Busa’s generation game
Gen 2 Busa owners tell Emma whether the new model has got their vote
Peerless, that’s the best word to describe the 2021 Hayabusa – there’s simply nothing quite like it. While rivals endlessly follow each other down the retro and dual-sport routes, Suzuki decided to wheel out something unique. Which is great when it comes to getting noticed, but perhaps makes things a little more challenging when it comes to enticing owners of other makes and models to make the switch; you either want a Hayabusa, or you don’t.
Fortunately for Suzuki, the Busa’s cult following is such that the new bike has caused quite a stir amongst current owners. MCN reader Matt Brown is one of them. He’s had his name on the logbook of a Busa since 2016, after he first clapped eyes on a 2009 model for sale in his local dealership. He bought it there and then, and five years on he’s still in love and says the only thing that would tempt him away would be a Big CC Racing turbo version… Until, that was, he tried my Gen 3.
Matt and I recently met up and went for a B-road Busa blast, swapping bikes halfway – which gave him a bit of food for thought. “The engine is a powerhouse!” he said. “I know
‘The difference between them was amazing’
people were disappointed it didn’t have a supercharger or a turbo, but I think that would have put the cost out of a lot of peoples’ reach, and besides, it just feels really strong as it is. The Gen 3 is more refined, it’s a proper grown-up bike and at one point I would love one - but the thing is, I haven’t grown up yet!”
Even if Matt’s going to wait a couple of years before getting his hands on a Gen 3 Busa, there are plenty of UK Busa owners who have decided to splash out on a box-fresh new one. Sarah Thompson is one such person, having just decided to trade in her Gen 2. She takes delivery this week, but in the meantime shared with me her reasons: “I’ve been a Hayabusa owner for two years. I fell in love with them after going to a meet down in Spain with my husband. I was one of the only few people there not on a Busa. Needless to say, that changed when we got back home. My husband bought a Gen 3 last year and when I had a go, well, the difference between the two was just so amazing. The handling makes it feel like it knows where you want to go.
“I’ve always liked to be just a little bit different from the crowd and the Busa allows me to do that in such an amazing way. There’s nothing quite like it.”
LIKES
● Power, electronics, styling
DISLIKES
● Tank range could be better