Updates

Contents for this month include :

Clutch fuild problems
More handling observations (wet conditions)
Carrying a pillion
Addtions to accessories
Introduction to Anime and Motorcycles
More comparisons to the CBR
RECALL on tensioner history
The search for hard luggage

Update 28/11/1999 :  Firstly I stuffed up the update again last week  as you probably noticed.  I've pasted the missing text again this week (see below).  A significant week since buying the Hayabusa i.e the recall stuff has been done and I've finally got a center stand.   The screen savers are looking damn flashy...  3D effects and transparent graphics !  It'll be ready within 2 weeks and worth the weight.  Makes the current version look very very plain.  More links including to a motorcycle club in Romania ! Thanks to Dan Banacu for the information and more performance data : Specs page. Apparently the Hayabusa takes about 7.6 secs to reach 200kph.

Well, a bit of a disappointment with the center stand.  I feel that the overall Hayabusa looks has been diminished though you may not think so.  The center stand requires the removal of part of the belly pan attachment.  As a result the bike looks more sporty with suspension bits showing. But at the same time also doesn't look as complete, ie it looks like there's something missing.  (Maybe I'm used to seeing it there ?)  Furthermore the hero blobs have been replaced with even longer ones ! The stand definately reduces cornering clearance.   Regardless the stand will be most helpful when I finally get to go on a long trip.   I can't imagine lubing the chain whilst travelling without one.  Check out the details here : Accessories page.  Pictures as usual will follow shortly.

Lifting the bike on the center stand is very difficult, I haven't managed it yet due to my current back problem.  My mate's whose back is fine didn't succeed either, although last night he managed to get the bike up with little effort.  Maybe I'll figure it out at a later stage ?

As I picked the bike up it started to storm ! The rain in the NT is not your usual pitter patter stuff.  This stuff is big and it hurts.  Visibility wasn't that bad as I waited the storm out for 1/2 hour.  In that time you wouldn't believe it.  I spotted a rain suit.  A black and purple one.  Not exactly my fav colour choice but it would definitely stand out from the crowd ! I also got a waterproof bum bag !   Plus if I was going to use the bike for the next few months I'd definitely need one.  (Never needed one before as I lived in town)  So now not only are people going to call the Hayabusa the Bat cycle, (hey that's one of the better 'bat' derivatives)

Now I AM the PURPLE POWER RANGER ! I have been granted the power of the Hayabusa Falcon !

The RECALL bits.  Well, when cold the engine sounds tighter than usual.  When moving the engine definitely feels tighter and less noisy.  At idle it feels and definitely sounds the same way.  The power seems just as linear and fuel delivery is just as smooth high speed as when pottering around.  However I have noticed that when throttling on hard there is a slight jerk coming from the rear.  It feels like the chain is a tad loose ?  Doesn't look it though ?  I've also noticed that there are small vibes coming from the seat !  Can't tell for sure just yet.   Too busy watching the traffic.  Its weird when it rains !  It seems to be using more petrol too but at the same time it seems more powerfully too.  More over the next few weeks. 

Update 21/11/1999 : I think I've just joined the Suzuki Cycle Web-ring but I'm not sure just yet.  I've also included your starsign's lucky number !  These seem to differ dependent on where you did your research.   I still haven't finished the Anime pages as I'm still trying to finish watching the videos !  I've managed to strain a lower back muscle somehow and I haven't been riding for the past few days.   I can't even stand properly or walk straight !

My Hayabusa will have its center stand installed with the recall stuff this Tuesday.  I would have done it myself but they will have to take of the fairing anyway, and besides it too .... hot.  Sure I'll be under the house but the humidity will have me drenched by the time I walk down the stairs.  It is that bad at the moment !

While I'm in a incapicated state, I thought I might explain the comparsions I often put up on the site with tthe Hayabusa and the CBR600.  

I admit that comparing the 2 is not really approprite as they are 2 different type of bikes built for different purposes.   Thus, these sort of comparisions are rarely if ever done by main publications for that reason. Comparing the 2 is interesting reading anyway.  There are many readers who are considering Hayabusa, but want to know what it's like before they buy and want a comparison to smaller capacity machines which they may currently have.

And If you really must know the standard CBR600 does handle much better the the standard Hayabusa when the roads are curvy and going is quick.  The CBR rider certainly won't be able to lose the Hayabusa but its a win to the CBR nonethless.  But for general road riding both are pretty much the same bar the precisce handling characteristics of the CBR600 vs the sheer accleration of the Hayabusa.    In traffic a Hayabusa rider vs a CBR600 going for it, the Busa rider  is going to win any sort of comparison purely because of the emormous straight line speed.   My preference, is the Hayabusa for many reasons other than the performance.

