Q: What Is The Suzuki Hayabusa?
A: The Suzuki GSX1300R, also known as the Hayabusa, is a hypersport motorcycle introduced by Suzuki in 1999. It has a 1299 cc inline-4 engine rated 175 bhp, and a 6-speed sequential constant-mesh gearbox. The Suzuki Hayabusa is consistently tested as the fastest production motorcycle in the world.
The Hayabusa engine can be modified with turbochargers, and turbocharged Hayabusas hold many top speed and acceleration records, including the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme 1350cc world record of 252.832 mph (406.894 km/h), the fastest American Motorcyclist Association U.S. record for an open wheel bike.
As compared to a traditional automobile engine, these two power plants have very different driving characteristics in terms of both delivery and handling. By their very nature superbike engines are considerably smaller and lighter than car engines, therefore reducing the overall weight of the car and allowing a high power to weight ratio, which in turn produces rapid acceleration and impressive levels of agility through the corners.
To produce a high specific output from just 1.3-litres, the Hayabusa engine has to rev much higher than a car engine. Maximum power is reached at a heady 9800rpm. Car engines have more torque low down on the rev range making them easier to drive around town and more comfortable when touring. Superbike engine cars deliver their biggest thrills when being driven flat out - when they are fast, frenetic and uncompromising.
For that reason superbike engine cars are more suited to the track than the road. On the track, their sequential gearboxes add another dimension to the performance of the car. Using the superbike gearbox and clutch at slow speeds on the road does take a little getting used to as it's action is not as smooth and easy as that of car engines. Due to their design, the life expectancy of a superbike unit is shorter than that of a car, but they offer huge performance at a low price.
The Westfield Megabusa is a front-engined two-seater sports car, developed as a road or track tool of domination.
Q: How Complex Is The Westfield Megabusa To Build? What Tools Will I Need? How Long Will The Megabusa Take To Build? Are There Any Steps In The Megabusa Build That Are Particularly Difficult?
A: This will certainly depend on your level of skill, but as a general rule, the Westfield Megabusa has been designed as a component kit that can be assembled simply and quickly, with a minimum of complications and a maximum amount of fun.
Westfield estimates that construction of your Megabusa component kit by someone with previous assembly experience will require 150-160 hours of work. A standard set of shop tools will be required, and a specific list can be found within the build manual.
Setting aside the acquisition of the Suzuki Hayabusa engine, gearbox, ECU and wiring harness, there are two specific tasks that must be attended to. The Suzuki Hayabusa wiring harness must be modified. This involves removing a number of unused leads, lengthening other leads, and modifying certain connectors to adapt the engine for use in the Megabusa. The fuel injector rail return pipe also requires a small modification. Both modifications to the harness and fuel rail can be performed by the Westfield factory at an additional charge, or you may make the necessary modifications yourself.
Q: What Is Supplied In The Westfield Megabusa Component Kit?
A:
Epoxy coated fully triangulated tubular space frame chassis (LHD or RHD)
Full Set of Bodywork With Fixed Rear Arches and Ducted Bonnet
Epoxy Coated wishbone suspension, shocks & springs
Complete Stressed Aluminum Panel Set including Fixing Rivets (unfitted)
Pedal box assembly with master cylinders
Reverse gearbox
Brake pipe kit
Differential and complete drive shaft assemblies
Fabricated alloy front and rear uprights with hubs
Exhaust system, including manifold, cat and silencer
Radiator & cooling system
Brake calipers, brake discs & pads
Steering wheel (12 inch) & hub
Race seats
Safety harnesses
Dash & instruments
Fuel tank & pump
Instruments
Build manual
-- A complete detailed parts list is available upon request --
Q: What Are The Westfield Megabusa Component Kit Options?
A: While the Westfield Megabusa comes from the factory with an already outstanding set of features, some owners who are seeking a track-only experience may choose to upgrade their Megabusa to include the following:.
Nylon Suspension Bushings (Upgrade)
Front Anti Roll Bar (used with standard front track)
Rear Anti Roll Bar
Wide Track Front Suspension With Inboard Front Anti Roll Bar
AP Racing 4 Pot Brake Calipers (Upgrade)
Limited Slip Differential (Upgrade)
Nitron Competition Shocks and Springs (Upgrade)
Dry Sump Kit
Black Epoxy Powder Coated Aluminum Panels
Detachable Rear Wheel Arches
Long-Range 45 liter fuel tank - (Upgrade)
Quick Release Motorsport Steering Wheel & Boss (Upgrade)
Stack Combined Tachometer (Upgrade)
4 Point 3-inch Harnesses (Upgrade)
RAC Specification Roll Bar (Upgrade)
Trimmed Racing Seats (Vinyl - Upgrade)
1/2 or Full Tonneau Cover
-- A complete detailed options list is available upon request --
Q: What Other Parts Or Materials Will I Need To Finish My Westfield Megabusa Kit?
