Trends come and go, but true innovators never follow the fads. Instead, their unique styles are emulated so often they become the mainstream. Before long they have to abandon the very niche they created.
Streetfighters are nothing new, of course, but when's the last time you saw a 'Busa stripped and ripped like this? Probably never. Known more as a land speed rocket, the Hayabusa typically keeps its clothes while the 'fighter treatments goes to crashed liter bikes looking for a quick rebuild or old Bandits and GSX-R1100s getting a new lease on life.
That's what is so innovative about this bike. It's not a hashed together collection of components to simply make it road worthy, nor is it a show bike chromed to the dome destined to travel in a trailer. Nope, it's purpose built with care and consideration. But it didn't come from a breakout builder in the USA...
We tend to think that America represents the strongest custom sportbike scene in the world. Numerous tuning shops across the nation have built internationally acclaimed customs, yet the realm of the streetfighter has yet to be properly reckoned with. Sadly, the French and Germans have us whooped. In the US, the Hayabusa has been neglected in its stripped down form, yet the big Suzuki created an entire industry in its fully faired trim. Some might say it's taboo and others might shun a 'fightered version because of its ugly undercarriage, but we'd bet it's because most simply never considered the notion of pulling the bodywork off.
But Canne Moto Services (CMS) in France did just that. Shattering the norm, no matter what angle you catch this fighter from it's magnetic. At first glance you might confuse it with a B-King, but a second look at the tail reveals its 'Busa roots.
Hung from the custom CMS single-sided swingarm is an equally ominous nine-inch wide OTEC wheel for some "across-the-pond" flavor. And just above the billet masterpiece resides another crucial feature-the exhaust. Dual pipes poke-out where the taillights once resided for an afterburner appeal more akin to a fighter plane than a 'fighter bike.
Furthering the jet theme is a Yamaha FZ1 headlight, CMS engine covers with clear inserts and a cool fighter plane paint scheme. Ironically, the French shop responsible for laying the spray is called California Colors. Go figure.
Which only emphasizes the irony of this great bike: Why, if we are at the top of the custom game, are killer customs coming from Europe? It's time to recognize and step it up.
2002 Suzuki Hayabusa
Front End: CMS fork covers and fender, OTEC wheel, Metzler tire, Goodridge brake lines, Braking rotors
Rear End: OTEC wheel, Metzler tire, Goodridge brake lines, Braking rotor, CMS swingarm
Motor: CMS Titan custom exhaust
Bodywork/Paint: FZ1 headlight, bodywork and paint by California Colors
Accessories: OTEC triple clamps and engine covers with clear inserts, Gilles rearsets, Magura clutch and brake reservoirs, Rizoma bars, indicators and mirrors, Motogadget instrument cluster, CMS hugger fender, radiator hoses, seat and undertail
Builder: Cannes Moto Services, France