So heartening to see an icon intelligently updated! Couch racers were complaining about no-turbo/supercharger/200-plus HP, etc. This!...is the way to make a great bike even better. Get some slimmer cans, helibars, and a couple of weekend bags, and it's an incredible, do-it-all keeper!
I love this bike even though I never would get a sports bike.. the styling is amazing. Suzuki dare to be different and are brilliant at reliability. My 2008 Sv has never missed a beat despite the abuse I’ve given it. It’s left outside all seasons and only ridden once a month. Not the same as my permanently broken Italian pos.
You can tell how good the ride is just from the GoPro footage, it looks sweet as a nut. Some nice old school dials and twin pipes too. Can't wait to see one in the wild!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I'd love to know what the passing cars thought of a strange bloke apparently dancing and posing towards an empty field. Maybe the AA van thought it was a new dogging site! 😅 😅
Enjoyed your first review on the Busa, amazed this is your first encounter with a Hyperbike, in my biking past I've had the pleasure of owning Two Kawasaki ZZR 1400, I always felt that this type of bike was overlooked in what it offered, it's not all about the speed, they have engines that are bullet proof are very comfortable, and economical, when touring I could get 50 plus MPG, and enough power to encounter warp speed if you want. So I wasn't surprised you liked your first ride on it, shame you have not ridden the ZZR 1400 I think you would have had a big surprise in what it had to offer. looking forward to your next ride on the Busa. Thank you.
Busa was my 2nd bike I drove after 125cc. Absolutely an easy bike to ride and has insane power if you really need it. My father cant drive anything else anymore, he said he just gets nothing out of other bikes. He has tried multiple different brands and styles, but always buys back a Busa. When you get a new exhaust for it, you can hear it miles away. The silent low rumble is very distinct. I think they look amazing.
Bikes that you find amazing to ride become bikes that you find amazing to look at purely because they look like the bike you find amazing to ride. The looks will grow on you as your riding pleasure grows
Best thing you can do with the Busa (I've had one) is put bar risers on it or flat bar it. Transforms the whole experience and makes it much more useable for us old decrepits. The Gen 3 is top of the list to join my stable with the proviso of those mods
I had an '01 (the black and silver) and put risers on it. Gained an inch or so in height and slightly more angle to the grips. Those seemingly small changes made a world of difference. Far more comfortable. Hold on tight either way though, because every once in a while I'd forget to prepare, open the throttle wide, and promptly whack my tailbone against the seat cowl! Great fun. Too old for that now. Maybe...heh heh heh. 😉
When the first generation Hayabusa came out we (at Kawasaki) were developing the ZX-12, code named 'Project 320' - 320 being the target top speed in KPH. We were all shipped to the JARI test track in Japan to try them back to back. The day was epic. Amongst the group were retired GP riders and racers of the highest calibre as well as numpties like me. No one had ever ridden a faster pair of motorcycles: I wimped out at 296kph on the Busa with it still pulling! By the way, Honda's equivalent bike was the Blackbird, they named it after the spy plane but Suzook decided it was the garden bird as a Hayabusa is bird of prey that feeds on ... yep, blackbirds. Inspired!
I had a K5 stealth. Briefly... it had to go because it’s sheer capability of destroying anything close to a sensible speed was just too much. Brilliant and does exactly what it’s designed to. Too much for me, though. Great review Andy, cheers 🍻
As alluded to in other comments, 2 needles sweeping around a dial, is what the performance 'feel' is all about. A digital display would be just a jumble of nonsense...... As it is on most bikes including mine.
Just love Busa's...... had series 1.. scared the shit out me when I first rode it... until you learn how to use it properly..... awesome color too Silver.... looks amazing.. the acceleration is awesome... great vid Andy... enjoyed it......
Brilliant first Busa video Mr. Fly. Thoroughly enjoyable. It’s sounds like a jet plane when you rolled it on! Looking forward to in-depth review. Thanks
The whole bike has a premium quality to it. It's undoubtedly the best premium bike that Suzuki currently manufactures and sells. And this is reflected in the price. I think it may even match and surpasses any premium bike that the European bike manufacturers, can offer in 2021. Because it's the third generation 'Busa', Suzuki has spent a lot of time and research into refining and improving it. It's a well engineered machine.
Hey Pontus- how's the comfort on it? I'm a tall guy, I think id add some bar risers to help out. Do you enjoy the cruise control? Power smooth? Thanks!
