So I want a Hayabusa, I think......

[TDnTX]

Ok so blame it on my Brother-in-law (at least that’s what I am telling my wife – his sister).  He was in town over the weekend and we started talking about his new motorcycle.  He recently took delivery of a 2005 Yamaha YZF-R1.  He has been riding street bikes since I have known him (1987).  He has been through a number of bikes over the years so I value his opinion when it comes to motorcycles.  To make a long story short he suggested that I look into getting a Hayabusa.  He based his recommendation on the fact that I stand about 6’5†tall and weigh in at 250 lbs.  He knows my riding ability (which I would classify as Intermediate) and believes that the bike is a good fit for someone my size.  I have not owned a streetbike up to this point.  I used to own dirtbikes as a kid/teenager and have ridden his bikes and others throughout my adult life ( I am currently 34).  Now comes the part I look for feedback from the Busa community within this forum.

I have read all the reasons why a Hayabusa should not be somebody’s first bike.  There are some valid points in those discussions.  Enough valid points to make me wonder if a Hayabusa is right for me or perhaps another make/model would be better until I get additional seat time and training on another bike.

I am not looking for responses (pro/con) regarding my purchase of a Hayabusa.  In the end it will be my choice as to what bike I buy.  Feel free to respond and suggest other bikes that would be comfortable for me to ride.  If there are any Busa owners about my same size let me know how you like the fit of the Busa vs. other bikes you have/do own.  In the end I would like have a list of different bikes to check out.  Thanks in advance for your input and I look forward to being part of this community, Busa or no Busa.

TD

 

[HeliBusa]

First, let me welcome you to the board. you will find a lot of very REAL people here. People willing to take the time to help any respectable person.

Now please do not take this in a negative light, BUT, if you are looking for suggestions of bikes to buy OTHER than a Hayabusa, you came to the wrong place........

If you spend some time looking through old posts you will find pretty much all the information you mentioned in your post.

The only time you will see anyone try to talk you out of a Busa here is when someone appears Squidlike in their intended use of the bike, ie stunts, etc. Even then there are only a few who will do that. With the majority of the members here being a bit seasoned with life and possessing a good mixture of maturity and common sense, rather than argue with a fool, most will tend to just smile, sit back and wait for the video.......

The only comment I would like you to consider, based on what you posted. With your lack of experience with high performance sport bikes, please consider obtaining training BEYOND a beginning MSF course and don't be a tight-ass when it comes to personal safety equipment.

Again, welcome to the board.

 

[FL Knifemaker]

I think that your bro in law is right as far as suggesting the Busa based on your size. It's about the only sport bike I fit on comfortably as well. There are lots of guys taller than I am that ride them. You will find that out in your searches here.

On the the other hand, I would spend a year on something lighter and less powerful while taking your riding classes. I find the SV1000 a little bigger and more ergo friendly than the 600 sport bikes. That might be a better first choice.

If you decide on the Busa as first bike, just remember that getting into trouble and way beyond your skill level can happen in a split second. As was mentioned above, don't hold back on the gear.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Mr Brown]

6'6 and 265 here, I agree on a Busa being very comfortable for us big guys. I would suggest however purchasing a used older streetbike to familiarize yourself with street riding. Just something to fart around on for a couple of months, not too much cash invested, a C model ZX-11 perhaps, or an older CBR 1000. You could turn it around for what you had in it, still be able to buy a Busa this riding season. Just my .02
Oh, and welcome to the board.



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[Truckracer]

I had a Bandit 1200s before the Busa, plenty of room & very decent power output. 3000 to 4500 will buy a nice one, it would tell you if you really want a street bike without much capital outlay.

 

[FL Knifemaker]

I had a Bandit 1200s before the Busa, plenty of room & very decent power output. 3000 to 4500 will buy a nice one, it would tell you if you really want a street bike without much capital outlay.

Very good suggestion. I've had two of them, great bikes for the $$$ and a great prep for a Busa. I guess riding the SV this weekend was more fresh in my memory!

 

[MeatGrinder]

Its ALL in how you control the throttle!!! Period.

 

[BA BUSA]

Welcome to the board. 6'5" and 300, the Busa is the most comfortable sport type bike that you are going to find. All of the newer sport bikes have a ton of power and could get a newbie rider in alot of trouble in a hurry. If you do buy a Busa, take a safety class, and remember to take it slow and get used to the bike before you do anything stupid. Invest in the best gear that you can find and afford.

