Hayabusa dream abandoned :(

[MeltDownZ]

Hey Ron!
Sorry I couldn't chat earlier, had a late night getting the little one's down and all. Then, couldn't pass up doing an hour ride in the rain.

Ok, there's 2 things to figure out here...
1) What bike do you want? (Emotional)
2) Where's the best place to get it? (Business)

You've got to get step 1 resolved first. Now, it seems to me that the dealer issue is Step 2 but you're still not sure about what bike you want. So, decide on that first. I've read that you're really not that interested in the digital gauges available on the busa. Trust me on this... the gauges will be of small concern once you start getting into any bike. The engine characteristics, comfort, handling, serviceability, looks, will all be much more important in the near future. And, eliminate price from your choosing a bike criteria. It's going to be cheaper to get the bike you want right off the bat than to buy one, mod it, sell it, and then buy the bike you want. Even if you pay an extra $1000 because you're emotionally wrapped up in the process, do it, get the bike you want. Now, you've listed a wide variety of bikes which tells me that you haven't had enough chances to ride a variety of bikes to know what you want. The problem with this is that even if you buy the right bike, you may still end up questioning whether it was the right one. So, let me make this suggestion... go with the bike that's got the most raves and the best resale value. Get it for the best price. Be committed to keep it for at least a year because it's going to take you that long to learn about this new type of bike. So, without beating around the bush, go find the best damn deal you can on a busa. Interceptor and Triumph's are going to have limited resale value even if they are great bikes. 954RR is a race bike. You'll quickly find that it's not so versitile. Also, I would strongly consider getting a used bike if you can find a good price on one. But, if you're dead set on getting a new one right away, I'm sure you could find a busa in Fla for a good price. Even if it's not the absolute best price in the country, get it. Sounds to me like you're emotionally ready to buy something now. DO NOT get distracted at the last minute and buy something you'll regret because the process is being difficult.

Good luck!

Todd

 

[Rongotti]

Thanks for the thoughts Todd. I couldn't agree more with you about getting what you really want, the problem is that all I have been looking at was busas, now I am seeing other bikes that I didn't realise were out there. The busa is off the hook, great looks, speed is unimaginable, and seem to be pretty reliable as well. But the design (not to offend anyone) seems to be a bit outdated compared to other 04 models. When comparing the differences I was noticing the busas features were comprable with some 00 or 01 versions of the bikes I have been looking at. I think I am going to wait for maybe 05 or 06 or what the hell even 07, to see what suzuki does with this great bike. IMO it can only get better, put some under the seat exauhst and some digital gauges on this baby and WOW

 

[dezzy7]

you'll probably never see an under the seat exhaust on a busa -- too many people lower it for both stlye and looks... you be burning up your rear tire .... but then --one never knows.

Buy what you like and what apeals to you... if cost isn't an issue then you can always trade ot later... The busa fits me --looks and personality --total package.Its more than a bike itsa reflection of who i am.. You should feel that way about what you ride. Its your ride ot someone else's --- get what fits YOU --personality and all

 

[jumbo]

You keep bringing up digital gauges as an upgrade IMHO I don't think that would be an upgrade. Read some of the articles on the new bike and the one complaint that seems consistant is that the digital gauges are not always readable in the sun.

 

[paulos]

busa's rule,comfy,powerfull,nimble in corners(u point it,it will go),engines are 100% bulletproof,95 in 1st is kool,but not all the time is it like that,as a bike to ride day to day is great.(just the weather can fk it)

 

[ty454]

Dude, the number one complaint I've been reading about all these new bikes is their digital gauges (and crappy mirrors). I've had them and they're a pain. They seem cool in theory but there's no abscissa to correlate the numbers to. The speedo just jumps around as a whole bunch of blurry numbers as you accelerate.

There's a reason the car manufacturers went digital in the 80s and then quickly abandoned them - because they were the biggest flop of their time. I hope they NEVER but LCDs on the Bus.

When the Busa came out all of the reviewers praised the "old school" gauges because they were so simple and clear. To be honest it sounds like you are making excuses for another reason that you don't want the busa. You say money isn't the problem and you won't give a rat's ass about gauges after about 10 minutes on the bike.

If you really dreamed of the Bus then you'll second guess yourself every time you throw a leg over your different bike. But if there's some other reason that you can't get the bike then that's cool. You gotta do what you gotta do. Any bike is better than no bike.

If you're big into sport-touring with an emphasis on comfort then get an ST1300. That thing's the bomb.

 

[jaydoc1]

Just to let you know, the '04 Busas gauges are digital. They just have analog faces on them.

Here's the bottom line. If you don't want a Busa anymore then no one here is going to convince you to get one. But I'll tell you this. I waited five years to get one. I bought a GSX-R 600 last year to warm up on and I'm glad I did. But now that I have the Busa there is no one that can convince me that there is a better bike in the world.

