Ups
- Revamped, finally!
- Still distinctively Hayabusa
- Boom! Legendary firepower from the 1,340cc inline-four
- Engine can still accommodate aftermarket go-fast upgrades
- Remarkable handling for a big bike
- Great front Brembo brakes
Downs
- Beefy with a claimed 582-pound wet weight
Verdict
The Hayabusa maintains its legendary status all while being revamped for the times. Better and faster? We will have to determine that when we get a test unit in.
Overview
When it comes to listing legendary sportbikes, one can’t ever forget the Hayabusa. Since its introduction in 1999, it left a significant impression on the motorcycling world with its explosive power, competency, and distinctive styling. Suzuki claimed it even introduced a new motorcycle category, Ultimate Sport, a claim that was supported with gusto. The legend returns for model year 2022 with updates made to the electronics, engine, and chassis.
Updates for 2021
A number of years have passed since the Hayabusa has seen any changes, but now there are many, Suzuki claims 550 new parts. The engine sees internal revisions as well as a reconfiguration to meet Euro 5 emissions standards. Be sure to read Kevin Cameron’s in-depth article on these Euro 5 changes and his piece on the engine details. In addition to the mass amounts of engine changes, the bodywork has been redesigned, a quickshifter incorporated, chassis upgraded, and new electronics added.
The chassis sees a 1.5-pound-lighter subframe, refined KYB suspension, new seven-spoke cast aluminum alloy wheels and Battlax Hypersport S22 tires, new Brembo Stylema front calipers with new 320mm brake rotors, and new floating handlebar mount with revised handlebar placement (12mm closer to rider).
Electrical changes include a new dash with a TFT centered between analog gauges, redesigned handlebar switches, LED lighting, new dual-core 32-bit ECM (for engine management), and its Suzuki’s electronic rider aid suite, Suzuki Intelligent Ride Suite (S.I.R.S.) is managed by a Bosch six-direction, three-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).
Pricing and Variants
The price for the latest Hayabusa is $18,599, which is $3,800 more than the previous model year.
Competition
Kawasaki’s ZX-14R serves as the ‘Busa’s primary competitor.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The renowned 1,340cc DOHC inline-four engine powers the Hayabusa with “eyeball-flattening performance,” test rider and Cycle World Editor-in-Chief Mark Hoyer said in his first ride account. With a relatively easy pull on the clutch lever and a conventional shift of the six-speed gearbox (or clutchless shift of the bidirectional quickshifter), power is delivered with authority.
The Hayabusa’s inline-four is synonymous with high-performance. In early Cycle World dyno tests, this engine produced 161 hp and 100 pound-feet of torque at the rear wheel. It’s currently claimed 187.74 hp at 9,700 rpm and 110.6 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm is certainly nothing to sneeze at, even if it is slightly lower than last year’s claimed numbers. After his trackday testing, Don Canet concluded, “It remains one of the ultimate GTs on the road, and one of the most highly modified machines for strip and land speed racing efforts. As for this salty dog, it’s rejuvenating to learn that a mature and battle-hardened friend still exemplifies fire and grace.”
Handling
There’s no hiding the claimed 582-pound wet weight. It’s a beefy ‘Busa. Its heft is noticeable on the tighter, twisty roads of Malibu, California, where the press launch was conducted, but Hoyer wrote that “on straightaways, you’ll think the bike is weightless.” He also wrote that it handles remarkably well considering its weight and its dimensions make for “a fine combination of agility and stability.”
Brakes
How to stop a 582-pound beast? The ‘Busa is equipped with two four-piston Brembo Stylema calipers and 320mm discs (front) and one single-piston Nissin caliper and 260mm disc (rear) to get the job done. Hoyer reports that the front offers great feel and power.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
During the press launch, Hoyer noted that fuel economy listed on the TFT was 31.4 miles per Imperial gallon (or 26.2 mpg). Exact numbers to come once we put miles on a test unit.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
As mentioned previously, the reach to the handlebar will be slightly easier, seeing as the handlebar position has moved 12mm closer to the rider. Suzuki claims the seat height has decreased to 31.5 inches as a result of chassis and bodywork revisions.
Passenger accommodations include the higher passenger seat and reshaped grab rail, but if the rider is going solo, an optional color-matched seat cowl is available to complete the look.
Electronics
Lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, ride modes, wheel lift control, launch control, engine-braking control, cruise control, hill hold control, speed limiter, and an up/down quickshifter are all included. Navigating the menus on the new TFT display can be done on the revised handlebar controls.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
A year-long unlimited mileage limited warranty is included. Options to extend are available through Suzuki Extended Protection.
Quality
The Hayabusa remains true to its heritage in being a stonking fast sportbike. Its restyling and suite of electronics aid in keeping it up to date, but has it been softened by these additions? More to come from a more comprehensive test.
2022 Suzuki Hayabusa Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $18,599 |
| Engine: | 1,340cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four |
| Bore x Stroke: | 81.0 x 65.0mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Fuel Delivery: | EFI w/ 44mm throttle bodies |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate assist/slipper; hydraulic actuation |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | Ride-by-wire electronic |
| Frame: | Twin-spar aluminum |
| Front Suspension: | KYB 43mm inverted fork; fully adjustable |
| Rear Suspension: | KYB shock; fully adjustable |
| Front Brake: | Brembo Stylema 4-piston caliper, twin 320mm discs w/ ABS |
| Rear Brake: | Nissin 1-piston caliper, 260mm disc w/ ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | N/A |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22; 120/70ZR-17 / 190/50ZR-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 23.0°/3.5 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 58.3 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | 4.9 in. |
| Seat Height: | 31.5 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 5.3 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 582 lb. |
| Contact: | suzukicycles.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com