2008 Suzuki Hayabusa — Longterm Test

From the August, 2008 issue of Super Streetbike

By Dave Sonsky

2008 Suzuki Hayabusa

Dave Sonsky: Editor
Miles Ridden: 3700
Modifications: KR Tuned full exhaust, Power Commander, quickshifter

Last month you saw the cool Micron pipes I hooked up for some immediate decibels and better looks. Well, beauty is in the ear of the beholder and mine didn't find the tone exceptionally pleasing. I think I'm actually the only person that didn't care much for the smooth and grumbling sound though, but for now it's my ride and I'll make it sound the way I want!

The slip-ons were a temporary solution anyways, and because I'll need all the power I can get when I run the 'Busa at Maxton, I have been fishing around for a full system. The first bite came from KR Tuned, and if ever there was a worthy candidate this seemed the likely option for performance.

2008 Suzuki Hayabusa Dynojet Powercommander

Oddly, the exhaust is the same for all Hayabusa models. This struck me a bit odd considering the new 'Busa is all new. How could a pipe from an earlier 'Busa possibly fit. Furthermore, how would it improve performance? I can answer one of those, but the other will have to wait until next month.

I desperately wanted the stainless exhaust to fit simply because it's so pleasant to look at. With a top-quality finish, it would definitely enhance the bike's looks-but only if it fit. Low and behold it went right on-the only glitch is that the midpipe mounting bracket doesn't match up. Apparently there's a newer version being built that addresses that issue, but otherwise it's exactly the same pipe.

While we were at it, a Power Commander and Dynojet quickshifter were installed.

The biggest obstacle in all of the new parts is that they haven't actually been tested and tuned yet. Time is always short around here, and unfortunately I haven't been able to make it to the dyno shop yet to get the numbers and program the quickshifter.

So it would seem the mighty Hayabusa is only a paper tiger at the moment. She's got plenty of bark, but who knows if there's any bite to speak of. I can say that it feels punchier, but then that might just be the sharper exhaust note playing tricks on my senses.

Next month I'll report back with the hard dyno numbers, as well as a few other goodies to get this bike really moving.

Coming next month: Some dyno numbers would be nice!