Seven Stretches of American Asphalt Where the Busa Belongs

Ask any Hayabusa owner why they bought the thing and you'll usually get the same two answers: the motor, and the way it feels at speed. This is a motorcycle that was practically engineered for the long, fast, empty stretches of American pavement — the kind of roads where other bikes run out of breath and the Busa is just getting comfortable.

So we put together a bucket list. Seven routes, coast to coast, where this machine shows off what it was built for.

1. Tail of the Dragon — Deals Gap, NC/TN

318 curves in 11 miles. Yes, it's the cliché, but there's a reason. The Busa's size demands respect here — this is a dance floor, not a drag strip — but the quickshifter and revised steering make it more capable than anyone expects. Ride it early on a weekday and you'll have the place to yourself.

Best season: May through October. Nearby: Suzuki dealers in Knoxville and Asheville have run seasonal campaign pricing — worth a call before the trip.

2. US-129 Through the Smokies

Skip the Dragon crowd and ride the longer approach instead. Sweeping sweepers, elevation changes, and almost no traffic on weekday mornings. The Busa's stability at speed shines on these long sightlines.

Best season: Spring and fall for the foliage.

3. US-50, "The Loneliest Road" — Nevada

This is the Busa's true habitat. Dead-straight two-lane across the Great Basin, 100-mile sightlines, and the kind of wide-open throttle availability you simply can't find east of the Rockies. Pack water, watch your speed near the towns, and let the big inline-four sing.

Best season: May and September — summer is brutal out there.

4. Beartooth Highway — Montana/Wyoming

US-212 climbs to nearly 11,000 feet with switchbacks, alpine tundra, and views that'll pull your eyes off the tachometer (don't let them). It's a sport-tourer's dream and the Hayabusa's wind protection makes the elevation chill manageable.

Best season: July through early September — snow closes it otherwise. Billings and Bozeman dealers frequently run summer riding-season offers.

5. The Big Sky Route: US-89, Montana

From Livingston down toward Yellowstone's northern entrance, this is what "Big Sky Country" means. Long, fast, gently curving highway framed by mountains. The Busa eats this road for breakfast.

Best season: June through August.

6. Highway 1 — Big Sur, California

Not about speed — about presence. The Busa looks right at home against the Pacific cliffs, and its smooth power delivery is perfect for the constant rhythm of coastal curves. Do it midweek; weekends are a parking lot.

Best season: September and October, after the fog burns off. Bay Area Suzuki dealers have been active with promotional financing this year.

7. The Cherohala Skyway — TN/NC

The Dragon's uncrowded cousin: 43 miles of high-elevation sweepers with vastly less traffic. This is where you can actually use the Busa's midrange without an audience.

Best season: April through November.

Before You Roll

A few quick notes for Busa-specific touring: check your tire pressures more often than you think — the rear wears fast on these bikes when you're having fun — and if your machine still wears its original suspension settings, spend an hour dialing in sag and damping for your weight. It transforms the handling.

And here's the practical part: several of the dealers near these routes are participating in current Suzuki campaign offers, from low-APR financing to accessory credits. If you've been waiting for a sign to add a Hayabusa to the garage, a phone call to your local dealer might be it.

The Hawk was built for these roads. Go give it some sky.