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===Performance and measurements===
===Performance and measurements===
Note: The motorcycle industry uses at least 2 horsepower scales, the high reading "DJHP" Dynojet horsepower scale, which was marketing based <ref>http://www.factorypro.com/dyno/true1.html</ref>and True horsepower (also known as "Effective horsepower), which is engineering based.<br />

True HP <ref>http://www.factorypro.com/dyno/true1.html</ref> is an easily duplicatable, steady state, Brake horsepower standard.<br />
"DJHP" is an unpublished, proprietary, "non-brake, sweep test horsepower scale that assumes a blanket inertial mass value for every bike.<ref>http://www.factorypro.com/dyno/true1.html</ref> DJHP is not "bhp", though it is commonly written as such.<br />

Some dynamometer manufacturers attempt to duplicate a higher "DJHP" number by empirically deriving an algorithm to inflate their original True horsepower numbers to approximate "DJHP" number scale, with varying degrees of success.<br />
Many reported extremely high horsepower readings are the result of a dyno manufacturer using their own poor "inflation" factor to emulate "DJHP".<ref>http://www.factorypro.com/dyno/true1.html</ref><br />
Typically, on a Haybusa, True HP x 1.15 = approximate DJHP

All engines in a series have some variation in power, usually +\- 2% to 3%. The general hp range of the Hayabusa 99-07 series, overlaps. On an average, the 99-07's are within 2% of each year. Typical True HP readings, using multiple samples, show 138 to 142 True HP. There is no indication that the retail sold 99 model was stronger than the later years.<ref>http://www.factorypro.com/dyno/true1.html</ref>
{|class="wikitable sortable"
{|class="wikitable sortable"
! Horsepower !! Torque !! Weight !! Tested by
! Horsepower !! Torque !! Weight !! Tested by

Revision as of 19:17, 22 December 2009

Suzuki Hayabusa
ManufacturerSuzuki
Also calledGSX1300R, 'Busa[1]
Production1999–
ClassHyper sport
Top speed1999 188–194 mph (303–312 km/h)
2000– 186 mph (299 km/h)[2][3]
RelatedSuzuki B-King

The Suzuki Hayabusa (or GSX1300R) is a hyper sport motorcycle made by Suzuki since 1999. It immediately won acclaim as the world's fastest production motorcycle, with a top speed of 188–194 miles per hour (303–312 km/h).

Hayabusa 隼 is Japanese for Peregrine Falcon, a bird that often serves as a metaphor for speed due to its vertical hunting dive, or stoop, speed of 180 to 240 miles per hour (290 to 390 km/h), the fastest of any bird.[4][5] In particular, the choice of name was made due to the fact that the peregrine falcon preys on blackbirds, which reflected the intent of the original Hayabusa to unseat the Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird as the world's fastest production motorcycle.[6][7][8] Eventually, the Hayabusa managed to surpass the Super Blackbird by at least a full 10 miles per hour (16 km/h).[2][9]

In 2000, fears of a European regulatory backlash or import ban[10][11][12] led to an informal agreement between the Japanese and European manufacturers to govern the top speed of their motorcycles at an arbitrary limit.[13] Therefore, model year 2000 and later Hayabusas, as well as their competition, are electronically limited to 300 kilometres per hour (186 mph).[14]

The media-reported value for the speed agreement in miles per hour was consistently 186 mph, while in kilometers per hour it varied from 299 to 303 km/h, which is typical given unit conversion rounding errors. This figure may also be affected by a number of external factors,[15] as can the numbers for horsepower and torque.[16]

The conditions under which this limitation was adopted led to the Hayabusa's title to remain, at least technically, unassailable, since no subsequent model could go faster without being tampered with.[17] Thus, after the much anticipated[18][19][20] Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R of 2000 fell 4 mph (6 km/h) short of claiming the title because of being speed-restricted, the Hayabusa secured its place as the fastest standard production bike of the 20th century.[21][22][23] This gives the unrestricted 190-mph 1999 models even more cachet with collectors.[24]

Besides its speed, the Hayabusa has been lauded by many reviewers for its all-around performance, in that it does not drastically compromise other qualities like handling, comfort, reliability, noise, fuel economy or price in pursuit of a single function.[3][25][26] Jay Koblenz of Motorcycle Consumer News commented, "If you think the ability of a motorcycle to approach 190 mph or reach the quarter-mile in under 10 seconds is at best frivolous and at worst offensive, this still remains a motorcycle worthy of just consideration. The Hayabusa is Speed in all its glory. But Speed is not all the Hayabusa is."[25]

First generation (1999–2007)

