Amazing how many bikes have frame defects!

[Beamish]

As you are probably aware I am looking into other bikes (big tourers at the mo) I really am starting to like the ZZR1400 and Busa. Anyway, whilst doing some research on the big Kwaker I was getting more and more convinced this was the baby for me then I uncovered the frame issue. Now I know that the tinternet has a great way of blowing up all sorts of issues that are probably fook all but there was a recall on the 06/07 bikes as the rear crossmember/welds were cracking. initially I thought of all the stretched drag strippped bikes and assumed that it was a user generated issue (a la K5 Gixxer thou frame cracking issue) but it seems to be a big problem. The owner brings it to the dealer they check the torque loading of the frame bolts/look at the frame then replace as necessary! Thing is some of the bikes that passed the torque loading check still had cracked frames! Allegedly the 08 onwards are clear of faults but it has sort of made me think twice. Oh yeh the Goldwing has frame faults also but i didnt give a fook about that discovery! I still might buy one but now I have my eyes fully open I mean after all, it is a flaming rocket ship.....

Heres proof

[Wicky]

NASA has investigated the weighty problem since the 1960's to no avail.

[vtrbarmy]

If you are looking at big touring bikes, then would recommend having a look at the Suzuki GSX1400. Bags of torque, runs effortlessly all day, reliable, comfortable - what more could you want? Ok not in production anymore, but you can pick up a good one for a quite reasonable price, lotta bike for the money.

[tony.mon]

Every time I have an accident that's someone else's fault I find a cracked frame.
The insurance companies haven't noticed yet.....

[Beamish]

If you are looking at big touring bikes, then would recommend having a look at the Suzuki GSX1400. Bags of torque, runs effortlessly all day, reliable, comfortable - what more could you want? Ok not in production anymore, but you can pick up a good one for a quite reasonable price, lotta bike for the money.

Good choice, but after trying the Ducati Streetfighter I decided whatever I get would have a fairing, 90+ mph touring becomes a bit of a pain on the naked bikes after a short time.

[alan g]

This is my alternative to the Storm (although I still have the Storm) .Had it a year now, and still love it.


The Hayabusa’s are not without problems; recognize this?



This little spring almost cost me an Hayabusa engine!

Alan

[Pointblank]

Nice bike the hyabusa ,what's the spring from, throttle return or something ?

[AMCQ46]

I am guessing CCT

[alan g]

I am guessing CCT

Right first time, yes it’s a spring from a CCT.
I had replaced two CCT’s on the storm over the winter and I couldn’t find anything wrong with them when I took them out, but replaced them anyway.

The Hayabusa rattled to a stop early on in the summer and when I stripped the cams out found that the CCT had a broken spring. Turned out that Suzuki had had two recalls on the CCT and this bike had missed both of them.
The price for the upgraded parts for the Suzuki would be £240.

I have fitted a manual CCT fir now, but I will go to the hydraulic one over the winter.

Alan

[alan g]

If anyone is thinking of a Hayabusa, then have a look down between the right hand fairing there should be a hydraulic pipe attached to the CCT; if its not there then it has missed the recall!

Apart from that there is little wrong with the bike, there is plenty of power in any gear at any speed, and it handles as well as the Storm and it is certainly a lot more comfortable.

The Storm did 450 miles between MOT’s and the Hayabusa did 8000 miles.

That probably says it all.

Alan

[Jbrebel]

I really like them-lots. It's hard to find tidy ones at the right money though.

What year is yours alan?

[alan g]

I really like them-lots. It's hard to find tidy ones at the right money though.

What year is yours alan?

It's a 1999 bike registered in 2001, the brakes on the Gen 1 are pretty poor, so I replaced the forks,wheel and callipers for ones off a Gen 2 (2008 on).

Alan

[Jbrebel]

How doe's it compare to the twin?

I like the idea of Busa's, ZX12R's etc...just dunno if I'd miss the VTwin feel The SP is superb

[alan g]

How doe's it compare to the twin?

I like the idea of Busa's, ZX12R's etc...just dunno if I'd miss the VTwin feel The SP is superb

Well with over 100 ft/lb of torque and 170 bhp, you cant help but to notice, It feels powerful in every gear at any speed. The bikes acceleration is awesome at any engine speed, but taken above 5k and your perception of speed is changed forever!
It’s a big bike it feels very heavy but once the wheels are turning the sensation of weight is gone.
The seating position is lower than the storm which puts less weight on your arms.
The Storm handles better at low speeds due to its lower weight, but the Hayabusa is much better over the bumpy road surfaces.
The Hayabusa returns almost 50 miles per gallon with a tank range of around 200 miles.
The Honda’s build quality is better and the v twin feels as though it is revving less even at the same engine speed, but the Hayabusa has that instant kick in the pants feeling that is hard to compare with any other bike.

[Jbrebel]

Nice one Alan, cheers