@@branttmyhres74 Not sure I can help you much as I'm short. I'm 175 cm (5 ft 9). For me it's very comfortable. The cruise control works very well. I personally have no need for risers. The power delivery is ridiculously smooth. I turn engine braking setting to 3 and that even minimize on/off throttle jerk in low speed. To me, this bike is a masterpiece.
Within the first 10 seconds I could tell this is one of those super bike videos 😊 with the loud air noise coming from the camera compared to other videos 😛… Dream bike for lot of us kids who have now grown up 😇😝
The one thing I hated about the Hayabusa was a mate who had a few of them, and the only way to get past him was to ride around the outside in the corners because they accelerate faster than anything I ever rode (VFR800 & R1200GS)!
You've got everyone's attention with this Busa teaser. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on riding long distances on the busa in your forthcoming videos. There is a very real chance this one will end up in the garage. I like the look, old-school gauges, technology, and torque. Hopefully, there will paniers that can be fitted for touring.
Just run my Gen3 in, and very impressed thus far. Super stable, more agile than can be expected (and agile enough for my needs) and very comfortable. Add in the mid to high 40's in fuel economy and the plush seat and this machine is good for a long day out. The addition of cruise control and electronic package mean the Hayabusa is at last more than a match for the incredible ZZR1400.
Loving this fashion segment! You’re some mover! 😂 You must have cheered the person in the AA van up big time if they were watching you dancing around on your own at the entrance to a field in the middle of nowhere! 👍🏻😁
Having never ridden a Busa before I was looking forward to this quite a bit, good to get the review from the perspective of a 1st time rider on the beautiful beast. I have to admit I wasn't a big fan of the looks but the close ups during the walk round might have changed that! Cracking stuff as always! Also the jeans and boot modelling at the end was brilliant 😂 Have a great weekend sir!
i rode a hayabusa in i think 2001and it was so ell behaved in traffic but once on the open road ,130 in 3rd what a rocket ship, but now due to ill heath i stopped riding 5 years ago ,but you, 44 teeth,teapot etc have kept my love for bikes alive,awesome review mate can not wait for the long term report, stay safe MissendenFlyer
You'll be doing a stand up comedy routine next. Great review. Personally I love the looks and colour scheme. Remember riding a demo bike back in '99. Made my Fireblade seem slow.
Another great video - you are fast becoming the answer to the question “who’d you most like to have a beer with to chat about bikes” - love the humour (although the jeans modelling is a little worrisome 😂) - not my kind of bike, but it seems really nice !
Iconic machine and very capable. I tend to ride where a bike feels at its easiest going. Bikes like this and the old Blackbirds have such a broad range of ability I can't trust myself not to be going way faster than I should be. My old K12S used to get more vibey and louder after 4500 rpm and let you know you were poking its fire. I prefer that character rather than those that are just so easy to go fast on.
@@MikeTheBike58 They're truly fantastic machines and I love all rounders but, for me, they're too perfect in what they do, go fast. Handling and smoothness across the rev range allows you to wind it on, click up through the box, look down and realise you're doing 10, 20, 30 mph over the speed limit without even trying. I prefer something that lets me know I'm actually trying to push on, gets the juices flowing more at slower speeds as well.
1999 borrowed my mate's then new busa nearly 210 Mph on the widely over reading speedo down a certain bypass was in a different league to anything else I'd ever ridden, absolutely love them ♥️
@@-DC- I never got to ride a Gen 1, but like most people at the time I lusted after the damn thing. As for my ZX12, sadly my ego out ran my talent and I high-sided it showing off leaving a petrol station at literally 20mph and wrote it off. A hard but valuable lesson at the time. 😂
@@gdfggggg I wouldn't doubt that in the slightest. I drooled over those back in the day and well remember Brian Grey himself(Power biking in High Wycombe) flat refusing to sell me a RG500 Gamma as my first big bike. Had to settle for a Thunderace! 😂
I have absolutely no use for this bike, but I love that it exists. I think turbo should be a factory option. Also maybe an extended and polished swingarm, like lots of them end up with over here in the colonies.
I had a Gen 1 full power version in 2000, and a new ZZR1400 last year. These are the sort of bike you tend to buy and sell after a season when you realise you can't use the power on UK roads without losing your licence. These big hyper sports bikes are great to ride though but boring as its hard to open them up properly. I reckon the saying "it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow" is true at least in the UK with our managed motorways and speed camera infested roads.
Had two Blackbirds and a Busa in the early 2000's. I did like the Busa but absolutely loved the Honda Blackbird and really hope the rumors are true and Honda brings her back.
I've been waiting for you to review this bike, thanks a lot Andy! Looking forward to your long term review! Now it's time to contact my local dealer for a little try-out myself.
