SUZUKI GSX1300R HAYABUSA (1999 - 2007) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £210
Power: 175 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.7 in / 805 mm)
Weight: Medium (474 lbs / 215 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £3,500 - £4,000

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The original Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa is still one seriously quick motorcycle, possessed of enormous acceleration and breathtaking top speed. True, the GSX1300R Hayabusa doesn't quite handle all that power (and weight) too brilliantly sometimes, but it remains a supremely comfortably long range missile, that always delivers a shot of raw adrenaline. The later version is even better.

As a future classic the 1999 'Busa definitely has potential, so buy a nice standard bike and it could prove a modest investment. Original bikes came in black, black and red and the copper and salmon scheme which has become synonymous with the 1999 model and is the colour to go for. But if you just want an experience like no other, for £5500 you simply aren't going to get anything that can rival the big Suzuki.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Here the GSX1300R Hayabusa has issues. First off, it has a semi-touring kind of ride, with soft-ish suspension that allows the front end to squirm and move around under hard braking. And talking of brakes, Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa's tend to fade a bit under repeated hard use from 150mph plus speeds - which are achieved in about 12 seconds on this bike. As a sports-tourer, the GSX1300R Hayabusa is definitely more touring than sporty in its overall handling.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
5 out of 5 (5/5)

The original Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa is very simple, yet brutally effective four cylinder monster, the 1299cc engine is bulletproof, doesn't chin fuel too badly at semi-sane speeds and the fuel injection works very efficiently too. The amount of midrange torque that the GSX1300R Hayabusa produces is especially impressive and makes fast road riding ridiculously easy. Newer version is better though.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Reliability is generally excellent with the Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa, although rear wheel bearings have been known to collapse occasionally at relatively low miles. The real problem with long term GSX1300R Hayabusa ownership is the quality of the finish on many components, which is poor. It rusts, it pits, it discolours its alloy, unless you really keep on top of it and clean every nook and cranny. Exhausts rot too.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The original Hayabusa is a tried and trusted rocketship, and a genuinely capable touring bike, although it does eat rear tyres every 1500-2000 miles, so book a couple of tyre stops on your European tour if you're taking a GSX1300R Hayabusa. Find Suzuki a GSXR1300 Hayabusa for sale.  

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

That ugly fairing on the Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa works very well, not only at punching holes in the atmosphere at 180mph, but at keeping some bad weather off the rider too, but the new version is better still. Good headlight, comfy rider and pillion accommodation, four bungee hooks and some underseat storage - plus throwover panniers can be made to fit all total up to make the Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa a capable tourer. Excellent grabrail too.

Specs

Engine size 1299cc
Engine type 16v, in line 4, 6 gears
Frame type Aluminium twin spar
Fuel capacity 22 litres
Seat height 805mm
Bike weight 215kg
Front suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension Preload, rebound, compression
Front brake Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake 240mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17 in
Rear tyre size 190/50 x 17 in

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 35 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £210
New price -
Used price £3,500 - £4,000
Insurance group 15 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 175 bhp
Max torque 99 ft-lb
Top speed 190 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 10.4 secs
Tank range 160 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1999: Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa launched.
2001: 186mph restricted version appears.
2007: Replace by all-new model (see seperate review).

Other versions

Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa RZ: Special black painted frame, otherwise same bike.

Owners' reviews for the SUZUKI GSX1300R HAYABUSA (1999 - 2007)

25 owners have reviewed their SUZUKI GSX1300R HAYABUSA (1999 - 2007) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your SUZUKI GSX1300R HAYABUSA (1999 - 2007)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Equipment: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £210
4 out of 5 Tons of character, not always easy to live with
12 April 2024 by Ben Newbery

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £300

From my stable of 6 bikes this one has the most character, it’s not a precision performance machine or particularly well designed in my opinion, but it certainly has lots of personality and is a memorable ride

