This month’s unveiling of the third-generation Hayabusa proves that Suzuki is far from done with its most-iconic nameplate, but has raised mixed emotions among its die-hard following.
A spontaneous teaser video published by Suzuki in late January revealed but a few details about the new bike, yet it set the forums alight with predictions of a bigger engine – some positive that turbochargers and advanced aerodynamic winglets were on the cards.
Up until this point, the fate of the Hayabusa had been in question, with some speculating that it would soon meet its demise, and others hopeful that a ground-up redesign would see the Hayabusa battle the likes of the Kawasaki H2R to reclaim its ‘world’s fastest’ status.
Even INFO MOTO, inaccurately, published a prediction regarding the new Hayabusa.
The third-generation Suzuki Hayabusa officially broke cover on February 5, revealing a significantly updated motorcycle that is sharper and more advanced than ever before, but retained many of the mechanical components from the outgoing model.
Critically, the bike gains a comprehensive electronics suite to provide traction control for the first time, alongside all the rider aids and technology features one might expect from a modern sportsbike short of a full-size TFT dash.
The Hayabusa’s unique (and polarising) design language is maintained, though it has been revised and made more aerodynamic compared to its predecessor, while bigger brakes, enhanced KYB suspension, tweaked instruments and new wheels round out the major changes.
Much of the controversy surrounding the new Hayabusa lies in the fact that it retains a familiar 1340cc four-cylinder engine which delivers weaker output figures than the outgoing bike.
Specifically, the new Suzuki Hayabusa makes 140kW and 150Nm, which translates to a 5kW/5Nm drop compared to the current model, but a plethora of internal upgrades indicate that it’s not fair to compare the models based solely on output figures.
Furthermore, the new Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (SIRS), which is what Suzuki calls its six-axis electronics suite, will surely help the Hayabusa more efficiently distribute its power.
These updates have led to a fairly sharp price hike for the new model however, which too stirred debate in the Hayabusa forums.
In Australia, the new-generation Suzuki Hayabusa will go on sale mid-year priced from $27,690 rideaway, while the previous model is offered at just $18,990.
Suzuki has taken a particularly conservative approach to its new product reveals in recent years, with models like the V-Strom 1050 and GSX-R line-up carrying over much from their predecessors.
But as INFO MOTO‘s testing has taught, a bike’s merit should never be judged on its spec sheet alone, and so we look forward to trialing the new Hayabusa when it launches later this year.
What do you think of the new Hayabusa? Let us know in the comment section below.
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.
Speed cameras on every corner, fugly looks, and Euro 5 mufflers (gasp!!) in a final capitulation to an electric future, it’s already a museum piece. Wouldn’t mind a ride tho!!
This should have been the 20 year anniversary bike in 2019, I’ll get one eventually.
Looks neat. Call me old school, but I never like to see power figures going south, in an incoming model……..
This was a joke of a release!
Still looks like it was left too close to a fire
Less power
Less fuel efficient
Less fuel range
Stupid chrome strip on side
Much, much more expensive!
D. O. A