Was so excited when I saw the first official pics of this bike but have been so disappointed by all the road tests so far bar yours which I knew would be blinding. To actually hear the acceleration and the bike going up and down the gears was great quality video making! I love the fact you can now own a busa without people expecting you to do 200 mph as other sports bikes have now caught up. Cant wait to see the further updates I think it is a cracking looking futuristic machine and Suzuki have got the styling bang on and thank goodness a manufacturer has realised that you can have electronics and dials ! Great review thanks.
Great review again thanks! Agree on the not so good looks but that's consistent with the old model too. Also love the proper analog dials in that Bird of Prey! 😍
Glad you've reviewed the legendary 'Busa and also glad you took your own direction rather than the press day (I watched several of the videos and agree they were all pretty much the same). It's completely irrelevant but I was also sort of hoping the 'Busa would have ridiculous power to regain its crown as the original did.
Cheers Lee - appreciate that - and yes, I can't be doing with being shepherded around all day like sheep to produce the same vids....I'd never make a journo, I like to do my own thing too much and hate being told what to do.....
Add a good ECU remap and exhaust system (not TOO loud) and you have the nearest thing you can get to a turbine engine on the road. I cursed the day I sold mine.
My friend had a Busa back in the early 2000's I had the Honda Blackbird both very similar bikes, I rode the Blackbird everywhere all year round back and forth to work, toured throughout Europe on it and just fun days at the weekends. My friend would take his Busa out at the weekends but that was it normally. Every year a gang of us would ride up to the North West 200 road race it was a good trip as we lived in the South East of Ireland at the time , but every time bar one the Busa always had electrical or mechanical (brakes) problems, it normally returned on a trailer, the Blackbird never let me down on a trip or whilst touring , it did have battery and alternator problems over the years but in general it was more reliable than the Busa. You should have a go on a Honda Blackbird super smooth machines
@@TheMissendenFlyer you'd love it , my one was the original carburettor version, the early injection versions were a bit snappy at low speeds, though I think they sorted them out in the later versions, I never understood why Honda stopped making them
This is the kind of real review that I wanted to see. Excellent and thanks! I still have my original 99 copper. I saw my old 05 LE on Facebook listed as a 1 owner? My old 09 took me from Arizona to Maine and back. I'm sure my dealer knows I'm a sure sale - if there is zero mark up.
Excellent review as always Andy, but that fashion section! My thoughts were along the lines of - Ever seen The Missenden Flyer and Harry Hill in the same room?
I kinda like it more and more. Plus the name is just so cool, especially in a angry Japanese accent HAYABUSA. Bloody thing even has a name that is fast :D
Absolutely love the look of the dials. I'd like to see more manufacturers use them. (And this is coming from someone who's BMW has an all singing, all dancing TFT)
Had brand new gen 2 in 2007 for 7years great bike not comy on a European tour though got zzr1400 now more comfy new busa looks best yet safe riding for all bikers 👍👍
The Gen 1 Hayabusa is the lightest of the three models ! That is the sportiest proof. Gen 1: 244 kg (equipment weight) / 175 hp Gen 2: 266 kg (equipment weight) / 197 hp Gen 3: 264 kg (equipment weight) / 188 hp
It's huge, heavy, even hideous in some parts. But man, what a machine! Of course I'm biased as this bike is my childhood dream :) But I wish E5 compliance wasn't killing every bike there is out there though. Great vid as always sir, have a good one.
Quite like the quirky looks, never ridden a busa but imagine I would absolutely love it. Yes those dials are fantastic wish more bikes would do the same. Look forward to seeing your further video's. Cheers TMF.
Another great review Andy, have watched many of yours over the years. Saw the busa for real the other day, though not my kind of bike, it does draw you to it, as you say, iconic. Interesting to hear how it rides, may have to get a go on one! Ride safe..
Hi TMF, Thanks for another great review. Impressed by your self control in not blasting back past the white van, even though you filtered passed him at the next roundabout.😂 All the best. Rubber down P.s. Can't wait to see you try out the launch control.(full in depth reviews and all that...)
Lovely review, was waiting for this review from TMF. Good to know that you have this Hayabusa for long term. Cant wait for your top 5 - Good and bad bits in the HayaBusa. Also review the 2021 Kawasaki zx10R on the same streets that you ride all other bikes. A proper street / touring review of the zx10R.
