Hello everyone,
I wrote out a thread and realized it was wayyyyy to long. So here my "edited" version.
Is the busa really a good mix of both worlds, Supersport blood with touring added in? I'm more touring oriented so that and commuting will be it's main jobs. I know this is a personal preference sort of thing but seems like a lot of people are choosing the busa for this task.
I'd like to hear about ownership and why you chose this bike over "any bike here".
Next and most importantly, should I just wait? Suzuki is designing the 3rd Gen, seems silly to buy a bike and it's outdated in one year. Does anyone have any info on this, like what's coming, are changes huge or minimal?
Thanks for your time.
It
is the best mix of both worlds. I tour on my Hayabusa exclusively. I picked it for the task. Compared to other bikes I've owned, the "conversion cost" for touring was minimal. I added Heli-bars, a Corbin seat, and a ZGST shield from Pashnit. I've logged about 15000 mile so far in all of the 11 western states plus SD. Many will tell you that a Busa eats tires, but my experience has been about 12000 miles per set of Michelin PR2's. I can ride this bike all day in good comfort.
I chose this bike over all the others because it is the bike to have. It has nothing to prove. It's reputation is legendary. It's an icon. Mostly I picked it because I have always wanted one. I like to tour, and I feel like I didn't make any compromises compared to the other bikes I have toured on... including: Sportster, FXDL, R1150R, 900SS, and K1200Rs. It's not a Gold King, but I didn't want to be like everyone else.
You can wait for the elusive Gen 3 if you want, but I'd rather have a "last model year" than a "first model year". Mine is a 2007. I bought it used with low miles for $5500. I can't justify the cost of a new bike, and I'm happy. You have to make yourself happy.
Here is a tongue in cheek summary I wrote a while back (updated to be relevant in 2016):
Whatever you do, don't get a Hayabusa.
I bought a 2007 in March of 2012. I've only been able to put about 15000 miles on it so far, on trips to barely 11 of the 11 western states. The storage under the hump/seat is minimal. All I can fit in there is a multimeter, tire plug kit, electric compressor, jumper cables, electrical tape, fuses, factory took kit, craftsman ball-end allen set, vice grips, spare wire, screwdrivers, rags, a flashlight, extra gloves, and spare straps. In order to make it tolerable, I had to install heli-bars, a used Corbin seat, and a ZGST shield. This set me back almost $300. The fuel range is ridiculous. I can barely get to 200 miles before the low fuel light comes on, at which point I only have another 1.5 gallons. Mileage is pure suckage. If I travel at 90 mph, I barely get 46 mpg. If I'm on mountain roads where I average more like 60 mph, then I barely get into the mid-50's, with an all time high of 58 mpg. This is unacceptable for a bike that supposedly puts out 175 hp to the crank. Speaking of power, this thing is overrated. If I'm lazy, in 6th gear, going 60, it takes over 2 seconds to pass a car. I wish I had to down-shift more. They say it'll do 186, but I whacked it open once in the desert and barely got to 160 before I chickened out. It's not confidence inspiring at all. The worst thing is, in all my travels so far, I only met two other guys (in Buena Vista Colorado) on these torture machines. I could tell that their grins were totally painted on. I'd rather ride a bike that I see often, at every gas stop if possible... you know, like a Gold King! Speaking of torture, 600 miles is my daily record so far, but it wasn't bad, so I'm going to have to try harder to be more uncomfortable next year. One shouldn't be able to ride all day without discomfort. It's not right.
Whatever you do, don't get a Hayabusa.
Not the best though . The FJR only beat it in center stand / shaft drive so zero service while out touring . Gen 1 you can add a center stand to though , but not Gen II 