 

[RandomNickname]

I'm about like Mr Borwn -- 6'6" 270 (working on it!) And it is great and comfy for big guys, even at stock.

I also agree with getting something else to get used to street riding first, especially to get used to how people drive and treat motorcyclists in your neck of the woods (and considering the way people drive in Houston....).

The bike has a hell of a lot of power behind it, and while it certainly isn't going to do anything you don't tell it to (the rider controls the bike, not the other way around... well, usually

), the fact is that if you;re not used to riding on the street and such, you can go "deer in headlights" and really screw up. Seen it before (and once is far too much for something that can be easily avoided).

 

[IL_BusaBoy]

Welcome to the board. I got used to riding street bikes on an 02 Gixxer 600 and loved it. I'm also a big guy like you, 6'4", and am very glad that I learned on a much smaller bike. However, it all depends on how comfortable you are and how relaxed you can be on a bike like the Busa. Remember, the throttle on this machine is very tempting and can be very fun too.

 

[Scribbler]

Granted, based on your size, the 'Busa would fit you well as many here agree. Keep in mind that the 'Busa is still a heavy bike with a LOT of power.

If you tell it to take it easy on you, it will. However, temptation can get the better of you so you've really got to pay close attention to what you are doing. As somebody else already pointed out, it takes less than a second to find yourself outclassed if you give in to temptation.

While you may have experience riding bikes, seat time on a bike doesn't equate to street time. There are many aspects of riding the streets which you need to accustom yourself to, there's a lot of factors to be aware of which you may miss if you're spending too much time paying attention to your bike. Inversely, many a rider who's been riding the streets for years finally get around to taking the MSF basic riding course and are quick to point out that what they thought would be a walk in the park turned out to provide them with numerous tidbits of information that never occured to them before. Both the MSF course and street time are valuable assets to prepare you for riding a 'Busa.

 

[paineless4u]

I'm 6ft and my fat a$$ is 240, the bike is great!!!
Couple things can be done to accomidate the taller riders.
Bottomline get the Busa you will not be disappointed

 

[HeliBusa]

Its ALL in how you control the throttle!!! Period.

MG,

This is not mean this as a slam, but your statement is not fair to throw out to someone who does not have any street experience.  What you wrote is very true for someone who is moving up to a high performance bike from a small street bike.  Otherwise for someone just venturing onto the street, there is a hell of a lot more to it than just throttle control.....



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[shenoyp]

welcome to the board

... im 6 feet and weigh 300 lbs.. the busa has been a very comfortable ride for me!! Go get one Today dude...

 

[JINKSTER]

Ok so blame it on my Brother-in-law (at least that’s what I am telling my wife – his sister).  He was in town over the weekend and we started talking about his new motorcycle.  He recently took delivery of a 2005 Yamaha YZF-R1.  He has been riding street bikes since I have known him (1987).  He has been through a number of bikes over the years so I value his opinion when it comes to motorcycles.  To make a long story short he suggested that I look into getting a Hayabusa.  He based his recommendation on the fact that I stand about 6’5†tall and weigh in at 250 lbs.  He knows my riding ability (which I would classify as Intermediate) and believes that the bike is a good fit for someone my size.  I have not owned a streetbike up to this point.  I used to own dirtbikes as a kid/teenager and have ridden his bikes and others throughout my adult life ( I am currently 34).  Now comes the part I look for feedback from the Busa community within this forum.

I have read all the reasons why a Hayabusa should not be somebody’s first bike.  There are some valid points in those discussions.  Enough valid points to make me wonder if a Hayabusa is right for me or perhaps another make/model would be better until I get additional seat time and training on another bike.

I am not looking for responses (pro/con) regarding my purchase of a Hayabusa.  In the end it will be my choice as to what bike I buy.  Feel free to respond and suggest other bikes that would be comfortable for me to ride.  If there are any Busa owners about my same size let me know how you like the fit of the Busa vs. other bikes you have/do own.  In the end I would like have a list of different bikes to check out.  Thanks in advance for your input and I look forward to being part of this community, Busa or no Busa.

TD

First for purposes of clairification & perspective...

