Own A Fjr And Hayabusa?

[Butch]

I picked up a 2005 FJR-ABS last March. It's a great bike and I'm having a ball with it. I've added several farkles. For some reason it arrived at the dealer without sidebags, and they just showed up recently. I also recently installed the Yamaha rear storage box too. Once all the storage was installed the bike looked a bit like a Goldwing! But riding it, I can't tell the difference the storage is back behind me. I have to admit, it's wider and heavier, but the storage sure comes in handy. Plus its nice not having to wear a backpack.

For some crazy reason (for now I'll blame it on me hanging out on the hayabusa.org website too much), the Hayabusa bug has biten me. While I really like my FJR, but a passing Busa catches my eye lately! I went ahead and ordered one. I pick up my blue & silver Busa next week. For now I plan to keep both; the FJR for long range touring and the Busa for shorter runs.

(Some say I should have opt'ed for a 1 liter sportbike instead of the Busa. I'm a big guy (6' 200) and I just don't feel comfortable on a R1 or GSX-1000R. While not as comfortable as the FJR, the Busa feels fairly comfortable to me.)

Wonder if any of you own both the FJR and Busa, and what thoughts you might have on the differences? And how much attention you pay to both?

 

[radman]

Your dad must carry your insurance for ya, in addition to having given you your inheritance early. How long before the extra foot of swingarm and N02 catches your eye?

 

[HIGHLANDER]

Finally a two bike owner... I always wondered ( dare I say it without getting the AHZ in a frenzy? ) about the heat on the Busa. Please give us a comparo on the subject. I never see much on the Busa board about heat, but have heard tons on the FJR board about " it's 1300cc, what ya expect... you should feel the heat on the ST1300... ad naseum.. .

Congrats on the new ride!! h34r:

 

[Butch]

Highlander - Thanks, the Busa bug bit me hard. After a few months I'll write a comparison between the two. I'm looking forward to owning a touring bike and a large displacement sport bike. I looked hard at the R1, the GSXR-1K, and a few others, but I just couldn't bring myself to buy a 1 liter sport bike. Too uncomfortable for me. Interesting thing is, I found a way to buy the Busa at a discounted price. If you get interested in a Suzuki or Kawaski, let me know and I'll steer you toward a bargin.

I've owned up to 5 bikes at once in the past (street, trail, and motorcross). I just recently got back into riding after several years of being away from it (been busy working).

I've read a lot about heat issues with the FJR. It doesn't seem to bother me. I feel a bit of heat on my left ankle, and a small amount coming from under the tank, but its not really a big deal (at least to me). There are fixes for the heat, but I haven't felt the need to make any modifications. Not sure about the Busa's heat situation yet, but I'm guessing it might be worse than the FJR.

Radman - Ah, spoken like some of the spoiled kids in my neighborhood! Sorry, no father to pay my insurance (he's long gone - God rest his soul), no inheritance, just many years of hard work my friend. No swing arm or NOS mods in my future either. The stock Busa should be plenty enough.

 

[GunMD]

The stock Busa should be plenty enough.

That's how it always begins...

 

[Butch]

GunMD - That's what I understand! What mods have you done to yours?

 

[StexFJR]

Butch, I too caught the BUSA bug, but haven't the coin to have 2 bikes yet. The Busa and GSXR-1000 are the same price here, decisions, decisions. Our dealer finally got in the new DR-Z 400M Supermoto bike. Now I've got that bug too. Oy vey.

 

[GunMD]

Butch, Despite my comment, I really haven't done much to mine FJR.

The list:

XM Radio (mounted w/ Hoon hardware mount)

Autocom Series 7

Power distribution block (located under the seat for easy fuse access)

Power outlet (hidden under the dash for use by the XM Roady)

Givi top case w/ flat black powder coated rack

ABM front rotors

Spiegler brake / clutch lines

Moko sliders

Top Gun T.O.G.s (yes, both the Mokos and the TOGs are on there)

Heat shields on the exhaust (got tired of melting the heels of my boots)

Back Off module w/ 6" LED light bar

Top Gun bar ends

Cox radiator guard (blue)

 

[FJRZON]

Congrats Butch on the new Busa! I too have a BIG crush on the old Busa. I am trying to show *some* self-restraint and wait for the ‘06 word coming regarding new models I believe in September for some of the manufacturers. I read somewhere that the concept Suzuki Boost King 1500cc is suppose to be a reality. If this is true, I wonder if the Busa is going to get an update for ’06 and share the 1500cc motor? I am also wondering if Honda is going to finally come up with the long updated V-5 VFR/XX? Well, a lot of interesting things *possible* on the horizon for high-speed land missiles for next year. I have a feeling the Feejer is going to be collecting a little dust with your new arrival…you are going to have a blast! Keep us posted on your new beast and PM the info regarding Suzuki discounted prices. In the near future, I may be in the market for a Busa or the new Gixxer 1000 which is a totally different animal as you know. …and for now…to get a few test rides in!

