New, couple questions.

[Loyal47]

Hello all.

Been lurking for a couple months and decided to sign up. I am going to buy a new to me Hayabusa in the next couple weeks, can hardly wait. I do have a couple simple questions that I have not been able to find answers to on my own.

The main one is, is the diffrence between gen 1 and 2 that big? Is it worth spending 2 to 4 grand more for a gen 2?

For the gen 1s, any years to aviod, or common problems to look for?

I am just trolling craigs list right now, but have found a couple I like. From a '99 to a '09, some with bells and whistles, some stock, so just looking for opinions from some folks with more experiance with these bikes than me.

Thanks for your time,
Dan

 

[warp10]

started with a gen II and love it several people and write ups in mags, say the gen II has more power, better ride and corners better. That is the reason that I got it. I would get the gen II if I were you. Stock will be plenty good for a while and you can add stuff when you decide what to add. good luck and welcome

 

[rusheriv]

to the .oRg!

Gen2 is the first major revision of the bike since '99, highlights include new body styling, engine tweaks (about 32 more horses), improved handling and braking. Worth 2K more? You bet!

Gen1 years to avoid or common problems: Don't know all the details, I know the earlier years had some starter issues and the prized aluminum subframe that broke if overloaded.

Having a bike like the Busa, it's hard not to beat on it so when I shopped I looked for low miles and no performance mods.

 

[Wayneovich]

I would say the gen II is worth it if yor budget allows from what I have seen Suzuki just took the design of the gen I and made it even better

 

[V-squared]

Gen II

 

[Loyal47]

Thanks for the replys. I'll go gen 2 if the used bike gods allow me to find a good one.

 

[Sous]

The key is to wait until the right deal comes around. Do not jump into a deal just because you really want one right now.

 

[mike1180]

Welcome!

 

[2005Hayabusa]

I was in your same position and I had actually settled on getting a gen 2 due to all I had read like more power, better handling and so on. That being said a Really nice 05 Gen 1 came up on craigslist and I bought it. I have since dumped a couple grand in mods into it and it is just sweet. I doubt I could be much happier with any other bike. Super fast, handles great, and is really comfortable. I would not suggest ruling out a gen 1. Gen 2 would be great also I am sure.

 

[NINJA KILLER]

Welcome to the Org .
I have owned both Gen 1 & Gen 2 and can tell you that I think the Gen 2 is more refined than the Gen 1 but you couldn't go wrong with either.

 

[2005Hayabusa]

You can decide how much credit to give this opinion but I like the look of the Gen 1 better. Its the tail. That is just me of course and it would not at all stop me from getting a gen 2 but it was however little still a factor. Price more than anything kept me off a gen 2. Please forgive me gen 2 people.

 

[Shawn]

I brought home an 04. It fit my budget and is more than enough bike for my needs. I am happy with my Gen 1 but have never been on Gen 2.

 

[2005Hayabusa]

Nice bike! My 05 fits my needs very well also. On the street I really doubt I could learn to out ride a gen 1 without losing either my life or my license.

 

[Sum Beach]

I am in the same predicament as you loyal47. My wife has owned both a Gen 1 & 2 and I have ridden both quite a bit also. I personally have decided when the time comes, purchasing a gen 2 because of the better handling and slightly better looks.

 

[Scar]

to the .oRg and to your new addiction.

You cannot go wrong with either, however, the Gen2 is a superior machine.

I have them both; I ride them both; I love them both. Given the choice between them, I always, ALWAYS, choose the Gen2.

Again, you can't go wrong with either of them.

Good luck and let us know how you proceed!

 

[2005Hayabusa]

I am just curious for those that have both what percentage better would a gen 2 be over a gen 1 in handling, power, comfort, and??? Or is that impossible to do? Maybe something like that can better help people decide between them. I had a heck of a time deciding what to base my choice on. Money was pretty high for me and if I stuck with gen 2 I would have gone a season without a bike most likely.

 

[dk55belair]

Buy yourself some good leathers, a good helmet and gloves and spend what's leftover on the bike. The Hayabusa is the best thing I've ever ridden, and I've rode a bunch of bikes. Take your time and learn the bike and it will repsect you in turn.

Welcome aboard. Dk

 

[trekfuel]

enjoy ,,

 

[kromdom]

You cannot go wrong with either, however, the Gen2 is a superior machine.

I have them both; I ride them both; I love them both. Given the choice between them, I always, ALWAYS, choose the Gen2.

His words of wisdom are priceless I sought his counsel when I was on the fence on buying a Gen 2. I am now the happy owner of an '08

P.S. When I was shopping, the price of a used Gen2 vs. Gen1 is NOT that far apart anymore.

 

[delbert]

i own a 99 gen1 they did have some issues with sub frames / cam chain tensioners / fuel pump issues / aggressive clutch & so on
mines had all but the sub frame sorted & i love it