my first service, then she's making a run to Pennsylvania, maybe even New Jersey.
Click to expand...

I pray for you my friend. You're just asking for trouble.
 
myfirstbusa said:
Well, I put 430 miles on the Busa this weekend and no close calls. Ran up I-71 in Ohio at around 150 and she felt nice and tight to the road. In and out of traffic like a dream. My buddy on his 09 Street Glide couldn't believe how well the Busa did. He's just simply amazed at the bike. Only 170 miles till my first service, then she's making a run to Pennsylvania, maybe even New Jersey.
Click to expand...

You ran up I-71 at around 150MPH??
You're not supposed to go past 5500 RPM for initial break in
I'm still breaking in my 08 and 5500RPMs in 6th is about 100MPH

Crazy bastard
 
myfirstbusa said:
Well, I put 430 miles on the Busa this weekend and no close calls. Ran up I-71 in Ohio at around 150 and she felt nice and tight to the road. In and out of traffic like a dream. My buddy on his 09 Street Glide couldn't believe how well the Busa did. He's just simply amazed at the bike. Only 170 miles till my first service, then she's making a run to Pennsylvania, maybe even New Jersey.
Click to expand...
well you are just off to a fine start... every good reason a guy should start out on a bike suited to his level of experience and maturity...


Form Equals Function: Sportbikes are Not Beginner Bikes : Suzuki GSX-R Motorcycle Forums: Gixxer.com

Just posted here today and a great read...
 
I've rode for 16 years now, city, tour, track and dirt. Yesterday I took my first ever spin on a Busa. It is not suitable for a first bike in my opinion. I figured there was something up with this bike after 3 insurance companies outright denied to insure the machine, one of which I've been a client of for 18 years, plus I'm old, married and have no prior accidents or tickets. I know everyone thinks they're mature, level headed and all grown-up by 22, but if there was ever a bike that would spit you under something heavy and rolling for dicking around on the street, this would be it. If you're a new rider an older GSXR600 is gonna feel like a land missile raging on PCP with a steroid chaser. Even if you only get one season on a less manical bike before jumping to a Busa you'd be doing yourself a favor.
 
KYT said:
Very nice :thumbsup:
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Followed the link and read the advice - Very thought out and intelligent response with some good points for Newbie's.

I think he is being perhaps a little over cautious in the size of bike he recommends - If my Mum at 50 can do a 4 day direct access course and go straight onto a 600/650 (Cant remember which but its a bandit) without having any accidents or incidents having no prior experience then Im sure plenty of other people could do it too.

There are of course a best general way to do things and then less great ways to do things (but acceptable all the same). I am sure he is right and it is the 100% safest and most cautious route. But does everyone need to take baby steps? I don't know!

Great article!
 
Picking my bike up from the shop today. Had the first service done. The day I picked it up, when the service tech was going over the bike with me, he told me the initial break in is all about safety. He told me to break the bike in the way I plan to ride it. He said that they "adapt" to your habitual riding style. He's had 2 busas and both of them hit 200+ during the break in period. Anyhow, they called me and told me everything was A1 on the bike and nothing was out of spec and she was good to go. Now she's able to be ran HARD. Still working on those pics.
 
Benny_boy83 said:
I think he is being perhaps a little over cautious in the size of bike he recommends - If my Mum at 50 can do a 4 day direct access course and go straight onto a 600/650 (Cant remember which but its a bandit) without having any accidents or incidents having no prior experience then Im sure plenty of other people could do it too.
Click to expand...

I have to agree a little, it was a little over cautious.
My wife's first bike was an 89 FZR600, she did just fine.
My first bike was an OLD Honda Magna 750 (V45 I think.. something like that), then I went to an 06 Katana 600, now the busa.
My wife and I are both a little more agressive than than the average person I would say.
For most people, and especially the average male, a 600cc is a perfect starter.
But for the more timid rider, the balange, weight, and handling of a 500 is more confidendce inspiring.
For people that are pretty much afraid of bikes, but dream of being "bad to the bone" lol, something like a Kaw 250 Ninja or a Honda 250 shadow, are the best route.

But I feel that bike suitability fits on more of a bell curve with agressiveness/fearlessness. The guys that aren't scared of anything, don't feel pain, and very agressive, shouldn't start out on larger bikes, because they're more likely to injure themselves.

I think I could have started on out on a Busa. But I think if I had, when I went down for the first time, it would have been a lot worse for me. I had to discover the wonders of counter-steering on my own, in a gravel strewn 25mph max backroad banked corner. Of course we low sided and slid into a ditch. I'm glad I had the bike I was riding then, and not something much larger.

I've always thought that I was a really good driver (car), and OK on a bike.
But that article was very humbling, and I realize after looking back on my driving technique, that I could be better. I still feel that I'm above average in handling my car's abilities, but definitely not better than everyone else. I do feel that I'm growing a connection with my bike, and I've only been riding for about 3 years. Its something that does take time and patience. I completely trust my car and I know its limits, there is a bond, an extension of body. But on the bike, its like we're still figuring each other out. I leave my clothes on the floor in a particular fashion, and she likes to bite.

