As soon as the Hayabusa hit the market in 1999, it caused waves in two-wheeled world. Its distinct silhouette and rapid speed quickly made it instantly recognizable.
Yoshiura told MCN the Busa is meant to be comfortable, handleable and rideable on the street, tractable power and slickness in races, as well as being traditional-looking.
The First Generation
The first Hayabusa was a cult favourite when it was released in 1999. The design was developed specifically to punch air down and accelerate; making it a hard-working machine that can eat up miles with ease and has the best stability in its class on Bridgestone BT-015 tyres that combine stopping capability with traction.
Hayabusa was moved by the 200mph dive of the Japanese peregrine falcon – scavenging for birds like blackbirds. When introduced, its signature shape set new standards, the successors followed in the same vein and still abided by emissions rules for acceleration and comfortable cornering – great for commuter-style riding as well as for cruising and cornering at high speed.
The Second Generation
The second generation Hayabusa was a hit. With it’s distinctive design drawing a lot of attention on every street corner and even in Hollywood (it even starred in “Hawaii Five-0”) re-makes. And even today its silhouette is still iconic and attracts collectors from all over the world.
With Suzuki’s Power Mode Selector, users can fine-tune the bike’s dynamics to their own experience and level of confidence, from IMU-controlled ABS/traction control to engine brake and two-speed quick shifter. Three factory presets and three rider-defined parameters for its IMU-driven ABS/traction control/engine brake systems and two-direction quick shift systems are factory presets available for configuration.
It’s not just the engine of the Hayabusa, though, that has undergone extensive development, and now meets Euro 5 emissions requirements and offers better economy and torque. Further, the rear torque-limiting clutch with diamond carbon coating on 43mm stanchion tubes gives faster and smoother downshifts and the updated chassis is lighter and more powerful than previous generations of this legendary machine.
The Third Generation
The Hayabusa motorcycle is obvious. Its elegant limbs recall a fine falcon’s flight and its brute instincts speak for themselves.
Its distinct contours extend from its front grille, tank and engine to its curvaceous exhaust sills and LED rear combination lights in a gesture of class that conciliates world-class aerodynamics with Euro 5 emission limits.
It replaced the original twin-spar aluminium frame of the Hayabusa with sections made from extruded metal for added rider comfort and traction. The result is a Hayabusa that’s more robust, yet lighter, than its predecessor, which makes for easier handling and convenience for the rider.
The Fourth Generation
Suzuki was determined to engineer the Hayabusa with this aim: to build a motorcycle that was at once fast and smart and comfortable, a great machine that could take you on road trips for miles on motorways and over the strip.
The fourth-generation Hayabusa got lighter, more stiff Brembo Monobloc front calipers from Brembo. Bridgestone then made new tyres that took advantage of its enormous power, and were more stable at speed.
The Hayabusa has an exclusive style and speed, to this day, and it’s a mainstay car in films and TV series such as “Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and Hawaii Five-0’s remake where its drivers were used to take out the bad guys on the streets. And you have music videos of singers such as Three 6 Mafia or Mos Def using this kind of pattern.