There's only been a small handful of bikes that utterly stopped the industry in its tracks, and Suzuki's Hayabusa is one such machine that found just the right mix of ingredients to make what many would consider the perfect bike.
Introduced in late 1998 to a somewhat confused audience, the funky-looking Hayabusa immediately drew more criticism than accolade. Quite frankly, nobody was sure what to make of it. Was it an oddly styled sport tourer or the next evolutionary step for sportbikes?
It didn't take long to figure it out - the 'Busa was praised as possibly the meanest yet most user-friendly bike ever built. It did everything exceptionally well, but most of all, it was ridiculously effing fast.
The 'Busa soon caught on in the U.S. and won the hearts of many riders across the board. From Harley owners to sport tourers to trackday enthusiasts, drag racers and tuners, the Hayabusa transcended all areas of the industry and happily ruled the roost for nearly a decade.
It didn't receive any notable updates over its lifespan until 2008's total makeover, but then it didn't really need it. During those years, no serious threats from other manufacturers existed. With rear-wheel horsepower in the 160-plus neighborhood and a competent chassis to support it, the Hayabusa did just fine updating its graphics and rising to legendary status.
Along with mild styling updates, 2008 brought the 'Busa an entirely new motor (with almost 15 more horsepower on tap) and a front end that included radially mounted brakes. The new version does just about everything better than the previous model, yet many parts and components are interchangeable.
The most common mod is a full exhaust system that saves weight and adds even more power while letting the big motor bellow its beefy tone. Aside from that, the sky is the limit because there are more aftermarket parts available for the 'Busa than for any other sportbike on the market. From billet grips to turbochargers-it's all fair game and readily accessible.
Is the 'Busa the perfect bike? Many of our readers seem to think so. And judging from the wide scope of owners' applications, it seems as happy touring the country as it does running in top-speed shootouts. If you're looking for a great all-rounder that has a serious reputation and respect, the 'Busa might be the one.
Scott White, Sr.
Year: 2003
Age: 30
Miles: 22,500
Mods: Custom paint, chrome headlight cover, Canadian Mike 9-inch over swingarm, Hyperbike rear shock/spring,Cycle Protect GPS alarm, Cyclops LED undertail, BMC air filter, airbox mod, sprockets, Frankenstein replacement bolts, Zero Gravity windscreen, Clear Alternatives turn signals, Myrtle West chain, Power Commander III, Ivan's TRE, TiForce exhaust, SpeedoHealer, Goodridge brake lines, Vesrah pads, EBC rotors, Tobin custom seats, Vortex triple clamp, lowered, Soupy's adjustable lowering links, Roaring Toyz grips, Pazzo levers, HID light, Pirelli Diablo Corsa tires
Best Upgrade: Paint, seats
Favorite Aspect Of Bike: "I am very happy with the ride and the way it looks. "I bought it in 2005 while dating my wife. In 2006 we went out for breakfast wearing only jackets and gloves-no lids. Well, I got into racing along a city street with an AMG E55 and at the third red light we approached, my wife leaned over and told me to 'smoke this fool' at the light.
"I had just added the BMC filter, done the airbox mod and changed my map the day before. I had no idea what kind of HP jump I was in for in the midrange with a passenger on back.