It has been a big week for rumours in the motorcycling world, but the story is stacking up for the new Hayabusa, while spy photos reveal that Yamaha is working on a more touring-oriented Tenere 700.
A question mark has hung over the ageing Suzuki Hayabusa for some time, with punters speculating that an all-new chassis and engine, along with a modern electronics package may soon be on the cards.
However, it appears that for now, the Hayabusa’s next update will be mild rather than wild.
Japanese publication Autoby recently reported that the Suzuki Hayabusa is getting a light update to comply with Euro5 emissions regulations.
If this is the case, we can expect the Hayabusa to gain a traction control system, as well as a new intake and exhaust system to improve efficiency and emissions.
You’d think that a big styling update should be considered, as today’s bike looks near identical to the model that launched in 1999, although this may prove a balancing act for Suzuki.
Hayabusa owners can be rather protective of the big sportsbike’s unique design, and yet a new look may be needed if the brand is to secure and excite a younger audience.
The good news is, it seems that the beastly ‘Busa will live another day.
In Australia, the 2020 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa is priced from $18,990 rideaway, and retains the well-known 1340cc inline four-cylinder engine delivering 145kW (195hp) and 155Nm.
Yamaha Tenere 700 to get a bigger fuel tank?
The new Yamaha Tenere 700 is probably motorcycling’s biggest success story of 2020, with the barebones adventurer topping the Australian sales charts shortly after its release.
It appears that Yamaha has responded to customer feedback, and is developing a Tenere 700 variant with a fuel tank larger than the current bike’s 16-litre setup.
Overseas publication RideApart managed to source some images of the Tenere in testing, which it reports to be called the Tenere 700 Travel, featuring upgrades for long-distance touring.
As well as a larger fuel tank, these spy photos also show enhanced wind protection, a new front fork and mounting brackets for big metal panniers.
Earlier this year, Yamaha revealed its Tenere 700 Rally Edition, which is equipped with a number of accessories, though it wasn’t to be for the Australian market.
“The extensive range of Yamaha Genuine Parts and Accessories available make it possible for customers to design and build their own Rally Edition Tenere 700 to create a truly personalised middleweight adventure machine ready to tackle Aussie conditions,” Yamaha Motor Australia told INFO MOTO in June.
What else is going on?
BMW Motorrad’s Indian division recently outed an updated version of the G 310 R, taking on similar updates to the G 310 GS that will arrive in Australia early next year.
These updates include an anti-hopping clutch, LED lights, minor styling updates, and most importantly, Euro5 compliant powertrain tweaks.
Speaking of, we are expecting the 2021 Suzuki SV650 to debut for Euro5 certification, while an overhauled, parallel-twin powered version may appear in the coming years.
New Honda Grom?
Now around seven years old, the ultra-lovable Honda Grom is probably due an update, and Young Machine says that we can expect to see a next-generation upgrade shortly.
The report suggests that the Honda Grom will receive an all-new engine, as well as styling changes and standard LED lighting.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
