I have been a long time fan of the Hayabsua since it's unveiling in 1999 but it has only been in the last 6 years I have had the opportunity to own 1 (or in my case now the 3rd). With it's unique look and impressive speed it rocketed to the top of the list for many sports bike riders and being the last motorcycle to hold the title of "Fastest Production Bike" it has stayed at the head of that list for many years longer than it should.
The bike it's self is not much different to what came off the production line in 1999 however there have been 3 changes from the restriction of the beasts top speed in 2001 to the addition of ABS as late as 2013.
Okay, history lesson over now onto why I use one for touring.
Apart from it's reputation for speed and curvaceous body the most amazing thing I found when I rode my first Hayabsua was how easy it was to ride. From wanting to stay upright at low speeds to turning and stopping. You can push past the bikes' (and riders') limits easily with all that power though. I remember being so "paranoid" of the expected power that I was blown away by the ease of riding it a block down the road. [Just for some reference I am currently in my late 40's and been riding road bikes since I was 15 from 125 single pot 2-strokes to large Harley ElectraGliders.] And so my love affair (or obsession) began and is still going strong.
For touring Suzuki has gotten several things wrong with this bike. The first to notice is the OEM seats. THEY ARE AS HARD AND AS FLAT STONE!! I have tried several additions and varieties to work out a solution to not only the hardness but the large smooth slab effect so that I have something my poor ass can sit on all day and I am not fighting to keep myself sitting securely. The following is the current end result:
1. Shape - I found that by scalloping out some of the foam at the front of the seat and putting a raised ridge along the back you create a seat that holds you better while still allowing sideways motions for cornering if needed. Now I can launch the bike and not feel like a cartoon characture with my legs flapping in the wind behind the bike.
2. Feel - Get rid of the factory foam!! I tried a cover of sheep skin with shag wool but of course that only works on dry days and takes forever to dry out if you do get it wet. I have also tried a Gel cover but while not as weather effected it was still only a temporary relief until the OEM foam hardness prevailed. I even tried a proper replacement Gel seat but just felt squishy, specially in the heat. Finally I am now trying memory foam and front the instant I wiggled my old ass onto the seat I have loved it. I have tested it out on a 5 day, 3000 klm ride around my State of Tasmania and later will be also doing about 6000 klm plus the SS1600K.
The other thing I needed to focus on was the ride positions as in reality it IS a sports bike after all. But believe it or not the only thing extra to do after scalloping out the seat is to raise the bars a bit (you have the option of using Helibars or extension blocks) and drop the pegs a bit. I have completed this by using the Helibars and some 360 degree adjustable, 28mm offset folding pegs. Other than some minor other things I feel my Hayabusa is now ready for the SS1600K.
Minor additions/changes include a Bagster tank cover to help with tank grip for my legs, complete with a 12-22 litre tank bag as well as a Ventura 55 litre soft rear bag and rack system. Some various 12v socket & USB connection points, a Throttlemeister cruise control system (yes it's unbelievable that even in 2013 Suzuki didn't have these electronic gizmo's as standard).
So that my Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa, a surprisingly great touring bike with some simple modifications.
The bike it's self is not much different to what came off the production line in 1999 however there have been 3 changes from the restriction of the beasts top speed in 2001 to the addition of ABS as late as 2013.
Okay, history lesson over now onto why I use one for touring.
Apart from it's reputation for speed and curvaceous body the most amazing thing I found when I rode my first Hayabsua was how easy it was to ride. From wanting to stay upright at low speeds to turning and stopping. You can push past the bikes' (and riders') limits easily with all that power though. I remember being so "paranoid" of the expected power that I was blown away by the ease of riding it a block down the road. [Just for some reference I am currently in my late 40's and been riding road bikes since I was 15 from 125 single pot 2-strokes to large Harley ElectraGliders.] And so my love affair (or obsession) began and is still going strong.
For touring Suzuki has gotten several things wrong with this bike. The first to notice is the OEM seats. THEY ARE AS HARD AND AS FLAT STONE!! I have tried several additions and varieties to work out a solution to not only the hardness but the large smooth slab effect so that I have something my poor ass can sit on all day and I am not fighting to keep myself sitting securely. The following is the current end result:
1. Shape - I found that by scalloping out some of the foam at the front of the seat and putting a raised ridge along the back you create a seat that holds you better while still allowing sideways motions for cornering if needed. Now I can launch the bike and not feel like a cartoon characture with my legs flapping in the wind behind the bike.
2. Feel - Get rid of the factory foam!! I tried a cover of sheep skin with shag wool but of course that only works on dry days and takes forever to dry out if you do get it wet. I have also tried a Gel cover but while not as weather effected it was still only a temporary relief until the OEM foam hardness prevailed. I even tried a proper replacement Gel seat but just felt squishy, specially in the heat. Finally I am now trying memory foam and front the instant I wiggled my old ass onto the seat I have loved it. I have tested it out on a 5 day, 3000 klm ride around my State of Tasmania and later will be also doing about 6000 klm plus the SS1600K.
The other thing I needed to focus on was the ride positions as in reality it IS a sports bike after all. But believe it or not the only thing extra to do after scalloping out the seat is to raise the bars a bit (you have the option of using Helibars or extension blocks) and drop the pegs a bit. I have completed this by using the Helibars and some 360 degree adjustable, 28mm offset folding pegs. Other than some minor other things I feel my Hayabusa is now ready for the SS1600K.
Minor additions/changes include a Bagster tank cover to help with tank grip for my legs, complete with a 12-22 litre tank bag as well as a Ventura 55 litre soft rear bag and rack system. Some various 12v socket & USB connection points, a Throttlemeister cruise control system (yes it's unbelievable that even in 2013 Suzuki didn't have these electronic gizmo's as standard).
So that my Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa, a surprisingly great touring bike with some simple modifications.