Hayabusa as a first bike? Everyone discouraging
- Thread starter umairhashmi
- Start date
You'll become a better rider if you start with something smaller. First off the busa is not the best turning bike on the planet. Its not horrible but its a lot more work and less fun than riding something smaller and flickable. Beating the hell out of a smaller bike and riding it at 9-11K rpm through some twisties is a blast! Try that as a new rider on the busa with nearly 100ft/lbs of torque and you will die, guaranteed. It requires lots of knowledge about how/where and smooth input to ride the busa hard. ITs easier to find the limits of a bike that you can approach slowly. Learning by spinning up the wheel slighlty on a less powerfull bike instead of having it instantly spit you out in the corner like the busa would is the difference between learning and being in the hospital.
Start riding a smaller, more forgiving bike you can beat on and consequently have more fun with. Riding the bus is an exercise in self control, there are not many places you can really beat on it. Yes its fast as hell, looks cool but you won't appreciate it nor will you become a very good rider if you start there.
Can you putt around on the busa and live, yea probably as long as you can control yourself. However you will never become a good rider like that. Its like learning to shoot with a .44 magnum (or .454 Casull if you prefer), sure you can squeeze the tigger and blow $hit up (probably nothing you're aiming at), but you'll have a hell of a time becoming a marksman since you can't do much more than hold on when the thing goes off. If you start with a .22 .380 .38 or 9mm you can make a lot more shots, experiement with different grips, try stuff out and not worry about the thing getting away from you.
There are a LOT of cool bikes out there, my guess is that you haven't seen very many of them. There are a lot of kick a$$, older bikes, 2 strokes, super motards, cafe racers, naked streetfighters, etc that are really cool and will draw just as many if not more looks as a busa. Go out and do some more research and find yourself a better starter bike. It does't have to always be an EX500 or SV650 you can look for used stuff from different years which you can get cheaper than a busa and you wont loose as much money as a new bike on resale or wadding it in a corner.
I was looking at everything from VFR's to RD350's to RG500(not a great starter either a real 2-stroke madman) to older Ducati's, to some of the newer 600's, to various tricked out grey bikes when I started looking at bikes. Granted not all of these are "great" starter bikes but all of them are better starter bikes than the busa. There are soooo many choices go try some of the other bikes out and see what you like about them and then trade up till you find the perfect bike for the way you like to ride(it may not end up being the busa).
Start riding a smaller, more forgiving bike you can beat on and consequently have more fun with. Riding the bus is an exercise in self control, there are not many places you can really beat on it. Yes its fast as hell, looks cool but you won't appreciate it nor will you become a very good rider if you start there.
Can you putt around on the busa and live, yea probably as long as you can control yourself. However you will never become a good rider like that. Its like learning to shoot with a .44 magnum (or .454 Casull if you prefer), sure you can squeeze the tigger and blow $hit up (probably nothing you're aiming at), but you'll have a hell of a time becoming a marksman since you can't do much more than hold on when the thing goes off. If you start with a .22 .380 .38 or 9mm you can make a lot more shots, experiement with different grips, try stuff out and not worry about the thing getting away from you.
There are a LOT of cool bikes out there, my guess is that you haven't seen very many of them. There are a lot of kick a$$, older bikes, 2 strokes, super motards, cafe racers, naked streetfighters, etc that are really cool and will draw just as many if not more looks as a busa. Go out and do some more research and find yourself a better starter bike. It does't have to always be an EX500 or SV650 you can look for used stuff from different years which you can get cheaper than a busa and you wont loose as much money as a new bike on resale or wadding it in a corner.
