High speed instability

[VETTKLR]

I just picked up a 2002 Busa for what seemed to be a pretty good deal. When we got it back home, I let a seasoned rider take it out for a spin to see what he thought about the bike.

He came back very happy with the power, but mentioned that it got a little unstable @ 160mph. He told me to keep it below 140 until we found out what the deal was.

Right now, I'm terrified that something's horribly wrong, so I need some advice from the 'busa Pros!

All he did was come up on 160 in 4th gear, hit 160 and rolled back out of the throttle when the "event" occurred. He said it wasn't a vibration or a shimmy...it just felt a little unstable, and not rock-solid like expected.

I'm headed up to the shop to check tire pressure, look for flat spots on the bike, then set it up on the stands to check the steering bearings.

Any more advice or experiences with a problem like this?

Thanks!

 

[thrasherfox]

errrrr.. wish I could offer you some assistance. however the amount of data you are providing is not enough for me to speculate as to what the "event" is.

I have never had a problem.

I guess the only thing that is coming to mind is if you got it real cheap maybe it has been abused such as stoppie's and wheelies.

if that is the case maybe check the front forks, seals and entire suspension out to make sure the suspension is not jacked up.

Also make sure the tires are on good shape. worn tires can make the bike feel strange

Good luck



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[VETTKLR]

I got it from a guy that said he was getting married and needed money for a house....same old story, I guess.

I'll take a look at the suspension and report back with any findings.

Thank you for the quick reply!

 

[Sloto200]

it could be something simple though to like wheel balance... but i would think that a wheel balance issue would show up before 160mph... Hopefully it is something simple... good luck with it!

 

[KRUZIN]

Check the steering damper.

 

[jwcfbd]

check the wheel balance and check that the rim runs true. You may have a bent rim.
Welcome to the board

 

[VETTKLR]

Thanks for all the good advice!

I've got your suggestions printed out and will go check all I can when it cools down a little outside

Thanks for the welcome!

 

[MC MUSTANG]

Check the steering damper.

+1

 

[VETTKLR]

Another thing that was suggested was that because the bike was lowered, it may get a little squirrely

When we asked a local motorcycle mechanic about the lowered bike, and he said it shouldn't bother it a bit.

 

[VETTKLR]

Found the problem, fellas...

I got hosed on this bike, plain and simple.

This is the bar that goes across the frame, just above the head...

Right side of the bike:

Left side:

Is this thing totalled? What the hell would cause this piece to tear out from the frame???

Man, what a bad deal

 

[Sloto200]

Oh wow!! Is that the frame?? Dude you need to go back to whom you bought that from and raise some CAIN!!!

 

[VETTKLR]

Yep, that's the frame, alright.

Answer me this...do all hayabusas come with the stickers on the tail pieces clear coated over? This one just has the stickers applied on top of the paint. If they're under the clear, this bike must have taken a beating.

 

[onerabidshark]

Yep, that's the frame, alright.

Answer me this...do all hayabusas come with the stickers on the tail pieces clear coated over?  This one just has the stickers applied on top of the paint.  If they're under the clear, this bike must have taken a beating.

stickers on top of paint I know this cause I had a little spill on mine and had to get the right side panel painted and back tail piece touched up so instead of losing decals they are now clearcoated over the top but front nose decals are on top of clearcoat

 

[PaNDeM1C]

I'd even think about suing the guy you bought it from because damage like that could cause the bike to take a digger... risking your life if you would not have found out about it! I'd push the issue to the fullest and make that guy pay!

 

[VETTKLR]

I keep calling his cell # and it goes instantly to his voice mail.

I just sent the pics to a bike mechanic in Amarillo. I'm gonna see if this is repairable or if it's totalled.

 

[PaNDeM1C]

I keep calling his cell # and it goes instantly to his voice mail.

I just sent the pics to a bike mechanic in Amarillo. I'm gonna see if this is repairable or if it's totalled.

I wouldn't touch it. Leave the bike as is for evidence... you may end up profitting off this deal. After you get some word from a mechanic, call a lawyer.

Also, did you ever ask the original owner why the bike doesn't have the "busa" decals? Obviously it was painted... but now it makes you wonder if it was painted because it was wrecked...



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[Aquaman]

OMG dude...what a F/N scumbag...you aint gunna tell me he didn't know this!
When you see you 'seasoned pilot' friend,kiss his feet as he may have saved your life! WTF,that is B/S!!!

And thanks for following up your findings.



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[VETTKLR]

Thanks for all the replies and help, fellas!

Now everybody needs to go out and check their frames that have come down on a hard wheelie!!!

I got a call from the previous owner during lunch. He seemed as surprised as I was, so hopefully we can get it all straightened out. Also received a call from a mechanic that I sent the pics to, as well. All he said was "WOW" and that it'll never be the same again. Looks like a new frame is in this busa's destiny

 

[PaNDeM1C]

Well... either the previous owner is lying or your friend broke your bike!

 

[notman]

sounds like pre-meditated manslaughter
(190mph time bomb)