Suzuki Hayabusa GSX-R1300

The Suzuki Hayabusa has a design which has become such an icon in itself, as it is highly hailed as one of the most aerodynamic motorcycles ever made. The design looks bulbous and curvaceous, which does command second glances and respect wherever it goes. However, this very design has turned too long in the tooth, with minimal updates in the last decade of its run, save for new colour options and graphics.

The Suzuki Hayabusa has a very curvy looking front fairing, which is large, quite rounded, and houses a tongue-shaped headlamp assembly, consisting of two lamps – projector for low beam and simple halogen for additional assistance in high beam. The teardrop-shaped clear lens turn indicators placed beside the headlamp have in small air intakes attached to them. The fairing mounted rearview mirrors look small in size, but provide a great view of behind and are placed very ergonomically.

The side fairing of the Suzuki Hayabusa is also quite big in size and incorporates two air intakes placed very strategically. The fuel tank too looks massive and has well-rounded knee recesses for even taller riders. The frame of the motorcycle is exposed partially along with minimal side panels below the fuel tank and rider’s seat.

The rear portion of the Suzuki Hayabusa too has been styled curvaceously, with the standard pillion seat cowl which can be removed when in need. This seat cowl slopes beautifully towards the angular but curved tailpiece, which consists of a tongue-shaped LED tail lamp and two curved bulges on the sides which house clear lens turn indicators. The Hayabusa comes with massive black finished exhaust pipes on either sides.

The instrument console of the Suzuki Hayabusa is an all analog affair with a small digital gear indicator nestled between two analog dials on either sides. While the inner analog dials and large and show readouts for speedometer and tachometer, the small ones on the sides are gauges for fuel level and temperature. The Hayabusa comes with clip-on handlebars which are positioned slightly below to enhance the touring appeal of the motorcycle.

The basic suspension setup of Suzuki Hayabusa might sound a bit archaic with conventional hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and adjustable single shock with aluminum swing-arm at the rear. However, the suspension is set on a softer edge to meet the touring characteristics of the motorcycle.

The low set handlebars and rear set footpegs tend to make the riding posture quite sporty. However, it is far from tiring and the Hayabusa is capable of munching miles with ease and comfort. For braking duties, the Suzuki Hayabusa is fitted with top-notch dual discs at the front and a single disc at the rear. 

The mighty Suzuki Hayabusa is powered by an equally glorious four-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 1340cc engine, which is one of the largest four-cylinder engines for a production-spec motorcycle. Coupled to a 6-speed gearbox, this sweet-sounding engine pumps out 200 PS of peak power output and 155 Nm of maximum torque output.

The Suzuki Hayabusa feels a bit archaic when it comes to safety equipment on offer. The motorcycle only gets the essentials for this segment like a dual-channel ABS, three-level traction control, and slipper clutch, with a glaring absence of electronics amplifying its dated appeal even more.

The Suzuki Hayabusa is an excellent mile-munching machine, which is not too practical for usage on a daily basis. However, the mighty road presence of the motorcycle and its supremely comfortable ride quality and riding experience are enough to hide its shortcomings, including its slightly dated styling and limited equipment levels.