Suzuki Hayabusa

The Hayabusa uses a 1340cc engine as before. But as a result of Euro 5 emissions norms, output has fallen by 7PS and 5Nm to 190PS and 150Nm. At 264kg, kerb weight has reduced, but only by 2kg. To help make the bike more manageable, Suzuki has added a comprehensive IMU-assisted electronics suite that includes lean-sensitive traction control and ABS, wheelie control, launch control, and engine-brake control. The Hayabusa also gets cruise control and hill hold assist. Suzuki has carried forward the same twin-spar aluminium frame from the second-generation Busa. However, there is a new rear subframe and the fully adjustable suspension components have revised internals. The braking department has received a further boost with the presence of Brembo Stylema calipers. Suzuki has carried forward the same twin-spar aluminium frame from the second-generation Busa. However, there is a new rear subframe and the fully adjustable suspension components have revised internals. The braking department has received a further boost with the presence of Brembo Stylema calipers.

The Suzuki Hayabusa arrives in just a single variant with three colour options: Glass Sparkle Black/Candy Burnt Gold, Metallic Matte Sword Silver/Candy Daring Red, and Pearl Brilliant White/Metallic Mat Stellar Blue. The latter is a limited series option that is not sold in all global markets.

Much like the previous two generations, the third-gen Suzuki Hayabusa is still not that much of a looker. Its wind tunnel-developed aerodynamic design has become sharper with larger vents for better airflow through the motorcycle. Mind you, it’s still a long motorcycle with a front-heavy design. Suzuki has made the tail sleeker and it looks complete with the hump-shaped pillion cowl.

This is one area where Suzuki has made a huge improvement over the older Hayabusas. For starters, all lighting systems are LEDs. The analogue tachometer and speedometer are now separated by a small TFT MID. It reads out information such as the current levels of the electronic aids, trip-related info, gear position indicator, and a clock among other data. There’s a six-axis IMU that aids in more precise inputs from the suite of electronic rider aids. Also, you get a bi-directional quickshifter as standard.

The Peregrine Falcon is kind of a lone warrior. The Busa no longer has the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R to tussle with and the Kawasaki Ninja H2 SX SE hasn’t arrived in the country as yet. There are several litre-class track-scorchers you could buy instead of the Busa such as the phenomenally priced Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, the extremely friendly BMW S 1000 RR, and the most technologically advanced Ducati Panigale V4, the BS6 version of which will be launched soon. However, the Busa isn’t meant to do its bidding on a race track, it belongs to the open road. Here are some alternatives you could consider.