When launched in 1999, the first generation Hayabusa shocked the motorcycle world by delivering a whole new level of speed, power and overall performance. It instantly gained the title of the world’s fastest production motorcycle and gave birth to the Ultimate Sport category. Even though the industry’s adoption of a self-imposed speed limit soon put an end to the era of top-speed wars, the Hayabusa’s outstanding performance across all metrics, combined with its nimble handling and eye catching appearance, kept it in the category’s number one position for the past two decades.

The original Hayabusa was much more than the sum of its parts. The abundant power offered a wider range of gear selection options for any given speed, and this ultimately delivered a more controllable and pleasurable ride. Aerodynamic styling that instilled the Hayabusa with one of the lowest drag coefficients achieved on a production motorcycle not only contributed to controllability, stability and rider comfort, its striking unique bodywork and styling design contributed in achieving the Hayabusa’s iconic presence.

The 2nd Generation launched in 2008 retained all the hallmark features of the original Hayabusa, whilst increasing engine displacement to 1340cc and introducing several new features that included a bold new body design. Further enhancement of performance in 2013 saw upgraded front brakes and introduced an Anti-locking Brake System (ABS).

Suzuki’s team of engineers and designers have been working tirelessly since to refine countless aspects of the bike’s performance to create an entirely new generation that is poised carry a new generation of Hayabusa riders into the future.

The third generation Hayabusa leverages the latest technological innovations to provide greater control and comfort, and ultimately to assist riders in gaining confidence as they enjoy outings on the ‘Ultimate Sport Bike’.

E L E C T R O N I C S

The new Hayabusa adopts the latest version of Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S) a robust collection of electronic systems designed to optimise performance characteristics to match the needs of the moment and make the motorcycle more controllable and predictable. Riders can opt for settings that best suit riding conditions and varying road surfaces as well as their level of confidence and experience. They can benefit from the feedback those settings provide and take advantage of it to further hone their riding skills and gain greater confidence as they enjoy the ultimate riding experience. Countless hours of repeated track testing, analysis and revisions to the programming for each setting aimed to achieve optimal performance in every conceivable situation and to ensure the reliability of each system.

Suzuki Drive Mode Selector Alpha (SDMS-α) groups together five advanced electronic control systems while enabling riders to select individual settings for each. It optimises performance characteristics and behaviour to best suit varying road surfaces, riding conditions and preferred riding styles. Experiment with the different settings and benefit from the feedback each offers to hone your riding skills and build greater confidence while enjoying the ultimate riding experience. In addition to three factory presets, (A, B, C), SDMS-α offers a choice between three user-defined groups of settings (U1, U2, U3). Modes and settings can be changed using switches on the left handlebar and the current settings are displayed on the TFT LCD panel located in the centre of the instrument cluster.

A 6-axis, Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) combines accelerometers and gyroscopes in a single compact package that constantly monitors pitch (forward or backward tilt), roll (leaning from side to side), and yaw (turning in relation to initial direction). These measurements are compared against one another as well as readings from wheel speed sensors to keep the motorcycle aware of its situation at all times and provides input for several S.I.R.S. controls.

Pilots can select between three different engine output modes that control power delivery to match road and riding conditions. Mode 1 provides the sharpest throttle response and delivers maximum power. It’s a solid choice for the experienced rider out for a spirited run. Mode 2 provides softer throttle response and more linear power delivery. That makes it practical for everyday riding. Mode 3 provides the softest throttle response and features a more gentle power curve with reduced maximum output. It’s well suited to riding on wet or slippery roads, or while still getting used to the potential of the Ultimate Sport Bike.

A bi-directional quick shift system provides the ability to shift up or down quickly without the need to operate the clutch or throttle. Quick Shift offers two modes. Mode 1 reacts more quickly to replicate racing-style response, while Mode 2 offers a lighter touch. To ensure smooth shift action when using Quick Shift, the ECM momentarily retards ignition when accelerating or maintaining steady speed and opens the throttle valve when decelerating, a function commonly known as ‘auto blipper’.

Engine braking control system cancels out the effect of engine braking to suppress rear tyre sliding or skipping and provide even smoother, more controllable behaviour than ever before. A choice of three modes plus an OFF setting allows the rider to control the effective strength of engine braking to match riding conditions or user preference.

Suzuki has successfully developed an advanced system that maximises acceleration performance whilst preventing front wheel lift.  The anti-lift control system offers a choice of 10 mode settings when turned on, with Mode 1 providing minimal control and Mode 10 making it virtually impossible to lift the front wheel, even when fully opening the throttle with a passenger on the back.

