19 January 2008 – 2nd Gen Suzuki Hayabusa long term review – Part 4

Just for the regular visitors I reluctantly tried out the B power mode. What can I say about it? Until I get further details on the power curve it seems to make you use the throttle a lot more than usual. As for comparisons it would seem like a sub 750cc engine? Again I can’t really say definitively until the first service is done.

My impression of the handling is mixed since it is still very new. The out of the box experience the front is rock hard with no free play while the back is a small amount. On the road the ride is very firm very sport bike like. This is the opposite of my experience with the original where it was firm yet compliant.

As for handling those familiar with the latest generation of sports motorcycles may be not be entirely impressed. Yes the new Hayabusa’s handling is class leading for a large motorcycle (and feels better than the original) but its weight is not well disguised compared to a real sports bike namely the 2007 GSX-Rs and CBR-RR etc… So if you’re moving from these sporties you’ll experience less feedback and more weight to shift at stand still. But that’s really the only thing you’ notice. Why? Because the Hayabusa is really fast! If you’re moving from the original series you will notice sharper turn in.

Anyway, despite the feedback, the Hayabusa is truly fast. Sure you’re a gear or two higher than the normal sport bikes but you are going just as fast and more to the point effortlessly faster if needed. As per the original, this one has deceptive speed. The way I ride a lower CC motorcycle I usually change down a gear before a corner then change up on the way out but this is, the Hayabusa and you don’t need to change up after the corner, just twist the throttle and you’re off immediately. No drama what so ever. How close the handling is compared to dedicated sports bikes would be an interesting comparison.

Oh – almost forgot to mention the engine vibe issue regardless of gear goes on between 4000 – 4500RPM. It is more noticeable than the original which had the same thing but at 500rpm less. Just read my past reviews. As for engine management – I don’t think it is as smooth. In certain gears it felt as if the engine management system was off key. Again I’m putting it down to the new engine.

Remembering that I had a 1998 GSX-R600 when they first came out the handling gap between it and the 1999 Busa it is clear how good the original was back in the day. I don’t know what the comparison would be like for the ’08 GSX-Rs vs ’08 Hayabusa but I would hope that they have managed to keep the handling limits the same? Or is it wishful thinking?

Unfortunately I did my back in and haven’t had the opportunity to experiment further. Give it another week and I’ll be back on the bike and hopefully to complete the k’s necessary for the first service. I’m sure you’re keen to find out as I am whether it makes any