I was looking at everything from VFR's to RD350's to RG500(not a great starter either a real 2-stroke madman) to older Ducati's, to some of the newer 600's, to various tricked out grey bikes when I started looking at bikes. Granted not all of these are "great" starter bikes but all of them are better starter bikes than the busa. There are soooo many choices go try some of the other bikes out and see what you like about them and then trade up till you find the perfect bike for the way you like to ride(it may not end up being the busa).
uh..yes and no. Take the MSF. Learn all that you can learn. Then try a 600 or 750 (if you've ridden before) and get used to it. From there judge whether or not it is enough or too little power for you. But it's more than just HP...It's also about handling too. The Busa wasn't made to corner like the 600, but I know many board members here can still corner the hell out of it (just see the chicken strips thread by BT). Busa isn't a great learning bike but that's not to say it hasn't been done before. Just do your homework and think it through. BTW-Busa is my second streetbike (first was a 2001 Gixxer6). But as far as riding years including all the motocross I've done in the past, I've been riding for 18 years.
Not a good idea at all, first like many other have said take the MSF and learn a small bike. If you get on the busa you will put it down, that mistake alone will pay for the smaller bike. The cost increase in your insurance will pay for the next 2 bikes.
I was just on a new 1000 the other day, and I tell you even though it is a quick bike it still did not have the throttle sensitivity the busa has.
Do it right and then like others say you will enjoy it so much more.
I was just on a new 1000 the other day, and I tell you even though it is a quick bike it still did not have the throttle sensitivity the busa has.
Do it right and then like others say you will enjoy it so much more.
bdorf94
Registered
Look, pal...first and foremost.....use a 'search' function on ANY motorcycle forum, website, discussion place, etc.... One common thing you will find amongst any rider group (cruiser or sportbike) will be people suggesting you LEARN to ride FIRST. If you want to be a jackass, go for it......hop on that 'Busa and top it out on a city street the minute you pull out of the dealership...just PLEASE don't hit an innocent family or pedestrian.
Do us all a favor, keep our insurance costs down and learn to ride before you saddle up on THE sportbike...
Then again, you might just be another fish in the pond...
<!--EDIT|bdorf94
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Do us all a favor, keep our insurance costs down and learn to ride before you saddle up on THE sportbike...
Then again, you might just be another fish in the pond...
<!--EDIT|bdorf94
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The Suzuki GSX 1300 R Hayabusa is the worlds fastest production motorcycle. Do you know HOW HARD it will be to take your test on that bike??? It's a heavy bike, and controlling it for your test won't be that easy.
It's a big bike, I really want one, but I'm smart enough to know not to buy one as my first bike... bikes of smaller displacement can be fun too, you know.
Go read the sticky that was made by FLCN72
It's a big bike, I really want one, but I'm smart enough to know not to buy one as my first bike... bikes of smaller displacement can be fun too, you know.
Go read the sticky that was made by FLCN72
I agree, start slow and pretend your invisiable everytime you ride, it helps when you see cars and automatically think they are going to try and hit you. Ride defensively and learn slow. Plenty of time to "open" it up but to live I strongly suggest to never drink and drive, always wear your gear, and take it easy till you are very comfortable with the charhacteristics of the bike and the way it handles.
I thought the Busa was a hyper-sport. Never actually heard the term super cruiser...
<!--EDIT|doodoggy
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I believe I heard it being refered to as a sport-touring bike. Anyways, umair.
And welcome to the org fellow Floridian.
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And welcome to the org fellow Floridian.
<!--EDIT|Spigga
Reason for Edit: "Do you really care?"|1122462763 -->
dudewizr
Registered
I agree.dude just get that damn thing...busa's are the #### there isnt a bike out there that is better than it...just remember you control the throttle just watch out for other people and remember #### happens, the bike doesnt kill people, people kill themselves cause people are ignorant. Everybike takes time to learn just go slow practice your turns oh and whatever you do if you are scared of the bike period dont get it that is the worst thing you can do..i already totalled one brand new busa and im going to go get another one, but it wasnt my fault so who cares....anyways have fun....enjoy the bike and remember you have control the bike doesnt control you!
