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Maps, History, Parks, Ton o Pics & 6000 words all on the Big Sur Coastline!
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Suzuki
Hayabusa GSX1300R
Modifications to the World's Fastest Motorcycle
Pashnit's Sport Touring Machine |
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So want to modify your Hayabusa? What follows is your wish list.
You can't just own it. You can't just leave it be. It sits there and stares back at you. And the longer you do that, the more it speaks to you. Could change this. Tweak that. Modify this. Add a bit of this. Make this a lil better. That's typically how it starts. So what follows is my story. I started compiling a list of mods before I even bought my Hayabusa. This webpage has slowly grown through the years as the miles continue to accumulate. I use this bike only to travel and lead guided tours of California with my tour company- Pashnit Motorcycle Tours. I expect to ride through 80,000 miles this year on the Pashnit Hayabusa. Below are the products A-Z that I've used in my travels.
Note that a lot of these mods and products you can now purchase through the Pashnit Moto store. Additional busa products can be found in the all new Pashnit Busa Store. Need set of Galfer rotors? Click Buy Now. Like the camera mount I use? Click Buy Now. And so on. These are all tried-and-true experiences I've had through years of riding and leading guided tours that you sink can your teeth into. Read up and enjoy modding your Busa! |
Thanks to the editors of Cycle World Magazine for publishing
my article 'Long Hauler' in the Sportbike Annual about the Pashnit Busa! |
Adaptiv TPX Radar & Laser Detector
The Adaptive TPX Radar put out by Adaptiv Technologies is new on the market and the first radar detector that I'm aware of that was designed by motorcyclists for motorcyclists. Adaptive offers several mounts to fit various bikes (the busa mount just inserts into the steering head) plus can be plugged directly into a GPS or Comm system for total integration. The radar is water & shock resistant detecting all commonly used police radar bands. While I use a Comm sytem when riding, it also has a wireless headset option and an LED alert option.
Cost: $309 plus options
Source: Click to Buy it Here
Discussion Thread : Click to Read
My Adaptiv Save Story: Click to Read
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Uses a sportbike mount that inserts into the steering head, plugs into Comm system
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Avon Storm ST Tires
Tires are often one of those things that will split a room with a group full of dedicated riders. Everyone has their favorites, and rarely can we agree. Suffice to say, after all these years of riding, traveling and modifying the Pashnit Busa, these have to be some of the best tires I've ever used.
Some years back, I was using a 'Supersport Race' compound and was going through a lot of tires. At one point, I had to replace them every 30 days while leading Pashnit Tours during the height of the tour season. My mistake is liklely that I was using a very soft compound tire, and riding the bike hard. The busa eats tires they say. Maybe 2500 miles at best to a set.
The answer has been in the form of the Avon Storm ST sport-touring compound tires. Tire technology gets better every year, and the latest release from Avon has it using two different compounds- one of the middle for straight line travelin', and a different compound for the contact patch while leaned over. Now I'm running around 5000 miles per tire set, so about three rides. Pretty thrilled with that, and can gladly reccommend the Avon ST's. I was most impressed with the rear tire that had no squaring off. Just an even wear all the way down- even for a bike with this much horsepower at the rear wheel. And btw, I routinely alternate between a 200 & 190 series rear tire and admit I can't even feel the difference, despite what the textbook says.
Note that the Avon Azaro ST tire is discontinued and this is its successor. The Avon Viper Sport is their answer to a softer compound high performance tire.
Cost:
~$250 set
Source:Avon Tires & your preferred distributor
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Autocom Active Plus
Bike-to-Bike
Communication System
Thus far, I've been immensely pleased
with the Autocom. It's not cheap, but maybe the "get what you pay
for" rule applies here. Since I'm leading guided tours most of the
riding season on the Hayabusa- having a top quality communication system
is a must-have. After a bit of homework, settled on the
Autocom. While there are several versions- I bought the most basic
bike-to-bike system. It's just a module like the one at right,
without all the hookups for CD, radar, or passenger. It ran $250
& then you also buy the 2-way radio- the Kenwood Freetalk XL for
$200. Military grade with a 5 mile range.
Cost:
$440 & up
Source: Autocom America
Discussion: Pashnit
Forum |

AutoCom Active Plus Bike-to-Bike Communicator
Module
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Bagster Tank Bra - Protector Tank Cover
From the site: The Bagster Tank Protector or Tank Cover is manufactured from coated PVC cloth (no, it's NOT leather) and is made specifically for each motorcycle model. The Tank Protector covers your fuel tank completely to protect the paintwork, has a foam lined soft underside, and does not move around on the bike. Depending on the model, it is fastened with 4 or 5 straps. There is an opening in the tank protector that allows you to gas-up your motorcycle without removing the protector. On the top portion it has a four point snap system for attaching a tank bag, providing optimal stability of luggage at high speeds. Two points are located at the front and two at the rear. Tank Protectors are customized to match the colors and patterns of your motorcycle, making them sleek and discreet.