1999–2007
A modern sport motorcycle with enclosed black and gray bodywork leaning on its sidestand on smooth paving stones in front of a white wall.
Also calledGSX-1300R-X (1999), GSX-1300R-Y (2000), GSX-1300R-K1–K7 (2001–2007)
Production1999–2007
Engine1,299 cc (79.3 cu in), 4-stroke inline-four, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve,compression ratio 11:1, Keihin/Denso fuel Injection, wet sump
Bore / stroke81.0 mm × 63.0 mm (3.19 in × 2.48 in)
Top speed1999 188–194 mph (303–312 km/h)
2000–2007 186 mph (299 km/h)[2][3] See performance and measurements
Power171.1 bhp (128 kW)[27]
Rear wheel 151.5–162.6 bhp (113–121 kW) bhp @ 9500–9750 rpm, See performance and measurements
Torque93.4–99.6 lb⋅ft (126.6–135.0 N⋅m) @ 6750–7000 rpm, See performance and measurements
Transmission6-speed, constant mesh, #532 chain drive
SuspensionFront Inverted telescopic fork, fully adjustable spring preload, 14-way adjustable rebound damping and 13-way adjustable compression damping
Rear Link-type, gas/oil damped, fully adjustable spring preload, 22-way adjustable compression & rebound damping
BrakesFront 6-pot Tokico calipers on 320 mm stainless steel discs
Rear Single hydraulic disc
TiresBridgestone Battlax BT56 Front 120/70-ZR-17, Rear 190/50-ZR-17
Rake, trail24.2°, 3.8 in (97 mm)
Wheelbase1,485 mm (58.5 in)
DimensionsL: 2,140 mm (84.3 in)
W: 740 mm (29.1 in)
H: 1,155 mm (45.5 in)
Seat height805 mm (31.7 in)
WeightSee performance and measurements 215–242 kg (474–534 lb) (dry)
250–255.3 kg (551–563 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity21 L (5.5 US gal)
(California 19 L (5.0 US gal))
Fuel consumption'99 37 mpg‑US (6.4 L/100 km),[28] 38.5 mpg‑US (6.11 L/100 km)[25] '05 32 mpg‑US (7.4 L/100 km)[28]

When first shown to the press in 1999, Suzuki representatives suggested the motorcycle founded a new category, "Ultimate Sport," which did not catch on, hyper sport having proven sufficiently descriptive, but nonetheless, the first Hayabusas made a profound impression.[3] No previous motorcycle has broken the production model top speed record by such a margin, 10 to 14 mph (16 to 23 km/h), depending on which measured speeds the source was relying on for the CBR1100XX and the GSX-1300R.[2][25]

The first generation had a 1,299 cubic centimetres (79.3 cu in) liquid-cooled, inline-4 engine with sixteen valves driven by double-overhead cams. This configuration, technologically unremarkable for that time, delivered a record-setting 173 brake horsepower (129 kW) at the crankshaft by virtue of the largest displacement ever in a sport bike, and a ram air system that forced cool air into the cylinders at speed.[2][25] Combined with sophisticated aerodynamics, this powerful engine pushed the Hayabusa's top speed above the Honda Super Blackbird by a stunning leap, contrasting with the incremental gains that preceded the Suzuki hyper sport entry. Honda had previously only inched past the prior top speed titleholder, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 of 1990.[3]

A distinctive feature of the Hayabusa engine was its abundance of low end torque. In comparison with the CBR1100XX and the ZX-11, the shape of the horsepower graphs is very similar for all three engines, but the Hayabusa's torque graph departs from the other two early in the RPM range and stays well above them from 3000 through 9000 rpm. This difference has little effect on the ultimate top speed of these motorcycles, but it makes the Hayabusa less demanding to ride by giving the rider a wider margin for error in choosing the right gear for a given speed.[25]

The ram air ducts at the front of the drooping, rounded nose squeezed frontal area away from the headlight, and this, along with the need for a narrow frontal area, necessitated a stacked headlight and high beam behind a single lens. Moreover, the need to reduce the extreme drag encountered at high speeds determined the Hayabusa's entire bulbous, and much-criticized, bodywork design. Koblenz remarked, "non-traditional styling generates the main controversy of the Hayabusa."[25] When viewed through the eyes of those who judged its beauty on the basis of its functionality, or given a little time to get used to it, the bike's looks did find admirers.[25][29] The striking two-tone copper/silver paint scheme was similarly loved by some and hated by others, but was successful if the intent of an all-new, flagship product is to make a bold statement.[25] So while it was called ugly by some in the press,[19][24][30] this aerodynamic shape was key to the Hayabusa's ability to reach record-setting speeds.[2]

The engine used a gear-driven counterbalancer to reduce vibration to the point that the engine could be solidly mounted to the frame, for the purpose of increasing chassis rigidity. Employing a conventional twin beam frame, fully adjustable upsidedown forks, using specially developed Bridgestone tires, and being relatively light at 473 pounds (215 kg) dry, the Hayabusa's handling was considered excellent for a machine of this class.[2] One reviewer, Koblenz, noted a hesitation perhaps related to poor low-rpm mapping at slow speeds, noticable as a "pause and slight lurch" when rolling on and back off the throttle.[25]

