When moving my recent post, "The Superbyke project, finally finished", we accidently erased it so this post will chronicle the purchase, planning and final product of my Superbyke project....now a reality and on the road. Because so many folks have shown an interest in this type of project, the Cap suggested I put it all together in this post (at least an overview, I could write a book!). First, let me thank a few folks that were a big help...the Cap, for his oversite and culture he has facilated on our beloved ORG, I learned 5 years of Busa complexities in 6 months because of the experts on here. Daniel (Golden Boy) he knows so much about Busas and motorcycles in general, and really fun to talk to. Brian of Superbike Performance Lab, not an org sponsor but my expert "homeboy" here in Reno, and finally org members that have PM'd me, and offered input along the way. Thanks all.
I'll try not to just repeat a lot of what I've already posted but I must say again some important stuff. First, and briefly....most sportbikes without fairing cover simply don't fulfill the profile of a handsome naked motorcycle. Fortunately, for us, the Gen I Hayabusa has the right "bones" for the transformation once the electrical, plumbing and control lines have been tended to (routes changed, lengths shortened, visible/necessary stuff beautified). For me, it just couldn't happen in a couple of weeks, it has taken me over two years to get it right, that is, a look that was so definative that an observer would NOT think, "oh, there's another sportbike that's missing it's plastics". To do that, everything must be purposeful, distinctive and integrated, as though everything is working together and all visible parts are proud of what they look like!
Regarding its performance, total no brainer for those of us that have done so much experimenting and aftermarket work on our "regular" Busas. My HAYBUS Busa is already set up with suspension, tuning, brakes, wheels, types of tires, etc. in other words, I've already been there, done that so I could focus on ergonomics and looks, knowing that this thing would be at least equal, probably superior to the HAYBUS (which is a pretty rapid scooter already, imagine knocking another 30-40 pounds off!).
So far, it's actually more bike than I expected and I expected a lot. I don't yet know how fast it is but it's very fast, stops on a dime with amazing control, and in public, seems to garner quite a bit of attention, including from the Harley crowd.
Some big benefits of having taken my time on this project are....it spread out the costs and it gave me a lot of planning and thinking time. Also, having another functional bike prevented the potential frustration of not having a ridable motorcycle for a prolonged period.
As I learn more about this motorcycle (exact weight, performance, etc.) I'll of course, share it here. Below is a pictorial, some reposts, some new. I look forward to reading about other ORG members' builds, like Pan in Australia, for example. Cheers! Doyle
The first day I took her off the trailer, "totalled".
Tearing it down, taking all things off that wern't black or silver (including forks).
Experimenting with how to carry the headlights and guage panel.
Induction, sound and looks.
The bike itself.
Last night I built a license plate mount...kept it black and silver! Black chrome frame and 3" piece of aluminum channel, bolts onto the unused left side muffler mount.
I'll try not to just repeat a lot of what I've already posted but I must say again some important stuff. First, and briefly....most sportbikes without fairing cover simply don't fulfill the profile of a handsome naked motorcycle. Fortunately, for us, the Gen I Hayabusa has the right "bones" for the transformation once the electrical, plumbing and control lines have been tended to (routes changed, lengths shortened, visible/necessary stuff beautified). For me, it just couldn't happen in a couple of weeks, it has taken me over two years to get it right, that is, a look that was so definative that an observer would NOT think, "oh, there's another sportbike that's missing it's plastics". To do that, everything must be purposeful, distinctive and integrated, as though everything is working together and all visible parts are proud of what they look like!
Regarding its performance, total no brainer for those of us that have done so much experimenting and aftermarket work on our "regular" Busas. My HAYBUS Busa is already set up with suspension, tuning, brakes, wheels, types of tires, etc. in other words, I've already been there, done that so I could focus on ergonomics and looks, knowing that this thing would be at least equal, probably superior to the HAYBUS (which is a pretty rapid scooter already, imagine knocking another 30-40 pounds off!).
So far, it's actually more bike than I expected and I expected a lot. I don't yet know how fast it is but it's very fast, stops on a dime with amazing control, and in public, seems to garner quite a bit of attention, including from the Harley crowd.
Some big benefits of having taken my time on this project are....it spread out the costs and it gave me a lot of planning and thinking time. Also, having another functional bike prevented the potential frustration of not having a ridable motorcycle for a prolonged period.
As I learn more about this motorcycle (exact weight, performance, etc.) I'll of course, share it here. Below is a pictorial, some reposts, some new. I look forward to reading about other ORG members' builds, like Pan in Australia, for example. Cheers! Doyle
The first day I took her off the trailer, "totalled".
Tearing it down, taking all things off that wern't black or silver (including forks).
Experimenting with how to carry the headlights and guage panel.
Induction, sound and looks.
The bike itself.
Last night I built a license plate mount...kept it black and silver! Black chrome frame and 3" piece of aluminum channel, bolts onto the unused left side muffler mount.
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