Pashnit's Review: When I first got the tank bra, right after that I had the Hayabusa in the Motorcycle Show and the attention to the bra was interesting to watch. It really is a unique product and quite new to the USA. Over the years, as the list of mods has grown- this has to be at the very top of the list. It's that one product that really catches the eye (combined with the Race Ready products of course!). It's a great mod for the travel crowd too since it protects the entire tank from dings and scratches, plus for the Busa owner that desires a fresh look. And yes- it will work with magnetic tank bags- I still use my other RKA Maganetic tankbag all the time with just the bra.
Cost: $137 for tank cover only
Source: Ride Addict
Discussion: Pashnit Forum |
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From the site: The Tektra is the model specially designed for medium to large volumes. It is first of all spacious, including the wide and practical map-reader. The volume can be optimised to accept from 3.96-7.92 Gallons (15 to 30 litres). The two side pockets in rounded form only add to the charms of the Tektra.
The Tektra Tank Bag has several options, symbolic of Bagster service: a transparent rain cover stored in a pocket under the saddlebag, two shoulder straps allowing the bag to be carried on one's back, removable interior reinforcing piece, and an attachment system that folds away at the back and is adjustable in front. Available in 8 colors, the Tektra saddlebag will fit in with any motorbike's color scheme and this new line of saddlebags. Will hold full size helmet.
Cost: $131
Source: Ride Addict
Discussion: Pashnit Forum |

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Bagster City-Route Tankbag
After riding with the Tektra bag for a short time, it quickly became apparent this was not the right tankbag for this bike. Or at least for my 165 lb 5'9" frame. I felt as though whoever had designed this bag had never sat on a Hayabusa before. Crazy Euros. The Tektra bag was so big, you had to sit upright or the bag was impacted into your belly.
A call placed to Ride Addict and the owner Fero sent out the smallest of the Bagster line- the City-Route tankbag and once it was on the bike- success!! It's the smallest bag I've used over the years but does work and is my daily 'man-purse'. The bag has hard sidewalls, an inside pocket under the map pouch and a rear pocket. Other than that, it's all business. There is an expandable version also.
Cost: $101 or $129 for expandable Alpha Tankbag
Size: 2.25 Gallon / 2.25 Liters or 7.92 Gallon / 30 Liters Expandable
Source: Ride Addict
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Billet Aluminum Bar Ends
Okay, so they look cool. Solid
aluminum milled bar ends- silver, lightweight, bling-bling. But
did you catch the red flag? Lightweight. Bar ends aren't
supposed to be lightweight. The weight is what keeps the buzziness
and vibration from making it to your hands.
So for sport-touring, they just weren't
practical and I took them off very quickly after realizing my hands were
numb after a 3 hour ride. Went back to stock and then eventually
the Throttlemeister bar ends. But
as for looks- these are fantastic!
Cost: $30
Source: Stedman
Motorsports.com 616-261-5685 |
Blade Antenna for Kenwood Freetalk XL
Don't have a picture of this on me, but we sourced this via word-of-mouth from a discussion thread on the FJR Forum where they were talking about Blade antennas- which is a small flexible antenna about 10 inches long and 1 inch wide. It can be mounted anywhere with a bit of velcro and comes with a long coax cable to screw into the top of the Kenwood Freetalk XK walkie-talkie that we use with the Pashnit Tour Company.
We thought this would increase our range while riding for Tim and myself as we were leading and sweeping tour groups. I mounted mine on the steering head, my partner put his on the rear topcase. After a season of use, the end part of the cable the screws into the radio actually fell apart, so it was back to the stock short flexible antenna. Did it increase our range? Actually, I'm not sure, but likely.
Cost: $35-75
Source: Word of mouth
Discussion: FJR Forum Thread
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Chase Cam - Bullet Camera
So you've taken a few videos with the tank mounted video camera, now what? Enter bullet cams with resolutions at 580 lines capable of being mounted anywhere on the bike or person. Seen here is the suction mount, but with the clamp mount it can be placed anywhere, as a helmet cam or a multitude of angles- anywhere. I acquired this bullet cam and then handed it over to my videographer assigning him to create a short film about my tour company- Pashnit Motorcycle Tours.