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

My love for sports bikes has always been at odds with my 6 foot height, countless forced rides in discomfort to try and enjoy the bike. The beauty of the Hayabusa is how big and comfortable it is for me, it has 80% of what an R1 can offer me with all day riding comfort and convenience. Ride it gently and it’s happy to comply as a tourer and mileage muncher. Find yourself on a twisty road, it will surprise you how well it handles the size and weight when being thrown around. Brakes are more of a suggestion, I’ve tried new pads, lines etc. but want to keep mine OEM so having to work around standard calipers and MC, nothing works they are horrible although the over powerful rear brake somewhat makes up for the fronts at a leisurely pace

Engine 4 out of 5

Not hugely fast anymore with modern sport bikes all pushing 200bhp+ at half the weight and the Hayabusa does feel a little out of puff at high rpm, but it’s the effortless midrange torque that always amazes me, arguably making its power much more accessible on the road. With the original exhaust on you can also enjoy the very deep intake growl. On the downside its idle can be erratic and inconsistent with engine temp and the primitive ignition retard maps in lower gears can make slow moving traffic and pull aways uncomfortable as the engine surges and splutters as if it doesn’t want to be reined in under 2000rpm. Dropping the front sprocket by a tooth helps

Reliability & build quality 2 out of 5

I rate Suzuki bikes highly but the busa has proven to be very troublesome for me. Corrosion on the loom plugs causes all sorts of wiring issues and spark plugs will randomly fail at 6 months. The clutch one way slip bearing makes a horrible knock on idle and the fuel tank and injection system is very prone to rust and blockage. Rear wheel bearings don’t last long and the general finish on paint and parts is poor, trying to keep it in tip top condition is a task indeed. For reference mine has 35k and is mostly standard

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Rear tyres square off early but expected given the weight. Spark plugs seem to carbon up and fail early, no doubt because the engine is only ever running at a third its potential as using anymore on the road is dangerous irresponsible. I think a first generation Hayabusa is a very good purchase at the moment as I see their value rising soon. It’s quite a niche bike not much else similar for under 5k

Equipment 4 out of 5

Pillions find it as comfortable a place to be as the rider, there is lots of under seat storage available and the fuel capacity is good for 170 miles. Nothing else to complicate matters

5 out of 5 One of the best bikes ever.
13 March 2023 by HayabusaNance

Version: Black/Grey

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £80

Yes, definitely recommend to anyone. A big friendly beast. Easy to ride, civilized if you ride it that way. I left my 1986 GSXR750 for this, and have been happy for 23 years. Good tourer, decent handling for long wheel base. I had a custom made Corbin seat put on it (I'm 5'3", female), and about 2006, put carbon fibre rims on it. Saved weight with that and a Yosh 4:1 CF exhaust. Best bike I've ever owned. Had a 2008 for awhile, but kept this one. Gen 2's engine was better, but the handling geometry of the Gen1 was better. Only had the chance to sit on a Gen 3, but now, at 70, waaaay too heavy a bike for me. My Busa is a "nice little bike".

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

When I put the CF wheels on it, the front were wave rotors on CF carriers. Had some issues with warping, so not a real fan of the original Suzuki calipers. Been thru a couple of sets/Re/Re. Rear caliper basically fine.

Engine 5 out of 5

Love it. My description: More power than God. Only when I got my new 2007 Corvette, did I make the comment, "this is almost a Hayabusa on 4 wheels". Maybe my 2017 Grand Sport is close now... LOL

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Has been garage kept all its life, been detailed & polished. Basically looks new. About 55K on it. I have ridden nothing but Suzuki 4/4s since my original 1976 GS750, although have owned a lot of bikes, these were my keepers. Had a couple of 1982 Katana 1100s. One new, kept for 4 years, other, bought with only 7K on it in 2008. Sold it to a collector in Australia. They were the original super bikes. Could put it through corners handily, like the Bus.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

For the most part of 23 years, just synthetic oil and filter. Do most of my own servicing/aftermarket accessory additions.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Faring works really well. Only been up to 240K on it, but you need that faring! I try to keep the stickiest tires on it. Have had Bridgestone, Michelin, Dunlop...whatever the dealer (my guys!) have recommended.

