I just picked up my Gen3 Hayabusa this afternoon and my impressions riding it home: in terms of performance, same bike as the Gen2. Lots of cool electronics I haven't had time to fiddle with but it was set in A mode and felt very much the same as my Gen2. Actually a decent sounding stock exhaust, like my Gen2. Don't get me wrong, the Hayabusa is a wonderful bike but in terms of performance, it didn't go anywhere straight out of the box. My Gen2 ZX-14, similar to the Gen1 but a vast number of updates and when I get on it, the increase in power at 6000 rpm is shocking. I believe Kawasaki answered back extremely well fifteen years ago. Great aesthetic changes to the Gen3 Hayabusa and an impressive electronic suite but I'll just be leaving mine at the highest settings and ride. That's what I do on my Gen2 ZX-14. Still, that damned busa is pretty! You guys know me, I tell it like it is. Gen1 ZX-14 v Gen2 Hayabusa, the Hayabusa is better, it's more refined, it's higher quality. Gen3 Hayabusa, beautiful but rested back on its laurels. Between the new bikes, I give a definite nod to the 14R and here is the place I can do it without trepidation. The 14R is the better bike with its minor quirks. The busa is gorgeous, just didn't open my eyes even a little compare to the Gen2. No matter what, I'm very proud to own it. Here it is in all its illustrious beauty. I don't plan to ride so fast on the road anymore so beauty counts.

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/24/2026 @ 1:58 AM *

I knew the busa would not even come close to the 14, but if you gotta have another one , Rook.

Cash is still waiting for the next 14 to knock my socks off. Bike is getting lone in the toof so where is it mother tea?

Do I see a slick on the other busa, Rook?

* Last updated by: Hub on 4/25/2026 @ 11:09 PM *

Yeah Hub, I'll be in on the Gen3 ZX-14 too. Mother Tea toned the H2 way back and the Hayabusa presented no challenge so there's no real treason to update the 14...but Kawasaki does some funny things (like toning back the H2, for example). They might hit us with a surprise Gen3 someday just to do it.

Yep, I've been using nothing but slicks on the bikes for the last ten years. The bikes are only operated in excellent weather and only sport riding, an hour or less at a time. I've never had a problem with the slicks on the road and a set lasts me two years with the mileage I put on them.