One of the biggest debates amongst sportbikers in the last few years has been the subject of whether or not fat tires were acceptable. Some argue that the big butt movement is the ultimate in style, while performance purists gasp at the notion of adding weight while decreasing cornering capabilities all in the name of cool. When Craig Kenney set out to have a Hayabusa built, he wanted all the looks of a chromed out custom, but refused to give up any handling or performance. He wanted the best of both worlds.
With a clear set of instructions and backed up by a fat deposit, the challenge of making a bike for the masses was placed on the shoulders of Tek 9 Cycles in Costa Mesa, California. The goal was to have the look and feel of a show winning custom while preserving the handling capabilities lying underneath all the glitz and glam. To accomplish such a feat, Tek 9 ran with a single-sided swingarm with a stock wheelbase and tire instead of adding more junk in the trunk.
The rest of the Hayabusa remains a pure cosmetic custom. Paintwork resembles the scales of a dragon (aren't dragons green? Ed.) and everything has been run repeatedly through the chrome wash. The usual host of billet and bling covers, levers and tidbits also cover the bike from front to back.
This custom 'Busa was made to boogie. Just because it's got some flash and sass doesn't mean it can't still run with the quick and ugly.
2009 Suzuki Hayabusa
Front end: Performance Machine "Torque" wheel, Roaring Toyz brake lines
Rear end: Performance Machine "Torque" wheel, Gregg's Custom single-sided swingarm, Roaring Toyz brake line
Motor: Sidewinder exhaust, Bazzaz ignition control, K&N air filter, Barnett clutch
Paint: Gordon Paint from Tek 9 Cycles
Polish/chrome: Chrome by Sportchrome (sportchrome.com), Powdercoating by Deluxe Powder Coating
Accessories: Roaring Toyz kickstand, chrome control switch covers, levers, gas tank cap, mirror block offs
Owner: Craig Kenney
Builder: Phu Felix Nguyen, Tek 9 Cycles (tek9cycles.com)