THE next generation of the all-conquering Hayabusa has arrived, with Suzuki Motorcycles taking the covers off the third iteration of their famous superbike, with the 2022 model armed with a host of upgrades that are sure to have fans salivating.
First launched in 1999, the Hayabusa shocked the motorcycle world by delivering a whole new level of speed, power and overall performance. It instantly gained the title of the world’s fastest production motorcycle and gave birth to the Ultimate Sport category.
The original Hayabusa was much more than the sum of its parts. The abundant power offered a wider range of gear selection options for any given speed, and this ultimately delivered a more controllable and pleasurable ride.
Aerodynamic styling that instilled the Hayabusa with one of the lowest drag coefficients achieved on a production motorcycle contributed to controllability, stability and rider comfort.
Its striking unique bodywork and styling design helped achieve its iconic presence. The Hayabusa’s second generation, launched in 2008, retained all the features of the original, but increased engine displacement to 1340cc.
It introduced several new features that included a bold new body design. Further enhancement of performance in 2013 saw upgraded front brakes and the addition of ABS. Since then, Suzuki’s engineers and designers have been working tirelessly.
The result is the third generation Hayabusa, which leverages the latest technological innovations to provide greater control and comfort, and ultimately to assist riders in gaining confidence as they enjoy outings on the ‘Ultimate Sport Bike’.
The new Hayabusa adopts the latest version of Suzuki’s Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S), a robust collection of electronic systems designed to optimise performance characteristics to match the needs of the moment, making the bike more controllable and predictable.
Riders can opt for settings that best suit conditions and varying road surfaces, as well as their level of confidence and experience. They can benefit from the feedback those settings provide and take advantage of it to further hone their riding skills.
Refinements implemented throughout the Hayabusa’s legendary 1,340cm3 liquid-cooled inline-four cylinder engine achieve an even better balance of overall performance, greater efficiency and durability, and all while satisfying Euro5 emissions standards.
The Hayabusa’s chassis is designed to empower the rider with sure footing, nimble handling and predictable control that inspires confidence and enhances the riding experience.
It delivers a smooth and comfortable ride that absorbs everything the road surface throws at it and responds faithfully to the rider’s will. It transfers the power of its legendary powerplant to the pavement while fully leveraging its intelligent control systems.
This ensures it runs and brakes effectively, whether riding straight or leaning through corners. So, while bringing a sharper new look of modern styling and class to the new generation, the Hayabusa’s body design remains true to its wind cutting nature.
Improvements ensure modest improvements on lift and stability at high speed over its predecessors. The latest Brembo Stylema front brake callipers are now fitted as standard equipment as well.
Featuring a lighter, more compact and carefully sculpted design, these new callipers increase airflow around the brake pads, assisting them to cool more quickly and deliver immediate response.
The new 7-spoke wheel design improves feel as well as appearance and is shod with Bridgestone’s latest BATTLAX HYPERSPORT S22 tyres for improved grip and greater all-round agility.
Low, long and wide, it’s a magnificent beast of a machine whose majestic stance screams of power, performance and instinct, much like the Japanese peregrine falcon from which it is named after.
The new generation faithfully inherits this DNA while bringing it firmly into the present. Its fresh new look incorporates sharper lines with a tough, modern exterior that expresses refinement and ultimate performance.
The Hayabusa’s vertically stacked headlight continues to be a feature of its intentionally large and, bold styling.
Even so, the design for the new generation assumes a tighter, more angular look that nests neatly between the large Suzuki Ram Air Direct (SRAD) intake ducts and melds seamlessly with the narrower lines of the windscreen’s lower edge.
The English Hayabusa and Japanese Kanji logo designs have been updated to strongly evoke an image of speed and sophistication. Both logos adopt sharper, more highly stylised strokes. The English H now features a long cross stroke for a sense of speed.
The familiar layout of the Hayabusa’s instantly recognisable instrument cluster now benefits from a number of carefully considered touches that give it a modern new look and make its functional brilliance shine even brighter.
Both the low beam and projector type high beam headlights adopt LEDs that provide clear illumination and help make the Hayabusa clearly visible to pedestrians and other traffic at night.
An illumination scheme using white lighting for the position light with the indicators flashing in orange when they are on creates a unique overall effect that heightens the sense of a luxurious riding experience.
The 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa is expected to arrive in Australia mid-2021 and will be available in two colours – Glass Sparkle Black / Candy Burnt Gold and Metallic Matte Sword Silver / Candy Daring Red.
The ride away price of $27,690 is sure to make it hot property, and with high demand and limited supply, Suzuki Australia is taking online reservations via its Build and Order system at www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au
As an added bonus, pre-order customers will also receive an ‘Ultimate Pack’, consisting of a Hayabusa branded garage mat, leather race gloves, hat, rubber keyring, bike cover and a Suzuki backpack valued at $1,000, with their bike delivery.
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