I got the OK from the wife to get a new bike..and whatever I want..but I am responsable and might not want to get a brand new one to save money. So the questoin is...what years had problems and where they expensive to fix or resolve? I dont mind having a 98 or 99 or older..they are all beautiful and timless like the Corvettes. But I want to do it right the first time.

The busa came out in 1999. The 1999 and 2000's were the un-restricted models with the 220 mph speedo, but they had other issues. The cam chain tensioners were recalled. Also, the subframe was made of AL and has cracked. Pretty much everything was fixed in 2001. If I were you, I'd look for a 2001+ busa. There are absolutly no problems with these bikes.

Check here for general information...

http://www.hyp4r.com/hayabusa/hayabusa.htm

They have been known to have starter problems......none on mine so far.....thank god.
A guy on another site had his starter on his 02 kick back mid stroke and actually crack his engine case......this is not BS......but it is the only time I've heard of it this bad.
All in all they are awesome bikes.....wicked bottom end power with a crazy top end rush as well......and wheelies.....OMG wheelies.......second only to a 1K as far as gixxers are concerned.
I wouldn't trade it for the world!!!!!!! http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/banana.gif