Bike Files: Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa

Legendary Hayabusa is the last bike standing from the era of the hyper bike.

The Hayabusa is pretty famous, right?

It sure is. Back in the late ‘90s/early 2000s there was a big market for hyper bikes, streamlined sports tourers with big inline four motors and 300kph (186mph) top speeds. Kawasaki had the ZZR (and later the ZX-12R) and Honda had its CBR1100XX Super Blackbird. Suzuki’s entry was this, the distinctive Hayabusa.

It’s certainly distinctive

It sure is. The styling was Marmite but it was like that for a reason, to make it as aerodynamic and slippery as possible. It was named after the peregrine falcon, a bird of prey known for its speed, and the first generation model immediately took over the mantle of ‘world’s fastest production bike’ when it was launched in 1999. It was recorded at 194mph and was feted as one of the most significant motorcycles of the generation.

194mph! Wow, that’s fast!

Indeed. It was too fast for some and manufacturers started to get nervous that they would be banned by legislators as they started to get some negative headlines. As a result, the Japanese manufacturers made a gentleman’s agreement to cap top speeds at 300kph, or 186mph, to stop the race to even faster speeds. As a result, the earliest ‘Busas are the fastest of all.

Unless you modify them?

Of course, people bought Hayabusas because they wanted fast bikes and, as a result, they were some of the most modified bikes of the era. Few escaped without an exhaust swap (a full ‘Yoshi’ system being the mod of choice) and some were even turbocharged and fitted with nitrous systems, with many finding themselves converted into drag racing bikes. It was an era of garish upgrades, and first generation Hayabusas rarely escaped with their dignity intact. Just as well they were pretty lurid to start with.

And you can still buy them today?

You sure can. A second generation model came out in 2008 and soldiered on in the Suzuki range for over a decade. We thought we’d seen the last of it as Euro4 saw a lot slow selling models get the axe, but in 2022 we were surprised to see a third generation model announced.

The styling has been softened a little, although the current model is still very clearly a Hayabusa and built around the same platform as the older versions. The need to meet current emissions laws means the engine isn’t quite as powerful as before, although 188bhp isn’t to be sniffed at, and you now also get modern electronics like switchable riding modes, traction control, cruise control and even hill hold, which is handy as the ‘Busa is still a big heavy bike.

Are they still popular?

Hyper bikes peaked in popularity in the early 2000s, before lighter and more compact 1000cc sportsbikes like Suzuki’s own GSX-R1000 became the weapons of choice. New bike sales are nothing to write home about, but they retain a cult following and remain popular on the second hand market.

What’s the Hayabusa like to ride?

As you’d expect, it’s pretty epic. If you’re used to riding modern sportsbikes, it’ll feel bulky, long and heavy, but the engine is old school and drives like crazy from low down the rev range. It’s one of those bucket list bikes you really should try to ride at least once in your life.

It’s an extremely capable touring bike, even two-up and fully loaded with luggage, although it comes at a cost. Not only is it an expensive bike to buy, all that power and weight means you’ll be going through tyres, chains and sprockets like no-one’s business.

So should I buy a Suzuki Hayabusa?

Only you can decide that but, if you do, you’ll certainly draw a crowd whenever you park up. It is old school and does feel a little dated compared to more modern bikes, but that is also a big part of the charm.

What are the competitors of the Suzuki Hayabusa?

There are loads of 200bhp sportsbikes and adventure bikes on the market, but you won’t be surprised to find that there are not too many direct competitors to the Hayabusa on the market today.

The closest thing out there, unsurprisingly, comes from Kawasaki – Suzuki’s old sparring partner in the 1999s hyperbike race. Their supercharged Ninja H2R SX isn’t quite the traditional sports tourer of old ZZRs, but when it comes to bragging rights there’s not much that ticks as many boxes.