Top speed limited by agreement

With rumors and then pre-release announcements of much greater horsepower in Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-12R in 2000, clearly attempting to unseat Suzuki and regain lucrative bragging rights, the speed war appeared to be escalating. There were growing fears of carnage and mayhem from motorcycles getting outrageously faster every year, and there was talk of regulating hyper sport motorcycles, or banning their import to Europe.[18][10][12][6]

The response was a so-called gentlemen's agreement between the Japanese and European manufacturers to electronically limit the speed of their motorcycles to 300 kilometres per hour (186 mph).[2][14] While Honda did announce that its motorcycles would not go faster than 300 km/h, Suzuki and Kawasaki would not speak on the record about this issue.[31] The agreement between them and the other brands has never been officially acknowledged by the manufacturers, though media sources report it via unnamed informants, and by testing the top speed of motorcycles known to be capable of exceeding the arbitrary maximum.[17][31] Although the informal agreement was thought to have been to go into effect for the 2001 model year, 2000 Hayabusas and ZX-12Rs went no faster than approximately 186 mph (299 km/h), leading Motorcyclist and other media to infer that it was already in effect. In particular, the 2000 Ninja ZX-11 was thought to have been capable of going faster than the 1999 Hayabusa had it not been governed to 186 mph.[17][13] So for 2000 models, and those since, the question of which bike was fastest could only be answered by tampering with the speed limiting system, meaning that it was no longer a contest between stock, production motorcycles, absolving the manufacture of blame and letting those not quite as fast avoid losing face.[17] Both Kawasaki and Suzuki would claim, at least technically, to have the world's fastest production motorcycle. But the speed war continued underground, out of the spotlight, with fierce competition among enthusiasts of the "200 mph club," albeit with the slight technical modification necessary to bypass the speed limiter, separating that war from the ostensibly at peace world of stock motorcycles.[13][32]

Other developments

After the inclusion of the speed limiting system in 2000, the Hayabusa remained substantially the same through the 2007 model year. An exception was a response to the problem of the aluminum rear subframe on 1999 and 2000 models breaking when the bike may have been overloaded with a passenger and luggage, and/or stressed by an aftermarket exhaust modification, so 2001 and later Hayabusas had a steel instead of aluminum rear subframe, adding 10 lb (4.5 kg) to the 1999 and 2000 models' approximately 550 pounds (249 kg) wet weight.[33] The 1999 model had an MSRP in the US of $10,499;[25] accounting for inflation that would be US$13,521 in 2009 money.

Performance and measurements

Note: The motorcycle industry uses at least 2 horsepower scales, the high reading "DJHP" Dynojet horsepower scale, which was marketing based [34]and True horsepower (also known as "Effective horsepower), which is engineering based.

True HP [35] is an easily duplicatable, steady state, Brake horsepower standard.
"DJHP" is an unpublished, proprietary, "non-brake, sweep test horsepower scale that assumes a blanket inertial mass value for every bike.[36] DJHP is not "bhp", though it is commonly written as such.

Some dynamometer manufacturers attempt to duplicate a higher "DJHP" number by empirically deriving an algorithm to inflate their original True horsepower numbers to approximate "DJHP" number scale, with varying degrees of success.
Many reported extremely high horsepower readings are the result of a dyno manufacturer using their own poor "inflation" factor to emulate "DJHP".[37]
Typically, on a Haybusa, True HP x 1.15 = approximate DJHP

All engines in a series have some variation in power, usually +\- 2% to 3%. The general hp range of the Hayabusa 99-07 series, overlaps. On an average, the 99-07's are within 2% of each year. Typical True HP readings, using multiple samples, show 138 to 142 True HP. There is no indication that the retail sold 99 model was stronger than the later years.[38]

Horsepower Torque Weight Tested by
175 hp (130 kW) 99 lb⋅ft (134 N⋅m) 215 kg (474 lb) Motorcycle News[39]
155.9 hp (116 kW) hp @ 9700 rpm 95.5 lb⋅ft (129.5 N⋅m) @ 8000 rpm 1999–2000: 249.48 kg (550 lb)
2001–2007: 254.01–255.3 kg (560–563 lb)(wet)		 Motorcyclist[33][40]
151.1 hp (112.7 kW) @ 9500 rpm 93.4 lb⋅ft (126.6 N⋅m) @7000 rpm 550 lb (250 kg)(wet) Motorcycle Consumer News '99[25]
156.6 hp (116.8 kW) @ 9500 rpm 99.6 lb⋅ft (135.0 N⋅m) @ 6750 rpm 515 lb (234 kg) (dry) Sport Rider '99[28]
525 lb (238 kg)(dry)
560 lb (250 kg)(wet)		 Sport Rider '01[28]
162.6 hp (121.3 kW) @ 9750 rpm 97.4 lb⋅ft (132.1 N⋅m) @ 7000 rpm 533 lb (242 kg)(dry)
563 lb (255 kg)(wet)		 Sport Rider '05[28]
1999 model year performance
¼ mile
(402 m)		 0 to 60 mph
(0 to 97 km/h)		 0 to 100 mph
(0 to 160 km/h)		 Top Speed Tested by
10.4 seconds 190 mph (310 km/h) Motorcycle News[39]
9.86 seconds @ 146 mph (235 km/h) 194 mph (312 km/h) Cycle World[3]
9.97 seconds @ 144.8 mph (233.0 km/h) 189.6 mph (305.1 km/h) Sport Rider 8/99, 12/99 [41]
9.84 seconds @ 142.76 mph (229.75 km/h) 2.76 seconds 5.30 seconds 188 mph (303 km/h) Motorcycle Consumer News 6/99[25]
2000–2007 model year performance
¼ mile
(402 m)		 0 to 60 mph
(0 to 97 km/h)		 0 to 100 mph
(0 to 160 km/h)		 Top Speed Tested by
186 mph (299 km/h) Cycle World[3]
10.277 seconds @ 137.9 mph (221.9 km/h) Motorcyclist[42]
10.237 seconds @ 140.54 mph (226.18 km/h) 183.9 mph (296.0 km/h) Sport Rider 10/02[41]
10.02 seconds @ 143.5 mph (230.9 km/h) Sport Rider 10/05[41]