A: As with any other vehicle build, there are a few consumables that will be used during construction - silicone sealant, oil, grease, brake fluid, etc. Aside from those standard build items you will only need the following two groups of items to complete your build:
- Suzuki GSXR1300R Hayabusa engine, gearbox, wiring harness and engine management system
- Wheels & Tires (available as an option from Westfield)
Q: Do I Need A Donor Motorcycle For The Engine, Transmission And Other Parts?
A: Not necessarily. While there are a selection of used Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycles available that would make ideal donors, Manik Technologies can help you locate used, rebuilt or race-prepared engines & transmissions, ECU & wiring harnes and other parts needed to complete the Megabusa. However, many people find it simpler and less expensive to purchase individual components locally, or from their own stockpile of parts in the garage. The Westfield Megabusa has been designed to be as flexible as possible, in terms of engine sourcing.
Q: What Parts Are Needed From A Suzuki Hayabusa Motorcycle Or Other Source?
A:
Complete Engine & Gearbox
Throttle Linkages & Injection Assembly
Full Engine Wiring Harness (Requires Modification)
E.C.U.
Starter Motor Assembly
Starter Motor Relay
Chain Sprocket Nut & Washer
Ignition Coils x 4 (These are part of the Spark Plug Caps)
Regulator / Rectifier Unit
Fuel Pump Relay
Dash Complete (for fault finding use only)
Intake Air Pressure Sensor
Atmospheric Pressure Sensor
Intake Air Temperature Sensor
Battery
Before you go shopping for a Hayabusa donor bike or engine, be aware that there are three completely different wiring harnesses out for the Hayabusa - all with incompatible components.
- 1999-2000 16 bit ECU, 8 tooth timing pickup
- 2001 different 16 bit ECU, same 8 tooth timing pickup
- 2002-2007 32 bit ECU 23-1 timing pickup
To compile the best engine package, it is suggested that you find a 2003 or newer motor. With these 'newer' Hayabusa motors, you will have the hardened shift forks, and better starter setup. Then retrofit the engine package with the 1999-2000 wiring harness, stator motor and ECU. In doing so, you or your engine builder can make the engine rev 600 RPM's more than the stock configuration. The Hayabusa motors pull well past the stock revlimiters.
Note: If you purchase a used Suzuki Hayabusa engine and gearbox, NEVER purchase engines with any physical damage to the engine's metal casings or without any VIN or Identity Numbers. Also, establish if the safety recall has been completed on the Timing Chain Tension Adjuster (this would have been completed under the Suzuki Factory Warranty). If this recall has been done there will be a 'RECALL COMPLETION' label attached under the pillion seat on the left hand side of The 'U' LOCK storage area.
Q: Is The Westfield Megabusa Available In Either Left-Hand Drive Or Right-Hand Drive?
A: The Westfield factory can produce the Megabusa in either LHD or RHD depending on your needs. Often times a race track with a clockwise diving pattern is more suited to a right-hand drive car.
Q: How Does The Sequential 6-Speed Gearbox Work?
A: With a traditional "H" pattern manual transmission, the driver can move from gear-to-gear by depressing a clutch pedal and moving the shifter to the appropriate position. A sequential gearbox on the other hand, gives the driver the ability to select the gear directly before or after the gear that is currently engaged. This is achieved by pulling a "paddle" or moving a lever. For example, if the gearbox is in 2nd gear, pulling on the "up" paddle or lever would up-shift, selecting 3rd gear. Conversely, using the "down" paddle or lever would cause the transmission to downshift into 1st gear. From the factory, the Westfield Megabusa is fitted with a clutch pedal, as well as a gear lever and gear selector linkage. Some Megabusa owners, however, have fabricated their own steering column-mounted paddle shifters for an almost F1-style driving experience.
The Suzuki Hayabusa 6-speed gearbox provides the following forward speed ratios:
1st 2.769
2nd 2.000
3rd 1.579
4th 1.400
5th 1.250
6th 1.175
Q: Does The Megabusa Have A Reverse Gear?
A: The Suzuki Hayabusa integrated 6-speed sequential gearbox was never designed with a reverse gear - something needed in a vehicle. Westfield has designed and developed an inline reverse box which, at the flick of a lever, reverses the drivetrain output of the engine providing a simple, yet effective reverse.
Q: What Is The Ground Clearance Of The Megabusa?
A: The suspension of the Westfield Megabusa is adjustable, but from a design standpoint the Megabusa rides very low to the ground. Uneven road surfaces or curbs will pose as more of an issue than with a 'traditional' road-going car. Typical road setup on 13" wheels calls for a front ride height from chassis of 114 mm, and a rear ride height from chassis of 133 mm.
Q: What Are The Dimensions Of The Westfield Megabusa?