Shooting analog video, and fed into a remote video camera positioned in the tankbag, my videographer has managed to mount this all over his bike, helmet and even at the end of a long pole. We've been pleased with the rugged aluminum housing, replaceable lens and it's even waterproof. You'll need the right connectors, wires and adapters to make it compatible with your video camera so do your homework if you decide to invest in one of these. All the video editing is done with Vegas 6.
Cost: $275 + $70 for two mounts
Source: ChaseCam.com
Discussion: Pashnit Forum
Sample Ride Video: Pashnit Tours: A Short Film- 43M, 5:00
Watch: The Extended Mix Version- 39M, 12:00
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| Carbon Fiber Clutch & Brake Levers
There's a carbon fiber theme with this
bike that comes standard from the factory. When you sit on it,
you're looking down on an instrument cluster adorned in a faux carbon
fiber finish. After trying out a set of matching blue lever, it just didn't look right. So let's try a set of faux carbon fiber
levers. Ah, much better. They're still adjustable just like the
stock models and the carbon fiber is little more than painted on, but it
works.
Your other choice of course is
chrome, but as you start pricing out all the pieces that come chrome for
this bike, it can quickly can expensive, about 3x as much as normal
aftermarket prices. So no chrome for this bike. The carbon
fiber levers match well, and they complement the style of the bike well
as a low-cost mod. Have since gone to Pazzo Levers, but again, great low-cost mod.
Cost: $30
Source: Rumble
Imports or eBay.com |

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| Fairing Grills
I came across these on eBay and couldn't resist- these will work for any Hayabusa
since the body style hasn't changed yet. A low cost mod that will further the clean look
of the bike? Where do I send my money? I only paid like $70 for a complete set
and had them several days later.
Manufactures of these just use a jig to form the grills which you could buy the raw
material at Home Depot and do the mod yourself- but why? It's only a couple
bucks and could save you hours of time!
The nice thing about the ones I got from Clark Custom Cycle grills is that they arrive at your
door completely cut, formed, and trial fitted, ready to attach and ride.
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Once you get them, you just obtain some heat resistant quick-set epoxy from
the Hardware store, pull all the panels off and put them on. Hardest part was
getting the epoxy to set quickly enough to hold them in place.
An easy trick was to use pieces of duct tape to hold the grills in place while the glue dries overnight.
Available from High Gear Hobbies (Clark
Customs seems to no longer exist). Avoid the $20 sets which are
little more than un-formed flat square pieces of cheap screen anyone can
get at the hardware store. Look for the words "pre-fit",
"hand-formed" or "pre-formed". (You get what you
pay for!)
Cost: $70
Source: eBay or High Gear
Hobbies |
| Clear Alternatives Turn Signals
Now that I have the clear alternative lens on the bike- I realize how
ridiculous the yellow stock ones look. With the blue/silver- the clear lens blend
right in with the silver tone of the Hayabusa. They just replace the lens- but from an aesthetic look-
it's a must have. Aside from clear, you can also get tinted ones such as blue or even carbon fiber on eBay.
This is another mod that
after you purchase and install these- you'll wonder how you lived without
them. They simply have a dramatic effect on the looks of the bike.
They run about $100 for the pair and models are available for
every bike under the sun. Make sure you remember to swap the bulbs
to amber though.
Cost:
$100
Source: Clear Alternatives -
1-866-CLR-LENS |
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Cycle Pump - Adventure Model
On-Board Motorcycle Air Compressor
A what? Yes indeed, an on board air compressor stored in the tail section of the motorcycle is what every tour guide needs. Or weekend warrior or for even your average everyday rider. As you can see, it's quite compact, and even comes with an optional second bag (at bottom of the pic) that holds the air pressure gauge the screws into the air line. The Cycle Pump simply plugs into the bike's Powerlet Products 12volt accessory plug (same one that powers the video camera) and you're live. Pump up any tire even in the midddle of nowhere.
This is a handy item to have and we have used it on the Pashnit Tours before after one of the participants picked up a nail in a parking lot. While his tire was shot, we were able to pump up the tire enough to get him back to our lodging for the night, then a new tire shoed on the next morning. Without it, he would have been stuck on the side of the road. You don't think you need one of these till you get a flat. Then you won't leave home without it.
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$100 - Cycle Pump Adventure Model |
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$150 - Cycle Pump Combo, Tire Gauge & Tire Plug Kit |
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| Frankenstein Bolt Mod Kit
There's a mod to replace the
Frankenstein bolts just behind the seat. A stock feature to the Busa -
they're typically intended as a tie-down for your bungees.