The Busa was my first bike ever, I was just tellin Rhythm last night the first 20 miles were in 1 & 2 gear just tryin to learn how to shift and it was 20 degrees in january. I bought the bike then found this board and all of the naysayers had me spooked. I've got about 7000 mile on it and lovin it. the front wheel stays on the ground, no burnouts or anything like that. I'll jack it up to 140-150 for a few seconds under the right circumstances but thats about it. YOU HAVE TO RESPECT THE BIKE AND CONTROL YOUR ADRENALINE. If you get all gungho on it your in for trouble. I think your physical size is a big factor when just learning to ride this beast, i'm 6'4 and 225 so it feel really comfortable to me. you can die on any bike and to say Busa killed someone is like saying a gun killed them, someone had to load it and pull the trigger. be safe and take a course in rider safety.
Instead of re-hashing this whole thing out again...I'll just post this link to the topic in the "New Owner FAQ" section.
I personally don't think it's a good FIRST bike, but everyone is free to make their own choice. Besides...WTF do I know? ...I've only been riding for 25 years
Good Luck, Ride Safe, and try not to kill yourself
EDIT: Kudos to spigga for putting the link up first...I didn't realize it was the same one.
<!--EDIT|stkr00
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I personally don't think it's a good FIRST bike, but everyone is free to make their own choice. Besides...WTF do I know? ...I've only been riding for 25 years
Good Luck, Ride Safe, and try not to kill yourself
EDIT: Kudos to spigga for putting the link up first...I didn't realize it was the same one.
<!--EDIT|stkr00
Reason for Edit: None given...|1122471178 -->
Your one of the few that actually have the self control needed to ride this as their first bike. Glad you took the time to get to know her before you opened her up.I agree.dude just get that damn thing...busa's are the #### there isnt a bike out there that is better than it...just remember you control the throttle just watch out for other people and remember #### happens, the bike doesnt kill people, people kill themselves cause people are ignorant. Everybike takes time to learn just go slow practice your turns oh and whatever you do if you are scared of the bike period dont get it that is the worst thing you can do..i already totalled one brand new busa and im going to go get another one, but it wasnt my fault so who cares....anyways have fun....enjoy the bike and remember you have control the bike doesnt control you!
The Busa was my first bike ever, I was just tellin Rhythm last night the first 20 miles were in 1 & 2 gear just tryin to learn how to shift and it was 20 degrees in january. I bought the bike then found this board and all of the naysayers had me spooked. I've got about 7000 mile on it and lovin it. the front wheel stays on the ground, no burnouts or anything like that. I'll jack it up to 140-150 for a few seconds under the right circumstances but thats about it. YOU HAVE TO RESPECT THE BIKE AND CONTROL YOUR ADRENALINE. If you get all gungho on it your in for trouble. I think your physical size is a big factor when just learning to ride this beast, i'm 6'4 and 225 so it feel really comfortable to me. you can die on any bike and to say Busa killed someone is like saying a gun killed them, someone had to load it and pull the trigger. be safe and take a course in rider safety.
si-lo
Registered
I know how hard it is and I'm an instructor. But as I said before, you are going to do what you want anyway. I see guys like you all the time. They won't start off on something like a 500 or an SV, oh no, they've seen biker boyz like 20 times and already know how to ride. They go for the RR's and liter bikes and then complain that they can't do some of the exercises during the MSF course. But hey what do we know right?
I've been riding bikes for about 30 years. Since I was 6. First road bike a nija 600, cb 750, fj1200, vmax, valkrie, bmw k1200rs then the busa. The busa has crazy power and is a big bike. I've had fast cars all my driving life. I currently have a 450hp supercharged nissan 350z. None of the cars or bikes compare to the power and force of my busa. I'm very glad I didn't buy a big bike like the busa as my first bike. It's very easy to make a simple mistake with all that power and weight. I made some mistakes with my Nija and knew several people who died on Hurrican 1000's. If you do get it just take it slow and get used to the bikes handling and power. A smaller nimble bike would be the best depending on your size. 600 - 700. Buy it used so if you sell it next year you won't have to take much of a hit.
Mr Brown
Registered
So you wrecked it, right? kinda makes the point for us, doesn't it?