Second generation (2008– )

2008–
A white motorcycle with fully enclosed bodywork standing upright on a mirrored top platform in a large indoor hall with a crowd of people in the background.
Also calledGSX-1300R-K8 (2008), -K9 (2009)
Production2008–
Engine1,349 cc (82.3 cu in), 4-stroke inline-four, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, compression ratio 12.5:1, Keihin/Denso fuel Injection, wet sump
Bore / stroke81.0 mm × 65.0 mm (3.19 in × 2.56 in)
Top speed186 mph (299 km/h)[42]
Power197 hp (147 kW)[27]
Rear wheel 172.2 bhp (128.4 kW) @ 10100 rpm[40][42]
Torque102.3 lb⋅ft (138.7 N⋅m),[27] 97.8 lb⋅ft (132.6 N⋅m) @ 7600 rpm[40][42]
Transmission6-speed slipper clutch, constant mesh, #530 chain drive
SuspensionFront Inverted telescopic, coil spring, fully adjustable spring preload, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable compression damping
Rear Link-type, gas/oil damped, fully adjustable spring preload, adjustable compression & rebound damping
BrakesFront 4-pot Tokico radial mount calipers on 310 mm x 5.5 mm disc
Rear Single hydraulic disc
TiresBridgestone Battlax BT015 Front 120/70-ZR-17, Rear 190/50-ZR-17
Wheelbase1,485 mm (58.5 in)
DimensionsL: 2,195 mm (86.4 in)
W: 740 mm (29.1 in)
H: 1,170 mm (46.1 in)
Seat height805 mm (31.7 in)
WeightSee performance and measurements 250 kg (550 lb) (dry)
264.0–268.5 kg (582–592 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity21 L (5.5 US gal)
(California 20 L (5.3 US gal))
Fuel consumption33 mpg‑US (7.1 L/100 km)[28]

Suzuki lightly revised the GSX1300R for the 2008 model year, with a minor restyling of the bodywork, and fine-tuning of the engine's head, pistons and exhaust. Though the engine changes were relatively limited, they still yielded a large horsepower increase, and brought the bike into compliance with new noise and emissions requirements.[4][43]

Planning

In 2004, market researchers from the US and Japan began working to identify which elements of the Hayabusa design had attracted so many buyers, discovering that, in spite of having its looks sometimes disparaged in print, customers were much enamored with the old Hayabusa. A redesign meant to strengthen the bike's appearance without departing much from the original found approval with dealers and focus groups. Underneath the skin, Suzuki decided to save considerable development cost by keeping major portions of the frame and engine unchanged.[26] This was because engineers had determined greater power was possible without a significant redesign of the old engine, even faced with the need to comply with more stringent noise and air pollution rules.[44] The target was to produce more than 190 brake horsepower (142 kW) at the crankshaft,[4] and they delivered 194 horsepower (145 kW), a 11 or 12 percent increase over the previous output.[27][43][45] When the new Hayabusa was released, independent tests bore this out, with 172.2 bhp (128.4 kW) @ 10100 rpm measured at the Rear wheel.[40]

Suzuki's Koji Yoshirua designed the look of the new Hayabusa. He had previously styled the first generation Hayabusa, as well as the Suzuki Bandit 400, RF600R, TL1000S and the SV650. For research, Yoshirua traveled around the United States to bike nights and clubs for a first hand look at the styling aesthetic of the Hayabusa custom scene, and was inspired as much by the look and build of the Hayabusa rider as their custom bikes. While the second generation is very close to the first in overall shape, and is largely dictated by wind tunnel tests, the raised lines and curves are meant to suggest a muscular build. Said Yoshirua, "I wanted to create a masculine form that complements a rider's muscular structure with hints of developed bicep, forearm and calves."[46]