Great presentation of an iconic bike, thanks a lot. Love the turbine sound of it though I'm not so much into this kind of full fairing bike, but it would be great if Suzuki would release a naked version of it similar to the Super Duke or the Duc V4 Street fighter. Anyway, great show as always. 👍
A flash or a turbo on that bulletproof block brings overkill amounts of power. That's why it's legendary. It's stock numbers are irrelevant. Only other bikes that come even close to the busas powerplant are the zx14 and the h2r. You can't compare the rest of the liter bikes. They are completely outgunned and outclassed power wise.
So heartening to see an icon intelligently updated! Couch racers were complaining about no-turbo/supercharger/200-plus HP, etc. This!...is the way to make a great bike even better. Get some slimmer cans, helibars, and a couple of weekend bags, and it's an incredible, do-it-all keeper!
I love this bike even though I never would get a sports bike.. the styling is amazing. Suzuki dare to be different and are brilliant at reliability. My 2008 Sv has never missed a beat despite the abuse I’ve given it. It’s left outside all seasons and only ridden once a month. Not the same as my permanently broken Italian pos.
Same with my 2001.
this isn’t a sports bike it is a hyper super sports tourer
love the old school dials instead of a TFT, really sets the bike off
I 2nd that!
I know. Alot of reviewers slam them for no TFT... I like old school dials myself.
Absolutely. Clear to read and can’t be nicked
Agreed
You can tell how good the ride is just from the GoPro footage, it looks sweet as a nut. Some nice old school dials and twin pipes too. Can't wait to see one in the wild!
Not anymore with the Hypersmooth video.
The fashion segment is definitely getting more camp😂
Yes sorry about that - starting to give away too much of the real me!!!
@@TheMissendenFlyer I'd love to know what the passing cars thought of a strange bloke apparently dancing and posing towards an empty field. Maybe the AA van thought it was a new dogging site! 😅 😅
@@TheMissendenFlyer camp is cool, would be even cooler Andy if your doing the clothing review to tell us how much each item is?
@@TheMissendenFlyer The kit section is good. Keep it up.
@@TheMissendenFlyer hahha .. no comment .... Wonder what the guy in the AA van was thinking ? lol
Bro that bike is beautiful.
It has an elegance no other bike has
And a price tag no other bike has..
Love the "Rush with Hush" capability of this bike. Suzuki just know how to make a bombproof engine and slick gearbox. Nice Busa update.
Couldn't agree more!
Enjoyed your first review on the Busa, amazed this is your first encounter with a Hyperbike, in my biking past I've had the pleasure of owning Two Kawasaki ZZR 1400, I always felt that this type of bike was overlooked in what it offered, it's not all about the speed, they have engines that are bullet proof are very comfortable, and economical, when touring I could get 50 plus MPG, and enough power to encounter warp speed if you want. So I wasn't surprised you liked your first ride on it, shame you have not ridden the ZZR 1400 I think you would have had a big surprise in what it had to offer. looking forward to your next ride on the Busa. Thank you.
I think Suzuki have tastefully updated this bike within the constraints of Euro 5.
Busa was my 2nd bike I drove after 125cc. Absolutely an easy bike to ride and has insane power if you really need it. My father cant drive anything else anymore, he said he just gets nothing out of other bikes. He has tried multiple different brands and styles, but always buys back a Busa. When you get a new exhaust for it, you can hear it miles away. The silent low rumble is very distinct. I think they look amazing.
Completely agree, my second bike as well.
That little walk about....it was suddenly 1978 again and i was watching It Ain't Half Hot Mum ...... Cracked me up. Top man.
Now there’s a blast from the past! Lovely boy....
Bloke in white van to his mate " watch me drop this Busa" 😂
I got him later though..... :0)
TMF - Challenge accepted
TMF met his match!
Bikes that you find amazing to ride become bikes that you find amazing to look at purely because they look like the bike you find amazing to ride. The looks will grow on you as your riding pleasure grows
best color and best looking hayabusa yet
That Citroen DS on the roundabout 6:09 Brilliant
Yes a few have spotted that - wish I’d mentioned it!
Well, old aerodynamic exercise meets new aerodynamic exercise... The DS, as well as the CX were ahead of their time.👍
Best thing you can do with the Busa (I've had one) is put bar risers on it or flat bar it. Transforms the whole experience and makes it much more useable for us old decrepits. The Gen 3 is top of the list to join my stable with the proviso of those mods
Extending the swing arm and sticking a turbo on it should be the next things you do with a Busa
I had an '01 (the black and silver) and put risers on it. Gained an inch or so in height and slightly more angle to the grips. Those seemingly small changes made a world of difference. Far more comfortable. Hold on tight either way though, because every once in a while I'd forget to prepare, open the throttle wide, and promptly whack my tailbone against the seat cowl! Great fun. Too old for that now. Maybe...heh heh heh. 😉
Kawa 1400 was more comfortable and just as mental... Good idea for the visa. Might lose you head with the wind though!