 

[3'sacrowd]

I had a Hayabusa at the same time I received my FJR. The 'busa is gone now, wrecked by a friend who was hit by a car while riding it. Here is a brief synopsis on the differences in the bikes.

The FJR is more comfortable, even though I had helibars and GSXR pegs on my 'busa. (1/2" more legroom)

The FJR luggage is great. You need to put luggage on the busa if that is what you need.

Passeger accomadations are better on the FJR.

The wind protection on the FJR is better when you are sitting up The wind protection when layinig down is better on the 'busa

The Hayabusa is so much faster and quicker there is no comparison. It has more torque, even way down . It is almost like having an automatic transmission.

The Hayabusa is smoother.

The Hayabusa's transmission is like shifting in butter. Much better than the FJR.

The Hayabusa gives off a little heat, but much less than the FJR.

The Hayabusa's suspension is much better and it handles better.

That's about it. Of course, all of this is just my opinion.

My current rides are 2002 Goldwing 1800 DFT trike. 2003 FJR, and 2004 Electra Glide.

 

[GalaxyBlue]

I friend of mine Had both the 03 FJR and 05 Busa. I hate to say this, But when the Busa came in, The FJR NEVER,EVER got ridden!! He sold it to someone on here(other site) a couple weeks ago . I never got a chance to ride with him while he was on the FJR .

The Busa is a Fun ride! But i would not trade the comfort for the power. I may however get a busa someday to compliment the FJR.

Adam

 

[Butch]

Thanks for all the input. According to the shipping company my '05 Busa is showing up today around 2. I took the day off to introduce the new addition to the family to my FJR. I'll post some pictures later this week, after I get it built.

GalaxyBlue - That's exactly what I'm wondering about too... whether the FJR will get much use after my Busa shows up. Then again, the FJR is a comfortable ride and is one hell of a nice bike. Truth is, I can definitely see times where the comfort and storage of the FJR will come in handy. But it sounds like the Busa is going to be a whole new ballgame. I guess the "fun-factor" will end up making the decision which set of keys I end up grabbing. Here's the funny part. At my age (52) I figured the FJR would fit me perfectly and be plenty, but after riding it for awhile I began to lust over something a bit more sporty (and a little less bulky), that's what led to the Busa. Hell, who knows, if I can over come the dis-comfort level, I may end up with a GXSR-1K or ZX-10R before it's all over with!

3'sacrowd - Interesting comparison! Sorry to hear about your friend crashing your Busa. That had to be painful (probably for you both)! I've let a few people test ride my FJR, but won't be doing that with the Busa. I'm sure the Busa can be a seriously dangerous machine in the wrong hands.

FJRZON - I don't know what to think about the 1500cc B'King. Did you notice there's very little aerodynamic fairing? The aerodynamic fairing is one of the reasons the Busa is so fast. Obviously Suzuki is tailoring the B-King for more of the "street fighter look." Hopefully the B-King an addition to their line-up and not Suzuki's idea to blend street cruisers with sport bikes, (and eliminate the Busa). I'd hate to see that! I decided not to take the chance, and buy an '05 Busa just in case!

GunMD - I've farkled my FJR a bit too; fendaextenda, Autocom Active 7, Yamaha rear luggage rack, Genmar risers, Mag-Knight, and TOG's. I'm looking at a set of Hyperlites for it now. I bought a set of frame sliders too. They fit low on the fairing, (which I wanted) but require a 1" hole be drilled in the fairing. I haven't been able to bring myself to drill those holes yet. Damn... that FJR is pretty, ain't it?! I was originally considering adding some power mods to my FJR (slip-ons, PCIII, etc), but with the Busa coming, there's not much need for that.

 

[Butch]

The motorcycle gods smiled on me today and I was finally able to take my '05 Busa out for a ride. Didn't have to work, registration, taxes, tag issues all complete... Insurance in place (thank you State Farm!), and the weather was good.

