Suzuki Hayabusa: bikesales Bike of the Year 2021 finalist
Suzuki’s overhauled bird of prey brings extra safety and refinement to the hypersports arms race...
Why is the Suzuki Hayabusa a bikesales BOTY finalist?
The Suzuki Hayabusa has served as something of an anachronism in recent years – a throwback from a distant age, when for a sizeable slab of motorcycledom, speed was coveted above all else. The ‘top-speed wars’ reached their zenith around the turn of the millennium, and – along with some key rivals – the Suzuki Hayabusa was right in the thick of it.
But the world has changed, and those who indulge speed’s evil seduction on public roads do so at considerable risk. Hoon legislation, even gaol time – these days, it’s all on the table...
Which is why we were as surprised as anyone when Suzuki recently announced that, rather than retiring its long-serving ballistic missile, it was in fact overhauling it for the modern age.
Still capable of stratospheric speeds and eye-popping acceleration, the new Suzuki Hayabusa is now cleaner (Euro 5) and more refined, with a comprehensive suite of cutting-edge tech that also makes it safer than ever.
The 'Busa is back – and eminently worthy of its place in our 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year, proudly presented by Shannons.
Who will the Suzuki Hayabusa appeal to?
Like any big-bore blaster, the Suzuki Hayabusa is strictly for experienced hands – those entirely familiar and comfortable with high-power hardware.
It’s also for those with fairly liberal budgets – this next-generation Hayabusa also comes with a next-generation price and a voracious appetite for tyres.
The Suzuki Hayabusa is also well suited to track days, which is the only place these days where you can safely take full advantage of its warp-speed performance.
Having said that, the 'Busa is also a fast point-to-point sportstourer. And while it will enthrall on a winding road, it’s still a big lump of a thing. To that end, we reckon its natural habitat is more high-speed sweepers than tight hairpins.
How much does the Suzuki Hayabusa cost?
The last of the previous generation could be had for $19,490 ride away, but that ship has sailed. The overhauled Suzuki Hayabusa is now $27,690 ride away, or $8200 more.
It’s a big hike, but then the previous model was probably underpriced – its pricing barely changed over 20 years. And when you consider all the extra tech and progress, and the pricing of its rivals, the new price tag makes more sense.
The engine has copped a thorough revision and the arrival of SIRS (Suzuki Intelligent Ride System) brings more ride modes plus custom settings for things like traction control, cornering ABS, engine brake modes, launch and wheelie control, and the bi-directional quickshifter.
Add in optimised suspension, electronic cruise control, a speed limiter, Brembo Stylema front brake calipers, full LED lighting, refreshed instrumentation with (admittedly small) TFT display, and revised styling, and it’s a comprehensive update.
What have we already said about the Suzuki Hayabusa?
While the pandemic effectively derailed Suzuki’s Hayabusa launch plans, bikesales was part of a select few media outlets that sampled the model back in April, both on the road and at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Here’s what Rod Chapman had to say...
“For a bike that, on paper and in terms of looks, doesn’t appear to have undergone massive change, the difference in the ride between old and new is stark.
“The connection between bike and rider is somehow more visceral – the link between brain, wrist and back wheel is more communicative than ever before, and the engine feels appreciably more refined.”
And this...
“Its high level of stability at any speed simply inspires confidence, and that confidence is further enhanced by the new electronics.”
Every experienced rider should ride a Suzuki Hayabusa at least once, and that sentiment alone amply qualifies this sleek bird of prey as a 2021 bikesales Bike of the Year finalist.
Suzuki Hayabusa at a glance:
Price: $27,690 ride away
Engine: 1340cc, liquid-cooled, inline four-cylinder
Output: 190hp (140kW)/150Nm
Transmission: Six-speed
Weight: 264kg (wet)
Seat height: 800mm
Fuel capacity: 20 litres
Related reading:
2022 Suzuki Hayabusa Launch Review
Suzuki Hayabusa v Kawasaki ZX-14R Review
New Gen III 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa revealed
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