jermzfree

I will agree that there are a LOT more Busas on the street compared to the XX, and this could make it seem like they are a lot less reliable when you go to a dedicated motorcycle site like this one and look at maintenance problems, but story after story of some poor Busa owner forking over 11k for a brand new bike, and not even 2k down the road it needs $2000 dollars in tranny work? That should never happen. I have missed a bazillion shifts on my previous Suzuki going into 2nd gear and the only thing detrimental was the little green light coming on telling me I was in neutral. The Busa has a ton or torque, and I get the impression if you miss a shift crossing over neutral you WILL bend the shift fork when the clutch is released. If you go to: http://www.hayabusa.org/forums/ and do a quick search on “2nd gear” and will find over 40 (probably a lot more if you dig) threads about some poor Busa owner with 2nd gear-less bike. I’m not a statistics major, but that seems like a relevant number. Before I purchased my Busa I test rode a few Blackbirds, I know what you mean when you say there is a big dip in power, especially under 7k. My goal as a bike owner is to have a fast, fun, comfortable, and all around well built bike. My last bike (Katana) gave me a lot of fits and I really want a bike I can rely on. Keep on telling me I’m wrong though, I hope I change my mind! Thanks for all the input, well appreciated

There are a lot of unhappy Busa owners that would beg to differ wit ya. There is a TON of threads i read of Busa owners looking for a rebuilt tranny just fresh off the dealer lot. Just for the record my busa works fine but don't want to ride a bike that is known for #$%^ transmissions!!

Hey everyone! Bought a busa a few months back, and later found out they are notorious for transmission issues (2nd gear rounding, bent shifter fork) due to a slower than desired shift drum and high torque. Question: Did a quick search on this site and did not find a lot of threads on tranny problems. Have any of the years of this bike been plauged with transmission problems? What about any other corks? Heard from word of mouth that the xx is virtually bullet proof, and if so am probably going to sell my busa in the spring and get a xx. Thank you in advance for all feedback

Hey Beondwacko, I weigh 165lbs. Is there a setting on the mono rear shock that can allow you to adjust it to your height and weight like most shocks? If you made the shock stiffer might it make the front tire want to wheelie more easiely? I'm not looking for a knee-draging all-out sports bike. I'm looking for a happy medium within my price range. The kawasaki zx-14 you cannot get for under 10k in like new shape. The busa is a little cheaper. I'm seeing a lot of Blackbirds with under 10k miles for around 5k. Thanks for the advice on the power comander. Won't make a huge difference?

I red-lined both a 97 and a 2003 and was not impressed with the 2003 at all. I was wondering if the guy broke the motor in right which had only 5k because it didn't impress me. The 97 I rode gave me a nick pleasant punch in the gut when I got it over 7k. Compared to the busa it was nothing. My face was frozen in shock like I just saw a grizzley murder after opening up the busa! But I don't like Suzuki and really want a Honda, so my plans are to get a 99+ with a power comander and possibly soop it up a bit. Don't get me wrong I think these are great bikes. Very refined, balanced, smooth and fast. Not as much of a toy as the busa is. I don't want two street bikes. I want one all around great bike to do all my adventuring on. Thanks for all the great input guys!

I guess for me it comes down to really wanting a fast bike that can I wheelie! without clutching it anyway. I know these sport touring bikes are not made for that, but I do not want to compromize my comfort and go with a cbr 1000 either.

Hey Bartonmd. Thanks for the advice. I was reluctant to go turbo for the main reason of reliablity issues. The blackbird is top on my list because its a Honda, and I hear from everyone that they are bulletproof. My Katana wasn't. I have taken a few blackbirds on test rides and have been a little dissappointed in the power especially in the low end. They are definately not as fast as a busa. But aren't these bikes geared for going 130+ smoothly? If these bikes go 95mph at 6k couldn't you drop the front sprocket down a couple teeth and go up a few in the back and still be able to travel at highway speeds smoothly without getting to high in the rpm's?

Hey everyone! I'm new on the block looking to buy a blackbird to replace my katana. I've had some crazy thoughts of buying a blackbird with a hauns turbo kit already installed in it. I have fears that the engine might be beat to #$%@ from the previous owner. I'm also not sure I want a turbo either (don't want to kill myself!) The questions I had were: 1. can a turbo drastically shorten the life of the motor? 2. how much more gas will the engine use when ridden nicely? 3. is it possible to unhook the turbo or bypass it without removing it from the bike? I would also be interested in knowing what anyone's impressions are about going turbo. Good idea? worth the $$$? any reliability issues?? Thanks.