Buying experience: Bought it "new" from a dealer... believe it or not, was a "demonstrator" in Campbell River, BC Canada. Had 500k on it. In August we went up from Victoria, I took it for a ride, and rode it home. List price in 2000 was $14, 500 Cdn. We offered $14k taxes in, and I rode it home. Beat my husband in the truck by an hour. LOL

4 out of 5 No what you’d expect, have a try
02 October 2021 by Paul

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £150

Great all rounder. Real conversation starter. It’s no lightweight flickable 600 but it’s not what is expected of it. Many many miles per day possible on tour. A lot easier to ride then the big scary beasty reputation the bike has.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

For the amount of power available the bike doesn’t have the braking power a rider is looking for.

Engine 5 out of 5

With people riding these with 300+ HP the 150+ HP the bike has as standard the engine is barely under any strain so I’m happy will go for many many miles

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Solid & durable

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Push it and 20mpg is a good day but stick it up in 6th and wether you are doing 30 or 130 it will keep pulling and 45+mpg is easily achieved on a long ride. Insurance very affordable

Equipment 1 out of 5

All it has is a start button, so no toys to keep the rider occupied by anything except riding

Buying experience: Brought privately

5 out of 5 Busa Heaven.
26 March 2021 by Michael Lewis

Version: Unrestricted.

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £120

JUST LOVE THE BEAST. I,m 72 years old & when I can,t ride anymore I,ll put motor in my mobility scooter. That,ll cause a stir going round Morrisons COMIN,THRO!!!!!!!! 🙉🙈🙊

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5

Ride it around town, or a mad half hour.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

BEST BIKE EVER. ORGASMIC

Equipment 5 out of 5

Be careful if you fit a touring top box.

Buying experience: York Suzuki Centre. Excellent service. £2,400.

4 out of 5 Concrete missile
06 September 2020 by Johnny Chimp'o

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £200

A lot of bike for the money!

Ride quality & brakes 2 out of 5

It's a 250 kilo concrete missile with brakes better suited to a child's trike..... up grade them. Pegs are a bit high for touring. But ride one, muscle it into the turns and blast out feeling you've accomplished something. I'm 135kg of lard and leather, suits me fine 😅

Engine 5 out of 5

linear power, lots of it and strong too. Good motor 👌

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Some minor pitting on forks and pretty much all the aluminium parts excluded the frame. Steering dampener can rattle lose. Mine kills one spark plug a year (don't know why).

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Rear tyres and fuel will be your biggest cost.

Equipment 4 out of 5

got a helmet hook and a fuel gauge..... do you need more?

4 out of 5 Engage warp engines!!
25 July 2020 by 'Busa2000

Version: Gsx1300RY

Year: 2000

Annual servicing cost: £300

I have owned my 'Busa for over 6 years.65k plus miles on her and still going like a scalded cat. 3 sets of tyres since I've had her, Yoshi Cans. Upgraded Front master cylinder to Brembo Radial, Goodridge Lines, wavy discs, Sintered pads, sorted front braking issues.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

See above comments re brakes. Original suspension set up was VERY soft front n hard rear. Used an old PB bike set up guide. Never had issue since.

Engine 5 out of 5

Warp speed Mr Sulu.!!

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

20 years old and a few scratches, stone chips and pitted alloy, but it's a pleasure to clean her.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Most of servicing done at home, unless its valve clearances or throttle bodies.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Clock, fuel gauge, what more do you need?

Buying experience: Had her 6 years, so I like her, a bit!