A 10-mode advanced motion-track traction control system takes TC to a new level by employing data from the IMU to constantly monitor the amount of lean angle and effectively limit slip in corners as well as on straightaways. It provides greater stability at all times, enabling confident control in varying riding conditions while reducing stress and fatigue. The system offers a choice of 10 mode settings, and it can be turned off when preferred. The higher number the mode, the faster traction control is engaged and the more proactive the system is in limiting wheel spin.

The advanced launch control system enables efficient take-offs in a similar fashion to the way racers leave the starting line. A selection of three mode settings lets the user match the engine speed at launch to their level of experience or confidence. Mode 1 limits engine speed on launch to 4,000 rpm, Mode 2 operates at 6,000 rpm, and Mode 3 — the fastest mode — operates at 8,000 rpm for the most aggressive take-off.

Cruise Control reduces fatigue on long rides by allowing the user to maintain a set speed without operating the throttle. The speed can be easily adjusted upward or downward using the mode/set switch on the left handlebar and set from 31km/h to 200km/h while riding at 2,000 to 7,000 rpm in second gear or higher. The handy resume function re-engages the system and accelerates to the most recent speed setting after braking.

The Active Speed Limiter is a first in the motorcycle industry, this system lets the rider set a maximum speed they do not wish to exceed and provides the ability to accelerate and decelerate as much as they please within that maximum set speed. This helps lessen worries about the bike exceeding a chosen speed limit.

Motion Track Brake system combines vehicle posture data from the IMU with front and rear wheel speed sensor data to allow ABS activation not only in a straight line but also when leaning into a corner. The bike is therefore less likely to try to push itself upright or lose traction, instead maintaining its radius and lean angle to better trace your intended line through the corner.

Braking confidence is further enhanced via the Combined Braking System which provides braking power to the both front and rear brakes when operating the front brake lever.

Another first on a motorcycle in Suzuki, is the Emergency Stop Signal function that rapidly flashes the front and rear indicators to alert following vehicles if the brakes are activated suddenly at speeds of 55 km/h or higher.

Hill Hold Control is designed to automatically engage the rear brake for 30 seconds after coming to a stop while facing uphill on an incline, even when the brake lever or pedal have been released. This helps ensure a smoother restart, free of worries that the bike will roll backward. The system is disengaged either by quickly squeezing the front brake lever twice, or by accelerating to pull away from a standing start.

Monitors the motorcycle’s posture and angle to help prevent rear wheel lift by using the ABS to control brake pressure and compensate when applying the brakes while travelling downhill.

Other niceties include Suzuki’s Low RPM assist system which monitors and automatically raises the idle speed when taking off from a stop or when riding slowly through traffic and Suzuki’s Easy Start System which provides ultra-convenient one-touch engine starting.

E N G I N E

Refinements implemented throughout the Hayabusa’s legendary 1,340cm3 liquid-cooled inline-four engine achieve an even better balance of overall performance, yet greater efficiency and durability, while also satisfying Euro 5 emissions standards. Inheriting the proud legacy of the Ultimate Sport Bike that originally established the category, the Hayabusa continues to deliver more torque and power than any other sport bike at the engine speeds typically used in everyday riding. A symbol of engineering pride and prowess, it is built to deliver the ultimate riding experience for the long run.

Although the Hayabusa engine is already renowned for its reliability, durability and longevity, the development team was committed to further evolving it to a higher level. The team reviewed every detail to reduce sources of internal vibration and strengthen key components as they worked tirelessly to achieve this goal. Borrowing technology used on the GSX-R1000, changes to the crankshaft oil passages deliver oil more efficiently to the connecting rods. This achieves a 54% improvement in flow and pressure at the crank without making any changes to the oil pump, and the overall result is improved engine lubrication.

Suzuki’s Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber (TSCC) design promotes faster and more efficient burning of the fuel air mixture. It employs a four valve design with each pair of intake and exhaust valves positioned in adjoining semi hemispherical depressions. During the intake stroke, these depressions channel the incoming air fuel mixture into two controlled high speed swirls. Squish areas in the front and back of the chamber accelerate the speed of the swirls, igniting the mixture more quickly and effectively. After closely examining and analysing the flow of air as it entered the chamber to further leverage the inherent strengths of the TSCC design, the combustion chamber around the intake valve was machined further on the new Hayabusa engine. This expands the valve curtain area and improves the flow coefficient by 5% as the valve begins to open and reaches 5mm in lift height. As a result, this change increases combustion efficiency and helps satisfy Euro 5 emissions standards.