6:10 Classic Citroen DS ❤️
I noticed too and was expecting tmf to make a comment..
And I. (Doubt the Blue is a stock colour)
@@ToolkiT73UK Yes very remiss of me - my apologies....
Looked for this comment; I knew someone must have beaten me to it. And it was in a great colour.
I remember doing my CBT 20 years ago - and the Instructor had the original Hayabusa; it was massive, and a beast!!
The bike looks really good in this colorway
When the first generation Hayabusa came out we (at Kawasaki) were developing the ZX-12, code named 'Project 320' - 320 being the target top speed in KPH. We were all shipped to the JARI test track in Japan to try them back to back. The day was epic. Amongst the group were retired GP riders and racers of the highest calibre as well as numpties like me. No one had ever ridden a faster pair of motorcycles: I wimped out at 296kph on the Busa with it still pulling!
By the way, Honda's equivalent bike was the Blackbird, they named it after the spy plane but Suzook decided it was the garden bird as a Hayabusa is bird of prey that feeds on ... yep, blackbirds. Inspired!
Great stuff Geoff - love that story (no matter how many times you tell me it...😉)
I've always thought the Hayabusa a very nice looking bike. I think this new one too looks great.
Euro 5...the aftermarket exhaust manufacturer friend 😂
Never miss the ‘fashion segment’, needs a mini series all of its own 😉. Great !
Glad you enjoyed Andy - I’m stunned by all the positive comments I get on it!!
Never clicked so fast in my life the dream combination TMF and Suzuki Hybusa. Now I just need to save 16k to buy one
Lovin' that analog dash with great big round dials vs. modern digital LED/LCD dashes.
I had a K5 stealth. Briefly... it had to go because it’s sheer capability of destroying anything close to a sensible speed was just too much. Brilliant and does exactly what it’s designed to. Too much for me, though. Great review Andy, cheers 🍻
As alluded to in other comments, 2 needles sweeping around a dial, is what the performance 'feel' is all about. A digital display would be just a jumble of nonsense...... As it is on most bikes including mine.
dam it sounds amazing, even through the camera
Yes it has a bit of turbine about it doesn't it....
Just love Busa's...... had series 1.. scared the shit out me when I first rode it... until you learn how to use it properly..... awesome color too Silver.... looks amazing.. the acceleration is awesome... great vid Andy... enjoyed it......
Brilliant first Busa video Mr. Fly. Thoroughly enjoyable. It’s sounds like a jet plane when you rolled it on! Looking forward to in-depth review. Thanks
The whole bike has a premium quality to it. It's undoubtedly the best premium bike that Suzuki currently manufactures and sells. And this is reflected in the price. I think it may even match and surpasses any premium bike that the European bike manufacturers, can offer in 2021. Because it's the third generation 'Busa', Suzuki has spent a lot of time and research into refining and improving it. It's a well engineered machine.
Yes it does have a quality feel about it for sure...
Recently got mine delivered. Absolutely love it. Very much looking forward to more videos of the Hayabusa on this channel!
Stay tuned Pontus, much more to come!
Hey Pontus- how's the comfort on it? I'm a tall guy, I think id add some bar risers to help out. Do you enjoy the cruise control? Power smooth? Thanks!
@@branttmyhres74 Not sure I can help you much as I'm short. I'm 175 cm (5 ft 9). For me it's very comfortable. The cruise control works very well. I personally have no need for risers.
The power delivery is ridiculously smooth. I turn engine braking setting to 3 and that even minimize on/off throttle jerk in low speed. To me, this bike is a masterpiece.
@@HavasiP Thanks! Enjoy buddy!
Within the first 10 seconds I could tell this is one of those super bike videos 😊 with the loud air noise coming from the camera compared to other videos 😛…
Dream bike for lot of us kids who have now grown up 😇😝
Yes quite a machine - and I only tickled it....
"stuck behind grandad in his x-type jag! briliant!
Now that´s a bike......Love it!!
Love the styling and once you've owned a matt bike there's no going back 😉
The one thing I hated about the Hayabusa was a mate who had a few of them, and the only way to get past him was to ride around the outside in the corners because they accelerate faster than anything I ever rode (VFR800 & R1200GS)!
