Busa?

[Morety]

My recent forced retirement (health reasons) means more time for riding hopefully. Absolutely love my Duke 950s SS, so that's a keeper but fancy adding one of my bucket list bikes, in this case a nice Gen 2 Busa to the garage. Have fond memories of all of my big sports tourers but this appeals as it's pretty low to the ground so less likely with a knackered back to drop the thing. Anyone on here owned one and can give me some hints and tips as to which 2nd Gen year is the better buy? I would preferably be looking for a 2013 onwards bike as they did have sorted brakes by then plus suspension and swing arm improvements but unsure of specifics to look at, such as any serious gremlins to watch for.

They say never meet your heroes, but eyes wide open that it will reflect it's age from refinement and comfort pov, plus there's smaller bikes with way less power that would probably run rings round one in real world riding, but the effortlessness and flexibility reported for that big lump appeals as I'd be using it for more relaxed riding. It's one of those bikes that many consider that every biker should own on at least once!

 

[Gavla04GS]

Do it do it…….happy to spend other peoples money and fill their fantasy garage, in your case reality…..

Better to regret the things you did do, from known experience than regretting a long list of things you didn’t do.

 

[Morety]

I'm pretty sure I will in the New Year. Looked at Blackbirds and used (mostly tatty or messed with) ZX12R's but the Busa has that something more special about it.

 

[Gavla04GS]

I'm pretty sure I will in the New Year. Looked at Blackbirds and used (mostly tatty or messed with) ZX12R's but the Busa has that something more special about it.

I test rode all you mention years ago and settled on an 02 ZX12 and it’s one I wish I had. I’d love an 08 Orange Busa….
Blackbird was ace but I didn’t want another Honda. I’d love a ZZR14 but it’s just idle Autotrader searches…..

 

[Morety]

I know that lots of people prefer the ZX12R, but the one's I've looked at hadn't stood the test of time well compared with the big Suzukis. Finish wasn't great. Back in the day I'm sure it'd have been a closer run thing though.

 

[squibb34]

I've owned one........ twice - they re-wrote the sports tourer rule book & we enjoyed some great times.

However, just bear in mind that the sheer performance & ease of delivery don't bode well for retaining one's licence in the modern surveillance era.

 

[Hann]

However, just bear in mind that the sheer performance & ease of delivery don't bode well for retaining one's licence in the modern surveillance era.

I agree, bikes like these only make sense if you use the available performance, and they do make you go a bit mad - it’s irresistible.

Every time I get home from a ride on my ZZR14 I have to ask myself ‘did I do anything on that ride that may lead me to expect a letter in the post in the next two weeks’……..

 

[richh]

Me too. A bucket list bike for me. And a nagging child in the back of my brain wants to try for the double ton one evening, on a quiet stretch of motorway.

Hmmmm 200mph......

 

[Morety]

I'm pretty strict and disciplined when it comes to riding (the temptation is always there though) and working my way from being a National Observer with the IAM to Group Tutor with RoSPA so it wouldn't look great if the licence went South! My present bike can be quite naughty as despite the modest paper specs, it can be a bit of a sanitised hooligan all too easily, and pass 3 digits before you realise you got there. Old and wise enough, I hope(!) to keep things reigned in. Seen some horrific accidents at the IoM by people riding bikes like they stole them, writing skill cheques that their abilities couldn't cash, and once you witness the aftermath of something like that, it stays with you. One guy in particular sticks in my mid. A rather "portly" chap on a GSX1400 naked retro bike pushing a bit too hard behind me (I was on an RSV Mille enjoying the mountain on one way traffic). He came off at Windy Corner after carrying too much speed in and lost his kneecap and a lot of blood....and his bike. Stayed with police until air ambulance arrived and chatting with them they were obviously upset at witnessing their umpteenth call out for things like this. Red mist kills.

No stranger to big powerful sports bikes and sport tourers though as I've owned quite a few over the years. This one is one I've always had an irrational desire to own, even if I never get to fully exploit it. It's more about effortless mile munching on something that isn't an adv bike. My old FJ1100 was ideal for that sort of use.

 

[Gee-]

Zx12R I hear you, Great bikes, I was lucky to own one and a Honda Blackbird XXW, although the bird just did not suit me for the reason the bars where a stretch, not as near comfortable as my Cbr1000FK was.
Image below of my last Zx12R Ninja, ram air scoop, equalled around 190 bhp....fast but very manageable at low speeds as well. I fitted straight high fat bars, plus Beull lowering pegs, custom made to fit.
Wished I had kept it. (7,000 miles) W reg.