1) It's comfortable.
2) It's faster than you'll ever need to go unless you're a navy fighter pilot.
3) There isn't another bike out there that has the ability to draw interested looks from people when they see it.
4) If it's really what you have been wanting then you'll never forgive yourself for not getting it.

You can say all you want about it being dated etc, etc... But if that's really what you think then maybe it's not the right bike for you. This bike strikes a tuning fork in its owner and it obviously isn't doing it for you.

In the end only you can decide on the right bike for yourself.

 

[Rosco]

Don't let a pin head dealer put you of the Busa!

I ended up getting my new '03 from a total a$$hole dealership only because of the price.

I never went back and have services and buy accessories elsware.

Cheers
Ross

 

[jfksmith]

you have got to be kidding me, because of a dealer you are giving up on an entire brand of bike. When i moved to rhode island from florida and went to my new church, i couldnt stand the new priest. I didnt convert to judaism, i found another church. At 5' 11 an interceptor was comfortable huh, im lost as to what to say. You have to do what is right for you , but considering there are numerous amounts of suzuki dealers , I find it hard to understand why , right after the deal started going sour , you didnt just find another dealer.. I drove past our local zuk dealer to buy mine due to his rep, and wasnt going to just settle for any other bike then the 1 i wanted. If you wanted one bad enough you would make the effort.. And at pushing almost 3 bills, you riding an interceptor is kinda like a gorilla riding a football. Ride em all and you make the decision on what is comfortable to you... best of luck... but buy a busa, you will never look back or regret your decision...

 

[phatjoe]

CHUUCH

 

[jfksmith]

and what is the big deal about digital instrumentation, I have riddent alot of bikes and went thru the entire kawasaki ninja series, when i sat on my busa before I bought it , I knew this was the bike to have. And black and purple is a beautiful color scheme, sorry its not what your looking for. And it seems to me that the more i read your posts, that there is more than just a dealership issue here. I had digital watches until I learned to read time on my own...

Being your first real bike you may want to get something a little less intimidating to you.. go with the vfr but i guarantee that when your in a group of bikes , everyone will walk right past the honda to talk to the busa owner about how hot his / her bike is.... make sure you are really making the right decision...

 

[Gpirelli]

Just to let you know, the '04 Busas gauges are digital.  They just have analog faces on them.  

Took the words right out of my mouth...err...from my keyboard...whatever.  Point is, jaydoc is right, the Busa's gauges ARE digital, only they are displayed in analog.  And if you really check, the Busa's looks may have stayed the same as they were when it was introduced, but it has advanced technologically more then you might think.  Only thing I would change would be to go to radial mounted front calipers.  The bikes you have originally listed are pretty diverse.  Talking about a Duc 749 and a Blackbird in the same sentence just doesn't seem right.  I agree with everyone's advice on not letting the dealer change your mind.  From what you describe that you're looking for, the Busa is all that and then some.  
But if you must go to the other side:  The Honda Blackbird might also suit you very well, although it is far more behind the times then the Busa (even if the speedo is displayed digitally).  Honda builds quality bikes, and the Blackbird is fast and comfy, like the Busa.  As for Triumph, the sound of the triple is AWESOME!  My soon to be brother-in-law is buying the Sprint; good price, comfy, adjustable muffler, hard luggage, and that freakin triple.  Besides the single sided swing arm, the 955i loses a lot of appeal to me...you might as well buy jap.  Also with Triumph, consider maintenance, parts, and number of dealers.  Now, if you're considering a 954, you might as well also consider a new 1000RR, or even a Gix 1k, or a R1...they're all the same class.  The 749 (I'm not sure if you're thinking the Dark, Base, or S model...big difference, I'll assume Dark because of the big price jump) is in a completely different world.  You're buying a track bike.  Not anywhere near as much power as the big boys, but what it has is all very usable.  Not very comfy especially for daily riding...different story if its a weekender.  It is a gorgeous bike, but heavy clutch and simply not practicle unless you're riding the hell out of it on a track.  
Also remember that right now is the peak of riding season, so trying to find a bike is a lot harder...everyone who doesn't have one, is out buying one.  If you can live without a bike through the summer, be patient, screw that one dealer, and keep looking, you'll find a Busa if you want one.  

 

[Rongotti]

and what is the big deal about digital instrumentation, I have riddent alot of bikes and went thru the entire kawasaki ninja series, when i sat on my busa before I bought it , I knew this was the bike to have. And black and purple is a beautiful color scheme, sorry its not what your looking for. And it seems to me that the more i read your posts, that there is more than just a dealership issue here. I had digital watches until I learned to read time on my own...

 Being your first real bike you may want to get something a little less intimidating to you.. go with the vfr but i guarantee that when your in a group of bikes , everyone will walk right past the honda to talk to the busa owner about how hot his / her bike is.... make sure you are really making the right decision...