A:
Wheel base size: 127" / 3225mm
Front track size: 57" / 1448mm
Rear track size: 56" / 1422mm
Overall length: 131" / 3340mm
Overall width: 63" / 1610mm
Height: 43" / 1100mm
Weight: From 970lb / 440kg
Q: What Wheels Are Fitted To The Megabusa?
A: Westfield has designed the Megabusa around the use of 13” lightweight alloy wheels of your choice, mated with either 185/60x13 or 205/60x13 tires.
The PCD (bolt pattern) is 4x108mm (& 63.3mm center bore) and the offset can range from 23mm to 38mm. A selection of wheels is available from Westfield.
Q: Can I Fit 17" or 20" Rims On The Megabusa?
A: Some Megabusa owners have opted to fit 15" lightweight alloy wheels to their car for better ground clearance on the street. A 15" wheel is as big as you ever want to go on a clubman like the Megabusa. For optimal performance, a 13" wheel is the hot ticket, but tire choices can be limited. Unsprung weight and reciprocating mass are two of the big enemies of these cars, but even if you compare 15" and 13" wheels with the same weight, the smaller wheel will still offer better performance.
The reason comes down to the fact that a flyweight vehicle like a Westfield runs very low tire pressures (16-18psi cold). When a tire distorts, you want that distortion to occur in the sidewall not in the contact patch. When a tire with short stiff sidewalls, but running very low pressure distorts, the path of least resistance is the contact patch, not the sidewalls. Consequently the tread buckles up in the middle and you have less rubber on the road. With taller, softer sidewalls, the sidewalls offer the path of least resistance and the contact patch does not distort.
Bigger wheels may look better in the eyes of some, but they ruin the handling, steering feel, and ride of these cars.
Q: Is There Room For A Spare Tire?
A: The Megabusa, like any car in the Westfield range, can be fitted with a spare tire on the rear of the bodywork. However, most owners find the increased weight a disadvantage in terms of performance, and opt to forego a spare in favor of a cell phone, or a 'fix-a-flat-in-a-can' product. Most Megabusa owners find this an exceedingly acceptable tradeoff.
Q: What Type Of Bodywork Is The Westfield Megabusa Fitted With?
A: The Megabusa bodywork is produced in-house at Westfield's own GRP body fabrication facility to ensure a very high level of quality. The Megabusa's light weight GRP is provided in a pre-polished gel-coat finish. Westfield can also supply an ultra-light weight GRP body kit that is suitable for track use only. There is no additional charge for this track weight bodywork.
Q: Do I Have To Paint The Bodywork?
A: No. The Megabusa bodywork is supplied pre-finished in your choice of a gel-coat color. No painting is required.
Q: Does The Megabusa Come With A Windshield?
A: The Megabusa is supplied standard with a race-tested aeroscreen for both performance and aerodynamic efficiency. An optional heated windshield and wiper assembly can be supplied by Westfield depending on a customer's needs..
Q: Does The Megabusa Have A Roll Bar Or Roll Cage?
A: Westfield supplies a standard roll hoop with the Megabusa, with the option of a RAC-approved roll bar upgrade, or a full FIA/MSA roll cage for those owners wanting an all-out race spec vehicle.
Q: What Seats And Interior Come Standard In The Megabusa?
A: The Megabusa is supplied with two fiberglass shell racing seats and a spartan interior. The racing seats can be optionally trimmed in your choice of vinyl colors, with different base, insert and piping colors, or a Carbon FIA Approved race seats as an option. Racing seat dimensions and sample color patterns can be found on the SEATS page.
Q: Where Can I Source Replacement Parts?
A: The entire range of Megabusa chassis parts are available directly from Westfield Sportscars. Additionally, service parts for the Suzuki engine and gearbox can be sourced directly from any Suzuki dealer.
Q: Will I Fit Into The Megabusa?
A: While the cockpit is understandably tight, someone that is just over 6 feet tall can fit comfortably. The GRP racing seats may be a bit narrow for larger persons, but a customer can fit his or her own seat as necessary. Optional dropped floorpans directly beneath the seat mounting area provide even further headroom options for Megabusa owners, although this option is not suitable for cars with 13" wheels.
Passenger Compartment Dimensions
(all measurements approximate)
--------------------------------
Left-hand side passenger compartment: 420mm wide
Right-hand side passenger compartment: 435mm wide
Footwell: 230mm wide
Tapering of Footwell begins (from back of passenger compartment): 730mm
Floorpan length: 1300mm
Height of passenger compartment to the chassis siderail: 380mm
Height of footwell: 310mm
Q: Is The Megabusa Road Legal In The United States Or Canada?
A: Generally yes. However, due to the many different state and country regulations, a single specific answer cannot be given. However, there are a number of specialty vehicles that have been successfully registered for on-road use by their owners, there should be no reason the Westfield Megabusa could not be registered for the road. Manik Technologies will assist in every way to get its customers cars on the road.