Technical revisions

Engine changes consisted of an increase in stroke by 2 mm, enlarging displacement to 1,349 cubic centimetres (82.3 cu in). The compression ratio was boosted from 11:1 to 12.5:1 and the cylinder head was made more compact and was given lighter titanium valves, saving 14.1 grams (0.50 oz) and 11.7 grams (0.41 oz) on each intake and exhaust valve, respectively. The valves were driven by a chain with a new hydraulic tensioner. The pistons were made lighter by 1.4 grams (0.049 oz)[44] and used ion-coated rings and shot peened connecting rods.[4] The crankcase breather system had reed valves added to control pressure waves in the intake airbox, a way of avoiding power loss.[44]

Fuel injectors from the GSX-R1000 were used, with smaller 44-millimetre (2 in) throttle bodies, called the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) system. It has selectable three options of power delivery for a range of touring to wide open high performance.[43] The exhaust system was overhauled, using a 4-2-1-2 system, meaning four exhaust outlets merging into two pipes, and then joining into a single pipe before splitting into two enlarged, quieter mufflers, which added a few pounds of weight compared to the first generation Hayabusa. The exhaust also included a catalytic converter and an oxygen sensor in order to meet Euro 3 emissions requirements.[4]

The suspension was upgraded with a 43 mm Kayaba inverted fork with sliders having a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. The rear shock is also a Kayaba, and the overall suspension is firmer than the previous model. The swingarm is similar in design to the old one, but was strengthened. Front and rear remain fully adjustable. The transmission was given a heavier-duty, slipper clutch. The final drive ratio was slightly lower, and gears 5-6 were spaced farther apart, and gear ratios 1-2 moved closer together.[4]

Ergonomic and cosmetic changes for the 2008 model include a higher windscreen, and interlocking gauge faces with a digital speedometer, as well as a new gear indicator and adjustable shift light. The fairing fasteners were hidden to uncomplicate custom paint work. The twin-spar aluminum frame was carried over from the previous version, and wheelbase, rake/trail, and seat height were the same, while overall length grew by two inches, and the taller windscreen added about 1/2 inch.[26] Weight was saved by omitting the centerstand.[4]

Technical improvements in the chassis include Tokico radial brake calipers, allowing smaller discs and therefore lower unsprung weight, translating into superior handling. Increased front braking power[27] necessitated a sturdier lower triple clamp. The rear brake caliper was moved to the top of the disc, giving a cleaner visual appearance. New 17 inch wheels were designed, using Bridgestone BT-015 radials taken almost directly from the GSX-R1000.[4]

Other changes were a steering damper with a reservoir and dual cooling fans with a larger, curved radiator. Because of increased vibration from the longer stroke, the fuel tank was put on floating mounts. All told, the changes for 2008 resulted in a dry weight of 490 pounds (222 kg), 5 pounds (2 kg) heavier than the prior generation.[4]

Other developments

Suzuki has dropped the GSX1300R designation in some countries and simply called the motorcycle the Hayabusa. The 2009 model has a MSRP of US$13,199.

There are no changes for the 2010 model year except new colors.[47]

Alongside the second generation Hayabusa, Suzuki developed the new B-King, a naked bike in the streetfighter mold, using the same engine but with a different intake and exhaust.[4][48]

Performance and measurements

A silver and blue sport motorcycle with racing numbers and covered sponsor logos. The rider has a reflective helmet and wears brightly colored leathers also covered with logos. His hands on the clutch and brake levers while the front wheel does not turn and the rear wheel spins and emits a cloud of white smoke. Three officials stand close by and observe.
Burnout at the Brighton Speed Trials, 2008.
Horsepower Torque Weight Tested by
194 hp (145 kW) 115 foot-pounds ([convert: unit mismatch])* 220 kg (490 lb) Motorcycle News[27]
172.2 hp (128.4 kW) @ 10100 rpm 97.8 lb⋅ft (132.6 N⋅m) @ 7600 rpm 268.5 kg (592 lb)(wet) Motorcyclist[40][42]
550 lb (250 kg)(dry)
583 lb (264 kg)(wet)		 Sport Rider[28]
2008– model year performance
¼ mile
(402 m)		 0 to 60 mph
(0 to 97 km/h)		 0 to 100 mph
(0 to 160 km/h)		 Top Speed Tested by
10.2 seconds 186 mph (299 km/h) Motorcycle News[27]
9.7 seconds @ 148.8 mph (239.5 km/h) 186 mph (299 km/h) Cycle World Feb. '08[49]
10.14 seconds @ 142.54 mph (229.40 km/h) 186 mph (299 km/h) Motorcyclist Dec. '07[42]
9.75 seconds @ 147.2 mph (236.9 km/h) 2.6 seconds 186 mph (299 km/h) Cycle World Mar. '08[50]

Sales

The speedometer and tachometer of a motorcycle with the triple clamp in the foreground. The tachometer goes to 11,000 and the speedomter to 180 mph
Hayabusa cockpit.

