[GS1100GK]

Re: WOW

That is true. My buddy's rear tire is shot after 1500 miles and that is without smoky burnouts.

 

[TimXX]

The ZX-14 sounds like a great sport tourer. Where are the hard bags and antilock braking?

I hear they will be available in Europe, why not North America?

BTW: what are insurance rates on this bike?

 

[GS1100GK]

For me it was double what I pay for my 04 ZZR1200.

 

[23020]

1999 model is the fastest

I think people say the 99 is the fastest because in 00-on Suzuki stuck a speed limiter (albeit easily bypassed) on the busa in response to some poor schmucks splatting themselves into oblivion @ 180+, but I could be wrong.

Nice article, thanks. I doubt I could ever get one of these babies because I think I would lose my license the first day riding it (or splat myself into oblivion).

 

[rapier]

I wonder how much of the subjectively better Hybusa handling is due to it's more dedicated riding position? The more the racer croutch with the attendent weight and 'push' on the bars I've found there is a sense of more control.

 

[brandenw]

I am the sun, and you are the rain.. At least, there's a Tarzan and Jane song like that..

 

[brandenw]

I am the sun, and you are the rain.. At least, there's a Tarzan and Jane song like that..

 

[brandenw]

A 'Busa owner says the ZX-14 looks weird.. Heh.

 

[brandenw]

Problem with Kawi waiting so long to make this bike is that within a year or three rather than seven Suzuki will be able to come out with something that's 'more'. Especially if the Busa is still this close to the 14, then I don't see that the step would have to be too big to be even if not better.

 

[rmdower]

Bottom Dwelling

I am sure bottom dwelling in news thread. That was an insightful and well balanced article. It's amazing how well the 'Busa has held up. I love mine. I think it is my favorite bike. I am 5'6" tall. and I love the low seat height of the 'Busa. I love it's very usuable mid-range power, and comfort. It handles so smooth, and predictably. The bike has such smooth instantaneous torque at highway speeds. I feel like a shepherd herding a"video game like" endless flock of cars. Yeah, it goes there.

 

[The_AirHawk]

Re: WOW

Put a Car Tire on it...............

;^D

 

[kiwigrant]

Great article. I was interested in your thoughts on comfort after riding my mates Busa, I found it cramped and got a sore neck. I own an OLD ZZR 1100 handles like crap but it's so comfy. If only I could improve it's ride height and handling......

 

[Lightyear]

Sorry to disagree. I owned a Hayabusa for 2 years and just put my first 600 miles on a new zx14. The 14 is more refined in every sense including handling. The busa was a bear to flick side to side. The zx14 feels downright light in comparison. The suspension is amazingly good in stock form (minor adjustments but no ohlins needed). If anyone has ridden a K1200RS or S from BMW you should know that the zx14 has that same extremely "planted" feeling at speed.

 

[Lightyear]

Stock zx14 is slightly more comfortable than a busa modified with Heli bars. However Heli Modified has just released a set of handlebar risers (5 minute install) that will eliminate any neck or hand fatigue and should make the zx14 a real long distance pleasure.

 

[Lightyear]

About the looks of the zx14....



Just rode the zx14 to the BMW 49er rally in Auburn, CA. I can tell you unequivocally that this bike was the hit of the rally. I must have talked to 60 BMW owners who thought the bike look sensational and were blown away by the price/value ratio.

 

[Lightyear]

One thing you didn't mention. Headlights!



I rode the zx14 home one night with the high beams on. (that's 6 lights in total) My God, this thing lights up the road like my MB CL600. Every single auto was flashing me. Kudos to Kawi for attention to night time riding.

 

[10706]

Excellent article! I own the Busa and do figure it’s been due for someone to up the ante. My ride on the ZX also indicated it was more aimed at the sport tour and less the canyons or tracks. Personally, I hope that when (if) Suzuki comes back with their response to the ZX14 they don’t give up the Busa’s character. The ZX had a ton of go, but the power didn’t have much character, the bike’s lines are much like a growing number of sport touring machines. I’ll admit the Busa’s notchy shifting could go away, the brake-tech could be updated, and there’s a reason for aftermarket instrument panel parts, but the grumbling edgy feel of engine gives character and feel to the machine, the unique shape while likely due an update is still very likely the wind tunnel winner, and defines a unique motorcycle. I do hope Suzuki responds and I hope the keep the character of the Hayabusa, it’d be nice if looked over at Triumph and noticed that character is a important as handling and power.



The humor here is that the ZX looks and feels like it will be more of a pain to BMW than Suzuki. Fast, smooth, and comfortable, put a cup-holder, bags, and antiskid brakes on the ZX and there’ll be a whole new kind of bike war! Hyper-Yuppie-Bike!

 

[50022]

So what happened to the BMW K1200S.

It definitly fits in. Same shape, design, use

and 167hp with 96 torque.

With the adjustable suspension and shaft

drive it would be well worth considering

for the test.

 

[cruiz-euro]

Its hard to find a Jap bike whose price/value ratio doesn´t blow away the BMW owners.



- cruiz-euro

 

[cruiz-euro]

What happened was a MSRP of 15,800. BMW does not fit with the others in because it offers more brand than performance for buck.



- cruiz-euro