But you can buy custom bolts to replace
these and achieve a cleaner look. I got a set of custom-machined
bolts off of SuzukiHayabusa.org, but have also seen this mod on eBay for
a couple bucks. Also called a 'Tail Bolt Kit'.
Cost: $12
Source: possibly eBay or Busa forums
Forum Discussion: SuzukiHayabusa.org |
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| Galfer Steel Braided Brake Lines
- Front & Rear
Many a motorcyclist are huge fans of
steel braided brake lines. Reason being the inability of the line to
expand under heavy braking compared to stock lines. Your braking ability is
directly related to the fluid
temperature and preventing the lines from expanding. It might expand because of
tiny air bubbles in the fluid which begin to boil under extreme heat
produced with spirited sport riding. It's most noticeable
with the twin front lines. While the change is slight, and it
still takes at least two-fingers to bite down hard, there's a firmness
there which is possibly due to any lack of expansion in the lines.
Brakes lines and high-permanence brake pads are one of those things
worth springing for on a 550 lb bike with 165 horsepower.
Once I added the front steel braided
lines with EBC HH Sintered pads- I was suddenly riding a entirely new
motorcycle! This is one mod that should come standard from the
factory, and I'd have to say this is the very first mod any
performance-orientated Busa owner should do! Finally, able to do one
fingered stops! My first 1000 mile ride with these, my right
forearm was actually sore at days end! Seems I overused my index
finger a little too much. Another effect of adding this was the
rear brake became useless. Really no need for it anymore with
spirited sport riding. You can also get various colors too.
Cost: $35 rear - $70 front
Source: Clicky to Buy Now |

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After I fried the rear rotor from heat build-up and practically burned off the brake pads- I needed to make an upgrade. There I was blasting down my favorite mountain road- and my rear brake quit working. Blast. At first I had no idea what just happened- this never had happened. But the extreme heat of my trail braking heated up the fluid so much, it was boiling inside the lines. Not good. A few minutes later, it cooled down and back on the combat trail. So replaced the brake pads figuring that was the problem. It happened again- this time it burned off the brake pads entirely- which were only 3 weeks old- and completely fried the rotor too.
Time for a wave rotor and HH Sintered Racing Pads. The debate seems to rage on this product and I actually don't know the answer. Do they work, probably, do I notice the difference? Not really. Have I burned up any more brakes pads or rotors. Not a one. Can I lock up the rear at any time. You bet.
Cost: $125 rear, $500 for front set
Source: Clicky to Buy Now
EBC Sintered HH Compound Brake Pads
Cost: $36
Source: Cycle Gear |
| Gel Seat
I've always used Corbin seats on my last two motorcycles and the last
50,000 miles. But as bulbous as the Hayabusa is, the Corbin just
doesn't look right. Enter the Gel Seat from Suzuki to which I am
quite impressed with it. Only paid $90 for it off the internet and for the
price, can't be beat. I have done 1000 mile 3-Day weekends leading Pashnit
Guided Tours and it works great. On the longest of days- sun-up to
sun-down riding- the seat gets a bit uncomfortable but it sure beats stock.
It is true that they heat up, but I only happened after a
long day in the saddle on a warm day. The first time this happened,
I couldn't figure out why the seat felt hot. 3-Hour rides you'll never
notice it.
One good thing about the Gel seat- is that it's rounded and fits right in with the
lines of the bike. Plus the material is like a wet suit. I have seen older
seats that have the fabric deteriorating, but so far so good. This seat
is supposed to fit the GSXR models from 600 on up.
If
you were going to do a cross-country trek- you might want to invest in a Corbin or Tobin Seat.
Cost:
$90-125
Source: eBay.com |

Suzuki Gel seat is a must have
sport-touring option. Note the RKA saddlebags.
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Geza Pro-Stretch Bike Cover
Probably what I like best about this cover is it's very compact and works well when traveling. I don't need the most heavy-duty cover out there, but I also don't want the cheapest. I just need something to hide my bike from prying eyes. Geza Cover has just the thing with its ProStretch Bike Cover. The cover is a stretchy material that comes in either black or silver, and packs down in it's own pressure sack. The cover is compact enough, I can store it in the rear Hump via the Hump Mod.
Geza covers have been around a long time and come in several sizes and duties. From the simple to the extreme, Geza Cover makes a good product and have been great to deal with. I've always wanted one of these, finally got around to picking one up. Since it's stored inside the hump, I take it everywhere I go and within seconds, can have the bike covered. Also works well when trailering the bike too.
