First genuine Suzuki Hayabusa problem

OK folks, this is the first time my Hayabusa refused to start and the first problem I’ve had since buying it – the battery died!

The OEM battery has lasted a bit longer than the one in my 1st generation 1999 Hayabusa but not by much… I don’t know if it was caused by the recall on the regulator or just old age (3+ years). Regardless it is annoying.

I tried charging the battery but it was giving weird readings and then the battery charger blew up which was most annoying.  More surprising was that it wasn’t a fuse blowing but a really big bang! Considering I only bought a week previously – on special no less I could still return it. So I bought a newer more expensive model… 

Searching for a new battery on the internet was the first thing. Unfortunately the top results only listed American stores and of course Amazon which was annoying as it at least 13000 kilometers away. I wasn’t going to wait weeks or months for shipment so just like the old days I just went shopping at a physical store. It didn’t take very long and I also got a chance to check out some new bikes! Internet shopping is great but sometimes if  you need a part urgently nothing beats going out to a decent real motorcycle shop – if you can still find one that is!

The battery model number for the (late 2007-onwads) 2nd generation Suzuki Hayabusa: Yuasa YTX12-BS. The OEM battery was also a Yuasa which at least I have a point of reference on battery life. Checkout the pictures.

The Hayabusa is now starting properly and once again the fantastic motorcycle I’ve come to know.