1. If you've never owned your own high performance streetbike and have only ridden ones borrowed from your brother inlaw?..(and trust me on this)..do not proclaim yourself an "Intermediate Level Rider"...cause you're not...as in...not even close...more like "Slightly Experienced Novice"...at best. (-1 point)

2. The fact that you've queried us here before making a purchase decision tells me that at age 34 you have matured well and that you already do have a strong respect for the Busa's power and reputation as a street thug, muscle bike and...it's ability to kill you at the twist of a wrist. (+1 point)

3. Your bother inlaw has been riding for years and loaning you his bikes and since he himself has recommended a Busa based on your riding skills and size (which he himself has observed first hand) I would say that he's a far better judge than any of us here of whether or not you're cut out to handle a Busa. (+1 point)

That said?...I never have prescribed to the mentality that a smaller bike is able to kill you any less quicker..sure...we could put you on a 600 class bike for just a few grand less than a Busa and have you riding around looking like a trained bear and struggling to pull your @$$ out of every corner you exit but the bottom line is this...even a 600 class bike can have your heavy duty self hurling down the roadway at 160+ if you decide to get foolish with it so...it's all between the ears my man...and what that portion tells your right wrist to do.

I would suspect that even with what little riding of borrowed streetbikes (and dirt biking experience) that your already very familiarized with clutch and throttle modulation/manipulation...and if anything the Busa's shear power is going to makwe such things as launching from a dead stop, exiting corners and kinda keeping up with your brother inlaw far easier for you to manage than would a smaller, huffy'er type of bike.

The Busa is "A Gentle Giant"....treat it nicely and it will help you get huge chores done with ease...but abuse it?...and it will crush you like a bug...but take your time getting to know and learn it and...within a year or so?...you will become it's master...to a point.

Read, Learn, Take a MSF Course and if ya can understand and accept everything I've stated here?...go straight for a Busa..if not???...might I suggest a ninja 250?

Welcome and L8R, Bill.

 

[TDnTX]

Thanks for all the replies.  I am going to visit some dealers this weekend and try the Busa and possibly some other bikes on for size.  Since I have never attended a formal training class I will be registering for one (or more) in the very near future.  Once I have completed the MSF course I will get more serious about signing on the dotted line.  I have too many obligations in life to do something stupid like ride a motorcycle beyond my ability/comfort level.  No matter what bike I buy I will take things easy at first and go from there.  Do they make a governor for Busa's?  Maybe that way I could limit the top speed to 45mph.

 

[bronc3]

Its ALL in how you control the throttle!!! Period.

What he said. As long as you can exercise a bit of self-control until you gain experience, buy the Busa and be done with it.

 

[DAB]

Thanks for all the replies.  I am going to visit some dealers this weekend and try the Busa and possibly some other bikes on for size.  Since I have never attended a formal training class I will be registering for one (or more) in the very near future.  Once I have completed the MSF course I will get more serious about signing on the dotted line.  I have too many obligations in life to do something stupid like ride a motorcycle beyond my ability/comfort level.  No matter what bike I buy I will take things easy at first and go from there.  Do they make a governor for Busa's?  Maybe that way I could limit the top speed to 45mph.

When you try the 'Busa for "fit", be aware that you can get handlebar risers and lower footpegs if it feels a little cramped. The stock seat is very comfy compared to other bikes, although there are some excellent custom replacements out there.

I'm 6'/230lbs and I found the 'Busa a little tight when I first rode it. I've lowered the pegs and that helped, but I also found that after I'd been riding for a while my body "adjusted" to the riding position and I stopped getting cramps in my legs. Now I can go on a 3 hour ride without needing to get off and stretch.

Be prepared for the pain in the hands/wrists though, it is a sportbike, not a cruiser. You can reduce this by varying your grip, supporting you weight using your legs/upper body, fitting softer grips etc.

 

[A'Busa'd]

I'm nowhere near your size, but the Busa was my first sportbike. Because of that, I was deathly afraid and respectful of the bike's potential. The big surprise was that the beast is perfectly manageable. As others have said, it's all in the wrist, but it's more than that, this is a refined piece of machinery. It will do as much or as little as you want and, if you're not careful, it will do much more.

As far a ergos go, I really don't know how you bigger guys do it! Longer rides can get a little cramped for me, but the fun factor more than makes up for it.

 

[Lamb busa]

The bike has one image to people that have never rode one, and a completely different one to those who do ride one.  If you purchase the bike and your bro-in-law does a little time on it, you will be relegated to his R1.  It IS the perfect motorcycle.  Buy the thing and spend 1/2 hr. a day doing low speed work in the parking lot of the nearest empty parking lot for a week, and you will increase your confidence level and see that the bike gets a bad reputation.  Even though it is fast as fouck!