The Suzuki Hayabusa is a motorcycle that has it all: power, style, comfort, and reliability. It is a truly iconic machine that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes…
2024 Suzuki Hayabusa
Engine: 1340 cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-four
Transmission: 6 speed constant mesh
Power: 139 kW
Torque: 110 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
Dry weight: 220 kg
Seat height: 800 mm
Fuel capacity: 24 litres
Price: $26,390
The Suzuki Hayabusa has always been a lot of motorcycle and one for the ages. Whether it’s too much, or way too much, one thing everyone agrees on, the ‘Busa can dominate any road, any day – without raising its oil pressure.
Suzuki debuted the 1298 cc GSX-1300R Hayabusa in 1999, three years after the Honda 1137cc CBR1100XX Blackbird. Fittingly then the name Hayabusa is Japanese for a Peregrine falcon, which feasts on blackbirds for breakfast.
Well over 200,000 of this icon have rolled out of Suzuki headquarters and into people’s garages since the bike’s intro – enough to have its legendary shape as recognisable as a Coke bottle.
The engine has always been the highlight, and even with all of the emissions hardware and rider aids it gets slapped with, the powerplant is still a rockstar. Making as much peak power as any high end sports bike and nearly as much torque as the 1,800 cc Gold Wing, it’s an absolute gun of an engine – even before you ask it to get naughty.
Despite being a long and heavy bike, the engine carries the load so well that you forget the extra kilos – although U-turns and other maneuvers remind you that you’re on a locomotive.
At cruising speed the riding position is sporty enough, and other than a peg distance that might be uncomfortable for the six feet and over, it’s as comfy as they come. Sporting ability is on the even more comfortable end, with the wide, thick seat and rubber-mounted handlebars softening any harsh vibes the 1,340 cc Quadex Power Core may dish out.
The bright displays and the massive analog gauges for speed/rpm give the right amount of old-school touch. With a sense of abundance that is overwhelming, you rarely need to open the throttle. Maybe it’s too much – or maybe there’s no such thing.
By Bill Vartimetis
For the full article grab the December 2023 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
