A newbie experience-first road trip

yepster said:
Hello, I recently got a sweet deal on a blue/black 08 Busa from a dealer in Canton, OH. Bike was $9270 OTD. I live in Maryland so I will had to pay taxes and registration in my state.

So here is my story:

I caught the motorcycle bug sometime last year. I have a few friends ad co-workers who ride and I asked tons of questions to get some knowledge about riding. Well, this past February I took the MSF course and immediately bought a brand new 2007 ZX6R for $5600 from a dealer in Texas. I practiced for a few weeks on a parking lot near my home to get some slow maneuvers and emergency skills before I went to the main roads. I even purchased the Ride like a pro 5 video and practiced the skills taught by the Motorman. Well, that was a good bike but it was lacking in low end torque which seemed dangerous at times getting out of corners and intersection in traffic. I also hated it when cagers would tailgate me during my break in period. The bike could only do 45mph at 4000rpm. At 6'3 my legs were comfy but it had a hard seat and my wrists would be killing me after a short spin. So I started looking online for solutions and modifications to make it a more comfy bike and add more power. I didn't like the fact that it would cost me a few thousands just to customize it to my liking so I started looking at superbikes. I has been visiting this site. Foe a while now and getting alot of info on the hayabusa. I also seriously considered the zx14 but the Busa won me over with it's bold muscular look. So I posted the ZX6R on craigslist and in two days sold it for $6900 with 425miles on it(I wish I bought three...$$$$$). So I decided to wait a while because the Busa is a more expensive bike. Man! I missed riding. It would hurt see other riders out there in fine weather while I was locked in a cage. So I started to look for deals out there and on a search came Harding's Park Cycle in OH with two '08s left going for $8999. I called immediately, put down a deposit and made travel arrangements with greyhound. So this past Thursday I made it to Canton, salesman picked me up from the greyhound station and we made it to the shop where I finished up paperwork and prepared for the long ride back home.

I had carried my tailbag, gmax helmet with Scorpion hat trick jacket and deuce pants. I bought a rain suit at the dealer parts store incase I ran into rain. The bike was a beauty to behold. I was a nervous as I had read in numerous places that the Busa is not for new riders but I had faith and a good head to make sure I was going to be focused to ride safe. I visualized all the things I was taught at the MSF course plus all the weeks of practice I had done to make sure I would be ok. Once I mounted the bike I was surprised at how light it felt. I started it and put it in Cmode. Pulling away in first gear felt so easy and the bike was so smooth and planted to the road. I was amazed! Such comfort, power(even in Cmode), and confidence inspiring handling just blew me away. Well 8 hours later I made it home to Maryland. I took rest stops whenever I felt I needed to. I got caught in heavy rain two times along the way but my rain suit and gear kept me dry and comfy. The tires were broken in too by that time so I just slowed down and kept riding. I found out riding inthe rain is not that bad as long as one has the proper gear. My Fieldsheer tail bag rain cover blew off somewhere along the trip but it still kept the contents completely dry. All the bike papers and seat cowl was in there. I was exhausted when I got home but I still had a huge smile and thanked God for making it safe.

Yesterday I gave the bike a good wash butni still need to clean the rear wheel which has some nasty grease from all the wet riding. Noticed some rusting too on the lever tabs.

All I can say is wow! What a superb bike. All the practice I did definetely helped. I am happy with my purchase and look forward to years of safe riding. A great birthday gift to myself as today is my birthday.

Pics from the trip coming soon.
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Happy Birthday and :welcome: to the Family. :thumbsup:
 
beaquel said:
I got the OEM Suzuki centerstand installed on mine, but I understand the Gen II Busa doesn't have the lugs on the bottom of the bike to allow a centerstand to attach. Too bad for Gen II guys. I love mine.
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I just ordered a Yana Shiki rear stand from Pashnit. I hope I made a good choice for my 08. I also have rear swingarm spool/sliders and dark smoke puig screen being delivered.
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raydog said:
Don't forget a rear stand is a must for cleaning that rear wheel, chain maintainence and general stability for washing, etc. Use our great sponsors on this .org for that, great prices, great people.
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So I just got the yana shiki rear stand from Pashnit. Looking at it, it looks like it does not require a swingarm spool. So I'm worried that it may not be as safe as a spool rear stand for my GEN II. I don't even know where I am to attach this thing since it did not come with instructions. Did i waste my money?
 
Welcome to the addiction to the Hayabusa. If you have some experience in riding you can ride the busa. Sounds like you had a great trip out on the hayabusa on the first time riding. My first time riding the hayabusa, a buddy and I left columbus, ohio to cincinnati, ohio.....we out ran the police going to cincy and I out ran the police back to columbus. My buddy did not make it to good....he went to jail. Remember, once you get accustom to this bike, remember at high speeds you need to think 2x faster than a 600 at high speeds. After you get used to it, you will be ok. Welcome to the club and be safe.
 
yepster said:
I am out riding right now. Took the bike to the same parking lot and did some practice for about 15mins. Now Im taking a break at White Flint Mall in Rockville, MD after a good ride on 495. I got a lot of respect for the beast within. A lady rider tried to get me to race her on 495 but I just let her pass. No racing or crazy stunts here.
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Make sure you catch that first service :thumbsup:
 
Welcome. Can you use swing arm to put your rear stand under? Awesome bike BTW.
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Thats a great story, and welcome to the oRg! It always rains on the first day.
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This is so true.:laugh: I bought my bike on like Thursday or Friday. I met with about four other guys from the Org that same Saturday and we road from Sanford, NC to Wilmington, NC. (1:30-1:45 one way) It rained the whole way there.:banghead: We stopped to eat at a spot off the river right across from the battle ship. (Don't know the name but they have great food for a good price) Rock may know the name of the place???. It stopped raining and the sun came out while we were eating.:thumbsup: Then about 20 minutes into the ride back it started again and didn't stop until I was 10 minutes from home.:banghead: I put 400 WET miles on my bike that day and haven't stopped since. It's been love at first rain drop:rofl:.
 
yepster said:
I just ordered a Yana Shiki rear stand from Pashnit. I hope I made a good choice for my 08. I also have rear swingarm spool/sliders and dark smoke puig screen being delivered.
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Uh oh! The moods have begun! Congratulations and :welcome:
 
congrats dude here was my first real trip this was Bonneville speedway in utah I went over to wyoming before I turned back to go home to cali. congrats on the new bike :welcome:

0701081738.jpg
 
head east busa said:
congrats dude here was my first real trip this was Bonneville speedway in utah I went over to wyoming before I turned back to go home to cali. congrats on the new bike :welcome:
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Wow! That is a beautiful place you were at. Thanks for sharing:)
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