I'm very close to having money in hand for my new Busa...I really like the new 2003 silver/gray, but insurance is on the high side...
If I get used, of course the rates drop...so, I've been looking at used Busas as well...any known issues with certain years' models? Anyone buy one of the first models out and weren't happy?
I'm inclined to go ahead and get the new Busa...but I see several for sale with low miles all over the States...decisions, decisions...
Thanks as always guys/gals...
Michelle
On the early ones, there were two significant things.
Automatic Cam Chain Tensioner, for which there was a recall done. Don't know how it worked in the States, but here, they put a sticker somewhere to indicate that the recall had been done...
On the 99's and 2000's, there is also the "subframe" breakage issue. If it is a concern, then look if a brace has been fitted or a steel subframe installed. Many people (including myself) are still riding with original subframes with no problems, so it is up to you if you think it is a concern...
Thanks Richard...
I'd heard about the subframe issue, but didn't know the year(s) affected...
And I had no idea about the tensioner...I need to research that one...
M-
I also have the original subframe on a 2000, with a 4-2-1. No problems, and I avoid luggage and pillions just to be sure, (I think bikes are for one person anyway, yeah c'mon all you two up riders. Go on, reach for your keyboards. I can see your eyes going red, thinking who does that git think he is telling us what we ought to do).
I would go used, because that way you can get a bike with some expensive stuff already added on, - a full exhaust system is thousands of dollars for instance, or it may have an alarm. Lowest mileage is not always the best. How it was broken in and looked after are more important. My bike had high mileage, and showed signs that it may have been raced or crashed, but I've had no trouble with it all year.
Buying used means you're likely to get one with the side-stand, clutch fluid, air box and clutch mods already done as well. Ring Suzuki, quote the bike's numbers and they can tell you if the recalls have been done or need doing, - also likely to have already been done. These bikes can take a lot of mistreatment, so you'll do okay with a used one. 2000 has the 220mph clock, and 1999 has an awful fuel filter blocking problem. Fans melt on all of them, but in the States you can get an aluminium replacement, (I'm getting one).
Don't wheelie it. Even a well landed one does the bike no good, (c'mon then all you one wheel travellers. I can hear you all spitting out your coffee in disbelief, reaching for your keyboard, but you all know it's not clever and it doesn't impress any of the girls worth impressing).
Shelley, keep that front wheel on the ground where it belongs, especially when accellerating up in fourth - the girls won't be impressed.
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