VFR versus Hayabusa

I had the opportunity to test ride a 2012 standard tranny VFR and a new (as in 1 mile on the odometer) Hayabusa today. I've been looking for a replacement for my '02 Blackbird, and decided these were the top 2 bikes. I did own a '02 VFR for a couple years before buying the Bird, but sold it because it was not enough power for my liking. I live in CO at 6000' elevation. Here are my impressions:

VFR

Overall, I was quite impressed with the new VFR. My test ride was short, about 20 miles, but I had a chance to hit the twisties and open it up a bit. Bike was deceptively fast with a smooth power band and very low noise level. I ride with earplugs, and could barely hear the engine. Butt dyno says this bike is approximately equal to Bird in acceleration. VFR feels much smaller and lighter than the Bird (and even the VFR 800), which was a surprise to me. In fact, it felt closer to a liter bike than the Bird. The brake stopping power and modulation was excellent, the best I've seen on a sport tourer. Vibration level was higher than an inline 4, but at a lower frequency so it wasn't buzzy. I would label it a non-offensive vibration, giving you a connection with the bike since you can't really hear it. Bike was confidence inspiring in the corners and easy to change lines in a corner. Shifting was superb, with a soft lever but accurate shifts. Best transmission I've ridden on any bike as far as shifting goes. I felt immediately at home on this bike.

Hayabusa

If I were always mad, or had a permanent need for speed, the kind where you go for a ride and have an unyielding compulsion to go very fast, I would have bought this bike today. Although this bike feels lighter than it's predecessor, it feels bigger than the VFR, it's much less refined, less comfortable for me, wooden brakes, less wind protection, hot on the legs, but it does have a motor. I was impressed with the smoothness of the engine, and how strong it was for a brand new engine. How anyone owns one of these bikes and still has a license is a mystery to me. When I got down on the tank to get out of the wind, peg position was uncomfortably high for me at my 6-0 height. Brakes take a lot of lever pressure for even a modest amount of braking, so I'm guessing the pads need bedding, being new. Did I mention that this engine pulls like an F-16 on burner?

I'd buy the VFR over the Busa for a number of reasons - I like the shaft drive, ABS braking, small and narrow bike feel, brake feel, and handling. As much as I like the power of the Busa, I would be tempted to speed much more frequently on it.

Jeff in Colorado

 

Great comparison, thanks Jeff

 

Thanks for sharing your thought :thumbsup:

 

Jeff keep in mind that the VFR1200 is severely corked up from the factory. The cat is a big power stopper. Remove the cat, add a slip on, and powercommander and the UK guys are hovering around 170 RWHP. There is a lot of untapped power there that can be added without opening up the motor.

 

I had the pleasure of putting a couple thousand kms on a VFR 1200 a few months ago and can say it is an awesome ride. It's another typical VFR 'can do anything' kind of bike with even more refinements from previous generations. The fit and finish is absolutely fantastic. They are deceptively fast and handle much better than the weight would seem to indicate. Love the shaft drive as well. I can't say I love the looks, but like most VFRs they look much better in person than in photos. The bike I rode had a Competition Werkes exhaust and PC4 which made for a very nice sound and excellent power delivery.

 

That's good to know, thanks.

 

great comparo-thanks- but I think a ZX-14 Concours would be an even better compar-o! Shaft drive sport touring vs shaft drive sport touring.

 

I didn't have the opportunity, unfortunately. I did ride a DCT VFR and a ZX-14 yesterday, though. DCT was interesting, but not sure I'd like it in long run. ZX-14 was a monster, I liked it more than the Busa.

 

What combination are they using to get this kind of performance? What ECU? or Power Comander? Is there a link to a forum or website that they have the documentation to support this?

I'm not questioning it, I just want to see if I can re-create it?

Thanks
Brad