You've got everyone's attention with this Busa teaser. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on riding long distances on the busa in your forthcoming videos. There is a very real chance this one will end up in the garage. I like the look, old-school gauges, technology, and torque. Hopefully, there will paniers that can be fitted for touring.
Stay tuned!
Panniers your kidding right
Suzuki raised the bars and made them closer to the seat which is awesome! The last model you really felt like you were lying down riding it.
"When you're riding the bike, you're not looking at it". Haha, love it. Another great review. I love this bike btw!
Back in the day I was about to jump aboard my red / black 750 SRAD and remember a young lad making his way over to ask "Is that a Hayabusa mister?
Just run my Gen3 in, and very impressed thus far. Super stable, more agile than can be expected (and agile enough for my needs) and very comfortable. Add in the mid to high 40's in fuel economy and the plush seat and this machine is good for a long day out. The addition of cruise control and electronic package mean the Hayabusa is at last more than a match for the incredible ZZR1400.
You seem to have enjoyed your 1st ride on the new Busa. Looking forward to more of your video's on the Busa. Looks awesome.
Loving this fashion segment! You’re some mover! 😂 You must have cheered the person in the AA van up big time if they were watching you dancing around on your own at the entrance to a field in the middle of nowhere! 👍🏻😁
Yes you can’t be too self conscious in this game!
Having never ridden a Busa before I was looking forward to this quite a bit, good to get the review from the perspective of a 1st time rider on the beautiful beast. I have to admit I wasn't a big fan of the looks but the close ups during the walk round might have changed that! Cracking stuff as always! Also the jeans and boot modelling at the end was brilliant 😂 Have a great weekend sir!
Thank you as ever LIKWID!
@@TheMissendenFlyer more than welcome 😁
i rode a hayabusa in i think 2001and it was so ell behaved in traffic but once on the open road ,130 in 3rd what a rocket ship, but now due to ill heath i stopped riding 5 years ago ,but you, 44 teeth,teapot etc have kept my love for bikes alive,awesome review mate can not wait for the long term report, stay safe MissendenFlyer
Thanks Ian, sorry to hear you can’t ride anymore, hope is guys can continue to keep you entertained.....
You'll be doing a stand up comedy routine next. Great review. Personally I love the looks and colour scheme. Remember riding a demo bike back in '99. Made my Fireblade seem slow.
How times have changed (I recently rode the current 'blade...WOW!)
Another great video - you are fast becoming the answer to the question “who’d you most like to have a beer with to chat about bikes” - love the humour (although the jeans modelling is a little worrisome 😂) - not my kind of bike, but it seems really nice !
If you’re worried about the jeans you should defo avoid me in my yoga outfit!
Iconic machine and very capable. I tend to ride where a bike feels at its easiest going. Bikes like this and the old Blackbirds have such a broad range of ability I can't trust myself not to be going way faster than I should be. My old K12S used to get more vibey and louder after 4500 rpm and let you know you were poking its fire. I prefer that character rather than those that are just so easy to go fast on.
Had a Super Blackbird for nearly eight years,a 1999 model so first of the fuel injection models.
A great all rounder,never missed a beat.
@@MikeTheBike58 They're truly fantastic machines and I love all rounders but, for me, they're too perfect in what they do, go fast. Handling and smoothness across the rev range allows you to wind it on, click up through the box, look down and realise you're doing 10, 20, 30 mph over the speed limit without even trying. I prefer something that lets me know I'm actually trying to push on, gets the juices flowing more at slower speeds as well.
1999 borrowed my mate's then new busa nearly 210 Mph on the widely over reading speedo down a certain bypass was in a different league to anything else I'd ever ridden, absolutely love them ♥️
A mate tells me he had 205mph on the clock of his ZX12R with a bit more to go on the Wendover bypass back in the day. Awesome bikes.
ZX12 just had the edge on Gen 1 busa doing some unscientific road testing back in the day, absolute weapon in the right hands.
@@-DC- I never got to ride a Gen 1, but like most people at the time I lusted after the damn thing. As for my ZX12, sadly my ego out ran my talent and I high-sided it showing off leaving a petrol station at literally 20mph and wrote it off. A hard but valuable lesson at the time. 😂
Bet my cheeky little RGV250 would’ve smoked you on the twisty’s 😊😉
@@gdfggggg I wouldn't doubt that in the slightest. I drooled over those back in the day and well remember Brian Grey himself(Power biking in High Wycombe) flat refusing to sell me a RG500 Gamma as my first big bike. Had to settle for a Thunderace! 😂
Great review as always.. looks much better than the older versions
Top review. Just learned Hayabusa is Japanese for Peregrine Falcon. Fits well 🙂
Yes, they very cleverly called it that because a peregrine falcon kills Blackbirds. Much to Honda's annoyance i imagine.