4 out of 5 Busa
22 May 2020 by Grahame Pearson

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £300

Although the Hayabusa is famous for its speed and cult status it is also a very good all rounder I wouldn't recommend it to a new rider to tame the beast you will need at least a year of road craft (in my opinion) but that's upto the individual

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

The early Gen1's break's were terribly inadequate but the Gen 2's were significantly improved there are plenty of after market conversions to improve the breaking of the Gen 1's

Engine 5 out of 5

Good and strong through out the range

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

It's like any other bike if you look after it it will last for ever

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Usual wear and tare break pads fluids and rubber if you ride all year round and it's your only bike tyres are your biggest expense two rear to one front also fuel if you ride hard she will lap it up but ride steady and you will be surprised

Equipment 5 out of 5

Early bikes didn't come with alot but tool kit and built in helmet hooks that lock under the rear seat

Buying experience: I bought from a dealer you might pay a little more but you have more peace of mind knowing all the checks have already been done

5 out of 5 Long term partnership with Busa
02 May 2018 by Stiggy Parker

Version: 1300RY

Year: 2000

Overall, a five-star rating.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes, when I got her 5 years ago were shocking.200 mph bike with moped brakes! Since upgraded to Wavey Discs, SBS street / race pads. Six pot tokicos from Florida, so no British winter n salt corrosion.all stainless bolts n fixings. Goodridge brake lines. To top it all off a Brembo Front master cylinder from Ducati 748R. Now brakes on a dime with 2 x fingers on the lever. Also raised back end with 20mm tail riser kit. Excellent upgrade to handling. Suspension can tie itself in knots when you push her.

Engine 5 out of 5

What can u say? IF I need power a plenty, it's there, mid range is phenomenal, top end is breath taking. Injection runs faultlessly. Have put TRE (eliminating flat spot at 2500 to 3000 revs) on mine with Carbon cans, KnN filter in original airbox and she goes like merry hell. If you need anymore on the roads, then the only thing out there is the Kw, aka H2.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

My Busa is now 18 years young.She is showing signs of her age and 63k miles as would be expected.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I tend to do my own servicing and repairs / upgrades as and when needed. She needs valve clearances doing this year though. Can't quote service costs. Fuel is ok when you control the urge for warp speed. Tyres, 2 x full sets of Avons in 5 years. Now running 3D XMs.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Fuel gauge is hit and miss. Stays at full, drops slowly to 3/4 at about 90 miles and then drops to red really quickly. Why no reserve Suzuki? I have fitted heated grips, USB charger, upgraded lights to LEDs, DRL switchbacks in indicators, handle bar risers, double bubble screen, adjustable footrests, louder horn. 4 way hazard lights. Apart from all the mods, she's standard. Ha ha .

Buying experience: Bought 2000 RY Busa 5 years ago. She was high mileage when I got her. Now has 63k plus. Bike has been off-road since January as a mystery fuelling issues. Changed ECU, fuel pump, fuel pump relay and inspected wiring. Bike shop now waiting for pressure regulator to arrive as she has very low fuel pressure. So in 5 years of owning, apart from duff battery, now replaced with Yuasa decent one, this is the only time she's let me down. Paid £2700 from used bike dealership 5 years ago.

5 out of 5 Old school Hayabusa - Old school fun
04 February 2016 by Hayabusa Happy

Year: 2001

All my friends should have one

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Hayabusa can be only one
21 January 2016 by Dave Brierley

Version: Rx

Year: 2004

The engine is the best feature it just does anything from high speed on the autobahn to commuting around town!! The brakes needed work but braided hoses along with radial brake conversion plates with a pair of Brembo's soon sorted the stoping, raise the back end by a cm handling improved 10 fold , if you want to tour this is the bike loads of luggage options, I've done about 15000 miles abroad over the years never a problem, my now 12 year old Hayabusa will be doing another couple of thousand miles through Europe this year !!!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Brought privately via eBay starting bid of £3500 offered £3000 cash agreed on £3250