Each Westfield Megabusa component kit is supplied with a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin [MSO] which defines the vehicle. Since each state and country has different registration procedures, it is the owner's responsibility to ensure that their completed vehicle is registered in accordance with applicable law.
Q: What About Insurance For The Megabusa?
A: There are a number of insurance agents who will be able to provide you with "specialty" car insurance. Property and liability insurance for customers of Westfield kits is considered non-traditional, or non-standard insurance. In order to assist a customer with his or her purchase, Manik can provide unsolicited examples of insurance companies that specialize in specialty or kit car insurance. Some of these companies include:
* American Hobbyist Insurance
* Classic Automobile Insurance
* Condon & Skelly
* Grundy Worldwide
* Hagerty Insurance
* Leland West
* Motorsports Insurance Services
* Parish Heacock
* Sneed Insurance
* JC Taylor
* Rally Insurance
* Tri-State Collector Car Insurance Program
Most of the specialty or kit car insurance policies stipulate that as a collector's car, a completed Westfield Megabusa can only be driven 2,500 miles in a single year, although some policies are more generous than others. This is where the kit car insurance differs from the general automobile insurance. Insurance companies can also offer the customer a 'goods in transit' insurance policy which covers the time from your kit's arrival, through the building process, and finally on the road.
Q: Is There A Warranty?
A: While Westfield and Manik cannot warranty how you build your kit, all Westfield kit car components purchased from Manik and fitted to a Westfield come with a 12-month warranty from date of delivery, subject to the Manik Terms & Conditions.
Q: How Long Will It Take To Receive My Megabusa Component Kit?
A: Once you have reviewed the materials and have placed your order for a Westfield Megabusa kit, it typically takes around six weeks for your components to be manufactured and ready for shipment. At this point your kit is picked up by our shipping company at the Westfield factory near Coventry England, packed and crated and brought through customs in the United States. Trans-Atlantic shipping can take four to five weeks, followed by four to five days from the port of entry to a freight terminal near you. From start to finish, your Westfield kit order should take no more than twelve to fourteen weeks to be delivered.
Q: What Issues Will I Face With Shipping Of The Kit?
A: Manik Technologies has made it very easy to acquire a Westfield Megabusa. All shipping, freight, brokerage, taxes and duties and insurance are already calculated and will be included in the final price of the kit. There will be no hidden fees or surprises when you receive your kit. Produced by craftsmen in England, your kit will be shipped from the Westfield factory to a freight terminal closest to your home or build site. Delivery directly to your home or garage can be arranged on a case-by-case basis at an additional cost. Your kit will arrive in a single, but sizeable, crate. You will need to make arrangements to transport the crate to its final destination in an enclosed truck, or on a trailer. Due to the internal mounting of the bodywork, the crate cannot be placed on its side.
The crate dimensions are approximately:
* Metric - 3800mm x 1790mm x 1100mm and weighs 600 kilos.
* Standard - 150" x 71" x 43" and weighs 1,322 lbs.
Q: Can I Purchase A Fully Built 'Turnkey' Car From Manik?
A: Not directly. In order for your Westfield Megabusa to qualify as an assembled car for registration purposes in the United States, the following three things must happen:
1. Purchase the Westfield Megabusa component kit from Manik with the options you desire.
2. In a separate transaction, you will need to purchase a Hayabusa engine, transmission, ECU and wiring harness from any source you like. Manik will be able to suggest a number of companies and places that have the appropriate running gear if you find difficulties. Alternatively, you can purchase a complete donor motorcycle for the engine, transmission and other items you will need to complete your build.
3. The final step is to either assemble these components into a car through your own efforts, or to contract with a shop of your choosing to do that assembly for you. There are many shops around the country that will be happy to do that for you. You may therefore have quite a bit to do with the assembly process, or very little depending upon your desires. As a general rule of thumb, Westfield requires 150 hours for a build, plus the procurement time for the parts.
Q: Is the Megabusa SCCA or NASA Legal For Racing?
A: Yes, the Megabusa can be run in many racing forums. SCCA has a class for virtually any car that wants to run if it has the proper safety equipment. NASA will also accept the Megabusa to race in certain classes.
Q: What Is The Process For Purchasing My Westfield Kit?
A: Manik Technologies has made it very easy to acquire a Westfield Megabusa. Once you are ready to place your order, we will provide you with an order form and other pertinent details. Once we have received the signed order forms and a deposit, your kit order will be placed.
Our pricing policy is simple - the price shown, plus delivery within North America, is the price you pay. Before your purchase, we will fully quote all delivery charges, something most companies in our business leave vague, or ask you to take care of.
We are available to speak with you to help you with ideas, suggestions or explanations about Westfield products and your kit. Our staff is knowledgeable and will be glad to help! |