Typically, a new sportbike model sells well in its first year, and then sees its numbers decline every year as it grows older. The Hayabusa reversed this pattern, selling in greater numbers every year from the 1999 launch through the 2008 revision.[4][51] From its debut in 1999 to June 2007 over 100,000 Hayabusas were sold worldwide.[26] In the United States in each of the years 2005 and 2006, over 10,000 units were sold.[52][53]

It was predicted that the gentlemen's agreement speed cap would hurt sales, because buyers would not want a bike that was hobbled with a governor, even riders who would never approach the hypothetical maximum.[13] However, sales in the United States have increased year after year since its release in 1999 until 2006 and went from just a few thousand units in 1999 to over 10,000 in 2006.[52]

Since the first launch in India of the Hayabusa, along with the 1,783 cc (108.8 cu in) Suzuki Intruder, in November 2008, total sales of these two large-displacement bikes have reached about 100 units, at prices around Rs. 1,250,000. In contrast, the Tata Nano car, with an engine less than half the size of the Hayabusa, aims to be the least expensive production car in the world, costing less than one tenth the price of the Hayabusa, leading to sales of over 2,000 times as many units as these motorcycles.[54]

Previously 1000 cc-plus superbikes were imported to India only by special order, with an estimated total of only about 3,000 such bikes in a country with more than 37 million two wheelers. Suzuki's move into India follows the successful introduction of high-end motorcycles by Ducati and Yamaha. Because these motorcycles are brought into India as completely built units they pay an import duty of 114%, with no plans to switch to local assembly for the time being due to the anticipated sales volume of about 350 units per year.[55][56]

On July 21, 2009, Suzuki Thailand introduced the GSX1300R on the Thai motorcycle market, making it the largest displacement motorcycle available in the country.[57]

Custom scene

See also: Custom motorcycle

The Hayabusa has been one of the top choices for streetbike customization, perhaps even the most popular customized sportbike.[58][59][51] One reason may be the unique, instantly-recognizable bodywork.[51] The ability to exceed 200 mph (320 km/h) with an upgraded exhaust and airbox is also cited as a major factor.[58] The easy tunability of the engine, the wide selection of aftermarket parts, possibly more than any other Japanese motorcycle, and the interchangeability between models of Suzuki parts have also played a role.[58] The presence of the speed governor since 2000, and the great untapped potential power available in the basic engine design were taken up as a challenge to many tuners and customizers.[58] It was the vibrancy of this custom scene that prompted Suzuki to send Koji Yoshiruato the US for feedback and inspiration for the second generation design.[46]

Extreme horsepower enhancements like nitrous injection, which can add 100 bhp (75 kW), and turbocharging, which can raise rear wheel power to 250 bhp (190 kW) and beyond, are common. Another top modification is an extended swingarm, intended to decrease the tendency to wheelie during hard acceleration at launch, improving quarter mile performance, and giving the bike a drag-racing look. Lowering the front and rear suspension serves the same purposes.[58]

Bikes are typically built to impress with being the most extreme, and most innovative. For professional custom shops, the status as the first builder to introduce a new style or customization — a 300 mm-series rear tire width, for example — is often hotly contested, and can pay dividends in media attention and in sales.[58] The very popularity of lengthened and lowered Hayabusas means boundaries must be stretched and rules broken in order to get noticed.[60] Celebrity customers, such as rappers or NBA stars, or appearances in music videos, also serve to build the credibility of a custom shop.[58] The bikes themselves, at shows, racetracks and dragsrips, and at build competitions, also serve as "rolling billboards" for their makers.[60][61]

Bikes are usually built around a theme,[58] such as a NASCAR-inspired bike with retro-70s chrome wheels, racing numbers, flames and sponsor insignia reminiscent of a stock car, or a bike that takes its cues from popular film and TV, such as Alien/H. R. Giger, the Transformers, Freddy Krueger of A Nightmare on Elm Street or super heroes like Spider-Man and Superman. The Suzuki Hayabusa logo itself and 隼 Japanese character often feature prominently, typically being reapplied on top of custom painted or even chromed bodywork, or embossed into chrome or billet parts like grips. Other common motifs in custom artwork are sexy women, skulls, bones and other gruesome figures, and money and bling, such as "Ben Franklins," $100 bills.[58] Media related to Custom Hayabusas at Wikimedia Commons

An motorcycle with fully enclosed bodywork painted in iridescent blue with flames, and a helmet painted in the same color scheme, with a matching blue fur crest on the helmet.
A relatively restrained customization.
A motorcycle with fully enclosed bodywork painted with a complex black, gray and white pattern, and crome plating on many parts of the bike, and an extended length rear swingarm and an extraordinarily wide rear wheel, indoors with special chrome wheels on display in the background.
Notable on this example are an extended single-sided swingarm and the appropriation of the Transformers logo.
A pale blue motorcycle with a prominent Gulf Oil logo and a unique front fender that encloses almost the entire front wheel on asphalt with a sign in the background that says Young Choppers and Hot Rods.
A more retro theme with an enclosing front wheel fender, using the Gulf Oil logo and a parody of the Goodyear logo.
A motorcycle indoors on display with other bikes, with gray metal-flake painted fully enclosed bodywork, and the logo of Superman painted on the front and side.
The Superman-themed "Kong" glitters at a show.

