Suzuki Hayabusa Gsx1300r Review

Used Buyer Review

The Hayabusa is one of those bikes that genuinely deserves its legendary status, but buying one used requires some homework. These things have often lived hard lives — track days, standing mile events, the occasional idiot drag racing with ego bigger than their talent. Check the front forks religiously for oil weeping, inspect the frame around the headstock for stress cracks, and run the VIN before you hand over a penny. The 1299cc inline-four is bulletproof when maintained, but neglected examples with 30,000+ miles can develop clutch basket rattle and cam chain noise that'll cost you dearly. That said, a well-kept Busa is genuinely one of motorcycling's great bargains right now. The 2008-2012 generation hits a sweet spot — updated fuel injection, still relatively affordable, and parts are everywhere. The power delivery is surprisingly civilised for 170-plus horsepower, and the riding position is more comfortable than anything this fast has any right to be. Just budget for fresh tyres immediately — previous owners almost always neglect them.