The Busa is unlike any other bike out there. What someone else said about what seems like a casual throttle twist on another bike could be a fatal mistake. Definitely take the MSF, it's the best way to start good habits. Then get something smaller and learn to ride well. Then get the Busa, and remember, even then, respect the living daylights out of her. The bike requires 100% of your concentration, all the time. Everytime I've gotten a little lax, she'll remind me what she demands.
The 'Busa was my third bike, with a 10 year gap in riding. I attribute surviving the adjustment to the 'Busa with VERY careful throttle control and very easy riding to begin to understand what this incredible bike is even capable of.
If you ignore the ones who say don't get it and do, respect the heck out of that throttle man....
Charles
The 'Busa was my third bike, with a 10 year gap in riding. I attribute surviving the adjustment to the 'Busa with VERY careful throttle control and very easy riding to begin to understand what this incredible bike is even capable of.
If you ignore the ones who say don't get it and do, respect the heck out of that throttle man....
Charles
Busa was my first sportsbike. Had been riding cruisers for about 5 years, decided to have kids and start a family so I didn't ride for approx 14 years. Got the bug again and bought "My Baby". She is a great ride and takes me places that I've never been. I have had her approx 13 months and have approx 8K miles on her and each time I go out I learn something new.
Be careful and respect the power of the Busa...
Be careful and respect the power of the Busa...
IG.
Registered
Damn! This is one of the topics that everyone has to say something. So, I will, too. Maybe it will help you to make a decision.
Busa's appeared in '99, and I was ripe for a bike in 2000, but naturally got a used '96 Katana 600. Only after 3 years and 17k miles including track days, I felt comfortable get the beast.
On the first day I got Katana, I dropped it a couple of times (not hard, but still) - note the Buss is a bit heavier than Katana.
Now, the biggest problem everyone is dancing around is... your reflexes. Which are not settled at this time. You can take 10 classes. It's not going to help. Only riding time helps in this. One wrong twist or grab on Katana - you may recover. Same on the 'Busa, and you wake up in the hospital, if ever.
Remeber this. All our natural reflexes are wrong for controlling a motorcycle. You have to re-train yourself until those new reflexes become your second nature. There is not doubt, or thinking involved. You just do it. Anything less, and you are toast.
On a side note, while you think about it, I would strongly recommend getting this book (which saved my life - as I was doing it all wrong at first):
A Twist of the Wrist 2: The Basics of High-Performance Motorcycle Riding (Paperback)
by Keith Code "Survival reactions are truly automatic because they originate from a source we do not consciously monitor..."
I found this on amazon.com - Damn! They even quote the man on exactly this topic.
Good luck with whatever your decision will be!
__
Igor
<span style='font-size:17pt;line-height:100%'><span style='color:darkred'>HumpMod.com</span> <span style='color:darkred'>- The easy way</span></span>
Busa's appeared in '99, and I was ripe for a bike in 2000, but naturally got a used '96 Katana 600. Only after 3 years and 17k miles including track days, I felt comfortable get the beast.
On the first day I got Katana, I dropped it a couple of times (not hard, but still) - note the Buss is a bit heavier than Katana.
Now, the biggest problem everyone is dancing around is... your reflexes. Which are not settled at this time. You can take 10 classes. It's not going to help. Only riding time helps in this. One wrong twist or grab on Katana - you may recover. Same on the 'Busa, and you wake up in the hospital, if ever.
Remeber this. All our natural reflexes are wrong for controlling a motorcycle. You have to re-train yourself until those new reflexes become your second nature. There is not doubt, or thinking involved. You just do it. Anything less, and you are toast.
On a side note, while you think about it, I would strongly recommend getting this book (which saved my life - as I was doing it all wrong at first):
A Twist of the Wrist 2: The Basics of High-Performance Motorcycle Riding (Paperback)
by Keith Code "Survival reactions are truly automatic because they originate from a source we do not consciously monitor..."
I found this on amazon.com - Damn! They even quote the man on exactly this topic.
Good luck with whatever your decision will be!
__
Igor
<span style='font-size:17pt;line-height:100%'><span style='color:darkred'>HumpMod.com</span> <span style='color:darkred'>- The easy way</span></span>
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