Police Hayabusas

Side view of a modern sport motorcycle with enclosing bodywork, painted black with a US flag on the side, a decal in the shape of the state of Oklahoma, and the legends Highway Patrol and State Trooper
Oklahoma Highway Patrol Hayabusa

In 2006 the Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) converted a seized Hayabusa into a pursuit vehicle, setting up the bike with equipment including a radar unit, police lights and siren, and painting it in official colors and insignia. Impressed with the positive response from the public and the motorcycling community, the OHP purchased two more Hayabusas, to supplement their main fleet of Harley-Davidson police motorcycles. While they are used for patrol, the primary function of the Hayabusas is public relations and community outreach, due to the kind of attention the exotic bikes attract. According to the OHP, "There are clear lines dividing sportbike and cruiser motorcycle riders. We feel the sportbike community has not been given the proper amount of attention and focus in the area of community involvement and rider safety education."[62]

Other uses of the Hayabusa powerplant

A matte black and bright red two-seat roadster from the front, indoors on a platform with a crowd looking on behind.
Suzuki GSX-R/4
A green, black and white Formula 1 style race car from the front left, indoors on a red and gray carpet with other race cars in the background.
Radical SR8

The high-powered lightweight engine in the Hayabusa lends itself to non-motorcycle applications. The Westfield Megabusa is an English sports car, based on the Lotus Seven, which uses the Hayabusa engine.[63] Suzuki was the first to put the motorcycle's engine in a car, with two concept cars in 2001, the Suzuki GSX-R/4 roadster and the Formula Hayabusa, an open wheel race car "designed for a new Japanese one-make competition series."[64][65]

Mike Akitoff's 2004 land speed record attempt Ack Attack streamliner used twin Hayabusa engines in an attempt to exceed 300 miles per hour (483 km/h) at Bonneville Salt Flats.[66] In 2006 and again in 2008 Akitoff's Ack Attack, piloted by Ricky Robison, succeded, first going 342.797 miles per hour (552 km/h) in 2006, only to be surpassed two days later, then returning in 2008 to set another new record of 360.913 miles per hour (581 km/h).[67][68] That record stood until just recently, broken on 24 September 2009 by Chris Carr going 367.382 miles per hour (591 km/h).[69]

Radical Sportscars combined two inline-four Hayabusa engines on a single crankshaft to create the 2.8 L (170 cu in) Powertec RPA V8 engine to power their SR8 car. The 455 bhp (339 kW) sports car set the record for the fastest production car at Nürburgring.[70] John Hartley, president of a custom printing machine manufacturer, also built a 75° V8 engine that weighs 200 lb (91 kg), out of two Hayabusa engines, initially intended to power his Caterham Seven sports car, producing 400 bhp (300 kW) and 245–250 lb⋅ft (332–339 N⋅m) torque.[71][72]

Colors

The side of the bodywork of a sport motorcycle with the legend Hayabusa superimposed on a Japanese character 隼.
Fairing decal of the Japanese character 隼, peregrine falcon.
Model Year Colors
1999 Silver/Copper Brown, Black/Gray, Red/Black
2000 Blue/Silver, Red/Silver, Silver
2001 Blue/Silver, Black/Silver
2002 Blue/Black, Silver/Gray, Midnight Black (Limited Edition).
2003 Silver/Gray, Black/Gray, Black, Midnight Black (Canadian Limited Edition)
Golden Orange (the US 40th Anniversary model)
2004 Blue/Silver, Black/Purple, Limited Red
2005 Blue/Silver, Black/Gray, Red/Black (New graphics)
2006 Blue/Silver, Black/Gray, Red/Black
2007 Black, Red, Blue, White/Silver (UK Limited Edition)
2008 Orange/Black, Gray/Black, Blue/Black
2009 White/Silver, Black/Gray, Gray/Silver, Black/Gold
2010 Pearl black, metallic blue, pearl white[47]