Noobs really should learn about bikes before they go getting their heart set on one specific model/displacement. But as anyone with experience with anything knows, people with little to no experience won't listen *sigh*
There's always at least 1 person that listens, maybe doesn't understand, but keeps the info in the back of their mind, and maybe just maybe, it helps keep them safe. And if this thread or the article can save even 1 life, then its worth keeping around.

just my .02
 
I just gotta ask why people are so afraid of the busa. Like I said, I had never ridden a bike in my life until 6 days ago when I picked up my 09 busa. I rode 30 minutes in a parking lot and was off to ride on the road. The bike handles great, the extra 3" of wheelbase doesn't mean a thing to me because I don't know how a shorter bike handles. The power is for sure awesome, but that's where your right hand comes in to play. Just be sensible and you're fine. I don't know if you guys are a little over cautious, or what the deal is, but I've already let 2 other guys ride it who have only ridden bigger harleys for a couple years, and they do great on it too. You guys make it sound like some demon-possessed bike that's going to spring to life and kill you. I'm not being harsh or a smart ass, I just don't understand why it's such a big deal to start on a busa. That's all.
 
Maybe you're just one of the few that are able to do that.
We just don't want to see another wrecked Busa, with another dead pilot.
Not everyone can control their right hand.

Live to Ride - Ride to DIE
These aren't all caused by someone in a car either.
 
myfirstbusa said:
Picking my bike up from the shop today. Had the first service done. The day I picked it up, when the service tech was going over the bike with me, he told me the initial break in is all about safety. He told me to break the bike in the way I plan to ride it. He said that they "adapt" to your habitual riding style. He's had 2 busas and both of them hit 200+ during the break in period. Anyhow, they called me and told me everything was A1 on the bike and nothing was out of spec and she was good to go. Now she's able to be ran HARD. Still working on those pics.
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Part of the reason to keep the speed and RPM's down until after you get it serviced is safety like you said. You know that odd bolt coming loose etc....
doing 150 increases vibration and such lowering that safety factor. Bike is rev limited to 186 and without the limiter 200 is real hard to get. His would definitely not be stock.



Good luck and hope you really don't learn a lesson the hard way. 150+ and "in & out(not at 150)" of traffic isn't a very good riding style. Driving on a motorcycle is different then driving in a car. lots more factors to watch out for. Most of those you can only learn as you go. No gear in the world is gonna help you if you get ran over by a car cause you don't have the experience. That 6th sense is developed over time. Sure you think you can maneuver the bike around good, but predicting possible accidents is a lot better then reacting to them when they just thrown upon you.

Naa disregard what I just said. you ready for "The Dragon". :poke:
 
myfirstbusa said:
I just gotta ask why people are so afraid of the busa. Like I said, I had never ridden a bike in my life until 6 days ago when I picked up my 09 busa. I rode 30 minutes in a parking lot and was off to ride on the road. The bike handles great, the extra 3" of wheelbase doesn't mean a thing to me because I don't know how a shorter bike handles. The power is for sure awesome, but that's where your right hand comes in to play. Just be sensible and you're fine. I don't know if you guys are a little over cautious, or what the deal is, but I've already let 2 other guys ride it who have only ridden bigger harleys for a couple years, and they do great on it too. You guys make it sound like some demon-possessed bike that's going to spring to life and kill you. I'm not being harsh or a smart ass, I just don't understand why it's such a big deal to start on a busa. That's all.
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I really hope you can make a gap trip so you can see how much of this motorcycle puzzle you are missing. Its so easy to feel like a great rider where you are riding. But if you ever are going 150+ and someone jumps out into your lane and you have to figure out your 100% braking I am sure you are going to wish you took it slower. Like Ice Cube said, "chickity-check yoself before you wreck yoself" Please slow your butt down so some more experienced riders can show you what its all about in the fall.
 
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myfirstbusa said:
i just gotta ask why people are so afraid of the busa. Like i said, i had never ridden a bike in my life until 6 days ago when i picked up my 09 busa. I rode 30 minutes in a parking lot and was off to ride on the road. The bike handles great, the extra 3" of wheelbase doesn't mean a thing to me because i don't know how a shorter bike handles. The power is for sure awesome, but that's where your right hand comes in to play. Just be sensible and you're fine. I don't know if you guys are a little over cautious, or what the deal is, but i've already let 2 other guys ride it who have only ridden bigger harleys for a couple years, and they do great on it too. You guys make it sound like some demon-possessed bike that's going to spring to life and kill you. I'm not being harsh or a smart ass, i just don't understand why it's such a big deal to start on a busa. That's all.
Click to expand...


grip it and rip it:bowdown:
 
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