Often referred to as the “best motorcycle” money can buy, if you are looking to purchase a Suzuki Hayabusa then congratulations, you are in for an exciting ride.
Known for its speed and all-around performance, this is not a bike for beginners.
That being said, just because you are an experienced rider, that doesn’t make the decision of choosing a Suzuki Hayabusa any easier.
Fortunately, the below guide should help you to pick the perfect Hayabusa for your biking needs.
A brief history of the Hayabusa
When the Suzuki Hayabusa was first released, it took the crown as the fastest production bike ever made with a top speed of 303 to 312 km/hr. It was later agreed to limit the top speeds of motorcycles to 299 km/hr.
The Suzuki Hayabusa has been revised three times in the past 20 years, with each generation offering something new and exciting for Suzuki motorcycles fans across the globe.
The First Generation Suzuki Hayabusa – 1999-2007
The first 1999 Suzuki Hayabusa had a 1299cc engine and was the only model that wasn’t speed restricted. It is hard to find early Hayabusas that have not either been thrashed or significantly modified, and if you do, they are likely to cost a pretty penny.
Therefore, unless you have a collector friend or a lot of cash to splash, you are better off looking for a second or third-generation model.
The Second Generation Suzuki Hayabusa – 2008-2012
The first revision to the Suzuki Hayabusa was in 2007 for the 2008 model year and was known as the Gen 2 Hayabusa. There were several changes made to this model, including a minor restyling of the body, a fine-tuning of the engine’s head, a higher windscreen, modifications to the valves, and an upgraded suspension.
It is much easier to find a second-generation Hayabusa than it is a first, although you should expect it to have high kilometers. The best place to look for a second-gen Hayabusa is on fan groups online.
The Second and a Half Generation Hayabusa – 2013-2020
In 2013, Suzuki made a few upgrades to the second generation Hayabusa including ABS as standard and the addition of Brembo brakes. Other than these minor changes, the Hayabusa remained the same, and the parts are interchangeable with the 2nd gen model.
This is a great option for riders who like having an ABS system, and you don’t need to buy a brand new one to get a great bike.
The Third Generation Hayabusa – 2021+
In February 2021, Suzuki announced their third generation Hayabusa – the Suzuki GSX1300R. This new model had quite a few upgrades from the second-gen one, including:
- Weight down to 264kg from 266kg
- Improved fuel consumption
- Added ride safety tech
- Added standard quick shifter
- Other innovative tech features including ride modes, anti-lift control, a TFL display, launch control and optional heated grips.
According to Hayabusa fans at least, the only downside is the cost of this latest model, which may be prohibitive for some motorbike enthusiasts. However, once you see the new Hayabusa right in front of you, we guarantee that you will instantly forget its hefty price tag and be blown away by its sleek design.