Any other insults you want to throw at me? black and purple is UGLY as sin! you like it GREAT I dont so what? I feel like your trying to be facetious when all I am doing is deciding what bike I want to buy. I am just realising that faster is not always better. And the people walking past the VFR to talk to the busa GREAT, I think it is completely idiotic to buy a bike so you can feel cool or acepted, my wife was the prom queen, I dont need to be any more "Popular" lmao Regardless of what I get this board still has some great folks on it and I will continue to come here and post. Only time will tell though between a busa and Honda (Triumph is out the window)

 

[EdC]

To each his own and I doubt that anyone here will honestly hold it against you if you change to another bike. There are a lot more good bikes out there than bad ones.

But underseat exhaust is something about which I'd think long and hard. Every road-test I've read on the new R1 beats up on it for heat from the exhaust on the riders butt and thighs.

Someone else already mentioned that the automakers went with digital displays for a while. As a former dealership service manager, I can tell you that reliability is BY FAR not their strong suit, especially in an environment containing vibration. Circuit board solder joints just don't live long when shaken, not stirred, and bikes vibrate a whole lot more than cars. Analog gauge displays are more easily readable at a glance, too, just like they are on clocks.

But the Busa is only the best bike for you if it's what you really want. Just be sure to apply that same logic to any other bike you consider purchasing.

Ed

 

[Racer 222]

But the Busa is only the best bike for you if it's what you really want.  Just be sure to apply that same logic to any other bike you consider purchasing.

Ed

Now this is the best statement that I have read. What type of riding are you planning on doing? Find the bikes that fit that and then decide.

Most people on this board talk of all the performance that the busa has and many haven't even come close to truely testing it.

Marc

 

[DREW]

Seems to me, everyone here has tried their best to convince you to buy the right bike ! But, you seem to know more than all of us ,even though you have never owned one. What can anyone tell you if you have not had any experince to compare with. So buy what you want. You will either like it or not. I have owned 3 suzukis GS1000G, GS1150es, 1 honda cbr1000f,1kaw zx1100d, They were all good bikes. The Busa is just Better. A lot Better ! But what do I know ? My Zukes were the most dependable of all that I owned and the most comfortable. I hope you will listen to others with experience, because we all got to the Busa from another bike. Good luck with your choice. Andy

 

[Gpirelli]

Being that you're posting this question here, I think pretty much all of us are partial to the Hayabusa and will try and convince you to get one

From reading your other posts, it seems like you're buying your bike for all the right reasons and not just "poser" value. I think between all of us on this board, you will find a plethora of knowledge not just on the Busa, but other bikes as well. I myself have worked at various dealers and have ridden pretty much all supersport, sport, sport tourers, and naked bikes and have dealt with many complaints/critisisms/praises regarding just about every one. Good luck on any bike you buy, and if you have any questions regarding specific models, I'm sure between the Busa centered replies, you'll find you're answer. I think all on the board deep down hope that you'll end up with a Busa though

 

[jfksmith]

I had to read my post over to find the insult I threw at you. I couldnt find one. Let me ask you this though. I just figure since its your first sports bike I would bust your balls alittle...   sorry you took it so personally but, I read your post though and it sounds like you really wanted a busa , I would just buy what I really wanted and not have one person " treat me out of a bike ". Glad you got such a beautiful wife and Im sure your a popular guy  and dont need a great bike to make you popular... (Is that too condescending for ya ) I rode my friends gixxer 750 and couldnt read the damn digital reading cuz of the sun to save my life... im saving you from the run you finally make at 175 mph and cant read the speedometer to tell everyone about your great run , but then again your so sure of yourself that you dont need to tell anyone how fast you went , ...  

I just had the feeling that you were letting someone talk you out of a bike and now your being a little sensitive about my opinion.. Yep , i like the black and purple and have had alot of people tell me that its a nice color scheme... different strokes i guess. But unless your going to tell me that you wouldnt like someone to tell you that they think you have a nice bike , then I dont believe it. Everyone wants people to if not like , at least appreciate , what they have , or you wouldnt have married the prom queen , right. Well good luck with what every bike you buy , all i was saying is that your a big boy and at 5'11" and 3 bills the bike you will never regret having is the busa. I just dont get the I hate analog gauges so much Im not buying the bike theory... but then again, i have a busa and am looking for a nice used one as well to race... best of luck to you and whichever you buy , make sure your happy and ride safe. Dont want to wreck with the prom queen on the back.. and since my bike was so ugly I figured i would post a b & w one so your not too repulsed



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[jfksmith]

But the Busa is only the best bike for you if it's what you really want.  Just be sure to apply that same logic to any other bike you consider purchasing.

Ed

Now this is the best statement that I have read.  What type of riding are you planning on doing?  Find the bikes that fit that and then decide.

Most people on this board talk of all the performance that the busa has and many haven't even come close to truely testing it.

Marc

and as far as this quote goes, I havent hit the limiter yet since my bike is really new, and I may never, but at least I know if I want to , I can . And thats why I bought it, cuz it will do things I never imagined a bike doing...

 

[jaydoc1]

"Walk softly and carry a big 'Busa"