I have absolutely no use for this bike, but I love that it exists. I think turbo should be a factory option. Also maybe an extended and polished swingarm, like lots of them end up with over here in the colonies.
I like the traditional gauges, instrumentation and cockpit is nice
Good review Andy, do love the fashion segment 😆 oh it was my review you were watching! 😆
I watch all your reviews Chopsy, you know that, I’m your number 1 fan!!
I had a Gen 1 full power version in 2000, and a new ZZR1400 last year. These are the sort of bike you tend to buy and sell after a season when you realise you can't use the power on UK roads without losing your licence. These big hyper sports bikes are great to ride though but boring as its hard to open them up properly. I reckon the saying "it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow" is true at least in the UK with our managed motorways and speed camera infested roads.
Very true.....
Had two Blackbirds and a Busa in the early 2000's. I did like the Busa but absolutely loved the Honda Blackbird and really hope the rumors are true and Honda brings her back.
Honda won't bring back the Blackbird.
I've been waiting for you to review this bike, thanks a lot Andy! Looking forward to your long term review! Now it's time to contact my local dealer for a little try-out myself.
Go for it Rutger!
Great first ride video, your one is the one I've been waiting for the most.
Aww shucks!
Hayabusa is Japanese for "peregrine falcon" - fast and it preys on blackbirds!
Somebody please get this gentleman the biggest cookie they can find!
Was so excited when I saw the first official pics of this bike but have been so disappointed by all the road tests so far bar yours which I knew would be blinding. To actually hear the acceleration and the bike going up and down the gears was great quality video making! I love the fact you can now own a busa without people expecting you to do 200 mph as other sports bikes have now caught up. Cant wait to see the further updates I think it is a cracking looking futuristic machine and Suzuki have got the styling bang on and thank goodness a manufacturer has realised that you can have electronics and dials ! Great review thanks.
Thank you got the kind words Dave!
The pants show off moment was just priceless! Great review as always! Keep up this awesome work.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm going to suffer 'Hayabusa' suggestions now from UA-cam! But worth it. Cracking review and looking forward to seeing how it goes.
Great review again thanks! Agree on the not so good looks but that's consistent with the old model too. Also love the proper analog dials in that Bird of Prey! 😍
Style and aerodynamics rarely go hand in hand. 😕
Glad you've reviewed the legendary 'Busa and also glad you took your own direction rather than the press day (I watched several of the videos and agree they were all pretty much the same). It's completely irrelevant but I was also sort of hoping the 'Busa would have ridiculous power to regain its crown as the original did.
Cheers Lee - appreciate that - and yes, I can't be doing with being shepherded around all day like sheep to produce the same vids....I'd never make a journo, I like to do my own thing too much and hate being told what to do.....
Add a good ECU remap and exhaust system (not TOO loud) and you have the nearest thing you can get to a turbine engine on the road. I cursed the day I sold mine.
My friend had a Busa back in the early 2000's I had the Honda Blackbird both very similar bikes, I rode the Blackbird everywhere all year round back and forth to work, toured throughout Europe on it and just fun days at the weekends. My friend would take his Busa out at the weekends but that was it normally. Every year a gang of us would ride up to the North West 200 road race it was a good trip as we lived in the South East of Ireland at the time , but every time bar one the Busa always had electrical or mechanical (brakes) problems, it normally returned on a trailer, the Blackbird never let me down on a trip or whilst touring , it did have battery and alternator problems over the years but in general it was more reliable than the Busa. You should have a go on a Honda Blackbird super smooth machines
Yes Martin I’d love a go on one....
@@TheMissendenFlyer you'd love it , my one was the original carburettor version, the early injection versions were a bit snappy at low speeds, though I think they sorted them out in the later versions, I never understood why Honda stopped making them
Thanks for the video. Great content as usual.
This is the kind of real review that I wanted to see. Excellent and thanks!
I still have my original 99 copper. I saw my old 05 LE on Facebook listed as a 1 owner? My old 09 took me from Arizona to Maine and back. I'm sure my dealer knows I'm a sure sale - if there is zero mark up.
Nice one Ray!
Excellent review as always Andy, but that fashion section! My thoughts were along the lines of - Ever seen The Missenden Flyer and Harry Hill in the same room?
Don't start!
Now your talking.Now this is a bike , a real monster.