RECALL stuff : The parts are finally here !  I've been booked in for Tuesday so next week.  So next Sunday you'll be able to read of my Hayabusa impressions after the recall.

Update 14/11/1999 : Site updates include : I've purged the site of frames as it was giving me headaches.  I was updating content and when it came time to same the things I would inadvertently save the wrong one losing all the stuff I just typed !  I've been really busy with the Anime pages, which are almost ready.   AND Yes I have bought a centre stand !!  No more burns and oversprays !  I'll give you some updates and details next week hopefully.

RECALL stuff : I have received my letter informing me of the recall to replace the tensioner or rather the tensioner bracket, judging from the pictures I saw.  The Fuel Pump Insulator and Fuel Tap replacement on my bike as well, estimate time on the letter said 2.0 hours.  The parts will hopefully arrive this week some itme.  So it looks like huge site updates to be done by the end of November !

This week more on comfort.  I've been taking the Hayabusa on general cruises rather than commuting.  It really hot and humid.   The heat coming from the right fairing is irritating when its this hot especially when stopped for an extended period of time.  Other than that, comfort wise its perfect.  Not too far leant forward and the seat is nice and soft !  There's plenty of room to move.  If I sound tired, its because I am, its not easy living in this sort of heat at this time of the year and it seems to be getting worse every year...I have to wait for respite in April !!

High temperatures have a well known power sapping influence on engines.  And at this time of the year its easy to detect.  In high heat/humidity the Hayabusa doesn't seem as effected as the CBR600.  (There is definitely a couple missing horsies that bike !)   However I have noticed that the Hayabusa is missing that zing in acceleration especially in the afternoons, rather I feel more torque from the engine.  The difference is quite obvious when I go for a ride at night or after its been raining where I feel that zing again.  Maybe its just me ???

I have confirmation that a CBR600 requires revs between 7000 - 10000rpm in almost all gears to keep up with the Hayabusa under normal traffic conditions.  The Hayabusa rider will be changing gears below 5000rpm.

Update 07/11/1999 : Site updates include : Some more reviews on the Anime/motorcycles page Motorcycles and Anime/Manga, new links, revisions in the horroscope page and some tiding up here and there.  I've tried specifying a secondary font for the page for those with Macs so I hope it works !  I'm getting ready for the Christmas and Y2K updates including the new screen saver !  I will also have a special graphic for visitors and those who have emailed me though out the year ! 

More riding impressions : I've travelled over 9000kms on the Hayabusa with no problems in 5 months of ownership, I love still love the bike.  It still draws looks and I haven't damaged it yet...  Admitted last night I had a pretty close shave and had to put my foot down whilst losing grip on an oil patch during a corner.  And don't follow a slower bike unless you have to, its frustrating changing gears at 3000rpm, when they're zooming at an exciting 10,000rpm.  Admitted it gives you time to practise clutchless changes ! (The rpm readings are only estimates for obvious reasons.)

I rarely rev it past 6000rpm in any gear.  It's my major form of transport and I certainly can't afford to get new tyres that last any less than 5000kms and maintenance it may require for the possible wear and tear associated with high mileage hard ridden bike.  Yes, it's almost due for a new rear tyre AGAIN ! Regardless 6000rpm is more than adequate in trashing the traffic anyway.  Maybe next year when I move into town the Hayabusa will be less of a commuter and more as a 'recreational vehicle !'.  I can even do track days knowing that if I waste the tyres I can still get to work ! 

As a commuter the Hayabusa is not a cheapest thing on the planet to run but then I don't think the design specification of the world fastest bike included commuting to the local shops for toilet paper and milk !

RECALL NEWS : I have spoken to the various people at the dealer and Suzuki, and I heard that the original tensioner that sparked the recall was a race bike.  The bike had done about 15,000 very hard miles before it went.  It seems that the tensioner has the same problem as that experienced with the GSX-Rs.  Whoever manufactures the tensioner is probably in big trouble by now ! I haven't taken mine in yet still waitng for the official letter.

Did you know that as much as I love the Hayabusa's power, I still feel the need to get a sports type bike.  Not one that your can't use its maximum power on the road but one you can rev the guts out of it.  Strange isn't it. I'm thinking of a 400 or older 500 bike.  I remember the way that the GSX-R talks back to you, it is the first bike I had that had an attitude !  Just the way it seemed to say after you've done a corner in what you thought, was in a pretty stylish manner it says ' what ? you call that a good corner ?' or 'is that all you can do ?'   Anyway, just passing thoughts.

I then take a reality check when I take the Hayabusa for a spin, it doesn't have a attribute like the GSX-R. I think the personality of the Hayabusa is more the patient, strong silent type ? taking the slack but ready to whack you one if you're silly.  ( I'm an Sagittarian after all ! - See what I mean )  Feel free to disagree !