5 out of 5
03 June 2015 by craig annetts

Year: 2000

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
5 out of 5 Stealth Busa
01 August 2011 by bigtasty65

What a fantastic bike. Just had mine a few weeks now and enjoy doing the 240 mile round trip to North Wales on a regular basis. She does it so effortlessly. Must admit, there is a weird vibration period that occurs around the 4500rpm mark(can anyone explain why?). It doesn't however, spoil my enjoyment. I wouldn't swap her for another model. Unless, of course, I could afford the latest version.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 original and best
30 May 2011 by tman39a

Had one for over 4 years...2 sets of tyres, front wheel bearings and 1 chain later I moved on to a ZZR1400. Can't fault the busa in the slightest...ok stock brakes could be better but thats about it....160+ mile tank range and comfy the whole way. Radial brake adaptors and GSXR calipers fitted to mine towards the end buried any chance of me buying the new gen2 busa. If you find a clean Gen 1 busa and its what your after you won't regret it....Big user friendly pussy cat...just has big claws when you let it loose.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 The right choice
07 May 2009 by mark3evo

Passed my DAS back in Oct 2008, wanted a busa, but decided to hone my riding skills on Honda VFR 800 non-vtec. After 5000 miles, traded it in for 01 unrestricted model. After a bit of trepidation on the morning or pick-up. Absolutely surprised about how much easier to drive, ok i'm still cornering slow, but its a joy to drive. Done 300 miles so far, rock stable in any condition v VFR. No complaints i know i made the right choice.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
5 out of 5 GO BUY ONE
23 February 2008 by john1470

My first Busa after 20 years off bikes, born again biker, this thing is the best bike i have ever been on.2007 bike, i will be getting the 2008 model in 09.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Hayabusa, a proper bike!
27 October 2007 by lount

I exchanged a TL 1000s for the high milage Hayabusa i now own. I was expecting more performance with less mid range and boy did i get more performance, but amazingly more of everything including midrange. The handling is rock steady up to the point you either run out of road or bottle. The Busa is so smooth and powerful you reach the top speed of the TL1000 in about 15 sec's and still have another two gears to go! The Busa's weight helps the incredible stability which this bike has at any speed. Even though it will be dificult to keep up with a gixer thou through the countryside, the Busa will let you travel from A to B without the cramped up body position and sweat assosiated with high speed sports bike riding. My bike has over 42k on the clock but it runs spot on. the head bearings, etc have been replaced and the previous owner fitted a rear jack-up kit, to help the turn in speed, but overall it is a truely awesome machine. It makes every thing else seem weak, including the bandit 12.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 what a bike!!!
12 August 2007 by timmy264

i've owned quite a few bikes and always thought that they were lacking something but this bike is amazing.just when you think that you've got used to the acceleration,it gives you more.i find myself floating off the seat and hanging on with white knuckles! what a bike!if any one say's they need more than this then they're talking out of their a**e! you can absolutly blitz almost anything on the road with one of these!!!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 this is all i need
04 July 2007 by bazzabusa

Had my Busa four years now, decided to get it bored to 1400, HC pistons, gas flowed head, HD starter gear, lock up clutch, yoshi cams, yoshi RS3 system, billet cam chain tensioner,12mm head studs, HI vol oil pump gear + loads of other bits genuine 200 + mph bike, 192 bhp with 120 lbs of torque. more than happy with it.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 new improved
13 May 2007 by busamadman

had mine nearly 2 years. very impressed but wanted more, so ive supercharged it.rotrex spercharger with big cc racing plenum 50mm tial, bosch 500bhp fuel pump,12mm billet fuel rail, ignition retarder,forged pistons, carrillo rods, 12mm head bolts, adjustable camshaft sprockets,high volume oil pump, etc etc, you get the picture.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 not that intimidating
13 April 2007 by KWAK6ftRider