I kinda like it more and more. Plus the name is just so cool, especially in a angry Japanese accent HAYABUSA. Bloody thing even has a name that is fast :D
Absolutely love the look of the dials.
I'd like to see more manufacturers use them.
(And this is coming from someone who's BMW has an all singing, all dancing TFT)
Thanks for reviewing this bike! I like the design. It feels very organic with the curves in this color scheme.
Would be interesting to see what you think of an actual supercharged bike like a zh2 after riding the Busa. Nice review 👍
The only man on Earth wanting to ride a motorbike through Slough in the rain.....
The new hayabusa looks is growing on me.
….”are growing on me”
Great review Flyer! I've been waiting to hear from someone who is a first-time rider on the Hayabusa. Thanks!
My pleasure!
Had brand new gen 2 in 2007 for 7years great bike not comy on a European tour though got zzr1400 now more comfy new busa looks best yet safe riding for all bikers 👍👍
I'm glad they added a quick shift and cruise control
The Gen 1 Hayabusa is the lightest of the three models ! That is the sportiest proof.
Gen 1: 244 kg (equipment weight) / 175 hp
Gen 2: 266 kg (equipment weight) / 197 hp
Gen 3: 264 kg (equipment weight) / 188 hp
"Looking forward to a wet day in Slough" LOL!
Who wouldn't!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Haha! 😂😂😂
@@TheMissendenFlyer ....... Errr HUMANS!
Was lucky to ride one back in the day, can't see the ugly while you're riding it and I would have one in a heartbeat, loved it.
It's huge, heavy, even hideous in some parts. But man, what a machine! Of course I'm biased as this bike is my childhood dream :)
But I wish E5 compliance wasn't killing every bike there is out there though. Great vid as always sir, have a good one.
Still is the fastest production bike ever made the 2000 gen1 was unlimited and did 200 mph or the new bikes are limited to 186 from the factory
Great video Andy! I found the fashion segment most amusing, keep it up 👍🏼
Amusing? How dare you.....
My favorite Busa Bloke.
Quite like the quirky looks, never ridden a busa but imagine I would absolutely love it. Yes those dials are fantastic wish more bikes would do the same. Look forward to seeing your further video's. Cheers TMF.
Stay tuned DD - lots more to come....
You've got the fashion walk down to a T! Brilliant 😁
Thank you - me and the catwalk a natural combination.....
Brilliant as always TMF, love the fashion segment too. Superb bit of kit. Looking forward to learn more about the Busa from you.
Cheers
I'm stunned how popular the fashion segment is turning out to be!
It’s down to the excellent kit you wear and of course your style of putting it across. Loved the HJC helmet, the jacket and the shoes especially.
Another great review Andy, have watched many of yours over the years. Saw the busa for real the other day, though not my kind of bike, it does draw you to it, as you say, iconic. Interesting to hear how it rides, may have to get a go on one! Ride safe..
Nothing like a good Busa review and a fashion parade to go with it lmfao
Glad you approve
So pleased you finally got to ride one; really sad I've just had to sell mine (Gen II), though one past performance I'll get another in 14 years :D
Hi TMF,
Thanks for another great review. Impressed by your self control in not blasting back past the white van, even though you filtered passed him at the next roundabout.😂 All the best. Rubber down
P.s. Can't wait to see you try out the launch control.(full in depth reviews and all that...)
Glad you enjoyed it James! ..and glad you noticed I won the white van war 'though he may have won the battle....
Lovely review, was waiting for this review from TMF. Good to know that you have this Hayabusa for long term. Cant wait for your top 5 - Good and bad bits in the HayaBusa.
Also review the 2021 Kawasaki zx10R on the same streets that you ride all other bikes. A proper street / touring review of the zx10R.
Great presentation of an iconic bike, thanks a lot. Love the turbine sound of it though I'm not so much into this kind of full fairing bike, but it would be great if Suzuki would release a naked version of it similar to the Super Duke or the Duc V4 Street fighter. Anyway, great show as always. 👍
Yes now that would be something!
Wasn't that the idea of the B King?
No one bought them.
@@splodge5714 Good point....
Just getting mine tomorrow 😊
The only negative point was the seat. What a bike.
A flash or a turbo on that bulletproof block brings overkill amounts of power. That's why it's legendary. It's stock numbers are irrelevant. Only other bikes that come even close to the busas powerplant are the zx14 and the h2r. You can't compare the rest of the liter bikes. They are completely outgunned and outclassed power wise.
Great first review. What a machine....also like those colours more than black and gold personally ..each to their own. As for the DS...beut 👍