December 2007 2nd Gen Suzuki Hayabusa long term review – Part 2

Here’s my new 2008 Hayabusa ride report. You have to remember that my bike is still new so you’ll have to wait a little while before I can do a complete review and for the pictures. This page will cover the run in period after that I’ll do an update every few months just to keep you happy! – Unless something interesting happens of course.

Remember that the run in period the experience is different to the post 1st service and naturally as the bike travels more distance. Read what happened in the original articles I wrote back in 1999!

First off the new Hayabusa’s ride position to me feels different. It appears to be more leant over, mind you it could be because of my back problems. Everything else feels the same as the original. Remember too – I’m much older now!

As I start the engine I notice that its actually missing something form the original! Yes – the new Hayabusa does not have a ‘choke’ lever! Since it’s warm where I am I haven’t yet experienced it’s cold enriching cycle – come cold temperatures I will have a full report.

From start up the brand new engine with less than 1 Km on the ODO was tight. The engine was vibey enough to shake the mirrors. Hopefully this will lessen as the engine runs in. I can’t remember it being as bad on the original Hayabusa. The noise at idle in the open air is quieter than the original.

The bike feels just as ‘heavy’ as the original shifting it off the side stand. I also think it feels ‘tighter’ than the original. Or maybe because there was less suspension travel on the front – the default original settings are on the hard side.

For the first ride I left the mode in A – or full power after all that’s what its all about isn’t it. So what can I say – Simple, nice the same power and smoothness – considering it is a new engine. The thinner engine oil was noticeable or perhaps less internsl friction? Why the gears worked surprisingly well. One thing of note was the lack of 1st gear transmission shock. You know the huge klunk when you shift into first. Well its all gone! Another thing was the speedo reading – I think it’s almost accurate!

One the road the same planted feeling and same grab by the handles feel when you twist the throttle. Same deceptive speed and so forth. The handling felt a tad sharper than I recall – but that could just be the suspension settings. It’s hard to criticize when the bike is still so new!

One thing I omitted to mention was the inclusion of SAIS or Suzuki Advanced Immobilizer System. It’s basically the same as HISS by Honda. Just like most new cars the Hayabusa now has a transponder key security system. Note that you only get two keys so don’t lose them. They are apparently integrated into the ECU of the bike so losing the key means a new ECU for your bike. I’m not sure how or whether there is a way to ‘copy’ the keys… All said a step in the right direction to preventing theft.