Suzuki’s Hayabusa is regarded as a legend in the world of superbikes. It was once known as the fastest production motorcycle in world (194 mph top speed) when it was launched in 1999. If not for a gentlemen's agreement between motorcycle makers, the Japanese peregrine falcon would have smashed current records. But that was history, as the current generation of the Hayabusa is making its last hurrah for the 2020 model year.
Last of 2nd-Gen Peregrine Falcons
The Suzuki Hayabusa – also known as the GSX1300R or Busa – is entering the 2020 model year with essentially no major changes. In fact, the only revisions it boasts are a new front brake caliper as well as new graphics. It now features fully floating 12.2-inch (310 mm) dual front brake rotors with Brembo Monobloc brake calipers, as equipped with ABS (anti-lock brakes).
As for the new graphics, the 2020 Busa is available in either Candy Daring Red or Metallic Thunder Gray paint schemes, each featuring a contrasting Hayabusa Kanji symbol, color-matched wheels as well as model name decals. It still dons the stylized Suzuki “S” 3-D emblems on the fuel tank and the fork upper bracket.
Same Power, New Brakes
The 2020 Suzuki Hayabusa is still powered by a 1,340-cc, four-cylinder, DOHC engine with advanced EFI that features two 10-hole fuel injectors for each cylinder. This fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engine is supported by a lightweight twin-spar aluminum frame as well as a fully adjustable suspension system from KYB.
The latest Busa rides on three-spoke cast aluminum alloy wheels shod with 120/70ZR17M/C radial tires on the front and 190/50ZR17M/C tubeless tires on the rear. While the front brake rotors are paired with Brembo calipers, the 10.2-inch (260 mm) rear brake rotor is grabbed by a single-piston brake caliper from Nissin.
Next-Gen Hayabusa In Sight
It is really sad that the Hayabusa has to go, no thanks to more stringent emissions regulations. In Europe, Suzuki stopped selling the Busa in January 2019, as the Euro6 emission rules already took effect. With other countries now adopting similar emissions rules, Suzuki had to discontinue the Hayabusa.
The good news is that Suzuki is now developing the next generation of the Hayabusa. Suzuki is set to unveil the third generation of the Hayabusa at the 2020 Tokyo Motor Show. Can we expect another great Suzuki motorcycle in the making? Who knows but if you can’t wait, the 2020 Hayabusa is available at starting MSRP of $14,799.
Source: Suzuki Motors