Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa

180+mph for less than £3k. Yes please!

Why you want it

Nothing looks or goes like a Hayabusa and that’s why it has cult status. While long and low, rather than sharp and agile, it is rock-solid and the motor is staggering. Packed full of so much torque and delivering acceleration that will leave you breathless, this bike really has to be experienced to be believed. And thanks to its demand from enthusiasts and kit car makers, it will hold its value.

Why you don’t

They aren’t pretty, don’t handle that well and aren’t the most comfortable either. It is deceptively easy to go fast on a Busa and a huge amount of restraint is needed to keep your licence intact. The (pretty illegible) speedo whips around with nonchalant ease and a quick overtake can often result in triple figures being shown on the dash. Watch out for tyre wear too — 2000 miles from a rear is good.

Make it better

The brakes on all generations of Hayabusa are terrible. You can swap the early model’s six-piston calipers for four-piston units, but a set of braided lines and some high-friction pads are a minimum requirement on both generations. An aftermarket master cylinder also helps.

SPEC Engine 1298cc inline four, 4v per cyl, l/c Power 175bhp @ 9800rpm Torque 102lb·ft @ 7000rpm Transmission 5-speed, chain Seat height 805mm Kerb weight 239kg Fuel capacity 21 litres

UPDATES The Busa grew from 1298cc to 1340cc in 2008 when it was revised. ABS arrived in 2013 No limits Re-map the ECU or fit a Timing Retard Eliminator (TRE) to remove 300kph limiter DISCS Watch out for warped discs or discs that are nearing their minimum thickness Clutch Swapping the Suzuki clutch master cylinder for a Brembo unit gives a far lighter feel