I fired the beast up, odometer reading "0" - and off I go with my wife following me on her Z750S. After riding my FJR for a few months I figured I was going to be ready for the Busa. That wasn't exactly the case. The Busa has a very, very smooth engine that seems to keep pulling "strong" until you say uncle! 80mph comes effortlessly, and it almost begs you to continue to twist your wrist. Handling is very good as well, although I wasn't pushing that side of things much because the tires were so new.

I don't have many miles on it yet, but here's some differences I've noticed betwen my FJR and the Busa:

1) Riding position not nearly as comfortable as the FJR, but after only a few miles I began to realize the Busa (and probably any sport bike) has to be ridden differently. Grabbing the tank with my knees and tucking in slightly, and supporting my upper body with my back took the weight off my wrists, and I actually felt pretty comfortable after I got used to it! I figure it'll take me awhile, but I think I could actually enjoy this position after awhile!

2) Acceleration is absolutely awesome. It comes on at low rpm, and never seems to let up. Throttle management is definitely a requirement on the Busa!

3) The Busa feels lighter than the FJR (especially with hard bags), and it is. Handling corners on the Busa never felt like a problem. I'd pick a line, and the Busa would follow it through, at any speed I dared try. Nothing happened weird in the handling department, although I always had the feeling that all I had to do is twist the throttle and I could loft the front wheel, or spin the rear.

4) I brakes on the Busa didn't feel as good as the FJR brakes, and I'm not exactly sure why. They work fine, but didn't give me a great feeling when I was hauling it back down. I'm not sure what's going on it this area, but it'll be interesting to see if the brakes get better over time.

5) Wow factor! The FJR is a great ride. I always enjoy riding it, but a ride on the Busa had me grinning from ear-to-ear. It was almost like the feeling I had when I road my first bike!

I'm looking forward to comparing the FJR and Busa over the next several months. So far, I think there will be a place for both bikes in my stable.

 

[GalaxyBlue]

I am jealous! I wish i could ride the Busa comfortably! I would have ne also! But the pegs are too high and i am not a big fan of the clip-on type bars. Maybe someday!

 

[FJRmogul]

@Butch

"Insurance in place (thank you State Farm!)"

So how much did the Busa set you back with insurance?

And I thought "I" was the only one who had this wild bug..

 

[FJRZON]

5) Wow factor! The FJR is a great ride. I always enjoy riding it, but a ride on the Busa had me grinning from ear-to-ear. It was almost like the feeling I had when I road my first bike!

Butch, you definitely made the right choice adding the Busa to the stables from your above statement. The “Wow Factor” is the most important thing to look for (IMHO) when looking for THE FUN bike. If you notice putting more time on the Busa (for longer hauls) you may have to add the Corbin Beetle bags…most attractive panniers for the Busa (IMHO). Looking forward to future reviews/FJR comparisons. Thanks. P.S. this thread is killing me to take a test ride on both the Busa and the new Gixxer 1000!

 

[Vulcan]

The thought of living with a chain gives me gas........

 

[Butch]

FJRmogul - State Farm ran me $576 annually for my Busa. I received several very high quotes. For example; Progressive quoted me $2,472! I'm crazy about the Busa, but there was no way in hell I was going to pay those high rates! Evidently there's a lot of people that crash their Busa's (or have them stolen), nearly right away.

My dealer was telling me she has had parents walk in and buy their teenaged son a Busa, "as their first bike!" And also said some crash them coming right out of the dealership parking lot! I can easily see this happening with a lesser experienced rider. The Busa can easily bite ya if you don't pay it a lot of respect. Speed comes on effortlessly and before you know it, and without even trying hard, you're in the triple range.

FJRZON - No way I'm adding bags to my Busa! That's one of the reasons I bought it. With the side cases and top case my FJR it started looking a bit like a Goldwing. I to own something that was clean and slick. I'll just wear a small back pack when I ride my Busa. But at the same time, I don't plan to ride the Busa on long runs either. For longer runs I'll definitely select my FJR.

Galaxy Blue - I have to admit the forward lean angle on the Busa feels a bit strange to me right now, but I found that after a short time I ended up gripping the tank with my knees and supporting myself with my back. When I did that the majority of weight came off my wrists. This is definitely the kind of bike you have to "grow in to", but at the same time, it's acceleration is so damn strong I feel like I "should" be leaning forward, just to be "ready" when I roll the throttle on. I am planning on adding helibar risers here soon, which should help.

 

[RTSR1/FJR]

I don't know, if your going to own 2 bikes, why not get something at different ends of the spectrum? The Busa's a great bike and a couple of friends have 'em. I've always had sportbikes and wanted something totally different. That's why I got the FJR. The Busa's not that far off in my book.