Cost: BUY IT TODAY - Clicky for Linky
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| Handle Grips
Always been a sucker for a low cost
mod, and here's another that fits the bill. After I had to cut off the
original handle grips to install the heated tape (that goes underneath
the grip), it was time to replace the originals with something
new. I could go with some generic sportbike grips, but why?
Since no blue/silver grips exist to my knowledge, had to settle for
what's readily available. These grips are a carbon fiber motif with a
bit of red and white. Close enough.
Cost: $18.00
Source: Rumble
Imports |

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| Heated Handlegrips
It's one of those things you'll wonder
how you ever survived without. 100,000 miles of riding without
heated grips. What was I thinking! That's what goes through
your mind when you add these to your bike, and finally flip the switch on
a cold fall day.
The Symtec
hand warmers are nothing fancy and really quite basic. After
removing the old handlegrips (good opportunity to install new ones like
the set shown above), you unpeel the stickers on the backside, place them
on the steel bar and slide on the new handlegrip. Little easier than
it sounds, but managed to get it all back together. Wire in the
grips to a hot wire (only when bike is on) and place the hi-lo switch
somewhere.
I'll admit they aren't
fancy, and for a mere $36- you get what you pay for but are my hands warm?
Yep.
Cost: $36
Source: Adventure
MotoStuff
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HMF Carbon Fiber Oval 4-in-1
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HMF Oval 4-in-1 Exhaust
First let me start by saying- it is a sweet, sweet
sound. The plethora of exhaust options is just amazing. The
HMF Oval 4-in-1 low-mount replaces the entire exhaust system, increases horsepower,
offers weight savings and tunes
in the sound coming from the motor. It flows with the lines, and I
prefer the low mount look. (You can also buy high mounts or twin slip-on
mufflers.)
Maybe what impresses me most is the carbon fiber design. It
produces a tremendous sound that's not tinny or high-pitched. This
exhaust produces a low down growl and screams at high revs. But the
best part is around town, it's quiet in everyday traffic with a relaxed
hand. Plus there is a bit of weight savings too by pulling off the
heavy stock system.
If you add an
aftermarket exhaust, it's customary to add a PCII and get the bike
dyno'd to dial it all in.
Cost: $810
Source: Exotic
Sportbike - 800-917-2453
Sound File #1: 60 Second Busa - 16M, 1:00
Sound File #2: Pashnit Busa on Hwy 1- 13M, 3:00 |
Hyper-Lites
Blinking Brake Lights
One of the odd problems with the LED brake lights is
riders behind me
say they can't tell when I'm braking. A solution was to add
Hyper-Lites. Plus it's a great addition for in-city riding to let
automobiles know I'm braking- especially at stop lights. When you
hit the brakes, they flash repeatedly.
Had these on the ZX-11D and eventually put them on the Hayabusa. Real simple- you
hit the brakes- these bright LED's flash as long as the brakes are on. You can
modify them to blink then go solid but I prefer them blinking all the time.
Heard any stoplight- "...didn't see you" stories?
There are numerous styles and combinations- but the basic does the job. They run
about $65 from Hyper-Lites.com or Sport Touring Accessories or any other supplier.
Cost: $65
Source: Hyper-lites.com -
888-770-1010 |

MotoTeck Undertail w/ Icemann LED
Taillights & Hyper-Lites - note the microphone
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Signal Dynamics Headlight Modulator
Nothing splits a room of motorcycling enthusiasts
like a discussion about headlight modulators. Some love 'em, some
hate 'em. After using them for the last 50,000 miles- I'm on the
"pro" side of the fence. So much so, I'd strongly
encourage this mod to anyone concerned about safety or being seen.
They're legal because they don't actually turn the headlight off.
Instead it just pulses the signal and makes you extremely visible to other traffic. They also are great if you are a devout
lane-splitter, as in commuting here in California.
You
wire it into the high beam- therefore you can turn it off at
anytime. Plus all of them come with a daylight sensor so it
automatically turns itself off at dusk.
Signal
Dynamics manufactures this mod.
The only problems I've had are minimal light- even a cloudy day will turn
it off. Position the daylight sensor directly upward and it seems to
work well this way.
Cost:
$70
Source: BUY IT TODAY - Clicky for Linky |
| Hump Mod
The hump mod in Busa circles is
replacing the 4 bolts on the underside of the rear hump. Ig sells
this for a couple bucks as a package deal. Just remove the old
bolts, and replace with either the 'wing style' or 'cylindrical
style'. Do this and gain a bit more space for a set of spare
gloves or map.
You can get the quarter turn fasteners just about anywhere, but I'd rather give my $$ to a fellow busa owner. After all, it's just 12 bucks.
Note how handy the Hump Mod is for storing the Geza Cover. | | |