Ex - Hayabusa owners

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by Sako, Jul 27, 2008.

  1. Sako

    Sako New Member

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    This is my first thread - so hello to all.

    I was a previous '98 VFR owner before I danced around to a few other models....SV1000S, Hayabusa and now a cruiser (M109R) - which I wasn't ready for. I miss the sport bike ride. Anyhow, I'm starting my search to get back into the sport bike riding but am scratching my head on which to get. I really loved the Busa, but found there to be a little soreness in the wrists on any lengthy rides. My only concern about the VFR is I will be disappointed with it's lack of gogo. I know it doesn't compare on the stat sheet with the Busa, but I can't recall it's performance from 8 yrs ago when I had the '98 model. I do recall it has a little better ergonomics and is a little more nimble.

    Can you all talk me into the VFR over the Hayabusa?

    At least some things to think about. Thanks.
     
  2. derstuka

    derstuka Lord of the Wankers Staff Member

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    Welcome. Like I just stated in another thread, you need to know a lot about a person, and what is most important to them in a bike. You should test ride a new viffer and see how you like it. You already owned a VFR, so you already know what they are like, and they are not powerhouses compared to a hayabusa. You should be able to form your opinion since you owned one.

    If horsepower is the most important thing to you, then I would look elsewhere. Since you are looking at a 'busa, I don't think that you would be happy with a VFR. Two totally different bikes there. If having a great all around bike is most important, then give a viffer a try.
     
  3. Bubba Zanetti

    Bubba Zanetti Member

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    A good friend of mine has a 07 Busa.

    We switch rides fairly often and my impression is the Busa is a little more "sporty" in the seat.

    Jeff agrees the 97 is more comfortable than the Busa too. We are both 6'1" and similar in build so the comparisons are pretty eye to eye.

    So the VFR wins for comfort.

    BZ
     
  4. drewl

    drewl Insider

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    The VFR is no whimp. She may not whoop every other bike's butt, but she can stick with the pack. The VFR is a heavy bike(avg 550lbs) and runs mid 90s hp average. With some money and modifications it can produce over 100hp. The ergos are made for all day, but still sporty enough for the twisties. Many of us ride to work during the week and then carve the canyons on weekends--on the same bike.
     
  5. Chris71Mach1

    Chris71Mach1 Insider

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    the vfr vs. hayabusa argument is a tough one, because youre literally comparing apples to oranges. theyre 2 completely different bikes, made for different purposes, and even in different classes.

    the hayabusa is a mean bike in and of itself. it makes ridiculous amounts of power, and can seemingly propel you into the next dimension. its a big bike, built on a big frame, with a big motor, making big power. but like anything else, the busa isnt perfect. it still rides like a sportbilke, and isnt really made for the long haul rides like you sound like you want it to make. along with the over-the-tank, more aggressive seating position, comes the inline 4 engine. now dont get me wrong, the I4 is an awesome design that makes great power, but all that power is at the top of the tachometer. you have to really wind out the I4's to see their power potential, which i guess really depends on taste whether or not you like that.

    the VFR is a more moderate, purpose built machine. the seating position is quite a bit more forgiving than a hayabusa, as the vfr isnt a sportbike, its a sport tourer. this makes it a lot more ideal for daily commuting, long rides, and even just blasting around town. sure, the motor is 500cc's less than what youre used to, but the vfr can make up for its lack in power with its unique characteristics. Mine is an older (87) vfr, and is still a great example of the behavior of a V4, in that instead of having to wind the hell out of the motor, you find the bulk of your power mid-range. not only does this make the bike a much better in-town commuter bike (who wants to wrap their motor out to 10k on surface streets anyways), its just a lot more fun in and around town. the vfr was honestly made for just what youre saying you want your next bike to do, so unless youre a straight up power-fiend (which mind you, cant at all be held against you), i think a 5th or 6th gen vfr will really impress you with its overall streetability (get some saddlebags and maybe a trunk and youll be even happier with it).
     
  6. Jessiah1

    Jessiah1 New Member

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    I just came off a 06 ZX10 to a 2008 VFR. What it comes down to for us speed junkies is this: I miss my slipper clutch, I miss being so dam fast its nots funny, I miss some of the Smoother qualitys of the Tranny and engine(VTEC is fun tho, that doesnt bother me). What I dont miss: 1st gear 104 MPH, hard to run through the gears at redline without blazing past 140 in the blink of an eye. I like more gears besides 2nd in the turns. Bad pavement = no fun, VFR eats bad pavement for lunch and spits it out. I couldnt ride for 45 min. without needing a 15 min. break. In conclusion: the VFR handles dam fine for a 550 pound bike, better than the busa maybe. A good rider on a busa is gonna be right there, but he is gonna muscle that thing every switch back and the VFR is gonna turn itself,lol. Hope this helps.
     
  7. Sako

    Sako New Member

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    Good points by all. Thanks for all your input. Need to hear it from others besides myself. I keep talking myself into whatever I'm looking at.
     
  8. dualcert

    dualcert New Member

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    Can you cruise through town at 45mph in SIXTH on that 'busa, and then pass a slower vehicle WITHOUT dropping 2 gears? I do on my 5th gen without a qualm as to the time out in the chicken lane. Sure the "sportier" bikes have more speed available, but you know that most riding is done in the mid-range and that's where the V4 shines.
     
  9. porcupine73

    porcupine73 New Member

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    Hi Sako and [​IMG] hehe I say get both bikes [​IMG]

    This is kind of off the topic, but in a few words how does the Hayabusa compare to the CBR1000RR?
     
  10. Sako

    Sako New Member

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    Haven't been on a CBR1000rr - sorry
     
  11. blackbird

    blackbird New Member

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    Vfr=All you need.

    929, 954, 2000 vfr, 02 blackbird,07 wfz1 and I just of downing 90k on a 99 blackbird wich is more confortable than a busa and closer to the vfr, but what I like about the viffer is it's long range compared to a moded blackbird or busa. If have toped 170 on your busa, the vfr will get you to 155, but you can go any where you want with it. I ride 5 mile on gravel road here in Texas to work, commute 180 miles a day just for fun and the money. I been riding an 07 red wine 12k on the odmeter.
    Make the move.
     
  12. John451

    John451 Member

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    Have followed a lighter guy on a 'Busa for accumulative 1000s of miles on VFR runs, was entertaining watching him climb all over the 'Busa like a hyperactive Monkey just to keep with VFR's through tight twisties, hard work but he could of course shoot away at a whim as the road straightend. He ended up trading to a GSXR1000K5 which made the twisties much easier for him and he thought more comfortable.

    If you think you'll miss the 'Busa's power look to the ZX-14R for a similar to VFR riding postion, if mega Power is not an issue the VFR will be an excellent choice.
     
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