I rode this expecting it to tear my arms off, when actually it it was incredably rideable. the power was amazing when you opened it up though. my only grip was it is too small for me, it put great pressure on my wrists.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 A great all-rounder and not intimidating as you might think.
29 October 2006 by Gunga Dan

I wanted a bike capable of touring, carrying a pillion in relative comfort but also with decent performance and handling for weekend blasts. I considered a Blackbird but fancied something a little less commonplace. After a test ride on a 'Busa I haven't looked back. The engine is legendary and the torque particularly addictive. If you're feeling lazy you can leave it in top and just roll on and off the throttle - the gearbox is for engaging warp-drive. Handling is very stable and sure-footed and the ride excellent (if it isn't, your shock is probably worn out). However, don't expect handling to be sportsbike sharp - it does tend to wallow a bit if you really push hard. I've toured, commuted and scratched on mine and it's amazingly competent. I can't think of anything I'd like to replace it with since although I'd love a litre sports bike they're too focused for my needs. Maybe when the ZZR1400 gets within my price range second hand, I'll consider one of those. Strengths: Torque, fueling (yoshi pipe and Power commander were fitted when I bought the bike), ride, amazingly stable and planted handling. Weaknesses: Too wide to easily filter on my commute to work. Brakes aren't the best. After sticking some decent pads on and fitting braided hoses the lever was still spongey on mine. I found 3 or 4 of the caliper pistons were seized so it's worth checking these if you're a new owner. After sorting this the brakes are now acceptable if not brilliant. Handling isn't sports bike sharp. Finish could be better.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Awesome bike. Problem is - what do I buy next ?
18 August 2006 by PeteBusa

This is my second Busa. I had one of the first in the Britain back in March 1999 (black/grey). I couldn't find anything better to change to so I bought another one in blue/silver in 2001. After 7 years I still love the guts of this machine. Now I want a 2nd bike but can't find one that feels right !!! Looking forward to the new 2008 model and might be tempted to get one. I won't let this one go though as it's the last of the de-restricted version. Strengths: Unbeatable performance, great rideability, comfortable too. Icon setting standard. Weaknesses: Brakes (mine are braided hoses now), and my ability (I'll never stretch its capabilities).

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Fast, speedy, furious? and take your breath away...
30 March 2006 by zorkius

I've ride and own motorcycles since 1974, with more than 300,000 miles... and with Busa I've meet the difference, the power, the softness, the performance, the twilight zone!!!?? Strengths: Power, performance, brakes...a complete astonishing bike!!! Weaknesses: Nothing!!!...ehehehehe

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Awesome, comfortable, stable
22 March 2006 by markfox

Bought the Busa new in 2004. The missus chose it after complaining about the comfort on the ZX6. Recently toured NZ on a VFR800 and missed the Busa so much, the Honda didn't compare. Performance is unbelievable, 120 feels like 40, turn in is slow, brakes are absolutely abysmal unfortunately, she eats tyres. Only additions are double bubble (essential) and rear hugger otherwise I keep looking at cans but can't see the benefit. Would maybe consider new ZZR1400 but it would have to be good to match the Busa. Top bike surpassed all my expectations. Strengths: Performance, Comfort, Looks. Weaknesses: Brakes, Brakes, Brakes.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Pure madness. Ballistic and can handle well on bendy roads when you get used to it!
31 December 2005 by Spiider

Bought it second hand a year ago. Arrived at the decision by process of elimination. Wanted a performance bike but most were too small and light for my build (not that I'm a fat b*stard). Riding home from the dealers I cursed the cars in front thinking I was being held up at 40mph then realised I was doing 100mph+. Very deceptive machine. Pleasantly surprised by the handling as well. Strengths: Size and weight. It's nice to find something with a bit of presence in this day of lightweight superbikes. Weaknesses: Brakes. Plan ahead or you'll run wide on the bends! Tyre choice - still not made my mind up yet.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
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