Hello from Loudoun County VA
- Thread starter Monkydad
- Start date
So I’m nearly 60, am I allowed to own this thing?
Prior to purchase I registered here and read a lot of threads.
Super useful forum with friendly ppl.
i already have!
Prior to purchase I registered here and read a lot of threads.
Super useful forum with friendly ppl.
My 2006 BMW K1200 GT was running rough. I brought it into my local BMW dealer, and they got it purring like a kitten. I really like this motorcycle because it’s fast and while it is a “touring bike“ it doesn’t have a radio, speakers, any unnecessary things.
Older motorcycles tend to take more maintenance, parts are becoming difficult to come by, for instance not only did I rebuild the ESA shocks I also spent good money sourcing NOS ESA shocks. In my experience of owning older motorcycles, one tends to accumulate spare parts as they are found not necessarily as they are needed consuming shelf space I have boxes of parts for several vintage bikes just make sure I can keep them going.
The K1200 GT will never be a classic bike.
A test wrote the K1600GT while it is a magnificent motorcycle I did not like it as much as my K1200GT. 1600 is simply too large. It is very heavy and I just can’t stand the thought of staring at a pair of speakers that I will never use knowing that it is absolutely dead weight.
So then I test Road the S 1000 XR. Amazing Motorcycle. Not my cup of tea.
So then I thought about an R 1250RT or possibly the new R1300RT, but again with the speakers and radio. Plus I’m not looking for a boxer. I want four-cylinder high-performance cruise missile that is smooth, comfortable, and fast.
Long distance riding is something I really enjoy. I even did a Iron butt certified Ride Around Virginia writing the perimeter of the state in under 24 hours and have plans for other Iron but certified rides.
The Hayabusa is a known Iron but rally finisher and plenty of people tour on Hayabusas.
So I joined the forum and began seeing what people were doing besides stretching the swing arms and adding turbos
I test rode a couple of GEN 3’s and came away absolutely impressed with the refinement and quality with fit and finish far above what Suzuki normally features. It seems a little bananas to me that Suzuki produces this jewel of a motorcycle. I say this with all respect to Suzuki having owned many over the years including my favorite Suzuki a bandit 1200S with the old GSXR air/oil cooled motor. I absolutely love that machine.
It broke my heart to think to trade my BMW GT, but I asked the dealer what they would give me for in trade on a used 2022 Hayabusa they had acquired because I need another motorcycle to add to my fleet like a hole in the head. I already filled my garage and have a storage facility a few miles down the road that is getting full at a worrisome rate.
The offer was so pitiful I’m keeping my K 1200GT. I really could not make up my mind so the answer is both
The K1200GT is an amazing machine and its own right. I can’t believe this thing existed in 2006 and I remember thinking back then one day I would own one and. Here it is in 2026 (nearly) and it is still a hell of a performer with no real replacement. The FJR1300 is a pig, top-heavy, not as fast as it should be and is a true “dad Bike“. I’m not looking for a “dad bike” I’m looking for a C63 AMG version of a motorcycle, an M3 on wheels. Refinement and performance with a nasty side when I feel like unleashing the nasty.
The Kawasaki ZX 14R was a contender, but the Hayabusa gets better fuel mileage and has a bit more fuel capacity which combined gives the Hayabusaa longer range, plus the Hayabusa has cruise control.
So here I am. the most unsuspecting contrarian Suzuki Hayabusa owner that ever was. The photo is me filling up after a long ride last week when the weather warmed up to 39F
Loudan county...I'm about 2 1/2 hrs sw in Pittslyvannia county, and do alot of riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Usaully between Vinton to the north end, where it runs into Skyline drive.
I've never done an IronButt, even though a freind and I have discussed it a few times.
After about 350-400 miles, my body has had enough of the Gsxr, but I usually get my second wind then and start to feel better...but I think that's because I'm within a few miles of home at that point, lol.
I added an '07 Goldwing a year and a half ago, and after adding full aftermarket suspension, it has become my couch for twisty roads, lol, with the Gsxr doing shorter runs.
welcome to the org
Usaully between Vinton to the north end, where it runs into Skyline drive.
I've never done an IronButt, even though a freind and I have discussed it a few times.
After about 350-400 miles, my body has had enough of the Gsxr, but I usually get my second wind then and start to feel better...but I think that's because I'm within a few miles of home at that point, lol.
I added an '07 Goldwing a year and a half ago, and after adding full aftermarket suspension, it has become my couch for twisty roads, lol, with the Gsxr doing shorter runs.
welcome to the org
Congrats and welcome! Your going to love the gen 3. I would have kept the K1200GT also, great bike. About to be 60 myself, still riding my 05Gen 1 with 107000 miles on it now. Planning to take it to Colorado and also do the Pacific Coast highway when I retire.
That description makes a good wife too! LoL
PCH/Hwy 1 is awesome.
We lived in south bay SFO in the foothills and rode 1 south all the time. Epic is not adequate. Not a lot of fuzz out there trying to generate revenue either. Never had trouble with the po po on the 1.
Recommend if riding south to north, to start at Santa Barbara, avoid LA if possible. Just lights and traffic.
South from LA to San Diego on 1 is okay, but not nearly as great as the privacy of hwy 1 north of Santa Barbara.
Here is the new to me 2022 Hayabusa. 301 original miles (probably all on the drag strip LoL).
Pick it up this Saturday.
It has garage rash on the right side lower cowling and exhaust, no scraping, just dimples from a tip-over.
I already ordered OEM side cowl and chrome trip piece.
At 10,495 plus tax/title even with buying a cowling and trim piece I’m pretty stoked!!!
Pick it up this Saturday.
It has garage rash on the right side lower cowling and exhaust, no scraping, just dimples from a tip-over.
I already ordered OEM side cowl and chrome trip piece.
At 10,495 plus tax/title even with buying a cowling and trim piece I’m pretty stoked!!!
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