While the Hayabusa continues to employ forged pistons with chrome nitride PVD coated oil control rings, it now adopts a new piston shape that has been optimised to match the new TSCC shape. Changes to the crankshaft oil passages increases the flow of the piston cooling oil jets, which in turn cool the pistons more efficiently. Advances in CAE analysis made it possible to remove enough material to reduce the weight of each piston by 26 grams. This reduces internal vibration, which in turn contributes to enhanced durability. In addition, conical machining inside the wrist pin hole transfers load and mitigates stress transferred to the piston. As a result, it too contributes to improving durability.

New connecting rods that further reduce the width of the small end (top) in comparison to the big end (bottom) cut the weight of each rod by 3 grams. At the same time the volume of the arm area at both the big and small end s is increased to enhance rigidity Furthermore, a new piston design takes 26 grams off the weight of each piston. Reducing the weight of these moving parts lessens internal vibration, which in turn contributes to greater engine durability.

The proven lightweight titanium valves are carried over from the previous generation, however the new Hayabusa adopts a revised cam profile that reduces valve lift overlap to improve performance and controllability at the most commonly used low and mid-range speeds.

Suzuki’s electronic throttle control system made it possible to introduce the variety of new electronic control systems as the electronic control module (ECM) now controls the action of the throttle body as opposed to mechanical cable, providing a light, natural response with linear control, similar to that of conventional throttle operation. In conjunction with the introduction of this new throttle system, the size of the tapered throttle bodies changed from 44mm to 43mm and the overall intake pipe length, (including the intake pipe, throttle body and funnel), is extended by 12mm over the previous intake system. This contributes to producing greater power output at low-to-mid range engine speeds.

Changes to the shape of the throttle bodies made it possible to increase the air cleaner box’s capacity from 10.3 litres to 11.5 litres. The lid adopts a new corrugated shape that increases the box’s structural rigidity. The resulting design improve s intake sound quality, while also allowing for the elimination of the internal support posts.

The Hayabusa also adopts a new Suzuki Side feed Injector (S-SFI) dual injector design that places the secondary injector at an angle on the side of the intake funnel. Its spray strikes a reflecting plate in the funnel and creates a fine mist that enters the combustion chamber. The result is a 2% increase in power and torque output in low-to-mid range. The injectors themselves adopt a new design that sprays a finer mist. This improves fuel mixture loading efficiency and further contributes to boosting output.

Updates to the Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) result in smoother shifting and engine response during engine braking and corner entry, whilst also resulting in lighter clutch lever operation despite the significant amount of torque being produced.

C H A S S I S

The Hayabusa’s chassis is designed to empower the rider with sure footing, nimble handling and predictable control that inspires confidence and enhances the riding experience. It delivers a smooth and comfortable ride that absorbs everything the road surface throws at it and responds faithfully to the rider’s will. It effectively transfers the power of its legendary powerplant to the pavement while fully leveraging its intelligent control systems to run and brake effectively, whether riding straight or leaning through corners.

The Hayabusa’s tried and true twin spar aluminium frame and swingarm incorporate aluminium castings along with extruded aluminium sections that lend the right amount of suppleness and strength to its overall rigid alloy frame structure. While more costly and demanding to fabricate, extruded aluminium sections pay off in achieving the optimal overall balance required by a machine that delivers ultimate performance and reaches a top speed of 299km/h. This is why extruded aluminium can also be found used on a number of supercar frames, and why the Hayabusa also leverages its benefits.

The new sub frame designed in conjunction with the bike’s styling changes features straighter pipe sections and reduces weight by 700 grams.

Both front and rear suspension settings have been optimised to eliminate any hint of oversteer at lower speeds and achieve a stable ride with neutral feel at all speeds. These combined with the low centre of gravity, long wheelbase and new tyres result in nimble handling along with reassuring straight line stability at highway speeds.

Up front is an updated version of the previous model’s fully adjustable KYB inverted forks with 43mm outer diameter diamond-like coating (DLC) coated inner tubes. The internal structure has been revised to further improve the forks’ ability to absorb the road surface and ensure a smoother, more stable ride with optimum grip. In similar fashion, the internal structure of the fully adjustable KYB rear shock absorber has also been updated to help optimise comfort and straight line stability.

