2022 Suzuki Hayabusa
There is no doubt that Suzuki’s GSX1300R Hayabusa is a modern motorcycling legend, and one that I have a particular affinity for. From winding a first generation Hayabusa around to 320 km/h on the speedo in Western Australia, to pasting stripes of Bridgestone across the Victorian High Country on the second generation, I have plenty of memorable Hayabusa experiences.
I can’t wait to make some more on this new third generation Hayabusa when it hits Australia in July priced at $27,690 Ride Away. The white colour scheme seen on some sites will not be coming to Australia. While it will be on sale in July 2021, it is referred to as a 2022 model by Suzuki.
Outright horsepower fiends might be disappointed that there are no incredulous new horsepower numbers to boast about. This engine update has been more about matching the output of its now over 20-year-old predecessors, while significantly updating the engine to meet Euro5 emissions standards and increase durability.Â
I know from experience that many high-power engines that are fitted with new cylinder heads that boast latest generation combustion chamber design combined with more sophisticated electronic management systems are generally way better than their predecessors, as you would hope and expect!Â
Suzuki state that the peak power and torque numbers though are slightly less than the second generation Hayabusa. Still, I can’t see too many people complaining when they see that major boost in mid-range torque which sees Suzuki claim a faster 6.8-second 0-200 time than achieved by its immediate predecessor which takes a tenth longer. The new two-way quick-shifter might have helped on that score…
187 horsepower for the new bike compares to 194 ponies from the second generation and 173 horsepower of the original. Torque is down 5 Nm to 150 Nm at a slightly lower 7,000rpm. Â Kerb weight is down 2 kg to 264 kg ready to ride with a full 20-litre tank, one-litre less fuel than before.Â
Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa Generational Comparison
Details | 1st Gen | 2nd Gen | New Hayabusa |
Displacement | 1,298 cc | 1340 cc | |
Bore x Stroke | 81.0mm x 63.0mm | 81.0mm x 65.0mm | |
Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.5:1 | |
Power | (129kW) 175PS/9,800rpm | (145kW) 197PS/9,500rpm | (140kW) 190PS/9,700rpm |
Torque | 138Nm/7,000rpm | 155Nm/7,200rpm | 150Nm/7,000rpm |
0-200m time | 7.1 | 6.9 | 6.8 |
0-100 km/h time | 3.3 | 3.4 | 3.2 |
Top speed (km/h) | 299 | 299 | 299 |
Emissions | -/ | Euro 3 | Euro 5 |
Fuel consumption | / | 17.6 | 14.9 |
I love that the look has not too radically departed from the original, and love even more that the Hayabusa still boasts conventional clocks. There is nothing like watching that speedo needle wind on relentlessly as the tacho rises and dips with each gear-change. The fuel and temperature gauges also retain the analogue look, love it!
The instrumentation does have some modern tweaks though with a small LCD nestled between the large speedo and tacho that displays the riding mode, traction control map, lean angles achieved, along with a clock and ambient temperature. A bright shift-light resides above that LCD is infinitely more trick than some stupid LCD bar-graph tacho having a seizure. Cruise control is also a welcome addition, it can only be used up to 200 km/h though….Â
The colour schemes I am not so sure of… I am glad that the graphics are not too wild, but I would have preferred the colour schemes to have been even simpler. The strakes finished in contrasting colours I could do without, same goes for the colour treatment that runs up below the seat and on to the pillion cowl. The overall profile though looks much more modern than the outgoing model and it might surprise in the flesh. I hope so.
As per the original, the styling has been somewhat dictated by aerodynamics for both low drag and high-speed stability. Ergonomics have been tweaked with the bars now 12 mm closer to the rider.
The KYB suspension at both ends has new settings while top-shelf four-piston Brembo Stylema calipers and 320 mm discs promise improved braking performance. The latest Bosch ABS system also links the brakes.
Can’t wait to ride the big girl!
2022 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa Specifications | |
 | |
Engine type | Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, in-line four |
Bore x stroke | 81.0 mm x 65.0 mm |
Engine displacement | 1,340 cc |
Compression ratio | 12.5:1 |
Fuel system | Fuel injection |
Starter system | Electric |
Lubrication system | Wet sump |
Transmission | 6-speed constant mesh |
Rear Suspension | Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
Front Suspension | Link type, coil spring, oil damped |
Rake / trail | 23° 00’ / 90 mm |
Front Brakes | Brembo Stylema 4-piston, twin disc, ABS-equipped |
Rear Brakes | Nissin, 1-piston, single disc, ABS-equipped |
Front Tyre | 120/70/ZR17 |
Rear Tyre | 190/50/ZR17 |
Ignition system | Electronic ignition (transistorized) |
Fuel tank capacity | 20.0 LÂ |
Overall Length | 2,180 mm |
Overall width | 735 mm |
Overall height | 1,165 mm |
Wheelbase | 1,480 mm |
Ground clearance | 125 mm |
Seat height | 800 mm |
Kerb weight | 264 kg |
Available | Mid 2021 |
Price | $27,690 Ride Away |