When Suzuki’s bird became the fastest production motorcycle in the world
When Suzuki’s bird became the fastest production motorcycle in the world
By Réhann Coetzee
In 1999 Suzuki stunned the world when they unveiled the fastest production motorcycle to the world. The GSX1300R was called the Hayabusa, the Japanese for peregrine falcon, the fastest of all birds.
The Hayabusa had a 1 298cc engine that delivered a frightening 127kW (175hp) and 138Nm of stomping torque. It is not exactly clear what the exact top speed was, but it ranged from 303km/h to 312km/h. In that year the Japanese and European motorcycle manufacturers reached an informal agreement to limit top speeds to 300km/h and that helped the Hayabusa to keep its crown.
As the reference to the peregrine falcon might infer, the aim of Suzuki was indeed to beat the Honda CBR1100XX Blackbird as the top-speed king. And when Kawasaki launched its Ninja ZX-12R in 2000, it couldn’t match the Hayabusa’s top speed either. The Hyabusa offered more power than its competitors, right through the rev range.
Not everyone was enamoured by its styling though. It is a big (and heavy) bike and it looks the part. The fairing’s styling is bulbous to reduce drag at very high speeds and this is a case of “form following function”.
For the 2008 model year, the Hayabusa got a bit of a facelift. Well, more than a facelift actually. The bodywork wasn’t changed a lot, but the engine size increased to 1 340cc and the power output jumped to 145kW (194hp). It was clear that the fans liked the bike’s look, even though it was widely criticised. So Suzuki decided not to change it too much, but after researching the custom scene in the US, it was decided to give it a more masculine look.
The fully adjustable suspension was firmer and the swingarm was strengthened. A stronger slipper clutch was fitted, the final drive ratio was lowered and 1st and 2nd gear’s ratios were narrowed and the ratios between 5th and 6th gear were moved further apart. The speedometer was now digital and it got an adjustable shift light.
Today, Kawasaki is the only other brand with a hyper-sports tourer, the ZZR1400. The agreement around limiting the top speed is still there, so it is not quite clear whether the Hayabusa would be the fastest production bike if the speed limiters were to be removed.
The Hayabusa has become a legend in its own lifetime and stories abound of the original (unrestricted) version with go-faster goodies that make it bash through the 300km/h barrier. But ask any Hayabusa owner and you will hear that this bike is about more than just speed. It is a comfortable – if a little heavy – bike that can eat up kilometres at an incredible rate. It handles well and stops very well.
I have never ridden a Hayabusa, but I hope to get a test bike soon and will then share my impressions with you.
Technically speaking: Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa
Engine: 1 340cc, in-line 4-cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled
Power: 146kW @ 9 800rpm / 154Nm @ 10 200rpm
Gears: 6 speed, chain
Fuel tank: 21 litres
Seat height: 805mm
Tyres: 120/70/17 front, 190/50/17 rear
Brakes: 4-piston 310mm double disks (front); 1-piston 260mm single disk (rear)
Wet weight: 266kg
Price: R205 900