This one will probably primarily appeal to a collector with a longer term investment horizon, someone willing to take a chance on the 1st year edition of one of the top modern day hyperbikes.
1999 Suzuki Hayabusa (the unrestricted one) on ebay
Here we have a 1st year/1999 Suzuki Hayabusa, which was the top speed king for nearly 10 years until the introduction of the BMW S1000. Launched in 1999, the big Suzuki was the Hamamatsu companys entry in the big bore horsepower war and was able to achieve speeds over 185 mph/300+ kph.
The Hayabusa was unrestricted in its first year but a horsepower limitation agreement with European manufacturers went into affect in 2000. Over time it grew into a huge sales success for Suzuki and became a favorite for customizers but the 1st year bike remains the only unrestricted version produced.
Interestingly, the big Suzuki wasn’t a sales success in its first year. Consider the following quote from Wikipedia (and previous posts here on RSBFS):
“Typically, a new sportbike model sells well in its first year, and then sees its numbers decline every year as it grows older. The Hayabusa reversed this pattern, selling in greater numbers every year from the 1999 launch through the 2008 revision. Sales in the United States have increased year after year since its release in 1999 and have gone from just a few thousand units in 1999 to over 10,000 in 2006.”
This particular Hayabusa looks to be very good condition, although the pics aren’t as high a quality/don’t offer as much detail. The seller offers a decent level of detail about the bike, and some “upgrades” including an undercut transmission which apparently improves shifting on the big Suzuki.
Here are the highlights of the bikes condition
- Mileage 19,205, never crashed, never drag raced
- Transmission hard welded and back-cut by FAST BY GAST, plus Frictions and Steels , less than 1500 miles
- New SHINKO 016 VERGE 2X dual compound 0 degree radials , RaceTech Springs and Gold Valves front and rear , brakes front and rear with a new rear Disc
- New Fuel Pump with Lines and Tank Seals
- New Hydraulic Cam Chain Tension
- Double Bubble Shield, Bar Risers
- Yosh Slip-ons, chain and sprockets less than 1500 miles
- All Hydraulics flushed and speed bleeders installed, coolant flushed and Engine Ice added, oil changed, plugs,
What is this bike worth? Well the cut transmission statement is a bit of a concern but 1st year Hayabusa don’t pop up for sale that often. A quick search through ebay listings seem to show prices ranging between $3000-4000 USD, depending on condition. Bidding on this one has been brisk, with over 50 bids recorded and a current price of $3550 USD but reserve hasn’t been met yet.
I know the Hayabusa is a large production number bike and at first glance doesn’t seem to meet the conditions of our typical RSBFS submission. But this bike is a 1st year edition of the big Suzuki, a hyperbike that reigned supreme as the top speed king for over 9 years. The 1st year Hayabusa seems to occupy the same spot as a 1st year Ducati 999 or Yamaha R1…not a stunner ala Ducati 916 or CBR900RR/Fireblade, but a technical/evolutionary response to the competion. And like the 999 and R1, the 1st year Hayabusa could be a bike that is “cheap as chips” now but increases in value over time.
-Marty/Dallaslavowner
I’ve owned two first gen Hayabusas. 2nd gear is a known weak point. Opening the transmission and undercutting the gears is the fix, so this (provided it was done by a reputable shop) adds rather than detracts from this bike’s value.
If you see me riding this (ahem) bike, you know I’ve lost it… Power + porky = a powerhouse pig! Cool acceleration, and when you run out of fuel (diesel), you can always sell it some ghetto-rat who will stretch the swingarm, and put blue bling lights under it… Hell yeah!