Unit
2nd February 2008, 13:27
Thanks to Maunders Suzuki here in Whangarei I had the privilidge of taking the new 2008 Hyabusa out for an 85km spin in the lovely sunshine today. As I ride a 2007 Kawazaki ZX14 I though some of you good folks might be interested in this humble pootlers ride report, here's what I thought.
Firsly, Suzuki got the colour right, the new trademark burnt orange (not sure of the exact official colour) is stunning on both the Busa and the GSXR. In respect of the looks Im sure Im not the only biker who thinks Suzuki released two ugly bikes this year, the BKing and the '08 Busa specifically its tail section. Some people love the ugly and see the beauty in it.
I havent read the techical details for an accurate and factual comparison, but this is what the Busa felt like.
The steering lock doesnt feel as though it has as much distance lock to lock when hand manouvering the bike and it feels a lot heavier to walk around. In fact I think there is only about 10kg difference, but I have to be fair as my bike would have lost 10kg when we changed the standard pipes. The weight on the ZX14 is so beautifully positioned in my opinion makes it one of the best balanced big bikes on the market.
The seating feels slightly lower and I was able to comfortably sit flat foot on the ground. The handlebars feel ever so slightly lower and, again an ever so slightly longer reach. The leg positioning definately feels more cramped up as you saddle up onto the bike, however once up and going evening at very low speeds around town the seating position is extremely comfortable. The bike feels a lot shorter as your view is over the front screen, the ZX14 definately feels like there is much more bike underneath you and in front of you.
Its exceleration power is very smooth and lineal, this feels like a very polite bike and the 14 definately feels a lot more flighty. Once again to be fair, the 14 is now nicely run in with 14,500kms on the clock and has a few after market power goodies. The Busa had 695ks on it this morning when I rode out of the shop.
Out on the open road and it powers away just the same, engine breaking is strong and smooth and can be confidently relied on with the standard gearing. Suspension gives a good solid feel to the bike and I would suggest this is one area the 14 is let down in. Fast highway cornering is effortless with the bike sitting stable and tracking well. Getting into the tigher stuff and starting to work the rev's you suddenly feel like you are on a sports bike more than you do on the 14. The 14 will push out in the front a lot more and feels like it needs a bit more man handling, however I felt the weight of the Busa more in the tighter stuff and had to force its weight to drop into the corner where the weight on the 14 still feels better balanced and drops in more easily. Once again though, Im running pilot powers and the difference could be in the profile of the tyres, but I suspect its weight is still easier to drop into the tight stuff. Found a quiet country road to test the straight line in. The Busa feels like it is going much faster at a lower speed than the 14 and definately feel more exposed and get wind battered more on the Busa. The motor is of course still tight and being run in, it would be nice to do a straight line blast once this bike is freed up a bit for a much more accurate comparision.
Overall, a very comfortable polite bike to ride with loads of torque. Definately suitable to both touring and sports bike riding. I would expect it pleasant to sit on it all day and do a long haul, and similiarly push it around the Coro through a fun 400km day, and still feel pretty relaxed at the end of it.
Oh, and the breaks, I dont use breaks much at all, but I made a point of hauling these on a couple of times. Doesnt stand up too abruptly under (simulated) panic breaking late into a corner giving you plently of time to correct yourself, (dont worry Mike I was well within my comfort zone, and you had my 14s keys).
Would I trade my 14 for one? Definately not on looks, I enjoy the lively-ness of the 14 and its presence of size underneath the rider. The Busa just didnt buzz me for some reason.
Would I encourage people to buy the Busa? Hell yes, its a fantastic package, a solid ride, and a great all round sports tourer, and it got plenty of long steers from admiring fans.
Firsly, Suzuki got the colour right, the new trademark burnt orange (not sure of the exact official colour) is stunning on both the Busa and the GSXR. In respect of the looks Im sure Im not the only biker who thinks Suzuki released two ugly bikes this year, the BKing and the '08 Busa specifically its tail section. Some people love the ugly and see the beauty in it.
I havent read the techical details for an accurate and factual comparison, but this is what the Busa felt like.
The steering lock doesnt feel as though it has as much distance lock to lock when hand manouvering the bike and it feels a lot heavier to walk around. In fact I think there is only about 10kg difference, but I have to be fair as my bike would have lost 10kg when we changed the standard pipes. The weight on the ZX14 is so beautifully positioned in my opinion makes it one of the best balanced big bikes on the market.
The seating feels slightly lower and I was able to comfortably sit flat foot on the ground. The handlebars feel ever so slightly lower and, again an ever so slightly longer reach. The leg positioning definately feels more cramped up as you saddle up onto the bike, however once up and going evening at very low speeds around town the seating position is extremely comfortable. The bike feels a lot shorter as your view is over the front screen, the ZX14 definately feels like there is much more bike underneath you and in front of you.
Its exceleration power is very smooth and lineal, this feels like a very polite bike and the 14 definately feels a lot more flighty. Once again to be fair, the 14 is now nicely run in with 14,500kms on the clock and has a few after market power goodies. The Busa had 695ks on it this morning when I rode out of the shop.
Out on the open road and it powers away just the same, engine breaking is strong and smooth and can be confidently relied on with the standard gearing. Suspension gives a good solid feel to the bike and I would suggest this is one area the 14 is let down in. Fast highway cornering is effortless with the bike sitting stable and tracking well. Getting into the tigher stuff and starting to work the rev's you suddenly feel like you are on a sports bike more than you do on the 14. The 14 will push out in the front a lot more and feels like it needs a bit more man handling, however I felt the weight of the Busa more in the tighter stuff and had to force its weight to drop into the corner where the weight on the 14 still feels better balanced and drops in more easily. Once again though, Im running pilot powers and the difference could be in the profile of the tyres, but I suspect its weight is still easier to drop into the tight stuff. Found a quiet country road to test the straight line in. The Busa feels like it is going much faster at a lower speed than the 14 and definately feel more exposed and get wind battered more on the Busa. The motor is of course still tight and being run in, it would be nice to do a straight line blast once this bike is freed up a bit for a much more accurate comparision.
Overall, a very comfortable polite bike to ride with loads of torque. Definately suitable to both touring and sports bike riding. I would expect it pleasant to sit on it all day and do a long haul, and similiarly push it around the Coro through a fun 400km day, and still feel pretty relaxed at the end of it.
Oh, and the breaks, I dont use breaks much at all, but I made a point of hauling these on a couple of times. Doesnt stand up too abruptly under (simulated) panic breaking late into a corner giving you plently of time to correct yourself, (dont worry Mike I was well within my comfort zone, and you had my 14s keys).
Would I trade my 14 for one? Definately not on looks, I enjoy the lively-ness of the 14 and its presence of size underneath the rider. The Busa just didnt buzz me for some reason.
Would I encourage people to buy the Busa? Hell yes, its a fantastic package, a solid ride, and a great all round sports tourer, and it got plenty of long steers from admiring fans.