Notes

  1. ^ Some journalists have made plays on the name Hayabusa, such as "Hay Bus" (Boehm 2007) and "the High Abuser" (Mahler 1999), but these are not in wide currency.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Brown (2005) pp. 242–243, 276–277
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Hoyer (2007)
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Boehm (2007)
  5. ^ Mancini (2004)
  6. ^ a b Carrithers (2006)
  7. ^ Hoyer (2007) "When Suzuki first launched the bike, it explained that hayabusa was the Japanese word for a very fast falcon that, not coincidentally, fed on blackbirds."
  8. ^ Honda's Blackbird series of motorcycles do not take their name directly from falcon fodder, but rather from the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. See Faux (1996) and "Hey, Nice Covert Warrior" (2006).
  9. ^ Or by 14 mph (23 km/h). See Koblenz (1999)
  10. ^ a b Brown (1999)
  11. ^ Richardson (1999)
  12. ^ a b Cole (1999)
  13. ^ a b c d Boule (2000)
  14. ^ a b Sources vary as to whether this unofficial agreement is precise or only approximate, and whether it is defined as 300 km/h or as 186 mph, though the European and Japanese manufactures normally use metric units.
  15. ^ Ford (2003)
  16. ^ Searle (2009)
  17. ^ a b c d End of the arms race? (2000) p. 31
  18. ^ a b Mahler (1999)
  19. ^ a b Levine (1998)
  20. ^ Ash (1999)
  21. ^ The Hayabusa could just as easily be called the "fastest production motorcycle of the millennium." Guinness World Records, in 2000 and in 2001, lists the Haybausa as "the fastest production bike in the world," with a top speed of 194 mph (312 km/h). See Kynaston (2000) p. 179, Footman (2000) p. 139
  22. ^ Brown (2005) pp. 284-285
  23. ^ Hartfiel (1999). "Among the accolades, the Hayabusa was named Cycle World's 'Superbike Of The Year' and Motorcyclist's 'Motorcycle Of The Year.' It also won Popular Mechanics' 2000 Design & Engineering Award and was named the 'World's Fastest Production Bike' in the millennium issue of the Guinness Book Of World Records. Consumer's Digest picked the SV650 as the 'Best Buy' in motorcycles, 'and several of the buff books singled out the SV650 for special recognition... Even our dealership information center won an award,' noted Harris. The Point-Of-Purchase Advertising Institute awarded Suzuki's Literature Information Center/Video Monitor Display a bronze medal."
  24. ^ a b Ker (2007) p. 230
  25. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Koblenz (1999)
  26. ^ a b c d Edwards (2007)
  27. ^ a b c d e f g Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa (2007-current)
  28. ^ a b c d e f g Sport Rider (2008) Weights and Measurements. 1999: 8/99, 12/99, '01: 10/02, '05: 10/05, '08: 4/08
  29. ^ Webber (1999)
  30. ^ Carrithers (2006). "[For] those who aren't appalled by its bulbous silhouette... Styling reminiscent of a walleye pike."
  31. ^ a b Cook (2000)
  32. ^ Ridley (2006)
  33. ^ a b Smart Money (2003)
  34. ^ http://www.factorypro.com/dyno/true1.html
  35. ^ http://www.factorypro.com/dyno/true1.html
  36. ^ http://www.factorypro.com/dyno/true1.html
  37. ^ http://www.factorypro.com/dyno/true1.html
  38. ^ http://www.factorypro.com/dyno/true1.html
  39. ^ a b "Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa (1999-2007)". {{cite web}}: Missing pipe in: |access= (help); Unknown parameter |access= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  40. ^ a b c d e 2007 And 2008 Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa - Hard Parts. Note: p. 1 is 1st gen. 2007, p. 2 is 2nd gen. 2008.
  41. ^ a b c GSX1300R Performance Numbers (2005)
  42. ^ a b c d e f Frank (2007)
  43. ^ a b c Edge (2008). "An all-new 2008 Hayabusa featuring a 1,340 cc (82 cu in) engine with a claimed eleven percent increase in performance headlines this late June announcement"
  44. ^ a b c Kelly (2007)
  45. ^ Hilderbrand (2007)
  46. ^ a b Canet (2007)
  47. ^ a b Newbigging (2009)
  48. ^ Potter (2007)
  49. ^ Canet & February 2008
  50. ^ Canet & March 2008
  51. ^ a b c Fivella (2009)
  52. ^ a b Hutchinson (2006)
  53. ^ Suzuki Hayabusa - Motorcyclist Magazine
  54. ^ Suzuki smiles after selling 100 units of Rs 12.5 lakh bikes (2009)
  55. ^ Suzuki targets slump-defying superbike segment (2008)
  56. ^ Newman (2006)
  57. ^ The Suzuki Hayabusa GSX1300R Arrives in Thailand (2009)
  58. ^ a b c d e f g h i Seate (2006)
  59. ^ Booth (2008)
  60. ^ a b Seate (2005)
  61. ^ Dolgner (2009)
  62. ^ Oklahoma Highway Patrol Uses Hayabusa (2008)
  63. ^ SE Megabusa (2008)
  64. ^ American Suzuki Motor Corporation (2002)
  65. ^ American Suzuki Motor Corporation (2009)
  66. ^ Parsons (2004)
  67. ^ Parsons (2006)
  68. ^ Motorcycle.com Staff (2008)
  69. ^ Harley (2009)
  70. ^ Crowe (2007)
  71. ^ Sawyer (2007)
  72. ^ Hartley Enterprises

See also

References

External links

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