Aerodynamic performance is critically important on a motorcycle capable of reaching top speeds nearing 300km/h. And ultimate performance is what the Hayabusa is all about. Suzuki’s engineers took full advantage of extensive wind tunnel testing, the latest CAE analytical tools and know-how accumulated over the years to achieve one of the best drag coefficients found on any street legal motorcycle. Although priority went to styling refinements, the new model achieves a coefficient of aerodynamic drag area (CdA) on par with the previous generation. This continues to earn it a podium spot as one of the top three street legal bikes in terms of CdA despite its relatively large frontal area.

So, while bringing a sharper new look of modern styling and class to the new generation, the Hayabusa’s body design remains true to the wind cutting nature of its predecessors and even modestly improves on lift and stability at high speed.

Mounting the handlebars 12mm closer to the rider vastly improves comfort and reduces fatigue, particularly when touring or taking other long rides It also enhances handling when enjoying a sporty ride by giving the rider better feedback on how well the front tire is gripping the road, by better supporting the rider’s posture to improve stability when braking, and by offering the rider greater freedom in movement to control cornering.

Attention to detail extends to design elements that enhance aerodynamic performance while also offering wind protection to improve comfort and reduce riding fatigue. For example, the V-shaped chrome plated moldings in front of the air ducts on the side cowlings create a styling accent flowing from the engine to the mufflers that visually expresses the immense amount of power emanating from the engine, but are also functional parts that draw wind away from the rider’s legs. Likewise, the black plastic accent pieces that extend from the sides of the upper cowl near the handlebars protect the rider’s elbows and knuckles.

The latest Brembo Stylema® front brake calipers are now fitted as standard equipment.  Featuring a lighter, more compact and carefully sculpted design, these new calipers increase airflow around the brake pads assisting them to cool more quickly and deliver immediate response. The diameter of the front discs has been increased from 310mm to 320mm and a new hole pattern is adopted to further help optimise cooling efficiency.

A lighter, more compact muffler design reduces weight in the rear end by 2,054 grams and combined with the 700 gram lighter new sub frame helps move the mass forward to achieve 50:50 front/rear weight distribution. The heat-colouring the new mufflers take on over time is directly affected by the way the bike is ridden. This makes it possible for each rider to add a unique personal touch to their Hayabusa.

The new 7-spoke wheel design improves grip feel as well as appearance and is shod with Birdgestone’s latest BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tyres for improved grip and greater all-round agility.

S T Y L I N G

The Hayabusa’s unique styling and striking aerodynamic silhouette have made it instantly recognisable since the first generation was launched in 1999. Low, long and wide, it’s a magnificent beast of a machine whose majestic stance screams of power, performance and instinct, much like the Japanese peregrine falcon from which it is named after.

The new generation faithfully inherits this DNA while bringing it firmly into the present. Suzuki’s design team worked hard to create the fresh new look which incorporates sharper lines with a tough, modern exterior that expresses refinement and ultimate performance. They also applied a tasteful blend of textures, colours and design elements intended to lend visual expression to immeasurable potential offered by the power of the engine and controllability provided by latest electronic control systems. The overall result is a look of unmatched quality and greater luxury fused with the daunting image of a fierce bird of prey.

The Hayabusa’s vertically stacked headlight continues to feature intentionally large and, bold styling. Even so, the design for the new generation assumes a tighter, more angular look that nests neatly between the large Suzuki Ram Air Direct (SRAD) intake ducts and melds seamlessly with the narrower lines of the windscreen’s lower edge. Black parts incorporated inside its housing add a striking new touch and make the assembly less conspicuous. Flanking the air intakes are new position lights with integrated indicators. Together they form a single, clean vertical line that flows back along the cowling and does away with the bulbous protrusions as featured on previous iteration.

The English “Hayabusa” and Japanese Kanji logo designs have been updated to strongly evoke an image of speed and sophistication. Both logos adopt sharper, more highly stylised strokes, and the English logo features a long cross stroke on the “H” that emphasises a sense of speed.

In addition to the bold character on the side of the cowling, smaller versions of the Japanese logo add highlights on the black shroud over the projector type high beam headlight, on the front of the single seat cowl available as a genuine accessory, and even as a start-up animation on the TFT LCD panel. Groupings of V-shaped accents inspired by the peregrine falcon’s hackles (neck feathers) are featured on the black cladding below the fuel tank, in front of the air intakes on the cowling, and on the foot pegs.

