Is the Suzuki Hayabusa suitable as a first bike?

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Last Updated : 02 July 2012

This is write up was for the 1st generation Hayabusa - I have I've written up a new one for the 2nd generation Hayabusa - for obvious reasons. Read the 2nd generation recommendation here.

I have been asked many times on whether the Hayabusa is suitable as a first bike.  So I have done this page stating my opinion on this question.  I hope it makes some sense. 

The answer is NO. 

Why ? - The reasoning is from my own experiences rather than just what others have told me in the past. I recommend trying out the mid-class sporties such as the 600s.  These are very fast bikes and handle brilliantly.  Most importantly they 'easier' to control or teach you better bike control.  If you've ever been distracted whilst on a busy round about you'll know what I mean.  Thus my reasoning is all about experience and control.

There are 4 main elements YOU the HAYABUSA the ROAD CONDITIONS and TRAFFIC.

Visit this page for some more things you should consider

As a first bike just being able to balance and pass the test is not enough.  Driving a car is not the same as riding a bike.   Even driving the family car there are heaps of people who get into serious accidents without even trying.  Those who have tried to teach their children to drive can surely remember.  Out on the road there are dangers and factors beyond your control.  On a bike these factors are magnified.  Flying a helicopter is way different from a fixed wing for example or playing the piano is way different from a violin.

On a bike your whole body is required to control it properly.  If you are not experienced enough you won't be able to do it properly and it won't be as enjoyable or safe. It takes time and often years before you understand how any bike handles and how you much you can handle.  There are also heaps of differences between bikes even of the same model due to suspension weight age and setup.  Unlike a car in a tricky situation using the brakes may be just as dangerous as accelerating.  Think 'emergency cornering'.

Some factors to consider about bikes in general :

Emergency braking on a bike is a heap different than in a car.
Cornering at a decent pace is a heap different than in a car.
The unwritten rules of the roads you regularly drive a car on are significantly different when on a bike.
It usually hurts a lot more if you crash on a bike.

Whilst learning you will still be unfamiliar with the issues that surround the balancing of the bike.
If you a young rider and never ridden before your inexperience WILL show regardless of the type of bike.
Mainly in the why you read the traffic.
The whole prospective in traffic is significantly different.
Also, mainly for the guys : control your hormones ! (You know what I'm talking about.)

The Hayabusa is fun - nothing like having the reputed fastest bike in the world between your legs.  Unfortunately it can be too much fun - why ?
The bike feels slower than it really is.  Speed on the Hayabusa occurs very quickly.
One minute your doing the speed limit the next few seconds your way over it.
To get the adrenalin going requires far greater speeds than the norm. 
You will be tempted and more often than not you will succumb to that temptation. 
It can get you into trouble very quickly.
It is harder to control in most situations.

However :
On a 600cc you can tell you are going fast.
On a 600cc you can control it easier.
On a 600cc you can learn quicker - how to corner fast and safely.

It's not all doom an gloom though.  As I always say if you really must have a Hayabusa, go for it : no-one except yourself can stop you.  After your first ride you'll understand why its not a Newbie machine.  If you do decide to get one - make sure go to all the training courses available.  The Hayabusa is only part of the equation.  Do track day sessions, try different types of bikes learn as much as you can about how far YOU can go and how to handle as many different situations as you can. To coin a phrase from Spider-man : 'With great power comes great responsibility' or something like that anyway.

Read up more about what you should look for in a motorcycle follow this link :
How to choose a motorcycle

OR
The low capacity motorcycle range - not just for learners!

 

 

 




 




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