I N S T R U M E N T A T I O N   &  L I G H T I N G

Riders love the outstanding functionality and familiar layout of the Hayabusa’s instantly recognisable instrument cluster. Now it benefits from a number of carefully considered touches that give it a modern new look and make its functional brilliance shine even brighter.

The large analogue tachometer and speedometer gain a fresh, more attractive appearance. Features include bigger, bolder numbering that improves readability. Raised scale markings around the periphery of each meter use LED lighting to provide a clearer view and faster recognition, both at during the day and at night. Carrying the theme of gold coloured accents throughout the cockpit area, the analogue fuel and coolant temperature gauges that flank the meters are ringed in gold, as are the SDMS and Active Data display screens on the TFT LCD panel.

One standout new feature is the TFT LCD panel mounted in the centre, between the two main meters. It displays either the current SDMS-α systems settings or an Active Data display that shows lean angle (with peak hold function), front and rear brake pressure, rate of forward/reverse acceleration, and the current accelerator position. The panel also shows clock, gear position, odometer dual trip meter, ambient temperature, instantaneous fuel consumption, riding range, trip time, and average fuel consumption on and voltmeter displays. An ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the instrument cluster’s brightness level based on surrounding conditions, but the rider can also opt to make manual adjustments.

An additional feature of the LCD panel is a brief animation of the Hayabusa kanji character that plays when the ignition key is turned on. This playful presentation is pleasing to the eye and heightens anticipation of the ride to come. A second animation featuring the Suzuki logo plays before the display is turned off.

Both the low beam and projector type high beam headlights adopt LEDs that provide clear illumination and help make the Hayabusa clearly visible to pedestrians and other traffic at night. The vertically stacked design creates a sharp new look with its large, bold styling and eye pleasing presence. Attention to achieving a memorable look extends to every detail. The two upper and two lower LEDs for the low beam are mounted in the corners where they shine across a reflector panel and fill the light assembly with attractive illumination. Fine touches throughout the headlight assembly include the use of black parts that heighten the sharp looks, as well as the inclusion of the Hayabusa kanji character on top of the black cowl above the high beam lamp.

A first on a Suzuki motorcycle is the integration of the LED position lights and indicators into single assemblies that neatly flank the outer edges of the large SRAD air intakes. An illumination scheme using white lighting for the position light with the indicators flashing in orange when they are on creates a unique overall effect that heightens the sense of a luxurious riding experience.

The bold new LED taillight and rear indicator design creates a single wide, sharp accent running horizontally across the bottom of the tail section. Each of the left and right combination lamps house the tail/brake light and indicators, with a clear lens over the taillight and a clear smoke lens over the indicator portion.

A U S T R A L I A N   R E L E A S E

The MY22 Suzuki Hayabusa is expected to arrive in Australia during the middle of 2021 and will be available in two colours – Glass Sparkle Black / Candy Burnt Gold and Metallic Matte Sword Silver / Candy Daring Red, for a manufacturer’s recommended retail price of $27,690 Ride Away.

With high demand and limited supply, reservations for this highly anticipated motorcycle will be exclusively online via Suzuki’s the Build and Order feature on suzukimotorcycles.com.au

Customers unable to complete their online reservation themselves are encouraged to visit their nearest Suzuki motorcycle dealership, who will be able to guide them through the online ordering process onsite at the dealership.

As an added bonus and gesture of Suzuki’s appreciation for customer commitment and patience, pre-order customers will also receive an ‘Ultimate Pack’ consisting of a Hayabusa branded garage mat, leather race gloves, hat, rubber keyring, bike cover and a Suzuki backpack valued at $1,000 with their bike delivery.

S P E C I F I C A T I O N S

DISPLACEMENT: 1340cc

ENGINE: In-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC

TRANSMISSION: 6-Speed constant mesh with back-torque-limiting clutch

FRONT SUSPENSION: 43mm KYB inverted diamond-like coated (DLC) forks with adjustable compression and rebound damping and spring preload

REAR SUSPENSION: Link type, KYB shock with adjustable compression and rebound damping and spring preload

FRONT BRAKES: Brembo Stylema®, Radial-mount 4-piston calipers, dual 320mm floating discs with ABS

REAR BRAKES: Nissin single-piston caliper, 260mm disc with ABS

LENGTH: 2180mm

WIDTH: 735mm

HEIGHT: 1165mm

WHEELBASE: 1480mm

SEAT HEIGHT: 800mm

FUEL CAPACITY: 20.0L

WET WEIGHT: 264Kg

WARRANTY: 2 Year Unlimited Kilometre